Saturday marked 18 years since Alex Rae played his last game for Sunderland.
That this is still remembered indicates how popular a figure he was at the club, with the official Twitter account putting together a video of some of his best moments:
On this day in 2001, @alexrae1969 made his final appearance for the Lads.
Let’s look back at some of his finest moments for the club… #SAFC pic.twitter.com/Lo7C0y9axR
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 7, 2019
It also says something that despite the video being a minute and-a-half long, there are moments that fans feel an emotional connection to and want to see included in the montage that have been left out.
The Scottish midfielder played a total of 73 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring eight goals and assisting once, as per Transfermarkt, having joined the club from Millwall in 1996, before being sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2001.
The man himself replied to the tweet, showing Sunderland still has a place in his heart, as he does in theirs.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the video, including posts from reminiscing Sunderland fans, can be seen below:
Alex Rae is still one of my fave players. I fail to see how a vid of his best bits leaves out when he hit Keano’s head twice with a ball. Don’t worry Al, I will sort it…https://t.co/IOmnq79x0s
— John Ollier (@JohnOllier3) September 7, 2019
Still one of my favourite Sunderland players since I started watching the lads.
— ChrisLad (@ChrisCoulyacker) September 7, 2019
One the best mids we had a safc.
— Andrew Malcolmson (@podmundo) September 7, 2019
In my top 10 midfielder’s at the club ever.
— StuT (@tenchylad) September 7, 2019
One my best players for Sunderland
— Dawn (@ShawMackem) September 7, 2019
Sat next to AR at Stoke away one mid week game… noticed it was him and I had consumed a few beers… ALLLLLLLLEX RAAAAAAAAEEEEEE flys around the away end started from me…. Alex didn’t return 2nd half… still a mystery to this day why not
— Carl Morris (@Osk86) September 7, 2019
Sunderland fans, how fondly do you remember Rae’s time at your club? Join the discussion by commenting below…
