There is one main memory which both my Dad and Granda remember like it was yesterday and find rather amusing. This is the first Sunderland match they took me to. I was around 4 or 5 years old and I was all kitted up, my Sunderland shirt, hat, scarf, gloves, believe me I was a walking Sunderland clothing advertisement. With this in mind I got into the stadium, there were so many people I was put onto my Dad’s shoulders so I could see where I was going. People were going past high fiving me asking me who was going to win and where was my beer ( I preferred the chips and gravy and ice cream). After we were all sorted the match was beginning. For those who have not been to a football match before the atmosphere is uncanny, it’s hard not to join in and be influenced by your fellow supporters around you, to join in the chants and stand as you watch your team enter the arena.
“We love you Sunderland we do,
We love you Sunderland we do
We love you Sunderland we do,
Oh Sunderland we love you.” ( x 3 getting faster each time)
I was slowly being brought into the team of fans, becoming part of the group, or at least that’s what I thought. When my Granda and Dad told me this story I was thinking yes my love of the sport came early. However I soon found this was not the case as my Granda bursts out laughing. “Yeah son but then do you remember what the little tinker did”. My dad suddenly roared with laughter, of course I did not get the joke at all, “will someone please tell me what’s going on.” My Granda then went on to explain to me that within 10 minutes of the match kicking off him and my dad turned round to see me sat back on the seat colouring in my colouring book not bothered about where I was or what was going on.