Glory days relived in the city

For a club steeped in history, how apt it is to have a museum in Sunderland’s honour opening up in one of the city’s most historic buildings.

The Monkwearmouth Station Museum building is older than SAFC itself and is now the permanent home for the Fans Museum.

Michael Ganley, the brains behind this ambitious project, has described getting the keys to the venue as his “perfect early Christmas present.”

In truth, it’s a gift for all of us. The Fans Museum has been generating huge interest across the city, after putting on temporary displays in Hendon, The Bridges and City Library venues.

Over the last 30 years, Michael, himself a lifelong Sunderland fan, has been amassing a huge collection of memorabilia.

And it’s a pretty impressive haul, including strips worn by red and white legends as well as cups, tickets and trophies. Such has been the interest, they estimate that more than 100,000 people have seen the display in the last three years. Now there’s every chance those numbers will soar even higher, given the new high-profile location.

It’s a win, win for all involved ... and how often can you say that when it comes to Sunderland these days?

This fabulous project gets a permanent home; the museum gets a well deserved boost; the club and city council get some good news publicity; and Sunderland fans get to relive the glory days just when they need it most.

Those fans who remember Sunderland in its heyday will be able to show today’s fans just how good it used to be following Sunderland!

Here’s hoping Chris Coleman pays a visit and is inspired to bring the glory days back to Sunderland.