Wayne Doran

I Wish You Were Here #1 ❤️ Jack Shields was Sunderland crazy. He followed the Lads home and away, travelling the length and breadth of the country and rarely missing a game. Football was a huge part of Jack’s life. He loved talking about the game, particularly anything Sunderland-related, and he even did a weekly podcast where he could share his thoughts and opinions. Through the darkest days, including the double relegation, Jack always remained positive. He never stopped believing that we would get back to where we belonged - the Premier League. Tragically, Jack passed away just hours after returning home from our final away game of 2024. He never got to see Sunderland promoted back to the Premier League the following season. I can only imagine how delighted he would have been. To see the Lads back in the Premier League, the incredible progress the club has made, and now to be competing in the Europa League - more than 50 years since Sunderland last played in European competition - would have meant absolutely everything to him. It breaks my heart that Jack isn't here to share these moments with us. I know just how much he would have loved every second of it. But I like to think that, on Wednesday night, he'll have the best seat in the house - looking down on the Lads and cheering them on, just as he always did. And if he could send us a little bit of luck from up there, we certainly wouldn't say no. We’ll be thinking of you every step of the way, Jack. Love,
Mam x