Brendan helps take team back to roots

SUNDERLAND unveiled their new away kit on Friday in rather interesting fashion.

While the attention was firmly on Sunderland’s first Championship game for 10 seasons, it didn’t stop a few eagle-eyed fans and the Sky Sports cameras from picking out one fan in a very unique Sunderland shirt.

Black Cats fan Brendan O’Donnell was the first to wear the 2017/18 light blue away top last night, as he sported the new jersey during Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Derby County.

However, Brendan isn’t your ordinary Sunderland fan. His connection to the club goes back to its roots.

Brendan is the great, great grandson of James Allan, the Scottish teacher who founded the club back in 1879.

Like this season’s home kit, it ties in with the club’s tag line ‘ our future is rooted in our history’, hence why Brendan was invited to help launch the new kit.

Speaking about his involvement in the launch, Brendan said: “I’m so proud of the link with Sunderland AFC we have from my great, great granddad and we love coming up to Sunderland, to the city and to the stadium to watch the team play.

“I’m equally proud to have been asked to take part in the campaign for the away kit; it was a real honour and the kit is fantastic!”

The new kit features a light blue shirt, shorts and socks and is underlined with white for a clean, modern look.

Sunderland AFC’s new away kit is available to order now at www.safcstore.com while, club stores, located at the Stadium of Light, Debenhams in Sunderland and The Galleries, Washington will be open from 7am on Monday morning for fans wanting to purchase their new kit.