Jimmy Montgomery reveals he is undergoing cancer treatment at the Sir Bobby Robson foundation

Sunderland legend Jimmy Montgomery has revealed he is undergoing cancer treatment at the Sir Bobby Robson foundation’s centre.

Montgomery, now 80 years old, is one of the most revered players in the history of SAFC, being the club’s record appearance holder and part of the 1973 FA Cup team where he made a legendary double save to seal the victory. He is ultimately the number one goalkeeper in the club’s entire history as such.

The Sir Bobby Robson foundation is a cancer research charity based in Gateshead. Robson, also a revered figure in North East football, passed away from a rebound of the illness in 2009.

He quoted: “Until a couple of weeks ago, I was taking part in a clinical trial of a new cancer drug at the Sir Bobby Robson Centre. My recent CT scan showed it wasn’t working as they’d hoped but, thankfully, I have a number of other treatment options available and I’d very happily go back on a trial when something else becomes available.

“Clinical trials are so important for us all. If other people hadn’t put their names down to trial drugs, then cancer treatment that’s standard today just wouldn’t exist.

“The trial I took part in at the Sir Bobby Centre didn’t work for me but it will work for someone, and I’ve always had the view that if it doesn’t help me then it will help someone else.”

However, he is also in good spirits and is looking forwards to the upcoming Derby game. He added: “The thing I remember most about that win at Wembley was the atmosphere when we walked out. I can’t put it into words. There was just a mass of red and white ahead of us when we came out of the tunnel and it made the hairs on your body tingle. That’s what gave us the strength to go on and achieve what we did that day. You’ve got to have support, whether that’s The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation or in football.

“We haven’t had a derby for a good while and Sunderland’s got a good track record. Obviously, Newcastle are the Premier League club but in 1973 we were the underdogs, so who knows what could happen. And we’ve got a great set of lads and some wonderful footballers.

“Bob Moncur is my guest for the game and, as he was the last man to lift a cup for Newcastle, I’m sure we’ll have some laughs on the day!”