Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery, celebrated for his pivotal role in the club's 1973 FA Cup triumph, has recalled his experiences from Sunderland's last European adventure during the 1973-74 season. Montgomery, who made a record 627 appearances for his hometown club over 18 years, recounted tales from this period, including a peculiar incident where his goalkeeper gloves were stolen in Lisbon.
The famed goalkeeper, now 82, remains a revered figure in Sunderland. His name is reportedly etched throughout the modern club, a testament to his enduring legacy. The 1973 FA Cup final, where Montgomery made a crucial save, is a moment forever immortalized in his career. A framed photograph of this iconic save is displayed in his home.
Montgomery, alongside teammates like Ian Porterfield, Micky Horswill, and captain Bobby Kerr, was instrumental in Sunderland's success. The image of Kerr being held aloft by his teammates after the 1-0 victory over Leeds in 1973 captures the jubilant atmosphere of that historic win.
While his memories of the club's last European foray are largely positive, the incident with his stolen gloves in Lisbon remains a notable anecdote from that journey. Montgomery's career also saw him face formidable opponents, as seen in a past Tyne-Wear derby match.
In reflecting on modern football, Montgomery has expressed a clear dislike for certain styles of play, stating, "I have no time for them. Goodness I couldn’t watch that every week. What is that type of football?"
