16 Facts About Bob Stokoe

Robert Stokoe was an English footballer and manager who was able, almost uniquely, to transcend the traditional north-east animosity between the region's footballing rivals, Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Bob Stokoe took the post of player-manager at Bury in December 1961 which, at 31 years of age, made him the second-youngest manager in the Football League.

Bob Stokoe retired from playing in 1964, staying on as manager for another year after which he moved south to take charge at Charlton Athletic from 1965 to 1967.

Bob Stokoe was manager of Rochdale from 1967 to 1968, followed by three separate spells at Carlisle United.

Between spells at Carlisle, Bob Stokoe managed Blackpool from 1970 to 1972.

Bob Stokoe was initially approached by the club in the summer of 1969, after the departure of Stan Mortensen.

Bob Stokoe agreed to sell Tony Green to his old club, Newcastle, bringing striker Keith Dyson in the opposite direction.

Bob Stokoe had been lured back to his native north-east by Sunderland.

Bob Stokoe took over as manager of Sunderland on 29 November 1972 when they were fourth from bottom of the Second Division table after a run of just four wins in 18 games.

Just six months later, on 5 May 1973, having already beaten Manchester City and Arsenal on their way to the FA Cup final, Bob Stokoe took the Second Division club to Wembley and defeated the cup holders Leeds United to secure Sunderland's first FA Cup title since 1937.

Bob Stokoe is remembered for his impromptu jubilant run down the pitch at the end of the game, complete in Mackintosh and his trilby hat, to celebrate the victory with Montgomery.

Bob Stokoe tendered his resignation the following season after they struggled in the First Division with a start of nine straight games without a victory.

In May 1978, Bob Stokoe returned to Blackpool with the club in dire straits.

Bob Stokoe resigned in 1985, only to be reappointed and resign again seven months later.

Bob Stokoe's contract was not renewed and he retired from football.

Such was Bob Stokoe's standing that we can see Sunderland and Newcastle here together today to celebrate his life.