They don’t make them like they used to: Remembering Charlie Hurley, SAFC’s Player of the Century

The history of Sunderland A.F.C has always been a rollercoaster of emotions. There are few clubs in English football that have experienced such great highs and triumphs, but also agonising lows simultaneously. It is precisely these up and downs, and the struggles throughout we have experienced as a fanbase that has forged our bonds with SAFC and more importantly, the people brought us those sacred and happy memories. Club legends become a part of our identity, and symbols of the community.

Thus, when you see the faces of Peter Reid, Kevin Phillips, Kevin Ball, Gary Bennett, Jimmy Montgomery, amongst numerous others still active meeting fans, it becomes a warm moment that fills you with pride. We realise just how much we love these people and the gratitude we still have for their service. It is sad of course, that no legend can last forever, and yesterday the news broke that Charlie Hurley passed away. As you’ve already read numerous times, Hurley was voted as the SAFC “Player of the Century”- with over 400 games for SAFC from 1957-1969, he bore the nickname “The King” and was a solid fan favourite.

Apart from the oldest generations, there aren’t too many of us left who will remember his tenure at SAFC, yet it is of course a statement to this club and his fanbase that even the youngest know his legend, and revere him so deeply for the service he gave to SAFC and the icon he became. It is ironic in a way that his stint at the club begun in a “typical Sunderland” manner, having faced a disastrous 7-0 defeat at Blackpool and then a 6-0 defeat at Burnley. Yet he, and like us, overcame those dark moments and persevered to leave a great legacy.

It is now of course, our responsibility as fans to ensure the legend of Charlie Hurley lives on forever. Like other great faces in this club’s history who are no longer with us, such as Raich Carter, Bob Stokoe, Ian Porterfield, amongst others, it is essential that he is “immortalised”. Measures that should be contemplated for him include renaming a stand at the Stadium of Light, or even another statue at a suitable location. Either way, it should be known they just don’t make them like Charlie Hurley anymore. He’s an all-time SAFC legend, and while other heroes may arise over the years, he will always hold that special, unique niche.