Ally McCoist has paid tribute to his ‘wonderful experience’ at Sunderland – having revealed he still buys a season ticket to watch the Black Cats each year.

The Scottish striker joined the Black Cats in 1981 for a then-club record fee of around £400,000, but departed after two years at Roker Park having netted just nine times in all competitions.

McCoist went on to enjoy a successful career at Rangers, but has nothing but praise for the Black Cats – whom he says were ‘unbelievably patient’ with him during his developmental years.

And it’s for that reason that the 57-year-old still purchases a season ticket to watch the side each year, as he continues to hold the club close to his heart.

Ally McCoist still buys a season ticket at Sunderland every season - despite his underwhelming spell on Wearside

placeholder image — Ally McCoist still buys a season ticket at Sunderland every season - despite his underwhelming spell on Wearside

"Things don't always have to be on a crest of a wave to enjoy yourself,” he said on talkSPORT.

“It was the most wonderful experience at Sunderland.

"I played with tremendous footballers, Frank Worthington, Leighton James, all these guys, it was brilliant, we had the flying pig in goals, Barry Siddall, Chris Turner, we had great guys.

"I went down there as a boy, in terms of my education and growing up, I was so, so blessed and fortunate enough to be playing in front of a wonderful support at Roker Park.

"They were unbelievably patient with me and that is the reason why I still have season tickets at the Stadium of Light and it's a club I hold so dearly to my heart.

"I have no regrets but I'm not sure Sunderland supporters would say the same about me."