James Montgomery, born Sunderland, England, October 9, 1943. Jim Montgomery was a goalkeeper who thrived in the most pressure-filled moments and whose commitment to Sunderland was unwavering.
Jim Montgomery’s rise to fame began early in his life. Born and raised in the football heartland of Sunderland, Montgomery’s footballing dreams revolved around the hometown club that he would eventually come to represent with unparalleled dedication. Making his debut for Sunderland at just 18 years of age against Walsall in 1961, Montgomery showed early promise. As a young and ambitious goalkeeper, he was thrown into the pressure-cooker atmosphere of professional football, and it was clear from the outset that he had the ability to rise to the challenge. His early performances were marked by agility, sharp reflexes, and a calmness under pressure that belied his years. Montgomery would go on to serve Sunderland with unwavering loyalty for 17 years, a remarkable feat in any era. His career at the club spanned from 1961 to 1978, during which time he made an incredible 627 appearances for the club, 537 of which were in the league. His total appearances remain a club record to this day, reflecting not only his talent but also his consistency and resilience. His presence between the sticks gave Sunderland a sense of security and stability that only a goalkeeper of Montgomery’s calibre could provide. Throughout the 1960s, Montgomery grew in stature, becoming a fan favourite at Roker Park. His shot-stopping ability was second to none, and he developed a reputation for pulling off spectacular saves that kept his team in games they had no right to be in. However, as the 1970s dawned, Montgomery’s finest hour was fast approaching.
Undoubtedly, Jim Montgomery’s career is best remembered for his pivotal role in Sunderland’s legendary 1973 FA Cup victory. It was a day that not only cemented Montgomery’s place in football history but also solidified his status as a Sunderland legend. The 1973 FA Cup final, held at Wembley on May 5, saw Second Division Sunderland take on the mighty Leeds United, a team that had established itself as one of the most dominant forces in English football. Leeds, the reigning FA Cup champions, were heavy favourites, and few gave Sunderland much hope of pulling off an upset. But football is a game of unpredictability, and under the stewardship of manager Bob Stokoe, Sunderland were ready to defy the odds. The match was a tense and tightly fought affair, with Sunderland taking a shock lead in the 31st minute through a goal from Ian Porterfield. As Leeds ramped up the pressure in search of an equaliser, it seemed inevitable that their relentless attacks would eventually bear fruit. However, Jim Montgomery had other ideas. His performance that day is often regarded as one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in FA Cup final history.
The moment that would define Montgomery’s career—and indeed the entire match—came midway through the second half. Leeds launched a dangerous attack, and a powerful header from Trevor Cherry seemed destined for the back of the net. Montgomery dived at full stretch, tipping the ball onto the crossbar. The danger, though, was far from over, as the rebound fell to Peter Lorimer, one of Leeds’ most prolific scorers. Lorimer’s follow-up shot was struck with venom, but somehow, Montgomery managed to fling himself across the goal to make an incredible second save, denying Lorimer and leaving Leeds stunned. This double save has since been hailed as one of the greatest in football history. Commentators and fans alike have marveled at Montgomery’s reflexes and athleticism, and the save became a defining image of the 1973 FA Cup final. Leeds were unable to find a way past the Sunderland defence, and the underdogs held on to secure a famous 1-0 victory, becoming the first Second Division side to win the FA Cup since West Bromwich Albion in 1931.
Sunderland’s triumph in the 1973 FA Cup final was a moment of unparalleled joy for the club and its supporters. It marked only the second time in their history that they had lifted the famous trophy, and it remains one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s long history. For Montgomery, the victory was the crowning achievement of his career, and his name became forever linked with that historic day at Wembley. In addition to the FA Cup success, Montgomery was instrumental in helping Sunderland secure promotion to the First Division in 1975-76. His commanding presence in goal provided the foundation for Sunderland’s rise back to the top flight, further solidifying his legendary status at the club. After 17 years of loyal service, Montgomery eventually left Sunderland in 1977. He moved to Southampton, where he made a handful of appearances before joining Birmingham City. However, it was clear that Montgomery’s heart remained with Sunderland, and after a brief stint at Nottingham Forest—where he was part of the squad that won the European Cup in 1980, though he did not feature in the final—he eventually returned to the North East.
Following his retirement as a player, Jim Montgomery remained closely connected to football. He returned to both Sunderland and Birmingham City as a goalkeeping coach, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of goalkeepers. His passion for the game and his love for Sunderland AFC never waned, and he became an ambassador for the club in later years. In recognition of his services to football, Montgomery was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s 2015 Birthday Honours List. It was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the game and whose contribution to Sunderland’s footballing history will never be forgotten. In October 2020, a mural of Jim Montgomery was unveiled in Sunderland to celebrate the 1973 FA Cup win. The mural, located on The Times Inn public house, overlooks the River Wear and serves as a lasting reminder of Montgomery’s heroics on that famous day. The tribute is a testament to the impact he had not only on Sunderland, but also on English football as a whole.