Allan ‘Magic’ Johnston has heralded Sunderland a ‘special club’ as he recalls some fond memories on Wearside.
Some 20 years ago the jinky winger arrived on Wearside and became a vital cog in Peter Reid’s plans as his team overcame play-off heartache to become Champions within 12 months.
While two decades highlights just how long ago it was when Johnston was whipping in crosses from the left flank for the Lads, it also signifies the length of time the Black Cats have been at the Stadium of Light this summer.
Johnston started his career in his homeland at Hearts before a move to French club Rennes later saw him return to UK shores, this time at Sunderland in 1997.
The Black Cats would be relegated in Johnston’s inaugural campaign on Wearside, though, but the nippy winger signed off the disappointing season with the last ever goal at Roker Park in a 3-0 win over Everton.
While the following campaign in the Black Cats’ new home, the Stadium of Light, ended in a manner Johnston doesn’t want to be reminded of, the rest, as they say, is history. . .
“I’ve never watched the play-off final (against Charlton Athletic back),” he admits.
“It was such a huge disappointment.
“But what really sticks out for me from that day was what ‘Quinny’ had to say after the match when he said, ‘Next year we are going to get promoted by winning the league’.
“It was just so positive and confident that the next season was just started so well.”
Still under the stewardship of Reid, the Lads did exactly what Niall Quinn stated.
A formidable 105 point season followed and the Black Cats brought Premier League football to the SOL for the very first time.
“The next season it took us a little while to get going because we never started the season well, but a few of us broke into the team and luckily enough that coincided with us getting some results and climbing up the table.
“We ended up having a really good season.
“Guys like Bally who have a never-say-die attitude and gave everything for the club are brilliant.
“I still see him when I come back to see games at Sunderland.
“There are always familiar faces around and that’s one of the things that makes it a special club.”
