Amazingly almost 150 fans attended and as the minimum number required by Sunderland Association Football Club was 50 members, the Consett and District Sunderland Supporters Association was formed.

Stewart’s dream was for the people of Consett to travel to all home and away games using comfortable, reliable and affordable transport.

Those in attendance shared his dream, a branch was born and officials were duly elected.

Prior to the formation of the Branch, travel to home games was by car and travel to away games was by car, transit van (no seating in the back) or on rare occasions a non-luxury coach. The forming of the Branch meant transport would be available from Consett to every home game and transport would be organised for away games where numbers dictated.

Our first away game was an FA Cup tie against Manchester United in January 1996 and 74 fans congregated outside "The Demi" in excited anticipation. The need for a two tiered coach meant the Consett Branch was well and truly on the road.

One mans dream had been realised and thanks should go to Gillingham Coaches who have been with us from day one.

Over the years we have held Player of the Year Awards that have been attended by some of Sunderland’s best players including Niall Quinn, Kevin Ball, Craig Russell, Alec Chamberlain, Kevin Philips, Michael Gray, Thomas Sorenson and not forgetting the legend that is Samson the Cat.

Former Chairman and Consett lad Bob Murray has also honoured us with his presence. On two occasions he has kindly arranged for the Championship trophy to be bought to the town where our members have been able to “lift the cup" and have their pictures taken.

We have had many memorable moments on our travels around the country supporting Sunderland AFC. 

We have enjoyed fire alarms in London hotels, seen promotion winning days at such exotic places as Bury and spent two hours in the company of Ant and Dec in a London bar.

We now have an established network of pubs and clubs that we use for away games and are welcomed back year after year because of our friendliness. 

We have held many fund raising events throughout the years raising money for local charities. 

Our main event is the Annual Family Barbecue held at Shotley Bridge Cricket Club which regularly attracts over 200 people. This event has become real “must be seen at event” for Consett Sunderland Supporters old and new, their families and friends.  

Parties have been arranged at Christmas and at the end of season and in addition we have held race nights, fancy dress parties and Stars in Their Eyes nights.

Over the years we have become a Branch that has gone from strength to strength, a branch that has celebrated the “Ups” and survived the “Downs”. 

We have witnessed the transfer from our established home of Roker Park to the highly impressive Stadium of Light. Experienced three promotions, five relegations and lost the most exciting game the Old Wembley ever seen, losing the 1998 Play Off Final to Charlton on penalties. There must be something about Wembley, penalty shootouts and Charlton.

We have a flagstone on the Walk of Fame at the Stadium of Light and a section of steel (made in and stamped with Consett Iron Company) from the girders of Roker Park to ensure that Consett SAFC Supporters Association is forever linked to our beloved football club.