We were delighted to recently host an evening with Sunderland FC Legend Jimmy Montgomery. With a club record 537 league appearances for the Black Cats during his career, Jim spoke at length to a packed house for nearly 2 hours about his days playing for his beloved Sunderland.

The evening was organised as a joint function between BACC and Bishop Juniors FC Pavilion. A sell-out was very quickly announced as the 120 available tickets were quickly snapped up by eager fans.

There were stories galore! Initially for just over an hour Jim spoke passionately about his playing days in the red and white stripes. The players he admired, the friendships that were at the heart of his career and his disappointment at being overlooked for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Originally being one of four ‘keepers in line to make the squad, he was sadly cut as the final selections were made and only three ‘keepers made the trip.

There was the highlight of listening to the Great Man reminisce about the 1973 FA Cup win over the mighty Leeds United. As the story unfolded, the passion in his words grew stronger. He started itching ever closer to the edge of his seat. THOSE SAVES!! A 1-0 victory and the rest is history – oh and so was is the £200 he took home for winning the world’s most famous trophy...

There was a break in proceedings as food was served and the silence of 100+ men burst into enthusiastic conversations discussing what they had just heard. After some questions were gathered from the floor, we were underway again. There were questions galore as you can imagine but again such was the presence of the speaker, the room was graveyard quiet as people listened intently.

Having listened to Sunderland FC Royalty speak so passionately about his career on Wearside, it was clear Jimmy Montgomery is a man of great integrity. No desire to chase the dream of top life First Division football and perhaps that illusive England cap. He loved the Mackem’s and wanted to play for them and they clearly loved him. What an absolute gentleman, we’d welcome back at Kingsway any day!