If that sentiment is true and we change it to “Once a Poolie, Always a Poolie”, then there would be quite a few famous contenders for honorary membership – not least the legendary Bobby Kerr. “The Little General” is, of course, best known for leading Sunderland to a shock F.A. Cup win against Leeds United in 1973 but, what is perhaps less well documented, is the fact he played almost 50 games for Hartlepool United towards the twilight of his career – even chipping in a couple of goals for good measure.
All of which leads me to share the news that Bobby Kerr is nowadays, tragically, living with dementia. The midfielder, who gave Sunderland fans so many lasting memories and who was on the books at Pools for a couple of seasons, is now confronted with the fact that his own memory is fading. All credit, then, to The Fans Museum, in Sunderland, for establishing The Bobby Kerr Dementia Centre in honour of one of their own. This will become a valuable resource for families there who will need a bit of extra support.
Every so often, we are reminded that there are more important things in life than football. Forasmuch as we love the game with a passion, sometimes we are reminded to set club loyalties aside (Sunderland/Hartlepool United) for the sake of matters that take priority. The Bobby Kerr Dementia Centre is one such example, and I make no apology for mentioning it here out of respect for one of the North East’s most memorable footballing heroes.
- The Bobby Kerr Dementia Centre, Sunderland Fans Museum, Northern Gateway, Sunderland. SR5 1AP
Author: Stephen
Author of Poxon's Pools