SUNDERLAND LEGEND PORTERFIELD DIES

Goal.com, Switzerland
11/09/2007 23:15

Sunderland’s FA Cup hero Ian Porterfield has died of colon cancer at
the age of 61.

Porterfield was best known for hitting the winning goal for Second
Division Sunderland in the 1973 FA Cup final against Leeds United.

The result went down as one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history
as Leeds were one of the dominant teams of the age, winning the
competition the year before.

Sunderland were rank outsiders, being from outside the top-flight.

Porterfield grabbed the only goal of the game after 31 minutes,
volleying home from close range with his weaker right foot.

After a successful playing career Porterfield then went into
management. His list of clubs included Rotherham United, Sheffield
United, Aberdeen, Reading and Chelsea.

Having enjoyed mixed fortunes in British football Porterfield
went overseas, managing the likes of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Saudi
Arabia. His most recent appointment was for the top job with the
Armenian national team.

With Armenia Porterfield almost pulled off another underdog story,
drawing 1-1 with Portugal less than a month ago.

The fact that the Sunderland hero kept on working throughout his
battle with colon cancer was enough to gain the respect of football
fans the world over.

Porterfield’s widow Glenda said: "He may have been a football man
all his life, but I know him best as a wonderful human being who was
liked by everyone he came in contact with.

"Just over two weeks ago, we flew to Armenia for the Portugal game
and I’ll always remember what happened at the open training session
at the stadium on the day before the game.

"The stadium was packed to see all the Portuguese stars like Ronaldo,
Deco and the rest, but when Ian walked out, they all stood up and
shouted his name. It was very moving."

Porterfield holds the honour of being the last person to succeed Sir
Alex Ferguson in a job, when he took over at Aberdeen in 1986.

"His death so young is a tragedy for his family and for football,"
Ferguson said.

"It isn’t long ago when he was coaching in Korea that I spoke with
him with the intention of getting a few young players over to United.

"I played against him when he was with Raith Rovers.

He was an exceptional footballer, blessed with a lot of natural
talent."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress