Jimmy Montgomery, the legendary Sunderland goalkeeper, recently reflected on the club’s only European campaign, which followed their historic 1973 FA Cup triumph. Now 82, Montgomery remains closely connected to Sunderland, where a stand at the Stadium of Light bears his name and this season’s goalkeeping kits feature his signature and an outline of his iconic Wembley save.

Following Sunderland’s victory in the FA Cup final, the club qualified for the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup, marking their first and to date last entry into European competition. Montgomery recalled the opening round tie against Vasas Budapest, describing the journey behind the Iron Curtain as arduous and the squad’s preparation as modest compared to today’s standards. “We had our manager Bob Stokoe, his assistant, and maybe the club secretary. That was it,” Montgomery said. Despite limited scouting and logistical support, Sunderland won both legs 2-0.

Their run ended in the second round against Sporting Lisbon. Montgomery described the match as unusual, particularly due to tactics employed by the Portuguese side, including deliberate time-wasting with ball boys involved, which went unpunished by the referee. “I have never seen anything like it before or since,” he said.

Montgomery made a club-record 627 appearances during an 18-year playing career at Sunderland. Beginning as a local youth who swept terraces and painted seats at Roker Park, he later served the club as a goalkeeping coach, including at their centre of excellence. He acknowledged facing setbacks when successive managers brought changes that led to his dismissal on several occasions, but he was repeatedly invited back to contribute.

In recent years, Montgomery has remained a valued presence around Sunderland’s training ground, offering advice to current goalkeeper Robin Roefs. He expressed a traditional view on goalkeeping, favoring a more direct approach over playing out from the back, a tactic used by modern keepers that sometimes unsettles him. Citing the recent performance of Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya as an example of someone commanding the defense, Montgomery praised such authority while criticizing the general style of play and physicality in today’s football. “We never grappled like that,” he remarked about the robust challenges players faced in his era.

Montgomery concludes with a reflection on his well-known 1973 Wembley save, captured in a celebrated black-and-white photograph. The save, which denied a powerful shot by Peter Lorimer of Leeds United, has become an enduring symbol of Sunderland’s FA Cup success. While Montgomery jokes he wishes he had caught the initial shot to avoid spending his life discussing the follow-up, he acknowledges the moment’s lasting significance to fans.

He also spoke fondly of his time at Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough toward the end of his career, where he was part of the squad that won the European Cup in 1980, although he did not play in the final.

Montgomery’s career and legacy remain deeply intertwined with Sunderland’s history, from local boy to club icon and mentor, embodying the enduring spirit of Wearside football.