Dick Malone occupies a special place in Sunderland’s history, particularly for his unsung yet pivotal role in their historic 1-0 victory against overwhelming favourites Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup Final.

PART ONE

Dick Malone’s footballing days began with Ayr United, where he made 163 Scottish Football League appearances and, remarkably for a full-back, found the net 20 times. In particular, his name entered the record books as the only full-back of his time to score a hat-trick, an achievement that, while unconventional, hinted at an attacking flair that would later be reined in for the sake of defensive discipline. Nevertheless, his performances caught the eye of English scouts, and in October 1970, Division Two Sunderland secured his signature.

At Roker Park, Malone quickly established himself as a dependable and hard-tackling right-back, a player who relished the physical side of the game but also possessed a tactical awareness that allowed him to nullify opposition wingers. Consequently, when Bob Stokoe´s Sunderland embarked on their famous FA Cup run in the 1972-73 campaign, Malone was an indispensable part of the squad, his defensive tenacity playing a key role in their fairytale journey to Wembley. And when the big day arrived, he did not disappoint.

Leeds United were massive favourites, boasting a team packed with household names and a reputation for winning by any means necessary. However, what they had not accounted for was a Sunderland side that simply refused to be intimidated. Malone, in particular, put in an inspired performance, stifling the attacking threat of fellow Scot Eddie Gray and ensuring that the Leeds forward line found little joy down his flank. Moreover, his contribution was not purely defensive; he surged forward when required, offering an outlet on the right and providing balance to Sunderland’s play. In the end, Ian Porterfield’s goal sealed an improbable 1-0 win, and the image of Jim Montgomery’s miraculous double save remains etched in FA Cup folklore.

PART TWO

Following his Wembley heroics, Malone remained a fixture in the Sunderland side, making a total of 236 League appearances and chipping in with two goals. However, as is often the case in football, time eventually caught up with him, at the start of the 1977-78 season, he moved on to Hartlepool United. Though his spell at the club was brief—just 36 Fourth Division matches and two goals—his experience proved invaluable, and by November 1978, he was on the move again, this time to recently relegated Division Three outfit Blackpool.

At Bloomfield Road, Dick Malone continued to be a steady presence, accumulating 49 League appearances and scoring once, yet his time on the Lancashire coast ended rather unceremoniously when newly appointed player-manager Alan Ball decided to cancel his contract at the end of the 1979-80 campaign.

However, rather than fade into obscurity, Malone opted for one final adventure, returning to Scotland to join Queen of the South. There, his influence helped the club secure promotion from the Scottish Second Division in the 1980-81 campaign, proving that even in the twilight of his soccer career, he remained a winner. A short stint with Gateshead in Non-League football followed before he ultimately hung up his boots.