breaking news: The new manager is coming in on……

As the search for a new manager in 2024 continues, we look back at a pivotal moment in Sunderland Association Football Club’s history on this day in 1987, when the club hit a significant low point in its 108-year existence.

During Lawrie McMenemy’s final season, local businessman Bob Murray replaced Sir Tom Cowie as chairman. The 40-year-old Murray faced immediate challenges, taking over amidst unresolved boardroom disputes and with a manager on a high salary failing to maintain the club’s Second Division status.

Following a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United in mid-April 1987, speculation surrounded McMenemy’s departure. Whether he resigned or was dismissed by the new chairman, his exit left the club needing a miracle to avoid relegation.

Murray’s first major decision was to appoint Bob Stokoe, the 1973 FA Cup-winning manager, to lead the club. Stokoe had seven games to save Sunderland’s season. Despite achieving two wins and two draws, Sunderland only secured a chance to stay in Division Two via the promotion/relegation play-offs. Unfortunately, a two-goal lead squandered against Barnsley on the final day and a play-off defeat to Gillingham on away goals resulted in relegation to the third tier of English football.

With the club at a new low, Stokoe announced he would step down once the season ended, leaving Murray to find a manager who could promptly elevate Sunderland from Division Three. Failure to make the right choice could have exacerbated the club’s financial struggles and prolonged their lower league status.

Thirteen days after the play-off loss to Gillingham, Murray finalized a deal with York City to appoint Denis Smith as the new manager at Roker Park. The 39-year-old former Stoke City defender had led York City for five years, transforming them from a struggling Division Four team to promotion contenders in Division Three, with notable FA Cup performances against Arsenal and Liverpool.

Negotiations were delayed by a compensation demand from York City chairman Michael Sinclair. Eventually, a £20,000 compensation package was agreed upon, with Smith assuring Murray that he would cover the cost himself if he failed to secure promotion in his first season.

Nearly two years after McMenemy took over, Smith emphasized his ambition and commitment to revitalizing Sunderland.