It’s
5th April 2015. The clock ticks past the 45 minute mark as the fourth
official's board goes up to signal an additional one minute of added
time. Steven Fletcher flicks a long ball up into the air, and Jermain
Defoe unleashes a volley, an absolute howitzer of a shot into the top
corner, sending the Stadium of Light delirious. That day, after
Sunderland secured another win over deadly foes Newcastle United, in
amongst the full time celebrations, I cast my eye up towards the TV
studio where Sky Sports cover their live games. I could see Niall Quinn
outside of the studio doors out on the balcony. He had one arm draped
around Thierry Henry. Quinn was beaming, pointing, happily
gesticulating; educating Henry on exactly what it was he was
experiencing. The legendary Frenchman was taking it all in. He said live
on air that yes he was "a neutral" yet he didn't want Newcastle to
equalise that day as it would spoil Sunderland's celebrations, which he
also remarked were like "winning a title". Like Quinn, Henry buys into
how special a club SAFC is. He's had heroic welcomes twice before from
home supporters, something that he doesn't forget. Arsene Wenger says he
knows how knowledgeable Sunderland fans are. Wenger has stated that
"they appreciate good football and good footballers."
As
if we needed reminding, Sunderland AFC haven’t won a domestic cup since
1973. In 138 years of existence, we’ve seen only 6 major cup final
appearances, but that doesn’t seem to matter. Where else would you find
48,000 supporters turning up in their droves each week after the
seemingly perennial underachievement that lingers around our club? Why
do we do it? It is sheer loyalty. Hope. Anticipation. Wonder. For the
good days and the special times. The derby victories. Unforgettable
penalty shootout wins at Old Trafford. Promotion pushes. Miraculous runs
to Wembley. The marvel at another unexpected 'Great Escape'. As a
little nipper who took in his first game at Roker Park against Southend
in 1994, I knew right away that this was a special club that would
change my life forever. That day I unknowingly created an obsession as I
embarked on a lifelong football education, with SAFC at the very centre
of it. I now had an unbreakable affiliation that will stand the test of
time, something that I will pass on to my own son. I have collected
plenty of heroes along the way; Goodman, Smith, Ball, Reid, Johnston,
Phillips, Quinn, Hutchison, Arca, Keane, Bent, Defoe… There have been
some incredible matches, atmospheres, goals and individual moments.
Whatever the future may hold, I'll be there every step of the way, at
The Stadium of Light and up and down the country as the seasons tick by.
If it's Manchester United or Torquay United, I simply wouldn't miss it
for the world.
Michael.
