Page 42 - 360633 LP236168 A Love Supreme 48pp A5 (April 2022)

WHERE ARE THEY NOW:
WITH TONY CULLEN
We spoke to former SAFC player Tony Cullen, who made 35 appearances for the Lads. Tony got to live out the dream of every Sunderland supporter growing up – playing and scoring for Sunderland. We chatted to him about his career and got his thoughts on the current state of the club...
You were born in Gateshead; did you get much grief at school supporting SAFC?
Didn’t get any to be honest, we had a superb football team so whenever we played, a lot of the school came to watch and weren’t really bothered who you supported, also my PE/ Maths teacher was 1973 FA Cup winner, Richie Pitt, so he looked after us!
How did you get started in football?
I was spotted playing for Redheugh Boys Club, Middlesbrough were the first team to take an interest. Malcolm Allison was the manager at the time and when I met him he gave me £30.
Who was your hero in football, growing up?
My hero growing up was Bryan Robson. I loved him and wanted to be him.
How did you arrive at Sunderland?
When I was released by Newcastle, Sunderland came straight in for me. They took me to Yugoslavia for an end of season tournament, but it nearly didn’t happen as I missed the coach taking us down to Heathrow. I had to get
in touch with the Sunderland scout who got me a train ticket down to Kings Cross then I got the underground to Heathrow. I was barely 18 and was shitting it travelling across London with my case on my own. When I got to the airport, all the lads were just checking in .
Being an apprentice prepares you as best
it can for the step up, but stepping up from an apprentice to professional/ first team is
a different ball game altogether. You think you’re out your depth especially when you’re surrounded by seasoned pros.
To score for the club you love is the best feeling in the world, I only wish it was at Roker Park. Apart from the score it will always be with me because of the injury to Thomas Hauser, it happened right in front of us. It was horrible
for him because he’s a great lad and I got on really well with him. As for my goal, as the game
What was the step up to playing senior football like?
Your only goal came in the 6-1 demolition of Bristol City in a League Cup tie at Ashton Gate in 1990, talk us through the goal.
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