Two minutes' silence for "Messiah"

Sunderland AFC today paid tribute to former manager Bob Stokoe who sadly
passed away on Sunday.

Flags at the Stadium of Light are flying at half-mast and Sunderland
will hold two minutes silence before the Club's next home game against
Birmingham City to allow all Sunderland fans to pay tribute to this
Sunderland legend. The Club feels it is especially fitting to pay
tribute to Bob at an FA Cup tie following his success in this
competition in 73.

Any supporter wanting to lay floral tributes can do so either now or on
the day of the game by laying them outside of the main reception of the
Stadium of Light.

Bob will be remembered by all Sunderland fans and Chairman Bob Murray
spoke yesterday saying:

"It is very sad news. Bob was a total friend to me and the Club.

"He had a great love for Sunderland and a fondness of his time here. He
was proud of his achievements in his career at Newcastle but this club
was in his heart.

"He had been very poorly for some time now and I know he missed his
wife, Joan, since she passed away.

"The 1973 FA Cup win is the club's greatest achievement in living
memory. It's a very sad day."

Bob was labelled the "the messiah" by fans soon after taking over as
Sunderland manager in 1972. The team were third bottom of the second
division and, after only a few months in charge, Bob lead the team to a
historic FA Cup win over Leeds at Wembley in 1973. He went onto manage
Sunderland until 1976 and he also managed for a brief two month spell in
1987 following the departure of Lawrie McMenemy.

Sunderland AFC traditionally observe a moments silence at the last home
game of every year in memory of former Sunderland players and loyal fans
who have passed away. The Club feel that supporters would welcome the
opportunity to pay their respects for Bob Stokoe at this time and for
this reason will hold a special two minute silence.