Death announced of SAFC historian

The death has been announced of Billy Simmons, author of the first ever complete history of Sunderland AFC.

Mr Simmons, 87, passed away in Sunderland Royal Hospital on Saturday 16th August. He was the author of the book "The History of Sunderland AFC", which was revised in 1995.

A lifelong, devoted Sunderland supporter, Mr Simmons had attended almost every Sunderland home and away match since childhood, and until 1996 had served as transport officer for the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Club for around thirty years.

George Forster, chairman on the Supporters' Club, told the Sunderland Echo, "Billy never missed an away game, and helped organise the trips for fans to attend many momentous occasions, including the 1973 and 1992 FA Cup finals.

"He was absolutely fanatical about Sunderland and had an amazing memory. He could recount the scores of all the games he went to. It was astounding.

"Loads of people will remember him from working at the supporters' shop in Roker Baths Road next to the old Roker Park.

"He used to walk to the shop from his home in Hylton Castle, come rain or shine. He was devoted to Sunderland AFC and the supporters' club"

Mr Simmons is survived by his daughter, Valerie.