Roker Rapport Podcast: With former SAFC Captain, Coach and Assistant Manager - Paul Bracewell!

Chris Wynn had the opportunity to chat with Brace (while he was waiting for some football to resume) looking back at his three stints at the club as a player through the 80s and 90s and his years behind the scenes! You can listen for FREE on Acast, iTunes, Spotify, & YouTube - get stuck in!

What are we talking about?

• Back to the beginning: Joining the club under Alan Durban in 1983 as a young player on the up, and his thoughts on Alan and his vision as a manager.

• Leaving us (the first time) to head to glory at Everton alongside Reidy in midfield in that incredible Toffees side of the mid 80s;

• The injury - resulting from a typically hefty Billy Whitehurst challenge - that dogged his playing career, forced him to change his style of play and amplified his fixation with playing at all costs, any way he could;

• Returning to Sunderland again under Denis Smith and the ride the Lads went on over that period;

• His issues with the Sunderland boards decision to give him just a year’s contract that led to his move to Newcastle under Keegan;

• His return again under Peter Reid as a player/Assistant manager and their title winning season together;

• His decision to chase more playing time at Fulham; Did Reidy understand why he felt he had to leave when he did?

• Paul's return to Sunderland.. Again.. This time working at the Academy of Light before being moved up to First Team Coach and then Assistant Manager for Dick Advocaat and Big Sam in their rescue mission seasons in the Prem;

• His disappointment over the way it all ended as we finally dropped from the top flight under David Moyes; Did Sam leaving the way he did seriously impact the lads behind the scenes?

• His role now as an Elite Development Coach and consultant for Spurs and Grow Football, and his hopes for Sunderland to regain their place as a top side as soon as possible;

• Rushing off to watch the footy...

Can’t understate how important this man has been for Sunderland over his 30+ year association with the club. A fantastic player, professional, captain, and coach.

Been a hell of a ride for Brace!

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