‘It was our first venture into Europe and it was unique for all of us’

Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery has issued a message to SAFC’s fans as the excitement ramps up for European football.

Back on hallowed ground as Jimmy Montgomery, Bobby Kerr, Dennis Tueart, Dave Watson, Dick Malone, David Young and Ron Guthrie parade the FA Cup round Roker Park. | se

placeholder image — Back on hallowed ground as Jimmy Montgomery, Bobby Kerr, Dennis Tueart, Dave Watson, Dick Malone, David Young and Ron Guthrie parade the FA Cup round Roker Park. | se

‘It is going to be a massive occasion’ said the 1973 FA Cup hero as the Black Cats gear up for the game against AZ Alkmaar.

Sunderland are back in European competition for the first time in 53 years and Jimmy played a key role in the Lads’ first ever venture in the the 1970s.

As well as being the goalkeeper at Wembley, Jimmy was the keeper when Sunderland twice beat Vasas Budapest in the European Cup Winners Cup.

He kept a clean sheet across both legs as Sunderland advanced 3–0 on aggregate.

Jimmy looked ahead to the Stadium of Light game against Dutch side AZ and said: “It is a massive occasion, especially for the team to get where they have got to when a lot of people thought we would get relegated last season.

"Going back 53 years, it was our first venture into Europe and it was unique for all of us. We had never been there and we did not know what it was all about but we enjoyed it."

“My message to the fans would be to enjoy the occasion. It is going to be difficult as AZ are equal top of their league with five wins and a draw out of six games."

“But Sunderland are coming up against this sort of challenge week in week out in the Premier League, so it will be nothing new for them."

Jimmy was also a part of the team which took on Sporting Lisbon in the Second Round of the European Cup Winners Cup.

Jimmy Montgomery pulls off his miracle double save in the 1973 FA Cup Final. | se

At the first leg at Roker Park, Sunderland won 2–1 but lost the second leg in Portugal 2-0 and were knocked out of the Cup.

Sunderland’s 1973 appearances in Europe resulted from the team winning the 1973 FA Cup Final where Ian Porterfield scored the only goal against Leeds United.

But just as importantly, Jimmy Montgomery made the now legendary double miracle save in the second half to preserve the Black Cats lead.

We want to hear from Sunderland fans with memories of the 1973 European campaign. Tell us if you went to the matches, especially if you were among the loyal few who travelled to Budapest and Lisbon.

Tell us more by emailing [email protected]