Support for Cats’ legend Watson
Dozens of Sunderland fans have sent messages of support to club legend Dave Watson as he battles dementia.
News that the towering centre back was suffering from an euro degenerative condition emerged in February.
Wife Penny believes years of head injuries and heading the old heavy leather balls are to blame.
The 1973 FA Cup legend played more than 200 games for the Black Cats and had one of the most distinguished careers of any player ever to sport the red and white stripes, going on to add a League Cup win
ner’s medal to his collection with Manchester City and representing England on 65 occasions, three of them as captain.
After four seasons with City, he went on to a shortlived spell with German side Werder Bremen before returning to England and time with Southampton, Stoke City, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Derby County before finishing his career at his first club, Notts County.
News of Dave’s condition prompted the Branch Liaison Council (BLC) to begin a letter writing campaign of support.
After an excellent response on social media, members decided to take the campaign a step futher and attended the Stadium of Light for SAFC’s home game with MK Dons, complete with a custom-made post box in the shape of a Sunderland shirt.
As well as cards and letters delivered on the day, cards and letters delivered into a specially made post box.
Emails were received from as far away as the US, Italy and Dubai and everything will be forwarded to Dave and Penny by his ‘73 team-mate Micky Horswill.
BBC Newcastle S AFC commentator Nick Barnes was among those taking the chance to send his best wishes.
BLC chairman Jim Gilling has been overwhelmed by the response: “Hearing of the recent diagnoses of Dave Watson was a very sad thing,” he said.
“Dave is a club legend and it is only right that we have come out in support of his situation.
"TheBLC are proud to be able to facilitate the opportunity for our wonderful supporters to contact Dave and help in any way that we can.”