Sunderland fans pick all-time European side as Europa League draw nears | OneFootball

Sunderland supporters have picked an all-time side for European football as the club looks ahead to a Europa League campaign. According to Sunderland Echo, fans responded via its Wearside Echoes nostalgia Facebook page to select a squad from any era.

The UEFA Europa League draw is on Friday, 28 August, which will confirm Sunderland’s eight league-phase opponents.

In goal, Jimmy Montgomery topped the nominations, his 1973 FA Cup Final double save still etched in memory. Some voters also put forward Robin Roefs and Shay Given.

Colin Todd earned a defender’s berth after 173 appearances for Sunderland, 293 for Derby and 27 for England.

Charlie Hurley, The King, remained a popular choice after 402 Sunderland appearances between 1957 and 1969.

Dave Watson was another pick, a commanding centre half and a one-time centre forward who played 177 times for Sunderland and 65 times for England. He also scored a bullet header against Luton in the 1973 FA Cup run.

Source: Sunderland Echo