I remember everything about 1973 ........ the supporters at Wembley, the buses down to London, the fight for tickets etc. But what really sticks in my mind is the effect it had on the local people some of whom weren't really supporters. It gave them pride and a real spring in their step. Every house and shop had red & white displayed and everyone wanted to be involved in some way. It would be great for the Sunderland area to wave their team off to Wembley having beaten a Manchester club on the way, just like '73. It would also make the young kids decide to do the right thing and support the Lads. Come on Sunderland, give the area a real boost and let's see a Wembley celebration, something the town to the north of us haven't experienced for nearly 60 years. 1973 is way too long ago and only daft owld sods like me can remember.
I missed the 73 final (only 9) and had to watch it on the telly. I've been to every other Wembley game SAFC have been in since and seen them lose every friggin one. The old bastard Wembley holds no love affair with me and Ive seen England lose the 96 semi final there too v the Krauts. I'm so desperate now at 49 to see us win a trophy before I shuffle off this mortal coil that I could burst and this is as good a chance as any despite the 2 hurdles that face us between now and that potential moment. Can we? Could we? Will we? I cant tell you how much I want this t be true.
Its already been said mate but then again, there would have to be several 1000 others that would have to join me from the past 40 years of failure? Lol
Big Jack Watson the doorman from Steels club being interviewed on TV with his red and white tash, on Wembley way. Me jumping up and down behind him like a dickhead at the back trying to get seen on telly. Ringing me Mam half cut after the game, to let her know I was OK and would be stopping the night instead of coming back up home. (Got back 3 or 4 days later. ) My Dad told me she was in tears for hours after the final whistle. Every shop plastered in red and white with the staff wearing those daft plastic red and white hats selling red and white food. My brother said the whole place was a ghost town and totally silent while the match was on.
Aye that's true, it's about time we had se success! I will be going if we get to the final, first time i'll have ever seen the lads play in a final. My dad was 14 the last time we won a cup, getting him an early birthday present if we win on weds.
The whole place was electric mate, a lot of people must have done canny off bets. Everyone I knew had had a dabble. I had 50p at 100-1 to win it when we were facing Man City. Day before we went down I gave my mate £5 to stick on the lads to win. Came back, and he claimed he forgot to put it on. Yet everyone was saying how flush he was in the pub after the game even buying drinks, when he was a renowned round misser.. One ex-mate.
If you think Cest is a jinx try my record. 73 was the first and only time I saw us win at Wembley, play offs, milk cup,92 etc. Won't be travelling for this final so breathe easy.
I know Smug wants the same clamour there was then to be repeated. But sod it I love a wallow me................ [video=youtube;t_P_ivvDhs4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_P_ivvDhs4[/video]
This was the greatest day of my life from what I remember. I was recently back in Sunderland saw the game against Newcastle ( sadly only on TV in a pub) and also met up with an old school buddy who I saw at the cup final game in 73. He was able to fill me in on a few details about that day. He also says that it was the best day of my life and I believe him he is very respectable lol
I was lucky enough to be there. Best football moment in my life when the final whistle went..the emotion in that stadium could never be repeated
Was in the Leeds end unfortunately, but in a way it was a bit of a bonus just being able to see the Sunderland end that day was something else.
Lovely fella. Ran Stressholme golf course in Darlington for years. Never passed on the chance to talk about the big day.
Course it could mate and it might yet this season.To beat top sides such as Chelsea, Man Utd and then the best team in England Man City would emulate exactly 73. No one gave us a chance back then either and we did it. March 2nd around 5pm may be the second coming.
Me and my kid brother, we were 7 & 4 at the time, were kicked out of the house when the match was on for making too much noise. Me mam & dad wanted to watch in peace. We were the only 2 people wandering around Grindon during the whole game. A bright hot sunny day all dressed in red n white stuff with no idea what was going on. The sense of pride, joy etc. the town had after winning only really hit us when we wandered down to the Prospect to watch the team bus bringing the cup home. The atmosphere, even for us being so young, was magic.
Great memories, I went to every round of the fa cup but missed the final I sold all my vouchers from previous games and made a fortune. I ended up watching it at the sunderland odeon in holmeside massive screen and ended up diving about on the stage when we scored about 30 invaded the stage it was like being there almost.
Sick as **** of hearing this ****e. To young for 73, and since then, ffs blew it every time. Clive Mendonca, you did good, but broke my heart.
