This book dated over a year before 24 Hour SAFC People, again remembers the past games and emotions captured by Sunderland fans over the years of highs and lows.

The story is a collection of stories, poems and rants from the Sunderland faithful which takes you back to remember exactly what you were doing at the same time or if you were not there, what it felt like to be at the cup finals or wins over rivals such as the Scum.

The foreword of this book comes from Mick McCarthy who says: “The fans are the heart and soul of Sunderland Football Club and myself and the team are delighted to have achieved success for them.”… and also quite a lot of defeats and embarrassment also Mick!

The book also has a collection of quiz questions that most Sunderland fans would know straight away and also an array of great Sunderland pictures from past and present to break up the text, including a lovely snap of Nick Pickering, Bobby Kerr and Gatesy relaxing after a charity walk, priceless!

Stories are spread out from as early as 1937 up until recent times; stories are complied from die hard fans, Bob Murray, Tim Rice, Rob Mason and a poem from Alan Craggs which sums up everything about the joys of supporting SAFC.

One of the stories that stuck out for humour was titled ‘Sunderland Expects that Every Man will do his Duty’ who describes the moment all the Sunderland fans invaded Trafalgar Square before the playoff final against Charlton. After climbing up Nelson’s Column a Canadian tourist asks him what we are celebrating to which he replies: “Nothing Miss, we are playing tomorrow!”

Each story is written very simply and uses emotion to tell each story different, but it is a good read to make you feel better about your club with tales of wins against, Leeds, Chelsea, West Ham, Newcastle (x two) and Boro. There are also stories and experiences of defeats that made the club stronger, but I skipped these ones as I have had enough of remembering humiliating defeats.

Priced at £11.95 it is more expensive than the ALS version of fans anecdotes and jokes through the means of football but it would keep you entertained until you finished it, then it would be useless just like all books you read.

Gary Johnson

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