Rob Mason’s Sunderland AFC Miscellany is a treasure trove of Sunderland legend and lore. It is a pint-sized book full of big stories, from the well-known to the obscure. I think it is a safe bet to say that you will learn things you never knew before. Don’t take our word for it though. Just read the foreword from former SAFC player Len Ashurst.
A legendary club like Sunderland has loads of history; it is after all a team built on tradition and a legacy of excellence. Yes, Sunderland has seen better days, actually much better days. Today they might reside in the lower third of the BPL table, but they were once among the kings of English football.
This title delivers information from every era. You will hear about legends like Arthur Bridgett and Bobby Gurney and modern marvels like Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan. This is a team that had their first goal scored in 1880, survived two World Wars, the commercialization of football, and still wields a legion of supporters from around the globe. Here in the States they remain a fan favorite.
This book is a no-brainer for anyone who loves the English game. It is overflowing with content, providing the reader with endless information. It is presented in an easy to read format with short pieces of trivia, history, statistics, and facts. The best part is that it is written by the team’s publication editor and historian. Who else would be better at sharing the team’s illustrious history? No one I could think of.
