We Are Wearside

Sunderland man relishing World Cup warm-up in tonight's game against England live on the telly

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 15:06:00 +0100

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Sunderland defender Bryan Oviedo will be on the box tonight playing for Costa Rica against England.

England play their final warm-up game before the World Cup tonight against Costa Rica with Sunderland defender Bryan Oviedo likely to take to the pitch for the visitors at Elland Road.

The game is on the telly with ITV beaming the action live. Coverage starts at 7.30pm and there's some Sunderland-related interest with Oviedo featuring up against ex-Black Cats Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford.

Jack Butland is expected to be put through his paces in goal ahead of Pickford for tonight's game though the Mackem lad has been handed the number one jersey for the World Cup proper.

Oviedo played 34 Championship games last season for Sunderland and reckons Gareth Southgate's men will pose his side a decent test before both teams head off to Russia:

"England is a very young and strong team, especially compared to a few years ago. We played against them a few years ago and they seem to have changed a lot.

"Right now they are a different team, very strong and with great players who are in the top of the world. For us it will be a great test".

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The Black Cats left back also reckons he's put the disappointments of last season relegation from the Championship behind him as he focuses solely on performing for his country:

"For me it is very important and great to be able to play a World Cup, I have a lot of excitement.

I know we had a difficult season with Sunderland, but I have forgotten this and I am 100% focused on the World Cup. We hope to play a great role because many in Costa Rica are looking forward to matching Brazil 2014".

Oviedo's future at the Stadium of Light is uncertain. The 28-year-old has previously suggested he doesn't fancy playing League One football next season though that was before the ongoing revolution got underway on Wearside under Sunderland's new owners.

The defender may attract admirers during the course of the global tournament of course and may never be seen again in red and white.

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Still going strong; Sunderland legend signs new one deal with Guatemalan second division side

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 16:06:00 +0100

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Milton 'Tyson' Nunez is still playing football, at the age of 45.

He may be a comedy-cum-legendary figure on Wearside, but Milton Nunez has enjoyed quite the remarkable career. The pint-sized striker who made such an impression in the one league game he played for Sunderland, is about to embark on his twenty-seventh season in football.

The 45-year-old has just signed a new one year deal with Guatemalan side Universidad SC. The club represents the University of San Carlos and currently play in the country's second division. Six-time winners of the country's league title, the side are bidding to restore themselves to their former glories with promotion back into the top flight next term.

Nunez is still playing at the age of 45

Nunez is also set to be a pundit for Guatemalan national TV's coverage of the upcoming World Cup in Russia. Speaking to TV station Canal Diez, the 5ft 4in former Sunderland man spoke of his pride at still playing into his mid-40s:

"Everything I have lived in football has been of satisfaction and pride. I have represented my country with dignity abroad. I have no debt in football, my career has been a blessing from God and it is still rewarding me by being active at the age of 45."

Nunez blessed Wearside with his presence when he was 'mistakenly' snapped up by Peter Reid. Legend suggests that the pint-sized hitman was signed by the Sunderland boss who thought he was getting another player entirely.

Tyson was introduced to the Stadium of Light in 2001 on one bizarre evening when he gave a curious 'lap of honour' at half time whilst performing a shadow boxing routine. He cost £1.6m on deadline day that year though Sunderland would later sue his agent over some complication with his registration.

Nunez only ever made one league appearance for Sunderland - as a substitute in 2-1 victory over Wimbledon and he largely disappeared from view before being released; but it's somehow quite heartening to know that out there somewhere, Milton Nunez is still playing football all these years later.

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Maradona arrives at Sunderland: what REALLY happened when the great man landed on Wearside

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 19:06:00 +0100

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Deep in the neighbourhood of Palermo, just a short(ish) bus journey from his family home in Lanus, one of the more significant moments in footballing history went down.

"Ah way Lads?" A puzzled Diego Maradona murmured as he stared across the poker table, into the eyes of a man about to shaft him for 50 pesos.

"No, it's 'HA way THE Lads, a place of true culture and cash. If yer as good at footy as yet reckn, get yersel owa there."

The river card was end game for the 17 year-old Argentine who, surprisingly remained unmoved that his naff wage packet from Argentinos Juniors was about to be handed straight to an English traveller. For Diego had won much more than money during the encounter - he had won his fame and fortune.

Without an agent, Maradona got on the blower directly to Jimmy Adamson. But, without much experience in the English language the conversation ended after Maradona mistaken an order Adamson was placing at the local butchers in Barnes for a direct threat on his life. Other versions of the event suggest that Diego merely ran out of cash to continue the call, such was the extortionate price of an overseas call back in 1977. Either is a perfectly plausible story if you ask me.

The talented young footballer was not to be denied his dream move to the big time.

He smuggled himself onto a discreet navy ship that had docked in Sud which just happened to be leaving that evening. According to Maradona's best mate's dad they were checking in on Adolf Hitler. He was a raging alcoholic (the dad, I can't comment on Hitler) but we're led to believe his word was worth a few mars bars. Which in today's money is obviously quite a sum.

Back on the ship Diego discovered that, rather unfortunately, he suffered heavily from sea sickness and spent most of the journey projectile vomiting distances which have never been seen.

It would be the turning point of his career as he shed a full stone in weight and developed core strength that would blow away any modern day Ninja Warrior course. Sources on board say that near docking in Portsmouth he stunned a helpless seagull flying overhead such was the power and accuracy developed throughout the voyage. It was that insane core strength that would help Maradona to develop a centre of gravity which, coupled with natural ability, tormented defenders for the next two decades.

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Genuine image of Maradona after he signed for Sunderland.

The next part of Maradona's journey is quite grey. It remains unclear exactly how he travelled from Portsmouth to Sunderland and rumours range from £1 Megabus to Railtrack - though the latter seems unrealistic given the timeline suggests little delay in the Argentine's arrival in the North East.

Arrive he did. However, the long journey to Wearside had taken its toll on Maradona who looked like he'd lived on the streets of London for weeks during the height of winter. After the realisation and acceptance that there was not a Sunderland airport, he needed new clothes. Rather conveniently for this story, C&A happened to be accepting Argentine pesos at the time. Diego purchased a pair of brilliant white flares and opted for nothing else but a grey tank top.

The eventual face-to-face meeting between Maradona and Adamson was far more fruitful than their prior phone call. The forward opted for a charades-style communication method given his limited English and the deal was done. History was about to be made. The FIFA Player of the Century was a Sunderland player.

Scandal would immediately follow, however, as Adamson misinterpreted Maradona's attempts to describe himself as an overseas player. The Sunderland manager thought Lanus was 'one of those posh parts of Cornwall' and subsequently did not obtain the relevant documents to allow Maradona to play for the Rokerites. It did, however, explain the sudden appearance of pasties in the team's lunch menu and relieve concerns over the authenticity of said pasties given that Maradona did not opt for one during any of the few training sessions he apparently took part in.

Maradona was deported from the country and sent back to Argentina. And thus, a story of tragedy robbed us of one of the greatest players of all time alongside the likes of Pele, Lionel Messi and, of course, Jeff Whitley.

We'll never know just how many European trophies Sunderland would have secured with Maradona leading the line.

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Made for role at Sunderland; Rumoured new scout Tony Coton has been honing a seriously useful skill

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 18:06:00 +0100

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Former goalkeeper Tony Coton is supposedly being lined up to become a scout at the developing structure at Sunderland. His background makes him uniquely placed to solve one of the biggest challenges at the club right now.

Tony Coton looked a decent goalkeeper during his brief spell at Sunderland. Indeed, Peter Reid has always suggested that the former Man City stopper was the best 'keeper he worked with during his golden years as manager of the Mackems.

Coton's playing spell on Wearside was cut short by a nasty leg break and after moving into a coaching role, his eventual departure was somewhat acrimonious after taking legal action against the club.

Since he departed Sunderland in 1998, Coton has gone on to become an agent and a scout at clubs like Wigan and Bolton.

But it's his most recent role at Aston Villa which should have Sunderland fans welcoming his supposed arrival at the club in a scouting capacity. Coton was hired by the West Midlands club in 2015 to be "head of goalkeeper recruitment".

A specialist goalkeeping scout! Never in the history of football has a club needed such an expert after the season which the Black Cats have just endured.

No one needs reminding of the horrors which Lee Camp, Jason Steele and Robbin Ruiter put Sunderland fans through as the club was relegated from League One. That drop into the third tier was in no small part due to the inability of the Black Cats three goalkeepers to avoid embarrassing themselves.

Prior to last term, Sunderland had quite the proud history of unearthing decent stoppers. This year's World Cup will be proof of that when Jordan Pickford takes his place as England's number one.

But, add to him the likes of Simon Mignolet and Thomas Sorenson. Then add to them Craig Gordon, Shay Given, Martin Fulop, Mart Poom and Mika and you have a moderate hall of fame. And that's before you consider Jimmy Montgomery.

Coton has become much more than solely a goalkeeping specialist though. He has most recently been working as Villa's UK head of recruitment and given recent years at Sunderland, many had been wondering whether the club employed any sort of scouting regime at all.

Indeed, the last couple of seasons have been an absolute disaster in the talent spotting department, as seemingly Martin Bain installed himself as football guru alongside his day job of chief executive.

Even in the latter days of last season, the now departed executive was boasting of the agents he had been speaking to in order to bring in players for next season. The mind boggles at who was lined up after the last lot of recruitment disasters he had tried to gloat about before it quickly became apparent none were fit for purpose.

It's early days of course, but this whole concept of bringing in people with pedigree and nous is taking a while to get used to in the new Sunderland regime. Especially given the years of farce which have gone before.

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Midfielder set to leave Sunderland but here is why it's a GOOD thing

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 14:06:00 +0100

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As Paddy McNair looks to leaving the Stadium of Light for pastures new, we examine why this actually may be a good thing...

These are surely dark times for us all.

Shoppers stop dead in the streets, rain starts to ebb from the sky, and a collective moan can be heard breezing along Millenium Way. The whispers have turned to murmurs, to chatter, to national speculation. Paddy McNair looks to be on his way out.

Whichever way you swing it, the Paddy-shaped gap left behind could only be a bad thing for the team. The fans? They'd be far happier had he'd stayed.

Apart from me, that is.

Oh, I know he's highly rated and have been impressed by his desire and technical ability. But I believe he needs to go. It was a cord that needs to be cut.

As I type these words, I can already feel the heat from the McNair faithful. So before your device of choice melts through your fingers, let me plead for my safety.

This isn't a vendetta against the man – like I say, he's impressed me both as a player and a person – it's more of a pros-and-cons type situation.

As far as I see it, the case for McNair staying is built on three key arguments. So, let me try and bust some myths and see where that leaves us...

"We could have built a team around him."

It's always made sense to me secure a central midfield dynamo for your squad and write your plans around him.

We've seen European giants do much the same and find success. At their height, Xabi Alonso, Pirlo, and Schweinsteiger were often the first name nailed to their team sheets because they were the marshalls who led the defence and orchestrated the attack.

Now we are by no means giants, but the premise is still the same, and other armchair warriors of Wearside are in agreement – a happy and healthy McNair could prove to have been our discount De Bruyne.

But happy? And healthy? That's far from reality.

Paddy could only muster up 1070 minutes in the Championship this season, and this wasn't a case of being out of form or favour. According to Transfermarkt, Paddy McNair has tallied 355 days of injury, and missed 48 games since joining the Black Cats in 2016.

While this is unfortunate and by no means his fault, can we really expect to rely on a player who has literally missed more games than he's played?

And as for his happiness, while I'm sure he's enjoyed his time on Wearside, it sounds like he's ready to pull the plug on his career in the north east. Martin O'Neill is certainly an authority on that point:

"[McNair's] running power and quality is evident to see, and he is so determined to get back to the Premier League and hopefully he gets that chance."

Okay, so maybe his desire to get himself back into a bigger league would drag Sunderland along with him if he remained. But after he's had Premier League interest in the form of Brighton, I doubt our young superstar's turned head could be re-aligned.

"He was a bright spark in an underwhelming season."

Injury limited his opportunities to prove himself while he was here, but when he got his chances he took them. Right?

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Well, let's examine that point.

I compared McNair's stats per game (available through Squawka) against those of George Honeyman, Lee Cattermole, Didier Ndong, Darron Gibson, and Ethan Robson and this is how he rated:

* Successful passes = 18.5 (6th)

* Chances created = 0.29 (6th)

* Interceptions = 0.14 (6th)

* Tackles won = 0.57 (6th)

In other words, compared to his closest rivals this season, McNair came dead last in all four of these important metrics.

True, he carried a real attacking threat and Sunderland racked up more points when he was involved, but not by much.

In the games McNair played, Sunderland averaged 0.875 points per game – if he was able to maintain this over the course of the season, Sunderland would have finished with 40.25 points.

In other words, we still would have finished last.

"He would have been the best player in League One."

This is a stranger one to argue against, and something I've heard fans get quite passionate about.

Given that our Player of the Season is gone, and the list of names you'd expect are already eyeing the door, I believe that he'd definitely be our best player next year.

I also have no reason to doubt that he'd be one of the best players (if not the absolute best) in the league next season.

But this way of thinking misses the point.

It doesn't matter how good he is. If his name isn't Lionel and he doesn't play for Argentina, he won't single-handedly turn our fortunes around.

He's not an "invaluable" asset, either. The latest rumoured sum was £5 million. If that's anywhere near reality, it's an insane amount of money for a League One side to grubby its hands on.

We know that the club is getting a "significant" cash injection from the new owners, but it's going to take an outstanding amount of green to achieve the overhaul needed.

Plus, it has to happen sooner rather than later. To borrow an expression from Alan Partridge... we need revolution, not evolution.

There are signings needed in every area of the pitch and, if we need to sacrifice one luxury player to secure them, it's a no-brainer.

Out of context, in an objective reality, keeping hold of McNair would be our top priority. But in a world of money, necessary change, and fresh beginnings, so is getting rid.

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Transfer goss heating up; checking out the four fresh players linked to Sunderland this weekend

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 10:06:00 +0100

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With June firmly underway, and a manager now in place at the Stadium of Light, a whole host of players have been linked with a move to Sunderland. Here's a rundown on the four new links this weekend.

He's barely had chance to settle into his office, but new Sunderland boss Jack Ross must have been busy making calls to agents since he arrived on Thursday. There's all sorts of players being linked with a move to Wearside. Are any of them up to much?

Dylan McGeough (Hibs)

McGeough is a central midfielder who plays for Hibs. And central midfield is an area which desperately needs attention at Sunderland. With Paddy McNair likely to be leaving and Lee Cattermole barely up to the rigours of a Championship campaign never mind the rough and tumble of League One, Jack Ross needs bodies in the middle.

The 25-year-old Glaswegian is your typical 'water carrier' - combative, comfortable in possession and capable of breaking up play, he's best as a deep lying play maker spraying passes about. Think Darron Gibson at his rare best but fit.

Jack Ross will be looking to build a system around this 'cog' type player if his time at St Mirren is anything to go by, but McGeough has plenty of admirers including Aberdeen and Blackburn. He's already said he's in no hurry to make a decision on his future but he'll be looking for a decent pay rise which could mean a Championship suitor has the edge over Sunderland in luring him south of the border.

Tom Naylor (Burton Albion)

According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Naylor is on Sunderland's radar after a decent enough season with Burton. The 26-year-old is a bit of a utility character, operating at right-back, centre half or as a defensive midfielder.

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He has ability in carrying the ball out of defence and can handle pace coming at him, a feature in opponents that the likes of John O'Shea, Tyias Browning, Marc Wilson, Bryan Oviedo, Billy Jones and everyone else at Sunderland struggled with last season.

He's out of contract this summer and so "considering his future". He was highly-rated at this level in his younger days and could be looking to kick-start his career at a new club. He's been offered a new deal by Burton.

Marcus Maddison

Sunderland have been linked with Maddison going way back to around 2016. A winger / attacking midfielder, the 24-year-old Durham lad began his career with Newcastle before going on loan to Blyth Spartans and then signing for Gatesehead.

He resurrected his pro career at Peterborough and has played nearly 150 games for them since signing in 2014. He's been told he can leave Posh this summer but the Championship looks his likely destination. Probably not much to see here.

Lewis Morgan

Bit complicated this one but it would make sense. Morgan played under Jack Ross at St Mirren before signing for Celtic and being immediately loaned back to the Saints.

The Scottish Sun reckon Ross is keen to have him at Sunderland on another season-long loan. The 21-year-old winger was a key man for St Mirren as they won promotion last season.

He might fancy his chances at forcing his way into Brendan Rodger's side this term with Scott Sinclair supposedly on his way back to English football, leaving a vacancy out wide.

He would probably walk straight into the Sunderland side. Genuinely two-footed, he plays on the left or centrally, and with Aiden McGeady likely to be off, Morgan would be a cracking addition for a League One campaign.

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If it's not Brighton it'll be a Championship admirer; McNair exit from Sunderland is inevitable

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 08:06:00 +0100

As Brighton reportedly consider returning to Sunderland with an improved offer for Paddy McNair, the midfielder's exit from the Stadium of Light looks inevitable. £5m could seal the deal.

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Paddy McNair will almost certainly be gone from Sunderland in the coming weeks, with three Championship clubs set to swoop if Brighton don't meet the Black Cats asking price.

Sunderland simply aren't in a position to turn down the fee they're expecting to land for the 23-year-old Northern Ireland international.

McNair's man-of-the-match appearance midweek as Martin O'Neill's men drew with Panama did no harm to his rising stock and valuation.

Brighton are said to have had an initial bid of £2m knocked back but with competition mounting for his signature, Sunderland are keen to bag at least £5m for the man signed from Manchester United in 2016.

That sum would be equivalent to around the average value of a League One squad. The Black Cats are set to embark on a busy summer of departures and new arrivals now that Jack Ross has been officially unveiled as manager at the Stadium of Light.

McNair was signed by David Moyes during the opening weeks of the Scot's doomed rein on Wearside. After a bright start to his Sunderland career, the Ballclare boy ruptured his ACL in November 2016 and missed 11 months of football.

Returning to the Black Cats side in October 2017, McNair gradually grew in strength and fitness and finished the season strongly as one of the few players to shine under Chris Coleman. A strong presence in midfield coupled with an eagerness to get forward saw the 6' 2" lad score four goals in his final 5 appearances of the season.

McNair returns to these shores in the next few days once Northern Ireland play Costa Rica in California tomorrow. His future could be resolved as early as next week.

Sunderland fans have hoped that the club would rebuild its League One squad around McNair but with cash being flashed and multiple suitors circling, it seems inevitable that Paddy will be on his way this summer.

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Competition for Leadbitter; Sunderland set to be priced out of bid to bring former midfielder back

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 07:06:00 +0100

Sunderland's new era of strict wage control could see them miss out on Grant Leadbitter this summer with Championship clubs circling for his signature.

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Nottingham Forest are just one of a handful of clubs battling with Sunderland to land Grant Leadbitter this summer. And the Black Cats could miss out on landing the Boro midfielder because they can't match his wage expectations.

The Nottingham Post report that Aitor Karanka is keen to work with the 32-year-old again after the pair spent five years working together on Teesside. Ipswich are also thought to be interested in signing Leadbitter with Middlesbrough said to be willing to allow him to leave for a nominal fee.

Leadbitter will expect around £15,000-a-week which is way north of what the Black Cats are thought to be offering, and neither side is budging.

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New Sunderland chiefs Donald Stewart and Charlie Methven have been clear that getting the club's wage bill and operating costs under control is a key priority this summer and so far, they're nowhere near meeting Leadbitter's wage demands.

That stance means the former England U21 international looks set to remain in the Championship, though with a year left on his deal at the Riverside, a loan deal involving Boro paying some of his wages is, theoretically, an option.

The Fencehouses lad emerged from the Sunderland academy in 2003, making his debut as a 16-year-old. He then played over 100 games for the Black Cats under Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane.

Leadbitter made 32 league appearances for Middlesbrough last season and scored against us at the Stadium of Light in February.

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Five free agents who've been linked with Sunderland as Jack Ross arrives to begin the rebuild

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Thu, 31 May 2018 11:05:00 +0100

Jack Ross has arrived at the Stadium of Light tasked with a huge summer rebuild. With retained lists around the country being published, here's a handful of released players who've been linked with the Black Cats.

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Jamie Mackie

Released by QPR, in some ways Jamie Mackie seems almost destined to land at Sunderland next season. Now aged 32, the former Scotland international has been linked with a move to Wearside at occasional points over the last few years.

Never especially prolific, Mackie has enough physical presence to compete in League One next season. With a career strike rate of a goal every eight games or so, the 5' 11" striker has always endeared himself to fans for his hard working, enthusiastic style.

Linked with Fleetwood, Norwich, Portsmouth and Sunderland amongst others, Mackie may appeal to new Black Cats boss Jack Ross.

David Meyler

He's actually still the right side of 30, but former Sunderland man David Meyler is on the look-out for a new club this summer after being released by Hull City.

Despite his 'injury prone' tag, Meyler played 25 games in the Championship last season and has been linked with a host of second-tier clubs. He's just completed his UEFA 'A' Licence coaching badges which hints at where the Irishman sees his future.

He's been strongly linked with a move to Reading but that won't stop the occasional "he's the sort of player we should be looking at" remark in the coming weeks from some Sunderland fans.

Hakeeb Adelakun

Anyone who's anyone in the mid-to-lower Championship wants Hakeeb Adelakun this summer, so he'd be a solid addition for League One. The Scunthorpe winger is strongly tipped to be on the move in the coming weeks and at the age of 21 will be available for a compensation fee.

Linked with Nottingham Forest, Hull and Millwall, Sunderland are also supposed to have been monitoring his situation. Originally from Hackney, he may fancy a return down south though.

The veteran of over 160 appearances played his youth football with Crystal Palace and West Ham and was linked with a move to the Stadium of Light in January too.

Nedum Onuoha

Eurgh, not again. The former Sunderland defender is linked with a return to Wearside in every transfer window. He made 31 appearances under Steve Bruce in the season in which poor Stevie worked wonders to get us to tenth.

Now a free agent, Onuoha would probably be worth a season in League One though he might be a touch pricey on the wage bill. Not a bad defender on his day, he'll probably end up back with Brucey at cash-strapped Villa.

Jan Kirchhoff

Ok, so he's not gonna come back but Jan Kirchhoff is a free agent again after being released by Bolton. The classy German only managed 184 minutes in the Championship campaign just ended after signing for Wanderers in February.

Getting decent enough reviews for those four appearances, Kirchhoff seems unlikely to play in England again unless he can find a witch doctor who can fix him up good and proper. He might be linked with Sunderland again in the coming weeks but there's no way he'll be robust enough for League One.

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KEVIN BALL chats to Ethan about his current role at Sunderland & talks history

enquiries@wearewearside.com — Wed, 30 May 2018 20:05:00 +0100

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This one off special interview is with an absolute Sunderland legend! Making over 300 appearances, scoring 21 goals from midfield but more famous for his passion, spirit and tough tackles! That’s right I’ve caught up with Bally to chat about his time on Wearside.

WAW: What are your first football memories and who were your heroes growing up?

Kevin: “I first went to Highbury to support Arsenal with my dad but changed my allegiances to Leeds United after the 1972 FA Cup final. As for heroes, Alan Ball for Arsenal as well as Liam Brady but then you had Bremner, Norman Hunter because he was a tough tackler. Also, Peter Lorimer because he could kick a ball ridiculously hard; then Allan Clarke and Paul Reaney for Leeds too. I remember the 1973 cup final and Jimmy Montgomery broke my heart, he still winds me up today about it! It’s spooky really that I’ve ended up here and now I’m working with Jimmy – a man who I really admire.”

WAW: When you first came to Sunderland, how did Dennis Smith and Viv Busby help you settle in?

Kevin: “First of all I’d like to say that Dennis was miles ahead of his time; he took me around the area I’d be living in and he made sure I liked it and I got to know him well. He wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision before offering me the contract so he waited a few days before doing so. People nowadays say managers are groundbreaking, it’s not as true though as Dennis was 28 years ahead of his time, in terms of his training programme. Dennis and Viv as a duo were brilliant and really helped me settle in Sunderland; Dennis was tough and demanding and you didn’t want to mess him about! He was loyal to players and was well respected, a true top bloke and I’ve never looked back.”

WAW: What was it like to play for Sunderland?

Kevin: “When I look back on my career it was challenging and tough but ultimately rewarding. I was lucky to get where I wanted to be so quickly; once I got it I knew what it meant to make the supporters happy. Even when we lost it made you think I need to sort it out next time.”

WAW: The 1992 FA Cup final must’ve been a massive disappointment, have you ever watched it back?

Kevin: “Never. Malcolm Crosby was brilliant in the build up to the game; we stayed in the Tickled Trout hotel in Maidstone and when we pulled in on the team bus, the actor Leslie Nielsen from The Naked Gun was there in the car park! We all thought it was an omen as we’d just watched it; we tried explaining the FA Cup final but he didn’t have a bl-- clue what it was but we gave him a club tie anyway!

I can still picture Tony Norman making a save from Tim Breacker of West Ham early on with his weaker hand; it’s probably one of the best saves I’ve seen. The Chelsea game in the quarter final was f--- brilliant! It’s what cup games are really made of, Gordon’s header was one of the best moments. Then of course we played Norwich in the semi at Hillsborough, I thought it was all over for me as I picked up a knee injury, everyone I knew was upset but it wasn’t as bad as first thought and then I was focused on being fit for the final.”

WAW: How did it feel to receive the wrong medal?

Kevin: “Hated it. Absolutely hated it. Once Liverpool had scored there was no going back, we had our chance when John Byrne missed a chance just before half time, heartbreaking, as he’d scored in every round. We felt what’s the point when we got the winners’ medals when we hadn’t won; you’ve got to look at it as ‘do they remember the runners up?’ Do they f--!”

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WAW: How did the atmosphere change when Peter Reid arrived?

Kevin: “The training was short and sharp, Reidy was brash and loud which is exactly what we needed, although I’d never talk ill of Micky Buxton because I had a great affinity with him, he was a tremendous bloke. Once we’d gotten over the possibility of relegation to the second division the mood massively lifted; players got a new lease of life especially people like Dicky Ord. Bobby Saxton was the best thing Peter done at Sunderland, bringing him in completely changed things for the better.”

WAW: What are your best memories of Reidy and Bobby?

Kevin: “Both of them were excellent coaches but most of all top blokes. Reidy was the face of the club and Bobby was the one who done the things behind the scenes. I remember at Burnley, the game had been delayed and Reidy sat us down and to calm our nerves, he told us a joke! The best bit of advice I got from Bobby Saxton was to do what you do best and do it well” which was great advice.

When we won the Championship, for the second time, we still had loads of games to go and I was still running around in training working my b--- off, there was a disagreement in training with Sacko over a tackle which resulted in Sacko poking me in the chest, I said “Sacko don’t poke me in the chest” to which he replied “do you want me to get the gaffer Kevin?” I just said “no” and walked off. It was hilarious after, as Bobby knew I was still in the zone.

After the play off final when Micky Gray had missed the penalty we were all sat in silence in the changing room, all of a sudden Bobby stood up and said aloud, to Micky “it was a s--- penalty anyway!” The whole changing room erupted into laughter; another moment of a genius coach knowing what to say and when to say it. The best thing I can say again is that they were top blokes and a fantastic time at the club."

WAW: Who were the best players you played against?

Kevin: “Kieron Dyer at the time when he was at Ipswich and first breaking onto the scene. He was so hard to mark as he just glided across the floor, other players that were tough to play against were Matty Holland, Gianfranco Zola and Patrick Vieira.”

WAW: How did preparations change for derby days?

Kevin: “It’s interesting to see how each manager prepares for derbies. As a player, a manager, as a fan you just want to win the game, there’s three ways to approach the derbies: 1) unbelievably important, goes without saying but treat it completely different 2) treat it as another game or 3) don’t put emotion into it but treat it differently, which I believe is the right way. Reidy used to treat it as normal but mentally you just didn’t want to loose, there’s always more edge in those games too. No matter what there’s always the bragging rights which mean a lot to the supporters and you never want to let them down.”

WAW: What was going through your head when you hit Sorensen’s bar in ’99?

Kevin: “At the time it was ‘Oh f-- don’t go in!’ I was brought on to ‘sort them out’in the middle of the park as they were getting the better of us and they’d brought on their big guns. To be honest, I couldn't wait to get on. To say I was cool about watching the ball hit my own crossbar would be lying because I was s--- myself! All I can say is at least it gave people something to talk about.”

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WAW: What was your favourite SAFC goal?

Kevin: “Well there was the one away at West Brom when we won 3-2 from 2-0 down, that was a left footed volley, there’s the one at Wolves another volley to finish a pinpoint move. I loved the one against Sheffield United in the play-off semi final; the one v Nottingham Forest when Chris Waddle played the ball in, I’ve always said if I was foreign they’d be talking about it for years! But the one against Chelsea, the diving header in the 3-0 win was magnificent as it was live on Sky and that just proves if you’re not mentally correct for a game then you’re f---, we were mentally right and we deserved it.”

WAW: Who were the best players to play alongside?

Kevin: “To name names would be unfair but the two promotion teams were fantastic. The whole squad deserved it and all credit to the championship winners as we had an unbelievable love for each other and we done everything right; the 105 points was an awesome record, look at Wolves millions spent and only 99 points – Reidy hardly spent a penny. I was proud to play alongside some of the players I did. The starting 11 to the support players, we had everything from skill and unbridled talent in Martin Smith who was also young and enthusiastic; we had the two Mickys and then myself who could tackle and lead the team.”

WAW: What is your current role at the club?

Kevin: “Without going into too much detail, I help young players settle in and when they’re out on loan, among other roles. There’s a massive importance of players going out on loan as not everyone has the same pathway of academy, reserves and then first team, some have to work their way up. Only a few are chosen to be footballers and they need to be really gifted but they also need to go away and be lads when they’re in academies and make the most of it.”

I’d like to massively thank Kevin Ball for answering my questions so honestly; it was a real pleasure to talk to one of our greatest club legends.

You can share your views on Twitter with me @ethan_thoburn or @WeAreWearside.

Thanks for reading and all the best.

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