I signed for Sunderland when I was just 15 and became a club legend

Synonymous with that double save against Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final, Jim Montgomery smiled, “I’ve loved this club for as long as I can remember.”

Breaking Don Revie’s heart by keeping out Allan Clarke’s header and Peter Lorimer’s follow-up at Wembley was just one of the highlights of the goalkeeper’s time at Roker Park.

Speaking to the club, Sunderland’s all-time record appearance maker said: “It all began when my dad took me to my first game at the age of eight, and from that moment, I was hooked.

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“Sunderland has been part of my life for 73 years now. My first memories of Roker Park are vivid – sitting with my dad in the Clock Stand, completely mesmerised. I fell in love instantly.

“As I grew older, my mates and I would head to the Fulwell End, standing by the railings, often arriving early to claim a good spot. The atmosphere was electric. The noise, the energy, and especially that famous Roker Roar – nothing else came close. The sound of the crowd as the team stepped out was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It gave us, the players, a true edge. “

He reflected: “I signed for Sunderland when I was just 15. I had a trial at Burnley, but as soon as I got back, Sunderland snapped me up. In those early days, I’d help with everything – laying out kit, cleaning boots, even tidying the stands after games. The smell of the ground, the energy of the stadium, and everything about Sunderland Football Club drew me in.

“One of my proudest moments was appearing in the team photo ahead of the 1959/60 season. Soon after, I made my league debut against Derby County, and we won 2-1. From then on, it was a whirlwind. I played 12 of the last 13 games in the 1961/62 season, just missing promotion by a point. The next season, I played every match, but we missed out again, this time on goal difference. Finally, the following season, we were promoted - it was a dream start to my career.

“I was fortunate to play alongside legends like Brian Clough, Jim McNab, Charlie Hurley, Johnny Crossan, and George Mulhall. They were seasoned pros, and they looked after me from day one.”

The biggest moment came in the country’s capital on that fateful day against the mighty Leeds. “The FA Cup final in 1973 will always stand out as the highlight of my time at the club,” he said. “But I have so many cherished memories – my first game for Sunderland at 18, stepping out to an incredible crowd, moments that shaped my entire life here.

“That ‘73 final, though – it was the pinnacle. People doubted us, but we didn’t. We had already beaten the top teams, and we knew we could take on Leeds United. Walking onto the pitch, there wasn’t an ounce of doubt in our minds. And 51 years later, people still talk about that game.

“Even after leaving the club in 1977, Sunderland was always in my heart. I played for Birmingham and Nottingham Forest, but Sunderland was the result I always looked for.

“Years later, when Niall Quinn made me a club ambassador, it felt like coming full circle. Now, I spend my time with the supporters – people just like me. “It’s a privilege to work for the club I’ve loved my whole life, to be there on matchdays, and share the passion with the fans. My time at Sunderland has been a journey, a beautiful rollercoaster, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”