Alan Thompson was just 90 minutes away from watching his beloved Sunderland beat rivals Newcastle United at home for the first time in almost three decades.

But the life-long supporter collapsed and died, of a suspected heart
attack, moments before kick-off and missed-out on witnessing his team's 2-1 triumph, in Saturday's Wear-Tyne derby

There is no division between black and white and red and white in
Catchgate, near Stanley, County Durham, as the close- knit community mourns one of its best loved residents.

Alan's family said they are pleased the 60-year-old passed away at the
Stadium of Light but just wish he had lived long enough to celebrate Sunderland's win.

Son David, 18, who was with his dad when he died, said: "I think he would have been happy that he died in the Stadium of Light.

"But not before the game. He was there when Sunderland beat Newcastle at
home the last time and he was really looking forward to seeing it again."

Dad-of-three Alan, had suffered heart problems before, and had bypass
surgery in 1999.

But his wife Mary, 51, said had been fit and well in the run-up to the
derby.

"My Dad always looked forward to the derby, it was the highlight of the
season," said David.

"It had been three weeks since the last home game so we were both really
excited. It was all he had talked about in the last week.

"We went down on the supporters bus with all the lads and everybody was up for it.

"As we walked up to the stadium we were just chatting, and he said, he
thought it would be 2-1, he was very optimistic. He was really excited he was jumping all over the place."

But just moments before kick- off it became too much.

"Just as they announced the Newcastle team he sat down in his seat," David explained.

"Then as soon as they started naming the Sunderland team he just collapsed to the side."

Paramedics rushed to Alan's aid but all attempts to revive him were in
vain.

The season-ticket holder's family were later told he had probably died
instantly.

"I think it was just the excitement and anticipation," David added.

"He must have just got over overexcited."

The retired-baker's death has united football fans in Catchgate.

Some Toon supporters have even told his sons, David, Alan, 27, and Gavin, 20, they were glad Sunderland won, and Black Cats fans in the village have dedicated the win to Alan's memory.

Mary said: "He really enjoyed his life. He loved holidays, rock music and his football. He supported Sunderland through thick and thin."

Gavin added: "He was very laid back. He was just really easy going. He was really well-liked around here."

Fans of both clubs will be at Alanâ's funeral, at Catchgate Methodist
Church on Thursday afternoon.

All have been asked to wear their Sunderland or Newcastle shirts and Alan will be buried in his red and white shirt.

It will be followed by a celebration of Alan's life at the Smiths Arms Pub where friends and family will be asked to write messages of condolence and tributes on a Sunderland shirt.