Just reading Bob Murray’s autobiography. Just going through his becoming Chairman period and feel quite sorry for him and Tom Cowie. I know it’s only one side of the story but BB seems to have been a very self-centred person he did more harm than good and held us back a good deal. I only met him once in his bar BB’s and he shutdown any SAFC conversations, so was he an egotist or is he being miss portrayed?
I so I don’t think so, just getting up to that bit in the book. I’ll report back as I think it was some others who wanted to redevelop Roker Park.
Nothing wrong with that. THOUSANDS of us wanted us to stay at Roker. Our Spiritual Home and all that. As it turned out, the sucess of The SSoL underlined that Bob was right and us THOUSANDS were wrong. Bob underlined his point in the way that he did it too. Name any comprable sized Stadium buit since, that has cost anythin even close to Bob's Bargain.
I remember walking out of Roker Park for the very last time,memories upon memories with my Dad and others.....still harks me back when I hear Z-Cars....wasn't sure what was going to become of us really. But,Bob was right,his vision was true,and it didn't take me long to feel that the SOL was our home. And,as far as the financing goes.....the likes of Arsenal,Spurs,Everton et al, must have spent combined about 150 times?... what we spent on our stadium......and the likes of our current rivals....let's say Leeds,Coventry, Burnley,Sheff U and Wed,WBA,Stoke....the list goes on....can only salivate at what we have. And,I won't see it in my lifetime,but we can increase capacity to 64,000 at a minimal cost per seat. Arise,Sir Bob.....an Honour never more fitting.
I loved Roker park, I never criticised it, dont know when you thought I did, one of my dogs is called Roker
It was right to move, but I wish somehow we could have stayed. I wish that my son (who is almost 20, yikes), could have heard it.
Remember the alternative proposal from a local businessman. He had meetings in local pubs to gain support . There's a small image in the link below. Well done Bob correct decision in the end. On This Day (10th Dec. 1991): Bob Murray leaves Sunderland’s new stadium choice up to fans! - Roker Report (sbnation.com) Cost is impressive on this list. From Sunderland to Spurs: 7 sagas that changed how stadiums are built | Construction News 1970 have a look at this lot.... The Owen Luder Sunderland AFC Stadium – Ryehill Football Moves Afoot: The Rokermen nearly became the Quarrymen, and the unwanted share option on the back of it - Roker Report (sbnation.com)
