“You will never be forgotten” - Sunderland AFC have paid a moving tribute to George Forster who ran the Black Cats supporters association for 55 years.
George sadly passed away yesterday (February 3) at the age of 99.
George Forster, Jim Montgomery, Father Mark Laydon Smith, and pupils from St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School celebrate his 99th birthday.placeholder image
George Forster, Jim Montgomery, Father Mark Laydon Smith, and pupils from St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School celebrate his 99th birthday. | Neil Fatkin
George had been attending games since 1934 and was one of the few supporters alive who witnessed the last time SAFC became champions of England at Roker Park back in 1936.
Despite being in his centenary year George continued to attend games at the Stadium of Light, including the Black Cats 2 - 1 victory over Crystal Palace in January (2025).
He also travelled down to Wembley in May (2025) to see SAFC’s return to the Premier League after victory over Sheffield United in the play off final.
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Following George’s sad passing, the club posted a message on their social media which said: “ Everyone at Sunderland AFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter, George Forster.
“George was red and white to the core and became one of the most cherished figures in the club’s fan base. Rest in peace, George. You will never be forgotten.”
The post was followed by a heart emoji.
Despite his advancing years, George continued to work as chairman of the Supporters Association until the end of 2021.
Although he never played for the club, in October last year (2025) he was inducted as an honorary member of the Former Players’ Association.
Club historian Rob Mason also posted a tribute to George on the club’s website.
He said: “Over the years, George met many Sunderland managers, often being invited to have tea with them.
“He would always insist that the team was filled with ‘six-footers’ who would get stuck in.
“No one was happier than George to see Sunderland doing so well this season. He was red and white to the core and a supporter for a century.
“Indeed, George was the Supporter of the Century just as his hero Charlie Hurley was the Player of the Century. Rest in peace George, you will always be loved and never forgotten.”
One of those was from 1973 FA Cup winning goalkeeper and SAFC legend Jim Montgomery who delivered the card in person to George at his care home.
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Speaking at the time, Jim said: “I’ve known George since I first became a player at Roker Park in 1959, so we go back a long way. I used to go into his shop regularly and we always had a great relationship.
“George has always been a fantastic supporter of the club - anything he could do for the club he would and it’s just fantastic to come here and to see him today on his 99th birthday.
“The number of cards George has received shows just what he means to people, not just from Sunderland, but he has been sent cards from all over the world.”
After celebrating his birthday with friends and family, George was still keen to give his view on the club’s progress.
He said: “I’m really pleased to see us back in the Premier League.
“There will be ups and downs, but as long as we stop there. We look as if we have the right manager for the job.”
Rest in peace George.
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