New members

The Sunderland Former Players Association always welcomes new members and we’re delighted to announce five new members.

Former youth and reserve teamers Ian Harrison and John Leadbitter and former first team wingers Matt Piper and Neil Wainwright have joined up along with Jimmy Hamilton.

Now 59 Jimmy is the youngest goal-scorer in Sunderland’s long history. He is also the youngest outfield player ever to appear for the first team, only Derek Forster was younger when he played in goal on the first day of the 1964-65 season. Jimmy was just 16 years and 103 days old when he came on as sub against Preston North End in the second division in September 1971. He only went and headed a last minute winner in a 4-3 win!

Jim went on to play for Plymouth, Bristol Rovers and have over 150 games for Carlisle. He also played in Australia and in Scotland with Gretna and Queen of the South. These days Jim still lives and works in Dumfries.

Maurice Hepworth travelled to Carlisle to meet Jim and sign him up to the Association.