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Roker Rapport Podcast: I left my heart in Roker Park - A Sunderland AFC Story with Craig Russell

After a temporary break (sorry about that Lads and Lasses) we’re back with a story from a passionate Sunderland fan who just so happened to be good enough to play for his beloved club! You can listen for FREE on AcastiTunesSpotify, & YouTube - get stuck in!

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Sean Brown

Chris Wynn had the chance to catch up with former Sunderland forward - and the last man to score a hat trick at Roker Park - Mr Craig Russell!

What are we talking about?

  • Joining Sunderland as a schoolboy and his rise from the training pitch to the dugout;
  • Craig’s memories of those early years under Denis Smith and the coaches that brought him up;
  • The joy and yet pressure of playing for your club, as well as his experiences on the terraces, his trips to the derbies and Wembley as a fan;
  • Breaking into the first team and running to catch the bus home to tell his family he’d been picked;
  • His favourite players and managers over his long association with the club, including the last decade as part of the backroom staff;
  • The best goals, matches and seasons that he thinks defined his career;
  • The pain of knowing Reid wasn’t going to let him stay that he still feels to this day;
  • How things have been since his return to the club in his new role;

All this and so, so much more! A fascinating look back at another era in Sunderland’s history (with a graphic story or two thrown in) with yet another hero of many of our younger years, and another local lad who left his heart in Roker Park...


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