23 years ago today. I’m not claiming responsibility for knowing this. It’s a thread that’s been started over the road. Were you there? I was. In the Roker End where I saw my first game with my grandad as a seven year old on New Year’s Day 1974. On the day of the last game it was with Mrs EJK and my mate AT. I really don’t have many memories of the last game. I know we won. I remember Peter Reid coming onto the pitch after the game. I have the ticket stubs framed but they haven’t seen the light of day for some time now. Anyone else got any memories of the day?
I made sure I was the last one to leave the Fulwell End terracing. Stood at the top of the main exit, looking back on the pitch. Just like the final scene from the film Zulu....without the spear and shield tho.
that sounds right . If I remember correctly , it was fitting for Waddle to get that goal ( his only one?) for his boyhood club
His face when he jumped on the railings, just like a fan. He always said he would love to score for Sunderland at the Fulwell end and it was a great free kick. Didn't he cross the ball for Magic Johnston's goal as well?
I'd been to almost every game that season but couldn't face it .... ... I absolutely loved the place and still miss it. If we come up and stay on Roker sea front, or meet people at the Harbour View, Joan's cafe, etc, I won't drive past or walk that way to the SOL. In my mind it's still there and I can walk around every inch of it.
Like you I don’t live in the area anymore. My mind still tells me the same - that Roker Park is still there. Whilst I have visited Sunderland a few times since that game I have never been to the location since that day. So as far as my brain and memories are aware, Roker Park is there. It has always been there and always will be until I personally find out it’s not.
I was there for the last game , I was a keen photographer and went along a few days later to take some last pics of the ground I loved after receiving permission . One of the ground staff was in the main stand and I said it was a shame that it was the end of an era with Roker Park closing , he said it had to go and what he showed me bore testament to that fact . We were in the main stand and he kicked away some Tarmac around one of the Steel supports that was so badly corroded that it was not even touching the floor and said it wasn’t the only one like that , I don’t how they managed to get a safety certificate Was his comment . Needless to say it made sense for our move to the SOL , I came away thinking about how lucky I was as I had sat in that stand on numerous occasions and to see what I did was an eye opener.Still got fond memories of the place though !!!
I have walked past and I can almost sense a 'ghost' image of it enveloping the new houses. Then the memories are there , the people I used to be with - the atmosphere, the noise and not forgetting the smell of the Bovril !
Will have to look for them , probably up in the loft But if you bear with me I will see if I can locate them .
