The Sunderland fan who got a right telling off from a nurse after the 1973 FA Cup semi-final

A South Tyneside SAFC fan remembered the day he got a telling off from a nurse – for going to Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup semi-final.
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Brian Martin had just had the toenail on his big toe removed when he went to Sheffield.

He was determined to see Bob Stokoe’s team in action against Arsenal.

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But there was a snag and Brian, from South Shields, explained: “Five days before the match, I had a big toe nail removed and was told to rest. Naturally I ignored this advice and travelled to Sheffield with thousands of others from the North East.

Brian Martin and his memories of the 1973 FA Cup run.Brian Martin and his memories of the 1973 FA Cup run.
Brian Martin and his memories of the 1973 FA Cup run.

“When Vic Halom scored early on for us, it felt that half of our fans were standing on my big toe which was well ruined by then but I didn't care as the lads swept to a historic victory.”

He paid 70 pence for a ticket for the East Enclosure and was rewarded with watching Sunderland recording a famous victory.

The nurse who ‘went ballistic’

Brian was back in hospital the next day.

Brian's ticket for the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough.Brian's ticket for the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough.
Brian's ticket for the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough.

“I had to go to our local infirmary to have my dressing changed and the nurse went ballistic,” said Brian.

But the nurse wasn’t angry at Brian’s decision not to rest.

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“When I told here where I'd been, she said she wished she had been there herself!”

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Sunderland fan Brian Martin, from South Shields.Sunderland fan Brian Martin, from South Shields.
Sunderland fan Brian Martin, from South Shields.

Brian was at Wembley in the west standing enclosure and got his ticket autographed by Micky Horswill and Ian Porterfield.

So many great stories

He was 19 then and will be 69 next month.

Our thanks go to him for a wonderful memory and we want yours. Were you at Wembley or did you miss the final through illness or perhaps just sheer bad luck?

Sunderland fans at the 1973 FA Cup semi-final.Sunderland fans at the 1973 FA Cup semi-final.
Sunderland fans at the 1973 FA Cup semi-final.

We’ve had a great response to our appeal for memories.

We also heard from Simon Moss who was born in Yorkshire.

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How about the story of George Ford who still has his 40-page scrapbook, filled with memories.

They all shared their memories and you could too. Tell us more by emailing [email protected]