Anyone following Sunderland in the late 50,s early 60,s will never forget the Anderson, Hurley, McNab midfield rock on which Alan Brown based his team, or the Cup run in 1961, which for me almost equalled the 73 triumph. The day that we beat Arsenal 2-1, with Stan scoring both goals, was truly awesome, one of the greatest ever atmospheres at the old Roker Park. The famed Roker Roar that day is as fresh in the memory as if it was yesterday. Thanks for those memories Stan, a true gentleman, and Roker legend, RIP.
I remember (not a lot) the Arsenal game. Got in real early, found a good spot bahind the goal at the Roker End. Come kick off I was half a mile away doen in the corner as thousands pored in (about 53/54 thou if I remember). Anyway I grew up watching Stan Anderson and a better half-back at that time was not to be found in the land. He was the master of the ‘sliding tackle’ a work of art that is no longer allowed - probably because inferior players attempting this beautiful tackle. A joy to watch and admire and left SAFC too early - only because of his class replacement - another story.
My Grandad was always raving about him (amongst others) .... that’s the only reference I need for me to imagine him being a great player.!! RIP Stan
From time to time a thread turns up, 'Name your best Sunderland Team'. I ALWAYS start with - Anderson, Hurley, McNab. When we had 'The Bank of England Team' in the 50's, we bought in the best players in the UK. But one local lad had enough about him to claim a regular place, Stan Anderson. And he was by no means outshone. He made that Team on merit. He was unlucky with internationals as he got sent of in his early years playing for England under 23's. While he was an attacking half back he could defend too but he was by no means a dirty player. However, the stuffed shirts at The FA we enraged. He was the first player wearing an England shirt to be sent off and effectively they blacklisted him. Eventually he did manage a couple of full caps, but this was no measure of his worth. His other problem though was that he was up against Bobby Robson for an England spot and Bobby was always popular with the Shirts on the Selection Committee. As a side issue Stan had an amazing ability to stand out in any crowd, simply by looking the smartest person in any company. He was always immaculately turned out, even in his strip! In his later years at old player gatherings it was the same. Look out for the smartest one,That's Stan Anderson. Yet another of my heroes gone. Thanks for the memories, Stan.
Thanks for that wonderful insight, truly a worthy testament to a real legend, they are not as common as one would assume, if you believe all you read.
R.I.P......rest in peace lad....your were a credit to the whole North East. A scholar and a gentleman. Not like some of the cretins who put a football shirt on these days.
After the Spurs game at Roker Park Danny Blanchflower insisted on going into the bowels of the Roker End to see where the amplifiers were to make all that noise. Needless to say, none were found. x
Danny used to advertise Shredded Wheat (I think it was) on TV. On one occasion when playing at Roker Park, as he led his Spurs Team out, a group of locals bombarded him with empty shredded wheat boxes. Danny ran onto the park, his hands over his head, fighting off cardboard and laughing like a drain.