For Jim, the 1973 cup final was a truly international experience
Jim Mustard’s experience of the 1973 FA Cup Final is different from most football fans.
It was a truly international occasion which spanned three countries.
The Sunderland fan was stationed in Geilenkirchen in West Germany with the Army, when the Black Cats clashed with Leeds United at Wembley.
He got to watch the match in his married quarters, but not on English TV or German for that matter.
Jim, from Seaham, explained: “We were situated near the Dutch border and we could receive Dutch television who transmitted a lot of English football."
They were treated to a regular dose of Cruyff, Neeskens and other Dutch stars.
But on May 5, 1973, Jim sat down to watch Sunderland – live on TV with his next door neighbour who was a Leeds fan.
They dressed in their team’s colours and even had a pal dressed as a referee in between them.
“Happy days, hard to believe it was fifty years ago,” said Jim who reflected on an incredible day.
Pictured here on Cup Final day in Germany are, front row, left to right; Tony Cook. Charlie Dowie, Jim Mustard.
Back row left to right are Jim’s son Paul and Tony’s son Daryl.
Jim added: “Charlie and I were Corporals in the Royal Corps of Signals serving with 21 Signal Regiment at RAF Wildenrath. I was a Radio Technician. Tony was an RAF Sergeant.”
Seaham-born Jim said: “My father was in the army so we moved around the country quite often, spending no more than three years in one place.
"In 1963, I joined the Army and I spent three years at the Army Apprentice School, Harrogate (Now Army Foundation College).
"Most of my time was spent with various regiments of the Signals in what was then West Germany.
"I also did two tours of duty in Bahrain in the Gulf.
"I finished my service in 1979 after 16 years and went to work as a technician on the Tyne and Wear Metro, eventually retiring in 2008.
"We had three children, Paul, Dennis and Linda.
"My second son followed in my footsteps and joined the Catering Corps (now the Royal Logistics Corps.)
"My father, me and my son are holders of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.”
We are loving your memories of the 1973 FA Cup season
and we would love more.
Take a look at these stories which fans have already shared with us:
Clive Lee remembers the 100-a-side football match in the Wembley car park.
He said the weeks leading up to the final were ‘like waiting for Christmas’
Ronnie Collings had to get a pal to get tickets for the FA Cup Final for him.
He couldn’t go himself
because it was his wedding day.
Brian Martin got a right telling off from a nurse for going to the FA Cup semifinal.
He had been advised to rest at home after having surgery.
You could be next to share your memories if you get in touch and tell us more. Email chris.cordner@nationalworld.com