Ha'way the Amigos

The London Branch's Jacob Kirkbride shares his story of meeting our Bilbao counterparts in Spain.

Following the lads up and down the country is a breath-taking experience, thanks to the people you meet and the memories on the pitch that you cherish. However, what about representing your country abroad despite the fact we haven’t even qualified for Europe yet? (Keep the faith lads, one day). Well, if you’re planning a holiday to España with your suitcase including at least one of your Sunderland tops, look no further than the Bilbao Black Cats and their two main lads Jonny and Lee, who are not only die-hard supporters but also tremendous tour guides with the most important ingredient (great crack).

Upon touchdown into the beautiful Basque city of northern Spain, I really didn’t know what to expect regarding the type of people me and my old man were going to meet. Did we need to practise our Spanish Lingo (which certainly isn’t the best) or did we need to gear ourselves for a big sesh with some heavy drinking radgies? As we waited in Bar Campeón & Euskallions Taldea next to Athletic Bilbao’s stunning San Mamés stadium sinking a few Amstels (which were quite stronger than what you get on our shores), we anticipated how the night would pan out. Watching on the box a trip to top of the table Leeds United had a risk of putting dampener on the evening, but there was absolutely no way we were letting that happen.

Then, as pint consumption was flowing nicely, I felt a tap on my right shoulder. Who could this be? A former player perhaps or a sociable Basque citizen who just so happened to recognise my Sunderland top. It was none other than Lee from the Spanish branch himself, on time and dressed to perfection with this season’s third retro away kit, which I will now admit is growing on me. My immediate first impressions were that this an SAFC fan who knows what he’s on about as he’s been through many ups and downs. Most memorable he mentioned must be 1998 play-off final defeat to Charlton, which he mentioned knocked the stuffing out of him mentally. After a couple more minutes crack on, along with an order of Spanish tortillas to make the Amstels go down smoother, next through the pub door was Jonny (the evening’s host). A very charismatic figure, who loved a trip down memory lane highlighting some of his favourite games down the years, most notably in the Dennis Smith era and our iconic 92 cup run.

More pints, señor? Por favor, which in Mackem would be Aye mate. Before we could think about Leeds, it was a bit of a history lesson from our lovely Lee regarding Sunderland AFC’s connection to the club from across the street, Atletico Bilbao. Reports claiming that sailors from Southampton transported red and white shirts across the water for Bilbao to play in for a friendly in the 1800s were dismissed by our lovely lads. Instead, it was believed to be Sunderland following recent research been carried out. They highlighted that it was down to Juan Arzuaga Anitua, their second honorary captain who had a spell living in the northeast at the start of the 20th century but had lots of admiration for the club’s classic red n white look.

Pints sunk, it was time to make our way to Jonny’s gaff by the generous offer of Lee’s using his motor and of course a Sunderland sticker was destined to be stuck right on it. Upon arrival we were welcomed not only crates of San Miguel and bowls of Spanish crips but also the sight of the magnificent banner pictured above.

As the game kicked and our bright start and solid game plan started working to shut out Leeds we thought that this was going to be our day, reminiscent of 1973. In that game we saw then Ian Porterfield (God rest his soul) fire us in front in the 31st minute. As the clock struck that time, we witnessed a powerful Wilson Isador capitalise on a Ballard ball over the top to shrug off his marker and fire us in front.

Was this to be a lucky omen? We bloody hoped so. As we watched the lads battle courageously for the rest of a splendid first half we thought about what could possibly go wrong. This is Sunderland AFC we are on about and it’s the hope that kills you. As we predicted that this second half may dampen moods, it was time for our banner photos, and of course I had to get me old man in who represented the pink flamenco era of the London branch.

The second half however became a sorrow situation as it certainly did turn into typical Sunderland sitting deeper and deeper trying to defend a lead which I must say they did very well at for 30 minutes. However, once Struijk’s header hit the back of the onion bag for the equaliser, me and the señors went back to a saying that we’ve heard countless times over the years. It’s the hope that lets ya down. As Struijk headed in the winner to end our good unbeaten record at Elland Road was it gonna be miserable faces? Absolutely not. Instead, what followed was the sound of cracking open more San Miguel cans and the flow of banter better than what you hear after most last-minute defeats.

From Lee and Jonny’s perspective, recruiting Sunderland fans over in España is a different sort of challenge. Their successful recruits from what we gathered have experienced passion that they just can’t find when back home. Our Wembley triumph back in 2022 saw some tanked up Spanish Mackems who had to sit in the Wycombe end with not a care in the world, ending up having one of the best days of their entire lives. Our link now between our branch and theirs is only going to get bigger. If you ever fancy a canny city break with a fair amount of sunshine and most importantly home comforts, then these are the lads to and see. Adios Bilbao, till our next meet.