This weekend’s home encounter against Millwall provides the opportunity for some familiar faces to prove a point to both clubs. But who are some of the most notable players to have featured for both? Let’s take a look.
CHARLIE HURLEY
Where else to start other than the King? As well as being voted our Player of the Century, Millwall fanzine 'The Lion Roars' voted Hurley as their best ever player in 2007. He was part of one of the most settled, and most famous, defences in Sunderland’s history, which included notable names such as Cecil Irwin, Len Ashurst, Martin Harvey and Jimmy McNab. He was one of the most loyal and brave players in English football, and stories are still told to this day of his quality. It was only fitting that on the day of Roker Park's last match, Charlie was the person who dug up the centre circle which was replanted at the SoL.
DUNCAN WATMORE
Ten years ago, Dunc made his Sunderland debut back in January of 2014, coming off the bench in what ended as a 3-1 cup victory over Carlisle United. He would go on to spend seven years at the club before agreeing a deal to join Middlesbrough following the expiry of his contract. He's been at Millwall since 2023. Very similar to his Sunderland days, Watmore likes to drive forward with the ball and can craft chances for his team by doing so. The forward has 31 appearances this season, with over half of them coming as a substitute and has four goal contributions this season.
GEORGE HONEYMAN
6/10. That was very much a thing. Another lad who came through the Sunderland academy, Honeyman stayed with his boyhood club until 2019 making just shy of 100 appearances. Unfortunately for him, he’ll be remembered as part of the squad that contributed to the worst period for Sunderland AFC. He was always consistent but never really outstanding. He popped up with some crucial goals in crucial games before eventually leaving to join Hull City in 2019. Honeyman spent three years at Hull before joining Millwall where he remains today.
AIDEN O’BRIEN
‘Brizz’ was a popular figure at Millwall having spent a large portion of his career at the club. He came through the youth ranks at Millwall before a remarkable nine year stay was ended when he made the move to Sunderland. He arrived with high hopes, a regular Championship forward joining a side in League One should have been a good match. However, it didn’t quite go to plan. O’Brien was in and out of the team during his time at the club and I’ll always remember his hat trick at Blackpool in the cup, only for him to be harshly dropped in the next fixture. AoB had a great relationship with Sunderland fans off the pitch but after only two years he was moved on to join Portsmouth, and eventually Shrewsbury where he is now.
DAN BALLARD
One of Sunderland’s best players, Dan Ballard, most recently had a loan spell with Millwall where he really made a name for himself in the EFL. Joining on loan from Arsenal, Ballard went on to be a crucial figure in the Lions’ defence. He made 31 appearances at the club before returning to his parent club Arsenal, many Millwall fans desperate for him to come back on a permanent basis. Sunderland instead swooped in to complete his permanent signing and the rest is history. A fine piece of business.
