LEGENDS' WAY

Sunderland AFC have revealed exciting plans to transform the exterior plaza of the Roker End ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Legends' Way is a new supporter landmark celebrating the club's history as a permanent tribute to players, supporters and shared memories on Wearside, completing the new matchday route from the City of Sunderland to the Stadium of Light via Keel Crossing.

As part of these plans, Sean Hedges-Quinn (the sculptor who created the original Bob Stokoe statue) is set to create a new statue of our record appearance-maker, Jimmy Montgomery. Stokoe's statue will also be reoriented to recreate the iconic image of the pair running towards each other in celebration of our 1973 FA Cup victory.

14 legend stones will also be embedded within the path following a fan vote, as supporters use their voice to honour key figures from the club’s history, from league title winners to cup heroes.

The project will also see the historic ‘Welcome to Sunderland’ sign from Roker Park installed on this side of the Stadium of Light. Backlit to create a perpetual presence across the city, the iconic message will greet the tens of thousands of fans arriving from Keel Crossing on Premier League matchdays.

Chief Business Officer, David Bruce: “Legends' Way is about celebrating our history while creating a new landmark for supporters. Connecting one of the most iconic moments in our history with a place where fans can leave their own mark on the Club felt like a fitting concept, and I must credit our historian, Rob Mason, who first suggested linking Bob Stokoe and Jimmy Montgomery many years ago. With the city developing around us, the way supporters arrive at the stadium has changed. Coming across Keel Crossing, seeing the ‘Welcome to Sunderland’ sign and arriving at the Roker End through Legends' Way will be a special experience for fans for many years to come.”

Fans will be able to purchase their own engraved stone, which will be available in a range of options:

Prices from £99 to £500

Sizes from 200mm x 100mm up to 400mm x 400mm

2–4 lines of personalised text

Up to 15 characters per line

Select stones offering the option to include a club crest design

Fans will also be able to choose where their stone sits within the development, including:

Forming part of Wembley Path

Bordering the SAFC Legend stones

Surrounding the Bob Stokoe or Jimmy Montgomery statues

Positioned as general stones across the plaza

SAFC have created a pre-sale link for supporters who are interested in getting involved.