On their readytogo.net forum the overwhelming majority of Sunderland supporters pay tribute to Jimmy Hill and respect for his family. Bearing in mind the hatred towards us from some of their supporters who remember the Cov/Bristol City in the 70's which condemned them to relegation I expected the worst but they have been generally measured in their response.
Well done Black Cats fans - he did a lot for football in general but was also a family man, and they recognise that.
No I'm with Alan D's moustache...some Sunderland fans have long held a grudge against JH but today they have shown that the man earnt and deserved respect. The football family has often shown that the tribal rivalries of a Saturday afternoon can be forgotten because the game is bigger than any single team
How many of today's Sunderland supporters would associate Jimmy with CCFC in any case? I've been in forums today where the only thing he was remembered-for was being one-time presenter of Match of the Day.
Pitiful historical ignorance from a great club's supporter's lack of acknowledgement of their own teams seasonal failings. What JH seized that evening was indicative of his brilliant foresight, one which if it had been the other way around and been to the benefit of SAFC would be to this day no doubt, the stuff of footballing folklore in the NE.
To those Sunderland supporters who at least didn't besmirch his passing, we thank you. It means a lot (as he did) to us. To those that couldn't quite reach that level - Well, good luck in your latest relegation battle.