Born on this day in Gateshead in 1958 is former Sunderland midfielder Kevin Arnott. Coming up through the youth ranks and emerging at the same time as Gary Rowell and Shaun Elliott, he spent five years with the Lads.
He was one of our best homegrown talents, and when he made his way into the first team as a youngster he kept his place for a number of years.
His debut came in a cup replay at Wrexham, at just 18 years old. Three days later he would be introduced to the league side who were unbeaten in six games, scoring a scintillating 17 and conceding just one.
Arnott’s best season for the Lads arguably came in 1979/80, where he helped us win promotion from the Second Division after three years in that league.
We played West Ham on the last day of the season, a rearranged fixture against the team who had already been crowned FA Cup Champions by the time they came to Roker Park. Arnott swept home the rebound from a Pop Robson shot, scoring the first in a 2-0 win that saw us promoted in second place.
One of his greatest goals came in a 2-0 win over Arsenal in 1980, which was accompanied by a screamer from John Hawley. It was a great solo goal from Arnott, perfectly showcasing his close control and amazing dribbling skills - as well as a cool, composed finish. Arnott’s goal won ‘Goal of the Month’ on the regional football programme Shoot, whilst Hawley’s came third.
He was a very skilful player during his time at Sunderland, dictating the game every week with his top-class technique and style.
Unfortunately Arnott fell out of favour with new manager Alan Durban, and was loaned to Blackburn before being sold to Sheffield United - who were managed by Arnott’s former teammate and FA Cup hero Ian Porterfield.
He struggled to find form at Sheffield United, and his League career came to an end as he suffered a knee injury while at Chesterfield - although he was able to keep playing in the North Eastern League with Gateshead.
