With Sunderland playing Preston North End on Saturday, we thought it was the perfect time to sit down with former SAFC commentator and PNE fan Simon Crabtree - not only to preview the game, but to look back at his favourite moments covering Sunderland...
What was it like commentating on SAFC for all those years?
So much fun! It was such a great time and an honour to have the opportunity. I never took it for granted and always did my best to describe not just what we could see but also try and give a sense of what we were all feeling, emotionally, at the games. Maybe I got a little bit carried away sometimes. But that was because I genuinely loved it. I hope it came across through the radio how much we cared what we were doing.
You've got so many iconic moments as a commentator, which one is your favourite?
The “Tony Blair" end to the match when we won 2-1 at their place was a game changer for me. It’s amazing that all these years later (more than 22 in fact) that anyone still talks about it. The fact that anyone does is brilliant but it was about the moment rather than the commentary - I was just lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time.
Do any other particular games or specific memories stand out?
Loads! But now you’ve asked me, my favourites are probably more related to the Sunderland fans than moments in matches! Things like Elvis running onto the pitch at Bradford City, or the sea of red and white shirts that made Oakwell seem like a home game… or the Sunderland fan waving his false leg around his head at Plymouth… I won’t mention Chelsea away when we nearly got arrested! I mean, I could go on and on and on about moments like these. I loved watching and being part and STILL being part of what it means to be part of the Sunderland family. It’s off the scale amazing.
What are you up to now?
I’m replying to your questions.
We mean what are you doing work wise and you know we do!
Ha! OK. I work in TV now covering Premier League clubs for international broadcasters. Mostly based at the teams in the north west. It’s reporting rather than commentating now and I love doing it.
You're a Preston North End fan, but do you still keep up with things at Sunderland?
Of course! Two of my good friends where I live in the north west (Steve - the landlord of the best pub on the planet, The Taps - and Dennis, a retired fireman) are both massive Sunderland fans and go on every game. I join them whenever I can (which isn’t as often as I’d like) but they’re sure to keep me updated with everything too! And just for the record - while, yes, I am a PNE fan - Sunderland is still and always will be very close to my heart! I still say ‘we’ when I’m talking about them!
How are things at Deepdale this season?
They’re not conceding very many! But they’re also not scoring as many as they’d like either. That’s most definitely a massive understatement actually. But, while Sunderland are 5th and Preston are 15th - they’re only three points apart. So take from that what you like.
What are your thoughts on gaffers Ryan Lowe and Tony Mowbray?
I think they’re both great. I’ve known Ryan for years going back to when he was a player so I’d probably class him as a friend too. This is his first full season in charge and he’s built a strong platform - now he’s trying to take them forward.
I don’t know Tony personally but people who I do know him and whose opinion I trust very much say he’s a fantastic person and great leader. So far so good for him this season I think with some great results. Maybe more importantly now it feels like the club are making more of the right decisions, making progress and trying to build solid foundations. Which we need so much.
Who has been Sunderland and Preston's players of the season for you so far?
I have to say Jack Clarke don’t I? Goals. Assists. Speed. Effort. He’s exciting. He’s still young. Imagine if he keeps getting better at the same rate he’s been improving since signing for Sunderland… and more of those goals like the one he finished off against Reading… please?
With Preston not conceding a single goal in their first seven league games I have to say one of the defenders! Jordan Storey has come back this season after a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and really impressed. Liam Lindsay has also been solid alongside him - getting most of the MOTM awards. Andrew Hughes, Greg Cunningham… the defenders… all of them!
What's your score prediction and goalscorers?
You can’t ask me that!
We can.
I still won’t answer you!
Okay… just finally, it’s almost an impossible question at this stage of the season, but where do you reckon both sides will finish at the end of the season?
In my dreams, it’s first and second. Good night!
