Sunderland AFC has announced that the Stadium of Light's Sports Bar is to be renamed in honour of Niall Quinn. The popular bar will now be known as 'Quinn's' as a tribute to the former player and chairman, who stepped down from his role at the club last month. As well as the name change, bespoke graphics and memorabilia commemorating Niall's playing career and time at the club will adorn the bar, which is a hugely popular venue, on both matchdays and non-matchdays. Chairman Ellis Short said: "Niall is and always will be a Sunderland legend and he has a special and unique place in the club's history. "We wanted to ensure that his name lived on not only in the hearts of every Sunderland fan but in a tangible way too and whilst Niall has gone on record to say that he didn't want a stand named after him, what could be more apt than to rename our most popular supporters bar after him." Chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "Niall is held in the highest regard not only by our supporters and everyone at the club, but by the wider football world. There has been a huge response from fans wishing to see his time at Sunderland commemorated and naturally everyone at the club wholeheartedly supported this. "Of course Niall is a very unassuming man and the idea of statues and stands in his honour really didn't sit comfortably with him, but we all know how much he likes a pint or two so we think we've come up with the perfect tribute!" The tribute came as a complete surprise to the former chairman, who was visiting Sunderland to launch SAFC Foundation's annual 'Niall's Mile' fundraising walk. He paid a visit to 'Quinn's' for farewell drinks with clubs' Board, staff and players, enjoying the first pint of Guinness to be pulled in the bar since after it's re-launch. ........................................................ Is this in place of naming a stand?
so glad we have Ellis Short leading us he knows exactly what the fans want Niall Quinn said he whould refuse the stand but he opened this bar and its really popular with the fans so i think its a great idea
He has said, and Margaret confirms it with what she said, that he didn't want a stand named after him or a statue of him so I guess this is the best alternative.
Shame really, but they have respected the mans wishes....still the bar looks nice... http://www.safc.com/news/20120404/safc-announce-quinn-tribute_2256213_2719134
I guess we'll have to rely on Cest in his number oneâs to tell us what it's like first hand as I doubt any riffraff on hereâll be allowed in. Even Syd in his neatly pressed but worn mustard cords
Can someone tell me how the hell you get into Quinns? I went years ago just after the SOL opened on a non-matchday, been wanting to go back for a few months now but I cant find the entrance! Been told it's around the North East corner but can't find it.
getting to "Quinns" should present no problems, been in some of the best hotels bars in London. I don't do standard travel on trains or stay in anything less than 4* hotels.
Good for you. Some of my best holidays have been in Youth Hostels. Willing to slum it and proud of it.
I've never been in. I like strippers pre-match, not Mackem men in replica shirts Good move by the club, a great balance.
