Groyne Strain
Manager
Perhaps it may be lost on some of the younger people on here, but Bob Stokoe became known in Sunderland as "The Messiah".
In 1973, just weeks after taking over what seemed a hopeless situation, the nation was agog as these 250-1 no-hopers, down in relegation trouble in the 2nd Division, went on perhaps the most sensational run in Cup history. Knocking out the 3 cup favourites, Stokoe above all was responsible for Sunderland's emotion charged victory over the then cup holders and feared Leeds United at Wembley.
The memory of that famous hat of his, barely staying on his head as he raced across the pitch at the final whistle to embrace his goalkeeper, will live with me forever. It was that day, the emotion it engendered, that got me hooked on football more than anything else.
In a time where upsets are seldom and there's an air of inevitability of football at the so-called top, it's a sad day to see someone who so wonderfully upset the applecart depart this world.
Rest in peace Bob.
