We've opened a huge shop of retro Sunderland AFC shirts, programmes and more
You can hear the Roker Roar all the way along the Wear with a new shop that’s hitting the back of the net with its huge range of retro footy tops, programmes, tankards - and even ET BMXs.
Sunderland’s much-loved Fans Museum has done a Christmas pop-up in Durham’s Prince Bishop’s Shopping Centre for the past eight years and founder Michael Ganley has now signed an 18-month lease to spread the joy of the Beautiful Game all year round.
The large former JD Sports unit has been turned into a treasure trove for football fans.
While The Fans Museum in Monkwearmouth houses the community interest company’s main collections, the shop sells a wide range of pre-loved and new items.
On the racks you’ll find more than 1,000 SAFC shirts from over the decades, as well as pre-loved kits from across the world, from as far afield as Korea and Russia, biographies and autobiographies from a host of former players and managers, original Vaux mugs, retro SAFC plates, artworks by local artists including Black Cat fan Phil Bartle and much more.
“We’ve brought over a full range of retro Sunderland shirts, as well as shirts from all over the world” explained Michael. “Our retail side has always mostly been online, but we were given this opportunity to expand and it’s great to be able to get everything on the shop floor for people to see.
“People mostly buy retro shirts to wear now on occasions, they’re not just stored away. People love to see their club colours from days gone by.”
There’s also mystery lockers with a set price and size, where you can buy a ‘lucky dip’ footy top.
Prices for shirts range from £9.95 to £500 and there’s also new sportswear from brands such as Avec and Adidas available at a reduced price.
Other retro items also include retro sports bags and even retro bikes including the Kuwahara ET BMX bike.
Shoppers can also pick up free copies of Legion of Light magazine, which used to be sent to SAFC season ticket holders.
The shop has only been open a week, but Michael says he’s delighted with the response from customers as well as support from the football community, with Kevin Phillips, Bobby Kerr, Micky Horswill and Bobby Park having already visited the store.
“It’s been brilliant, we’ve been really surprised with the footfall,” said Michael. “With Durham having so many international students as well, they’re coming in in their droves as many collect shirts. We have sofas and games, and people are enjoying just coming in and looking at what we have here.”
As well as displaying and selling football memorabilia, The Fans Museum also harnesses the power of football for community outreach work, including using its collections to help spark memories for people living with dementia.