Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson backs Sunderland Fans' Museum and donates items

The Liverpool skipper and former Sunderland midfielder was recently asked to donate some items to the SAFC Museum exhibition, set up by Black Cats fan Michael Ganley.

The Echo revealed earlier this month that after touring the museum in various locations over the past couple of years, it will soon use Monkwearmouth Station Museum as its base.

Items which are part of Michael’s collection, which he has built up over three decades, includes match-worn shirts from club legends such as Jimmy Montgomery, Charlie Hurley and Niall Quinn as well as the Roker Park boardroom table and chairs, various medals and programmes.

Jordan, who grew up in the East Herrington area and went to Farringdon School, told the Echo: “I recently received a request to donate some memorabilia for Michael Ganley and his museum at Sunderland and I was surprised at his enthusiasm and his drive to create a museum for the fans.

“I believe it’s been greatly received from everyone in the city and the local community as well as the North East.

“It is certainly an achievement and pure dedication to obtain his goal as a life-long fan.”

“Having been born in Sunderland and lucky enough to be able to fulfil my dream of playing football for my home city, it’s great to see Micheal achieving his goals by fulfilling his own dreams.

“This unique community based project has been embraced by all locally and the fans coming from other clubs will feel at home too, but I’m really pleased to support Michael when it comes to educating children and supporting the elderly.

“The museum is a beautiful building and is a piece of the history of Sunderland and it is good to see Michael and Sunderland City Council working together to utilize a building and create something that is so unique, which again is something everyone should embrace and support.”

Thousands of people of all ages have visited the museum, many when it was held at Sunderland’s City Library and Arts Centre in Fawcett Street last year.

The display was also recently put on at Beamish open air museum in County Durham.

Speaking of Jordan’s support, Michael said: “Jordan’s donated a captain’s armband which he wore for the England v Spain game and also a lovely signed picture which will of course go on display.

“It’s great that a professional player of his stature is doing something not just for his home town but also for the benefit of the work we are trying to do with the community.

“Hopefully what Jordan has done will encourage other players to donate or perhaps loan us items for the museum.”