On This Day (28th September 1958): A star is born - happy birthday, Kevin Arnott!
Yesterday at 03:42 AM
Kevin Arnott — one of the most naturally gifted young players to break through Sunderland's youth system in the 1970s — celebrates his 66th birthday today.
Kevin Arnott
Born 28th September 1958 (Gateshead)
158 Appearances, 18 Goals
Other clubs: Sheff Utd, Blackburn, Rotherham, Vasalunds, Chesterfield, Gateshead
In the rich tapestry of Sunderland AFC's history, Kevin Arnott remains one of the most fondly remembered midfielders to have graced Roker Park.
A local lad born in Gateshead, Arnott rose through the club's youth ranks in the 1970s to become a key figure in the heart of Sunderland's midfield during one of the most turbulent yet exciting periods in the club's history.
Arnott made his Sunderland debut as an 18-year-old in 1976, during a time when the club was fighting for its identity in the post-Stokoe era.
Right from the outset, it was clear that Arnott had something special. His combination of skill, vision, and composure on the ball made him a standout talent in a side that was otherwise struggling to find consistency. Playing as a deep-lying playmaker, Arnott had an elegance about him that allowed him to dictate the tempo of games. His range of passing was superb, and he had the ability to split open defences with precision through-balls that many fans at the time compared to those of more celebrated names in English football.
Arnott's breakthrough season came in the 1977-78 campaign, where he became an integral part of Jimmy Adamson's team. It was his performance against Manchester United in March 1977 that truly announced his arrival on the big stage. Sunderland, fighting relegation from the First Division, needed a spark, and Arnott provided it in a thrilling 2-0 win, where he dominated the midfield and displayed a maturity beyond his years.
Despite Arnott's individual brilliance, the club suffered relegation in 1977. However, Arnott remained loyal, helping Sunderland fight their way back to the top tier. His contribution to the 1979 promotion campaign was immense. Alongside stalwarts like Gary Rowell and Stan Cummins, Arnott orchestrated play from the middle of the park, helping the Black Cats return to the First Division with his calmness and quality on the ball.
However, injuries began to take their toll on Arnott's Sunderland career as the 1980s progressed. While still influential when fit, he struggled with recurring knocks that limited his game time. Nevertheless, he remained a fan favourite, revered for his footballing intelligence and the way he made the game look effortless.
In 1981, having fallen out of favour with Alan Durban, Arnott was sent on loan to Blackburn and transfer listed, before eventually leaving on a free and moving to Sheffield United in 1982 after 158 appearances and 18 goals for Sunderland, but his legacy at Roker Park was already cemented.
Many fans still look back on Arnott as one of the most naturally gifted players to come through the ranks at Sunderland. He was part of a generation of players that bridged the gap between the club's successes of the 1970s and its battles in the 1980s, embodying the spirit of Sunderland AFC during some of its most challenging years.
Though his career at Sunderland may have been interrupted by injuries, Arnott's impact during his time with the club left an indelible mark. His vision, creativity, and composure on the ball are qualities that are still talked about fondly by those lucky enough to see him play. He wasn't just a player who contributed to the team; he was a midfielder who could shape the game in Sunderland's favour, lighting up Roker Park with every touch.
In the pantheon of Sunderland midfield greats, Kevin Arnott holds a special place as a true local hero who embodied the club's fighting spirit and flair during a pivotal time in its history — and today, on his 66th birthday, we raise a glass to him.
All the best, Kevin!
