Cricket icon Geoffrey Boycott heading to Sunderland and reflecting on many links to city
Cricket icon Sir Geoffrey Boycott has been reflecting on his many links to Sunderland ahead of a return to the city.
Ahead of an Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott at the Roker Hotel on Friday, April 24, the sporting legend has spoken of his affection for the area and his Mackem friends.
He said:“One thing I do know is that the fans in that area love their sport and are hugely passionate about it. I hear the noise they make at The Stadium of Light when I'm watching the football on TV.
“ I’ve built endless friendships from my many years out on the pitch for Yorkshire and England, and through my decades in the commentary box.”
One of Sir Geoffrey’s earliest connections to the region came during England’s 1971 Ashes-winning tour of Australia.
It was there that a very young Bob Willis — then a virtual unknown at Surrey County Cricket Club — was drafted in late by captain Ray Illingworth.
Born in Sunderland in May 1949 - Willis would go on to do his birthplace proud through his formidable fast bowling, later producing one of the most iconic performances in cricket history — his remarkable 8-43 at Headingley in 1981, securing a famous England victory in what became known as “Botham’s Ashes.”
Boycott added:“We travelled all over the world together after playing, as we moved into commentary for various TV and radio networks.
“He’s definitely up there as one of the finest cricketers ever to come out of Sunderland — his heritage is wonderful.”
He also recalled Willis’s strong ties to the North East:“His dad was a journalist in Sunderland before work took the family to Surrey, but Bob never lost that connection.
“He always looked out for Sunderland’s football results and was immensely proud of the Mackems when they won the FA Cup in 1973 — we were in the England team together at the time, and he absolutely loved it.”
Sir Geoffrey paid tribute to his great friend, who sadly passed away in 2019:“He was a genuine near lifetime friend of mine and will always be remembered as one of the very best bowlers for England.”
Sir Geoffrey will share these memories, along with his forthright views on the recent lack of change at the top of the England and Wales Cricket Board, his inside track on the recent England Ashes debacle, plus his thoughts on the modern day game when he appears at the Roker Hotel.
The event will include big screen highlights of his career and reflections.
Further information and tickets are available here > https://www.ticketsource.com/goffy-media/an-evening-with-sir-geoffrey-boycott-sunderland/2026-04-24/20:30/t-jxkznxe or by calling 07990 - 588 - 424