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don’t know how things would have panned out in this squad. He also ended his managerial career in relegation with SAFC. Putting that aside, guid- ing SAFC to FA Cup Glory in 1973 beating the mighty Leeds United in the final is what dreams are made of. A Second Division side at that
GRANT LEADBITTER
Just like Cloughie, another player who was loved by both Middlesbrough
and Sunderland supporters. He came through the youth set-up at his home- town club, eventually breaking into the first team, playing for Sunderland in both the Premier League and Cham- pionship. After following Roy Keane to Ipswich, he moved onto Boro where he made most of his career appearances. As his career began to wind down, he re-joined the lads with the aim of help- ing us get promoted out of the cess-pit that is League One. Although he didn’t achieve this goal, at least he retired on a winning note, lifting the Papa John’s trophy at Wembley in 2021. He now coaches in the Boro youth academy.
CHARLES THOMSON
Needing a defender on the bench, given our recent injury record regard- ing defenders, I’ve decided on Charles Thomson. A defender in our 1937 FA Cup final win over Preston. Also, a League winner and Charity Shield win- ner so obviously was decent to have in the squad.
RICHARD ORD
Although Richard ‘Dickie’ Ord moved
too. Famous for running onto the pitch to hug Monty at the final whistle, which supporters are reminded at every home match with his statue. A place to meet family and friends before and after the match. Simply The Messiah.
SUBS:
MAPSON/THORPE
Half a game each as mentioned previously.
NIALL QUINN
Player, Manager, Chairman, Co-owner, Goal- keeper, Ambassador, Disco-pant wearer. It was so hard to leave Niall out. My stepson is named after the guy. He formed one of the best ever strike partnerships in SAFC’s history with SKP. Likeable, approachable, decent, generous, open and honest. The only negative was his cameo as a manager, but I still rate him a better manager than Simon Grayson. 220 appearances, 69 goals and a boatload of assists for SKP. Sunderland ‘til he dies. “I learned my trade at Arsenal, became a footballer at Manchester City, but Sunderland got under my skin. I love Sunderland.”
JERMAIN DEFOE
Despite his final dance being more Theresa May than Fred Astaire, without him, SAFC would have been relegated long before they actually were. A swap with Jozy Altidore was a genius move, and his goals alone just about saved us for a few seasons. His friendship with Bradley Lowery had us all and the nation beaming with Pride. Even after Bradley’s extremely sad pass- ing, Jermain still champions the foundation set up in Bradley’s name. His goal against the Mags is one of those special “I was there” goals along- side Super Kev’s strike against Chelsea in our fist Premier League season at the SOL. At least he finished his career with us so I could put him on the bench to be my super-sub.
onto another club following his time
at Sunderland, he is included on the bench due to a technicality. Defender Ord of the “Who needs Cantona,” when we’ve got Dickie Ord chant got injured in a pre-season game for QPR so didn’t play a league game post Sunderland before retiring.
FINAL SPOT ON THE BENCH?
I’ve left a spot intentionally free on the bench for any current player still kick- ing a ball around to end their career at SAFC. I’m hopeful that Liverpool cap- tain and local lad Jordan Henderson decides to return to SAFC to see out the end of his trophy-laden career.
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