Micky Horswill, a former Sunderland midfielder and member of the club’s 1973 FA Cup-winning team, recently reflected on Sunderland’s return to European competition following their victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. Horswill, 73, who began his connection with Sunderland as a schoolboy in County Durham, was among the crowd at the Stadium of Light but was the only long-time supporter not celebrating when Enzo Le Fee scored the winning penalty against the Dutch side.

Le Fee’s goal marked Sunderland’s first European score in 53 years, ending Horswill’s long-held status as the club’s last European scorer. Horswill netted the decisive goal in a 2-1 first-leg victory over Sporting Lisbon in the second round of the European Cup Winners’ Cup at Roker Park in October 1970. Despite that win, Sunderland ultimately lost the tie.

Reacting to the recent goal, Horswill described a sense of disappointment at no longer holding the record. “I was gutted when he scored. I thought if we dropped that game, maybe we could qualify next year,” Horswill said. He recounted thinking he might maintain some form of distinction if Alkmaar’s Kevin Danso had scored, but Danso missed his opportunity. “Then Sunderland scored again, and I thought, ‘Oh God, one goal is going to go now,’ but then Le Fee scored again.”

Horswill’s long-standing affection for Sunderland reflects his deep roots in the club, where his career started at a young age and where he experienced one of the team’s most celebrated moments. His reflections underscore the emotional significance of Sunderland’s recent European campaign as the club seeks to build a new legacy in continental competition after decades away.