Former Sunderland winger Liam Lawrence has heaped praise on the club’s passionate fanbase, which he believes is a testament to the attitude in the north east.
The 37-year-old moved to join Sunderland in 2004 from Mansfield Town, spending three years at the Stadium of Light before moving on to join Stoke City - the next step on a career path that also saw him spend time in Wales and Greece.
Part of the Sunderland side that won the Championship in the 2004-05 season, Lawrence made 73 league appearances for the Black Cats and scored 10 goals - with it fair to say the supporters at the club made a lasting impression.
“They’re just good people up there. When I moved up there, as soon as I moved the neighbours were round asking if there was anything they could do for us. The people that work at the club are so together,” he told TalkSport.
Sunderland owner Stewart Donald promises fans a say in future name of the Stadium of Light
“They’re working class people. All they want to see is their players putting in 110 per cent, if it doesn’t quite go right on the day, it’s unlucky and fair enough. They love that club.
“All they’ve got up there is Sunderland and Newcastle, if you like. I know there is Middlesbrough but it’s a bit further away. They just all love their football club.”
Sunderland were playing catch-up all afternoon, admits Jack Ross
