Youngest son was playing snooker in Bishop Auckland last night when he messaged me to say "I think Jimmy Montgomery is on the next table to me". Told him to go and ask or get a sneaky photo to send me. He did the latter, which, in my eyes, confirmed it was Jim, but he couldn't understand why he would be in Bishop. I said maybe visiting a mate, to which he replied that he was playing a young lad 15/16, which I said could be his grandson. Then when he was telling the story to his older brothers, one of them told him that he has a grandson that plays football for Bishop Auckland St Mary's. I had told him to get his autograph and tell him he was the uncle of the 8yr old that had tried to give him his £10 birthday gift at the recent Wimbledon match for being nice to him, but he wasn't convinced it was him!!
He came not long after the 73 final to present trophies for the boys club I was playing at. Shook the hand he made the "save" with......think I came in my pants
He coached me at Darlington for a few months as a GK about 15 years ago. Fair to say my Dad was starstruck every single training session.
Did a corporate many moons ago with some of the lads/lasses on RTG. Walked into the suite and there was Gary Rowell. I was cool as you like and in a trembling voice I proclaimed "**** me. It's Gary Rowell"
Leaving a match at the SOL about 10 years ago, I'm usually one of the late leavers, can't be asked to sit in the traffic jams, saw Jimmy walking from the main doors down to the steps to the car park. Decided to approach him, couldn't bring myself to call out Jimmy so I respectfully called "Mr Montgomery" as he turned I just asked can I shake your hand, he said "yes". I said "I was there in 73, thanks for the memory" he just gave me a big smile and a big handshake, his hands are very big!
I was at the 73 cup final as well, and have my laminated ticket in my wallet, so it is with me all the time.
As a new school leaver circa 1964 went to work at Bainbridges Dept store in that place up the road. been there a year or two and working in the lighting dept when in walks Jimmy and his soon to be bride, got to him quicker than the other assistants and sold him a Crystal chandelier, couldn't believe it, he's still got the same bride wonder if he's still got the chandelier.
he was standing in homeside where the model shop was with another player Mickey horswill i think about 6 years ago and saw him at ASDA last year.
I'd be happy to pass away before him so I don't have to hear of his demise ... ... after having been in his company I'd say there's no Sunderland player I admire more. (Hurley, who I've also met, is equal but he's not really local.) A wonderful man without the slightest ego, quite rare in this world.
Grew up same time, same area as Jimmy, he came from a nice family, and would be very surprised to hear anything other than whats already been posted about him.
