Sunderland Fan Meets the Man Who Saved His Club
A 15-year-old Sunderland fan's life was forever changed on May 5, 1973, when his team defeated Leeds United 1-0 in the FA Cup Final.
The fan, Mick Cairns, still has vivid memories of the day, including watching the pre-match entertainment, which featured an athletics race around the cinder track and Frankie Vaughan leading the community singing of Abide with Me.
The game itself is etched in Cairns' memory, particularly the two most critical incidents, where Porterfield's shot would have come straight towards him if the net hadn't stopped it, and Lorimer's rocket would have headed his way at an even greater pace had Monty not produced the second save of his amazing double act.
The 1973 FA Cup win was a momentous occasion for Sunderland, marking the club's last major trophy win to date. The team's victory parade went on a tour of the North East, with several players, including Ian Porterfield, Bobby Kerr, and Vic Halom, signing Cairns' Cup Final ticket at the ex-Servicemen's Club in Pegswood.
Cairns' ticket had been a gift from his eldest brother, Walter, who had given it to him as a 15th birthday present. The ticket had been stored safely in a secret pocket sewn into Cairns' trousers by his mother, to prevent it from being lost or stolen.
The win had a profound impact on Cairns, who was just a teenager at the time. He recalls the excitement and joy of that day, and how it has stayed with him to this day. For Cairns, the win was not just about the team's achievement, but also about the personal sacrifice made by his brother, Walter, who had given up his own ticket to give to him.
The experience had a lasting impact on Cairns, and he has always cherished the memory of that day. He still has the Cup Final ticket, which he plans to keep as a memento of his family's connection to the team.
As for Sunderland, the 1973 FA Cup win remains a cherished memory for the club and its fans. The team has not won a major trophy since then, but the legacy of that win continues to inspire and motivate the team's supporters. For Cairns, the win will always be a reminder of the power of football to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Sunderland's current manager, Steve Bruce, has spoken about the importance of the club's history and the need to build on the successes of the past. With the team looking to the future, the legacy of the 1973 FA Cup win will continue to be celebrated by the club and its fans.
Source: Yahoo Sports