Niall Quinn talks all things Sunderland AFC as he celebrates his 50th birthday today.
The former player, manager and chairman of the Black Cats made over 400 appearances during a fine career which spanned 19 years.
Quinn began at Arsenal as an apprentice and then moved to Manchester City in 1990 where he went onto make over 200 appearances.
The Republic of Ireland international bagged 66 goals in 205 league appearances in the blue half of Manchester during a six-year spell.
But it wasn’t until the striker moved to the north east where he really connected with the fans.
In August 1996, Quinn relocated to Wearside and despite a challenging start became an integral part of Peter Reid’s side along with Kevin Phillips, as the pair formed the deadly little and large combo.
Quinn's time on Wearside though hasn't just been remembered for his antics on the pitch as he later returned to Sunderland as chairman to guide the club safely back to the Premier League under the stewardship of fellow Irishman Roy Keane.
But while Quinn departed in 2012, the affection and love between himself and the red and white army has never been forgotten...
“The passion of the fans is a big thing and their allegiance to the team, who let’s face it aren’t winning trophies like Manchester United and Manchester City," Quinn said. "To stay with the team through generation and generation is just immense.
“When I came up here I didn’t understand the enormity of what it meant to the people. I brought into that because I had a difficult start and I wanted it even more once I started to get myself fit.
“When I cracked it and got the people to believe in me I went on a journey with the fans and we brought the club into the new era with the Stadium of Light and we filled it out. Kevin Phillips won the European Golden Boot and it was a wonderful time in my career."
He continued: “Why did I enjoy my time at Sunderland more than I did at Arsenal and Manchester City?
“I think it was a sense of achievement not with winning trophies but with making the club big and being part of the group that did that because coming from Roker Park might have been difficult had we not kicked on.
“I suppose it was more precious to me because I was coming to the end of my career and I felt the passion.
“The fans would never ditch their local club because you don’t see other jerseys in Sunderland. You just see Sunderland jerseys and I brought into that,” he added.
“There is something so tangible there in the people’s blood and the people’s make up that makes you want to come back for more. There is that loyalty and that drives the whole being of the club.”
