Club Honours All Time Great - King Charlie

Sunderland AFC and Republic of Ireland legend Charlie Hurley recently celebrated his 70th birthday and in honour of the milestone Chairman Niall Quinn has announced that the ‘Chairman’s Suite’ at the Stadium of Light is to be re-named ‘The Charlie Hurley Suite.’

Charlie, who like Black Cats boss Roy Keane, was born in Cork, made 400 appearances for Sunderland from 1957 – 1969. He was voted the Clubs’ ‘Player of the Century’ in a fans poll and still retains legendary status amongst the Wearside faithful.

Sunderland AFC chairman Niall Quinn said: “Charlie Hurley still has such an influence on this football club it’s incredible. Most of my investors (the Drumaville consortium) are here because as younger men Charlie was a big part of their lives. The hold he has over the region and its football is immense and it’s getting stronger as he gets older.”

Manager Roy Keane added: “Charlie was well known in the Cork area and he’s a vital part of the history of this club. I’m looking forward to meeting him and he deserves all the plaudits he gets.”

Charlie will attend Sunderland’s match tomorrow evening as the Black Cats take on top-of-the-table side Cardiff City. He will be introduced to the Stadium of Light crowd on the pitch at half-time.

Tickets are still on sale for the game, which kicks off at 7:45pm, priced from £8 for juniors and £19 for adults. Sunderland are now unbeaten in their four home games and manager Roy Keane praised the fans for playing their part: “Our supporters have a vital role to play and they have been outstanding both home and away.

“There’s always a special atmosphere at night matches and I hope our fans come out in numbers to get behind the team.


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