Share your memories of one of the most dramatic periods in SAFC and Sunderland town centre history
‘Thrilling times but it was Sunderland’s return to the Second Division which had fans truly excited’
One of the darkest periods in SAFC history came to an end 38 years ago as a wave of emotion swept Wearside.
Sunderland were back out of Division Three and crowds turned out in force to welcome their heroes home.
A Sunderland Echo report at the time said: “Today, the town was united in the belief that the club could repeat the success next season.”
Sunderland Council was planning to give the team a civic reception, probably to be held in Crowtree Leisure Centre.
In some more fantastic news, Sunderland’s multi-million pound Bridges shopping development was right on schedule for completion and expected to cost about £15million.
Another Echo report from 1988 said: “An extra mall will be built near the bus station and the blank wall alongside the bus station replaced by the kiosks. The staircase and lift outside the bus station will be moved inside and the underground toilets in Market Square relocated in the bus station.”
There was more great news.
Furniture giants MFI announced a multi-million pound scheme which would bring 40 jobs to Sunderland, in a new £4million 80,000sq ft store.
And a new £4million industrial estate was to be built at Castletown by a private developer to create up to 800 jobs on a 15-acre site and accommodate up to 10 factories.
They were thrilling times but it was Sunderland’s return to the Second Division which had fans truly excited.
The Echo report added: “The darkest period in the club’s history is now well and truly exorcised with the promotion success.”
Loyal supporter and Deputy Council Leader John Donnelly led the chorus of praise.
“I’m delighted for the team. I think if we get another two or three players to strengthen the squad we could do well next season, ” he said.
Mayor John Mawson was equally thrilled at the prospect of a better standard of football next season.
“When I made my mayoral speech I said I wanted more employment for the town, for it to be a musical year, and for the team to go up, ” he said.
The man probably closest to the most dedicated of Sunderland fans was Supporters’ Club chief Billy Simmons, who said he was more than pleased to be out of Division Three.
Sunderland Football Club’s high continued with Alan Bainbridgewho wrote the lyrics and music for a song to mark the club’s bounce-back to Division Two.
The long-time Roker fan hoped a band would record the composition and put the club in a musical league of its own.
Alan, 21, said at the time: “I’ve always been a Sunderland football fan, but it was not until a friend suggested writing a song about the club that I put pen to paper. It only took about five minutes, the inspiration was immediately there.”
We want your memories of Sunderland life in 1988 and you can share them by emailing [email protected]