I live 15 miles from Oxford but I've loved SAFC for nearly 45 years - and I cant wait for the FA Cup clash!
Russell Williams could hardly believe it when two clubs close to his heart drew each other in the FA Cup.
For although the Witney man lives just 15 miles from Oxford, he’s been a huge Sunderland fan since he was hooked by performances in the 1980s.
‘Sunderland has had a hold of me for about 40 to 45 years’
‘It has had a hold of me for about 40 to 45 years. At school, everyone supported clubs like Liverpool or Man United.
‘But I saw Sunderland play Manchester City and Chris Turner had a blinder in goal - and that was it,” said the man who now runs a team of people at a school in Eynsham which has 1,300 students.
His adoration for the Black Cats grew even more when he saw 15,000 Wearsiders turn up for an away match in the 80s. ‘That was amazing to see,’ he remembered.
‘I get to the Stadium of Light twice a season. It’s more than 4 hours and 256 miles to get there’
Now, he can’t wait for his local side Oxford United to take on Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland team in the FA Cup 4th round at the Kassam Stadium on Sunday.
Russell is no stranger to watching the Wearside outfit and said: “I get to the Stadium of Light twice a season. It’s more than 4 hours and 256 miles to get there and it’s a 512 mile round journey.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are ‘like gold dust’, said Russell. He added: “I’ll be in the home end but it will be interesting if Sunderland score.”
His highlights as a Sunderland fan have included ‘the promotion years and beating Newcastle. Also getting to the FA Cup Final in 1992, beating Norwich at Hillsborough in the semi final.”
He also has memories of Sunderland beating Chelsea in the Milk Cup in 1985.
Tell us if you are a Sunderland fan who supports the Black Cats from afar. Email [email protected]
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