Sunderland and Tottenham for me.
Sunderland used to be one of my "second" teams. Being a Hull City fan means that I must despise Leeds United. It's the rules-I didn't write them. Anyway, the first FA Cup Final that I watched where I felt any emotional attachment to the result was the 1973 Final between Leeds and Sunderland. Underdogs and a division below Leeds, Sunderland went ahead through Ian Porterfield and then a heroic performance from Sunderland keeper, Jim Montgomery, kept Leeds out. It was brilliant-even better for you, Roch.
I remember it fairly clearly even now. Bob Stokoe celebrating on the pitch. Immediately it was over I was out playing FA Cup on the field with mates. Pretending to be Porterfield after scoring, mouthing the commentary as you celebrate.
Admittedly, my support was based on hating Leeds rather than loving Sunderland-but it all counts. Sunderland though became one of those teams who you follow the results of and like to see do well. A little soft spot for them, if you like.
2 or 3 years after this as an 12/13 year old and now allowed to go to football with friends unaccompanied by adults(it was the 70's) we had a home game against Sunderland. There were thousands of Sunderland fans there, easily the biggest away following I had seen at Boothferry Park up to that point. There was red, white and black everywhere. Sunderland were challenging for promotion and on a bit of a wave after their unexpected FA Cup success.
As I was strolling along with a couple of friends soaking up the fevered atmosphere, a Sunderland fan of about 19/20 (one of the big boys to a 12/13 year old anyway) leant over the barrier and took my Hull City scarf from my neck. I was pissed off but powerless. Sunderland could no longer remain one of my "second teams" after one of the bastards nicked my scarf.
I have forgiven this now, Roch, but if you know anyone who nicked a Hull City scarf around 1975/76- can you ask for it back?
