Fitting tribute to an FA Cup legend

Apr 17 2008 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

THE late Ian Porterfield, who scored the winning goal for Sunderland in the 1973 FA Cup final against Leeds United at Wembley, remains the only man to deliver a major domestic football trophy to either Tyneside or Wearside in 53 years, although, of course, there was considerable input from, among others, his manager, Bob Stokoe, and the goalkeeper, Jim Montgomery.

Porterfield died in a Surrey hospice in September at the age of 61, but his name will live on at Ramside Hall Golf Club on May 2 in the first Ian Porterfield Golf Challenge.

Montgomery, who made an incredible double save in the final, will join Wembley team-mates Dick Malone, skipper Bobby Kerr, Micky Horswill, Ritchie Pitt and Ron Guthrie, plus other former players including Gordon Armstrong and Eric Gates.

The tournament was first publicised only last week, but already there are only two of the 24 tee-times remaining for teams, costing £300, which will each contain an ex-player and three golfers.

The proceeds will be divided between the Sunderland AFC Foundation, the registered charity of SAFC which helps thousands of young people and their families across Sunderland, Durham and South Tyneside and the Sunderland AFC Former Players Association to enable that body to retain their connection with Sunderland and raise money for good causes. To take up one of the two remaining slots, contact Katrina Quinn on (0191) 534 1755 or e-mail katrinaquinn@start2finishevents.co.uk

The event is being supported by Dave Richardson, the managing director of QC Leisure, who said: “We are very proud to be associated with it.

“Not only will it be a memorable and fun occasion, we are also helping to raise money for Sunderland AFC Foundation which is a charity making a difference to young people in our region as well as helping to raise money for the former players who I think are great ambassadors for our great football team and the city of Sunderland.”

The 64-year-old Montgomery coaches youngsters at St Aidan’s School in Sunderland and hosts the former players’ corporate table at every home game. “Dave Richardson deserves a big thank-you,” he said, “because he came to the former players with the idea. He knew all about Ian Porterfield.

“Ian would do anything for anybody in terms of bonding with the club and the supporters and would never turn down an invitation to present prizes at functions, or anything like that.

“All the lads from 1973 were like that. They truly bonded with each other, with the club and with the supporters. They stuck up for each other too.

“Even now, anybody from that team will do anything for each other if they have a problem.

“There will be a lot of fond memories at the golf day – and I am sure it will be a great success.”