Bob Stokoe

Bob Stokoe (1930 - February 1, 2004) was a footballer and a manager who managed, almost uniquely, to transcend the traditional North-East rivalry between the region's footballing giants, Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Bob Stokoe was born in Mickley, Northumberland, and began his footballing career at Newcastle United, playing the first of 288 games, usually as Centre-Half, on Christmas Day 1950. The highlight of his time at Newcastle must be the 3-1 F.A Cup victory over Manchester City in 1955. After leaving Newcastle, Stokoe spent a short time playing for Hartlepool United before making the move into management.

Stokoe took the manager's post at Bury from 1961-1965 before moving south to take charge at Charlton Athletic from 1965-1967. There then followed three separate spells at Carlisle United (1968-1970, 1980-1983, and 1985-1986).

Between spells at Carlisle, Stokoe managed Blackpool from 1970-1972 before taking the post for which he will be best remembered. Stokoe took over Sunderland in 1972 and led them to their first F.A. Cup win since 1937.

In 1973 Stokoe took a Second Division Sunderland side to Wembley and defeated the powerful Leeds United team packed with international players. He followed up on their win by taking the Second Division title in the 1975-1976 season, before moving to manage Rochdale in 1979 before returning to Carlisle.