The Stadium of Light’s press room has today been renamed the ‘The Louise Wanless Media Lounge’.
A much-loved friend and colleague of all associated with the football club, Louise, 52, sadly passed away earlier this year following a long battle with illness.
Today we are honoured to welcome her family to the Stadium of Light, as we remember Louise at the place she called home.
Louise moved to the Stadium of Light from Middlesbrough in 2003 and spent over 16 years overseeing its Media and Communications department, cementing a lasting legacy within North East football and beyond.
Throughout good times and bad, her infectious smile and capacity for positivity was an inspiration to all within the organisation, as she served the club with unwavering dedication, an unrivalled work ethic and a fierce determination.
Louise’s outstanding contribution to football was recognised two years ago when she was presented with the John Fotheringham Award at the 2019 North East Football Writers’ Awards.
The sad news of her passing led to an outpouring of tributes from the football community, as players, managers, journalists and many more came together to remember one of the very best of us.
Wonderful. Kind. Brilliant. Happy.
Just some of the words used to describe Louise, who not only left her mark on the game she loved, but on every single person she came across – no matter how brief the encounter.
Sunderland AFC is not the same without Louise and her absence is felt by all, but it is especially sensed on matchdays within the media suite at the Stadium of Light.
It was Louise’s happy place and long before today, it was the ‘Louise Wanless Media Lounge’.