I honestly think that the atmosphere at Roker Park in the latter years of its life is often grossly overrated.. In my opinion that ground lost its soul when they decimated the huge Roker End terrace, and it was never quite the same after that.
Old man down my street took me to see Sheff Wed i think Colin Sugget was playing i was in the Roker End and as years went i could not wait untill i was old enough to go in the Fullwell End on my own. I hav fond memories of those years with the full houses against Bolton and West Ham i our promotion years. Malcolm Allisson with his Fedora and big Cigar walking towards the Fullwell before the game i had the plesure to see G.Best play at Roker. So the reason i got hooked was the atmosphere the jubilation among the crowd when we scored maybe grab a snog if you were clever enough to stand next to a good looking bird As i got older i took my son into the Clockstand and then the Main stand before buying a season ticket at the SOL which i have held ever since. Unfortunately the Atmasphere has gone but the away days still have that Roker Park feeling
was dragged as a bairn in the late 60s, and i plead ignorance as i didn't know what i was getting into at that age, would never change it though, and i finally get to see us become a real force
It is really interesting reading all your memories, especially of Roker. Makes me wonder if todays youngsters will have similar stories in years to come? Does the SoL generate similar strong emotions? I came to football quite late and my first match was the last home game of the season in 1982. I didn't realise at the time but we had to win to stay up. Mick Buckley (I think) scored, the whole ground erupted and I was hooked. The electric atmosphere, and sense of solidarity and sheer adrenalin was something I had never experienced before. Given the league position I am sure the football wasn't that good, and I didn't even hardly understand the game anyway then, so it must be that euphoric feeling that kept me coming back. I think those first experiences must create a strong emotional bond, which helps supporters endure all the disappointments while remaining hopeful that each match will recreate those (rare) moments of unrivalled joy and happiness again. In a way it is like an addiction, which has no cure. But none of us would have it any other way would we?
Got to be the atmosphere, my brother is a Leeds fan and as I wasn't that bothered about any particular team as a lad and he was a Leeds fanatic we used to go to Elland Road in the 70's. Now my Nana bought me a Sunderland scarf and an Uncle (who now supports the Mags like the rest of Nana's family except me and my brother) Took me to Roker and it felt like coming home. Funnily enough I am adopted and my birth family are from Roker area didn't know this at the time.
1966 v Stoke City. First game I ever went to as a 5 year old kid. Stood on the old plank with 2 ropes at the front of the clock stand near the corner with the Fulwell End. The noise and passion of the Fulwell when we scored was unbelievable. I was hooked................... I often look back and wonder if my dad gave me a great gift or a f*****g curse !
