The most influential figure that Sunderland have had since the 70s

[JohnKay]

Kevin ball

Bally gets my vote too, I'm giving him it as someone who bought into the club and area 100% and stayed here. Canny player and the nicest bloke you will ever meet off the pitch.

 

[fredthefan]

Surely Bob Murray, the entire infrastructure of the club and foundation is down to him. Yes the others made impacts in their time, but Murray’s legacy may last 80 years in bricks and mortar as well as in the community for those the foundation has touched.

Agree.

 

[DisillusionedOldGit]

Love how Bob Murray has become a hero on here. He was f***ing hated for the majority of his tenure.

Yes coss he was f***ing useless .

 

[havanaman]

Murray by a mile for all the reasons stated above. Also, the question was about the most influential, not the best or most heroic. Murray oversaw 5 relegations and 5 promotions. Fcuk me that’s influence!

After that I would say - all linked to each other - Reid, Quinn, Keane and Short.

Special mention to Stokoe. If it wasn’t for that bugger me and loads of my generation possibly wouldn’t have embraced the pain and joy (mostly pain) of supporting the lads