Why more than just a game. Today in 1997 the visitors to Roker Park were Everton. Fighting for survival the game went well for Peter Reid and his team. A crowd of just over 22k saw a thumping 3-0 win. With goals from Paul Stewart (pen) Chris Waddle and Allan Johnston. This just happens to be the last competitive match to be staged at the run down old girl known as Roker Park. She was done, time to be demolished after 99 years and up root to a brand spanking SOL. So the final competitve game gave hope. But one more game to go to kick off the new season in the new stadium and still be in the Prem. An awayday to play Wimbledon. Coventry were playing Spurs. SAFC needed to win. Another scandal. The rest is history. Relegation confirmed. Still one more game at Roker. A tribute match against Liverpool. The first and last visitors to the once mighty Roker Park, where dreams were made and often dashed. John Mullin scoring the only goal. So it ended exactly as it started. Just with 99 years of history inbetween.
I was one of the 22k that day we blew Everton away, just need to replicate that result next week, funny how,things turn out in football, never thought I'd be cheering Chris Waddle for God's sake.
Id even forgot he ever played for us. Bit like Yorke and Cole. Did you go to the Wimbledon game? I did. Never thought a daft game would piss me off so much.
Yeah I remember him plaing - early Reid days and twilight of his career. Could still pass a football though!
Not got a clear memory of that. I think it had to do with illness. Against possibly Blackburn. About nine players down with 'flu or something similar.
I stopped going to matches during the old second division John Byrne era. I couldn't take the pain anymore. However I did go to the last ever game at Roker Park v Liverpool. Waddle played and although it was only a friendly he just seemed an absolute cut above compared to the rest of the rabble. Despite it being during his twilight years it was obvious to notice that he never wasted possession. He always did something with the ball whilst doing it with a swagger.
I loved Roker Park. Would've loved for it to have been able to be developed (or simply build the new stadium on the same ground) but my Dad said the club sold off the houses behind the clock stand so didn't have the land to build a ground the3 size of the one we have now without spending 50+ million (not exactly sure haw he knew that but never questioned his knowledge as he is very clued up!)
I dont know mate. There was plans to redevelop it at one point. I seen them not long ago. Im unsure on the whole story.
Yes great memories at Roker park, Man u f a cup 4th round 1986 35,000 in about 2.10 pm. Chelsea In 1985 and 1992, Gillingham in 1987. What is amazing I never saw us beat Newcastle there. I started in 1982 as a regular supporter, went to odd matches before, C Pal 1979 mainstand underneath, £2.50 ! still have the ticket stubs, could not get a ticket for the 1980 derby match, like the 1976 f a cup 6th round Crystal palace match.
An interesting point he brings up. He never saw us beating mags at roker from 82. Was it a rareity or just different leagues?
Waddle came to us from Bradford City didn't he? Something about wanting to play for the club he supported before it was too late. On the subject of Roker, I was sorting through some old stuff recently and found the information they sent out for the referendum they had about re-developing Roker or moving to a new ground. Designs they suggested look pretty dated now
Boro were supposed to play Blackburn but didn;t take a ream cos they had the flu. The head of P.E. didn't believe iit was Bryan Robson's mam who sent the note so they were docked 3 points. Should have said they were all on their rags, which I believe happens with a group of girls - they all synchronise and menstruate at the same time. Barmby was a right litte ****ing bleeder x
