Smith’s passions running so high
SUNDERLAND’S ups and downs – in every sense – have received widespread exposure.
Both the BBC and Netflix aired fly-on-thewall documentaries chronicling some of the Black Cats’ tales of wonder… but mainly woe.
The first was the BBC’s ‘Premier Passions’, tracing Peter Reid’s Sunderland sliding towards relegation in 1996-97 after only one season in the Premier League.
And “passion’’ is the word Denis Smith keeps repeating when he recalls his four-and-a-half years on Wearside.
Stoke’s legendary centre-back was the first manager to lead Sunderland out of the third tier, taking them from the old Third Division in 1988 to the First – albeit by default after losing to Swindon in the 1990 Division Two play-off final.
The Black Cats were later awarded promotion as Swindon were punished for their irregular payments scandal.
Alex Neil is now following in Smith’s footsteps after completing part one of the mission to restore Sunderland’s top-flight status with the 2-0 Wembley win over Wycombe in the League One play-off final.
And Smith, 74, said: “It’s brilliant. Sunderland are one of the biggest clubs in the country – the crowds have been frightening.
“They had 44,000 for the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday.
“In that division, it’s unbelievable.
“I’m a Stoke fan – but I had great years at Sunderland. The passion is incredible.
“We didn’t turn up on the day against Swindon, but the problem was we had so many fans wanting to watch us train that we couldn’t train!
“Again, it shows the passion.”