FREEDOM F OF CITY PLAN FOR 1973 FA CUP HEROES
SAFC’s 1973 FA Cup heroes are set to get the Freedom of the City to celebrate the pride and glory they brought to Sunderland.
Sunderland has a long-running tradition of honouring citizens who make "significant contributions to the wellbeing and community spirit of Sunderland”, be they residents or those from outside the city who have served Wearside in some way, and the cup final team are the latest proposed for Freedom of the City.
In 1974 the council conferred an Honorary Freedom to team manager Robert 'Bob' Stokoe.
Since then the team’s goalkeeper James “Jimmy” Montgomery BEM, received the Honorary Freedom of the City in 2016.
He received it “as a token of the honour and esteem in which he is held by the citizens
of Sunderland and in recognition of the example of achievement he sets to the city’s young people and his personal contribution to the wellbeing of the city and people of Sunderland”.
Now winning team members Richard Philip ‘Dick’ Malone, Ronald George ‘Ron’ Guthrie, Michael Frederick ‘Micky’ Hors will, David Vernon
‘Dave’ Watson, Richard Ernest ‘Ritchie’ Pitt, Robert ‘Bobby’ Kerr, Victor Lewis ‘Vic’ Halom, Dennis Tueart, and David Young are all named in a report proposing the honour, which will go before Sunderland City Council’s ruling cabinet.
Two members of the team, William ‘Billy’ Hughes and John Ian Porterfield have passed away. The report states that it is still appropriate to recognise and honour the pair alongside their teammates.
Their families will be invited to receive the honour on their behalf if the award is approved. Subject to next week's meeting and covid restrictions, a ceremony will be confirmed at a later date.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "The enduring pride and respect that the people of Sunderland hold for the team is a testament to everything they have done and continue to do for this city."
Other freedoms of Sunderland granted to date include John Hays founder of Hays Travel, Nissan’s chief performance officer Trevor Mann, NiallQu inn MBE and Joë lB atteux the Mayor of Sunderland' s twin-town St Nazaire.
Television reporter Kate Adie has also been granted Freedoms along with 4 Regiment Royal Artillery - the 'North East gunners', 3 Rifles and the crew of HMS Ocean.