Former boss Len backs Cats to make point in tough Cardiff trip

Therewillbenosuchthingasdivided loyalties for former Sunderland and Cardiff City boss Len Ashurst when the two sides face each other tomorrow.

Ashurst, who managed both clubs in the 1980s after a distinguished playing career with the Black Cats, insists: “I’ll be shouting for Sunderland all the way.

“I always said when I was a manager that if ever any of my teams played against Sunderland and lost then, at the back of my mind, I would not really mind because it was Sunderland, it was my team.

“It will be tough on Saturday, but I think they can get something and there’ll be no divided loyalties from me if they do.”

Liverpoolborn Ashurst, now 78 and living back in Whitburn, holds the record for most appearances by an outfield player for Sunderland.

The left-back played 458 times for the club between 1957-70 before beginning his managerial odyssey down the A19 as player-boss at Hartlepool United.

He took charge at Sunderland in early 1984, after guiding Cardiff to promotion from the old Division Three, and preserved the Red and Whites’ top-flight status with a 2-0 final day win at Leicester City.

His new-look team then reached the final of Milk Cup the following season before a 1-0 defeat at Wembley by Norwich City triggered a losing run, relegation and the sack.

He returned to Cardiff for a less successful spell between 1989-91