The Gunning Hawk is thrilled to bring you a second exclusive interview after Robin Bailey’s interview on media training. Today, we are joined by Arsenal legend Alan Sunderland who made the headlines in 1979 after scoring the Gunners’ winning goal in the F.A. Cup final against Manchester United, one of the most memorable scenes in Arsenal’s history.

Born in Conisbrough, Yorkshire, Alan began his career at Wolves as an apprentice in 1971; initially a midfielder, he eventually switched positions to centre forward. Having joined Arsenal in 1977, he immediately became a regular, playing in the 1978 FA Cup Final (which Arsenal lost to Ipswich Town) and spending five years with the side.


1. An easy one to start with – how did it feel when you scored that famous 3-2 winner over Manchester United in the 1979 F.A. Cup final?

Well it’s difficult to describe exactly because it’s every schoolboy’s dream and fantasy to score the winning goal in a cup final, especially at Wembley in front of 100,000 or more. When it comes in the last minute of such an exciting finale to the game it even increases the intensity because you are sure(or as near as possible) that its the winner!!

Alan Sunderland

It seems to be easier to start with as a youngster since when I joined Wolves as a 16-year old we all had physical jobs to do before we started training! These jobs were such as sweeping the terraces(after a home game), scrubbing the dressing rooms and floors and bathrooms as well as cleaning the boots(all the boots) of the professionals you were assigned to! These jobs had to be done before and after training! Today I think the youngsters have it a little easier in that regard but it is probably even more competitive to make the grade as is being proved at the Arsenal youth academy! Once you make the grade however its a great life while it lasts – however sometimes injury can cut you down in your prime and at a relatively young age!! You must make the best of it while you can!!


3. Who were the best players you played with and against while at Arsenal?

Liam Brady, Alan Hudson, Frank Stapleton, David O’Leary, Pat Jennings, Graham Rix etc etc. Against – Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Peter Shilton, Ray Clemence, Alan Hansen, etc. etc. I was also fortunate enough to play against Georg Best and Bobby Charlton but that was before I joined Arsenal!!


4. Do you believe Arsenal are still in the title race, despite trailing Manchester United by virtually 9 points?

I do but they can’t really afford to drop many more points and they need to have a storming finish – but it’s possible since they should have Fabregas, Walcott, Eduardo and Rosicky back soon hopefully(all big players)!!


5. Who is your favourite Arsenal player of this season?

With injuries and some patchy form it’s difficult to say this season so far but I’m looking forward to seeing these 4 injured players coming back and giving everyone a lift!!


6. And your all-time favourite Arsenal player?

It would have to be Thierry Henry!


7. Platini believes Wenger is damaging football with his youth policy. Do you agree or shall Arsene join Chelsea and Manchester City in their spending spree?

I think monsieur Platini needs to think a little more before he speaks!!


8. And about the fact that we have very little Englishmen in the side, such as the team who started against Pompey, all foreigners?

I would like to see more English players and maybe we have some good ones coming through now who will make the top grade! It’s difficult to criticise Arsene Wenger though I think!!


9. On a similar note, results say it was a very good move, but what is your opinion on England being coached by a foreigner yet again?

I was happy when they appointed him and even happier now! He’s a real professional and won’t stand for any nonsense – which is what is needed sometimes with big players! He does things his way regardless of what other people say and won’t bow down to the press, which was exactly what was needed also! He is definitely the right man for the job!


We would like to thank Mr. Sunderland for kindly accepting to answer our questions and let’s hope his prediction of a fantastic season finale with the comeback of the injured players will be just as he wished for.