Our Writers Pick Their Favourite Sunderland Winger Of All Time!
Who’s the best wide man to have worn the red and white stripes? Our writers have their say…
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Nicky Summerbee of Sunderland running during the League Division One match between Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers at Stadium Of Light on March 20, 1999 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Mark Liley/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images Calum Mills says… We’ve had some absolute belters over the years so this is a tough one, but my favourite is Allan ‘Magic’ Johnston. He’s the first winger I can remember in a Sunderland shirt and although he left under a bit of a cloud, I only have good memories of watching him.
He was brilliant in our 105-point, title-winning promotion season under Reidy. An ever-present in the team, he ran defenders ragged, loved a step over and had a penchant for finding the top corner. It was a shame we never saw him playing for Sunderland in the Premier League!
Ewan Bowman says… For me, it can only be one man: Nicky Summerbee. A hugely vital player in the Peter Reid era, his crossing ability was up there with the best players in the country, consistently picking out the likes of Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips in the box. People compared his crossing ability to David Beckham and I actually agree with the statement.
He never had to beat a man to get a cross into the box — Summerbee turned this into an art. A fantastic player during a successful era for our club. John Wilson says… I’ve seen some magical wingers during my six decades of watching the Lads, so sometimes choices like this are akin to choosing a favourite child, or a favourite album or song.