Wednesday, May 04, 2005
In 1879 Sunderland AFC was born and a journey of wonderful and interesting tales began.The journey started in Glasgow, and has so far travelled as far as the present day to the Sunderland Stadium Of Light.
Many supporters have enjoyed watching Sunderland AFC over the years and perhaps, even enjoyed telling stories to younger generations about great players even more. Most of us will have heard the stories of Leonard Francis Shackleton who used to be one of the greatest entertainers in football or the superb play of Horatio Stratton Carter.
How many can remember listening to grand parents saying “…footballers today they don’t know how to kick a ball.” or “They are not fit enough to lace Shacks boots.” We have not commented on which group of footballers from different eras are better than the others, that is for you to discuss with fellow supporters but it aims to improve your knowledge and appreciation of the history of Sunderland AFC.
If you don’t already know, the important role that Sunderland AFC plays in the lives of its supporters. How many supporters know why they support Sunderland AFC? Most will more than likely support Sunderland AFC because their father did, and he supports them because his father did. In a changing society a lot more female supporters are attending matches and these days attending football matches is a real family occasion. To be honest though as the song goes we may support Sunderland AFC because
In 1997, Doug Weatherall, a well respected journalist and self-confessed Sunderland fanatic was talking to a room full of Sunderland legends and Sunderland supporters. He mentioned how his father took him to see Sunderland AFC, and how from the first time he saw Horatio Stratton Carter play he was in love with Sunderland AFC and Horatio Stratton Carter was his hero.
Doug talked about prior to the success of winning the FA Cup in 1973 how he was criticised by a director for raising the hopes of the fans by writing critical articles about the club. He replied to the director saying how despite the low attendances at the time Roker Park could be full again.
He stated that not only could we be competing with Newcastle but we could be up there with Barcelona! Some may say, that like any fan, Doug has a dream and that it is only a dream to see Sunderland AFC competing with Barcelona, but when you develop an understanding of the history of Sunderland AFC you might be forgiving for thinking it is more than a dream.
After you have finished your journey in time you will no doubt be ever grateful to James Allen, the creator of the “grandest club in football”. (Leonard Francis Shackelton)
Next read the History of Sunderland AFC 1879 - 1900 era.
Many supporters have enjoyed watching Sunderland AFC over the years and perhaps, even enjoyed telling stories to younger generations about great players even more. Most of us will have heard the stories of Leonard Francis Shackleton who used to be one of the greatest entertainers in football or the superb play of Horatio Stratton Carter.
How many can remember listening to grand parents saying “…footballers today they don’t know how to kick a ball.” or “They are not fit enough to lace Shacks boots.” We have not commented on which group of footballers from different eras are better than the others, that is for you to discuss with fellow supporters but it aims to improve your knowledge and appreciation of the history of Sunderland AFC.
If you don’t already know, the important role that Sunderland AFC plays in the lives of its supporters. How many supporters know why they support Sunderland AFC? Most will more than likely support Sunderland AFC because their father did, and he supports them because his father did. In a changing society a lot more female supporters are attending matches and these days attending football matches is a real family occasion. To be honest though as the song goes we may support Sunderland AFC because
“Something’s were meant to be”
WISE MEN SAY ONLY FOOLS RUSH IN
Wise men say, only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you..
Wise men say, only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you..
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
Cause' I can't help falling in love with you...
As the river flows, Gently to the sea
Darlin so we go, something’s were meant to be..
Take my hand, take my whole life too
Cause' I can't help fallin in love with you...
As the river flows, Gently to the sea
Darlin so we know, something’s were meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
Cause' I can't help fallin in love with you...
I can't help...falling in love with you
I can't help...falling in love with you
I can't help...falling in love with you...
In 1997, Doug Weatherall, a well respected journalist and self-confessed Sunderland fanatic was talking to a room full of Sunderland legends and Sunderland supporters. He mentioned how his father took him to see Sunderland AFC, and how from the first time he saw Horatio Stratton Carter play he was in love with Sunderland AFC and Horatio Stratton Carter was his hero.
Doug talked about prior to the success of winning the FA Cup in 1973 how he was criticised by a director for raising the hopes of the fans by writing critical articles about the club. He replied to the director saying how despite the low attendances at the time Roker Park could be full again.
He stated that not only could we be competing with Newcastle but we could be up there with Barcelona! Some may say, that like any fan, Doug has a dream and that it is only a dream to see Sunderland AFC competing with Barcelona, but when you develop an understanding of the history of Sunderland AFC you might be forgiving for thinking it is more than a dream.
After you have finished your journey in time you will no doubt be ever grateful to James Allen, the creator of the “grandest club in football”. (Leonard Francis Shackelton)
Next read the History of Sunderland AFC 1879 - 1900 era.
Labels: football history, leonard francis shackleton, safc blog, sunderland afc history, sunderland afc memories, sunderland afc supporters, sunderland memories
