I remember nearly getting lost waking up Wembley Way as a bairn that day. Missed the goal because I was looking at the crowd behind me....dozy ****er ! Sunderland AFC 17 hrs · MESSIAH: It's 12 years ago since the red and white army said goodbye to Bob Stokoe, we've delved into the archives to bring you this interview with he great man himself moments before he led #SAFC to their finest hour at Wembley Stadium in 1973. please log in to view this image
My favourite memory of the man himself is of him running across the pitch to hug Monty . . . . who seemed at that moment to be 'the love of his life' Following that The Little General wearing Bob's hat was brilliant, too My two outstanding memories of The Cup Final, apart from the obvious two, were Ritchie Pitt's waist high challenge on Allan Clarke <ouchyafucka> and Micky Horswill dropping to his knees at the final whistle Cheers Rackem . . . . I've got a tear in my eye (again) and I'll never become tired of reminders/nostalgia like this
I was only 12 and to be fair, I don't remember much of the football except the swearing after we had a goal disallowed for offside and the constant noise of all the singing.
If my memory serves me right there were no 'off-side' decisions in the entire match, which was one of the two unique references to this game . . . . the other being the fact that this was, and still is, I believe, the only F.A. Cup final where an orange ball was used We had a goal ruled out because . . . . and I quote "Halom is a boot boy" (brilliant when sung by the whole of the Fulwell End) although it was really because David Harvey was too weak to take Vic's extremely fair challenge (barge, some might say)
A treat for all you young'ns Check out our magnificent supporters singing, HA'WAY THE LADS....HA'WAY THE LADS......the hairs on your back....WOW man !!!
It was a fantastic day and a privilege to be there....some great days on the road too with the Man City game at Maine Rd and the semi against Arsenal. Loved every minute of it....
A great, great day. I have been told since that the team had one of those "laughing bags" during the match build up and they did nowt but have good fun in the hours leading up to the game. Priceless memories still imprinted on my mind, even if I was in the Leeds end.
There was 22,000 at Roker Park for the Millwall game on 24th February, 1973 - and that was our highest home league gate for over a year! You couldn't give tickets away. Football was dying in Sunderland before Bob Stokoe came. Within six months of him coming it was all so very different.
