Page 2 of 2

"The good thing about Stokoe was that he was very media-friendly and let us travel down on the coach with the players, stay in the same hotel and even celebrate with them the night of the win."

The next few years were up and down with relegations and promotions a-plenty.

In 1980, his colleague who covered Newcastle United retired, so he took over the responsibility of covering both North-East clubs playing at home.

And in 1985, he returned to taking the long away trips with the team.

Today Frank is very philosophical about the game and the way things have gone.

"Football is much more of a business today, and although Sunderland have got this fantastic new ground with 48,000 fans coming in to see them - I preferred the old days when the emphasis was more on individual skills and not just winning," he said.

Frank has certainly seen some greats, with legendary centre-half Len Shackleton and striker Brain Clough are two of his favourites, while today Kevin Phillips is the player who continues to excite him.

After 43 years covering one club a big hole will be left in his life, but Frank has already got plans to fill it.

"I'm going to step up the fishing which I love, and I am also renovating the family cottage on the Scottish border.

"I have started an apple orchard up there and things are going very nicely. And I will also continue to do a bit of athletics coverage.

"It's been a great career and I'll miss a lot of the faces at the club, but its time to move on and let someone else have a go."

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk