Sunderland AFC honoured a very special member of staff on Saturday, as tunnel steward George Baker retired after an incredible 60 years at the club.
George, aged 87, began his tenure at Roker Park in 1959 when Alan Brown was manager and has been a mainstay of the club’s matchday operation for six decades.
Much-loved and respected by everyone at Sunderland AFC, George managed the tunnel and dressing room areas on a matchday and looked after the referee and match officials as they undertook their duties.
On arrival at the stadium earlier on Saturday, George, accompanied by his family, including grandson Alex who also works for the club, was greeted by a guard of honour formed by club stewards. He was then taken to the boardroom, where he is the club’s special guest for the day.
Prior to kick off, George accompanied the match officials onto the pitch, carrying the match ball with him. He then joined the players and officials for the pre-match handshakes, before taking his seat in the directors’ box for the game.
After the game, club captain Grant Leadbitter presented the match ball to George as a memento of the day.
Speaking about George, Sunderland AFC chairman Stewart Donald said: “It is people such as George that make this football club so very special. To have given 60 years’ of service is quite incredible and we are delighted to be able to give George a special send-off as a token of our immense gratitude.”
Club ambassador Kevin Ball added: “Everyone in football knows and loves George, he’s an absolute legend. I have had the pleasure of knowing him personally for many years; he a true gentleman and a wonderful servant of Sunderland AFC. He’s also a very unassuming man and won’t be expecting any of this today - but I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more”.
