Sitting on a train to Liverpool in January 1959, little did the 18-year-old Frank Johnson realise it was the start of a footballing love affair which would last 43 years.

The Northern Echo's cub reporter had been drafted in to cover his beloved Sunderland play Everton in the FA Cup, because of illness to the chief sports reporter.

It would be an inauspicious start to his sports reporting career - his team losing 4-0 - but it was the start of a journey which would see great highs and lows.

Frank, (62), is set to cover his last Sunderland match on May 11, because after watching countless games and players through the years he has decided to call it a day.

After joining the Northern Echo from school, Frank worked in its various regional offices covering news, but after getting a taste for sports reporting he was determined to follow it through.

The following year chief sports reporter Charlie Reynolds, a great mentor to Frank, died very suddenly and Frank through his hat in the ring, determined not to let Charlie down.

Frank said: "I was only 20 when I got the job and a lot of people raised their eyebrows when they saw Charlie's successor - but I knew I could prove them wrong."

Over the next few months Frank made the role his own, striking up friendships with players and staff alike, and was the first reporter to cover Sunderland home and away.

Frank said: "In those days press got to travel with the players which was great as you got a real insight into the team and the management."

He witnessed the club's return to the top division in 1964.

And in 1973, his and the club's finest hour came when Sunderland beat Leeds in the FA Cup Final managed by the legendary Bob Stokoe.

Frank said: "That was a fantastic day, which I will never forget, the town was like a cemetery that day until 4.45pm when they came out and danced in the streets.

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