Lee Freeman (username “Lee71”), a popular & prolific contributor to the SunderlandMAD message board, is also well known on the message boards of several other clubs. Regulars to our board would be familiar with Lee's strong opinions on footballing matters - the imminent takeover of the Sunderland club being a prime example. For most of 2006, Lee has been promoting the virtues of Niall Quinn and the need for a change of ownership of the club. What can we say Lee – it looks like they were listening!
Recently we caught up with Lee to find out a little about this integral member of the SunderlandMAD family.
SAFCMAD: Lee how long have you been writing on the SunderlandMAD message board ??
Lee71: About 18 months.
SAFCMAD: And how long have you been a Sunderland fan?
Lee71: Since I was about 7
SAFCMAD: So how did you become a fan of Sunderland? Were you born in the Sunderland area, did you grow up there or is there some other reason?
Lee71: I was born in Sunderland Maternity Hospital in 1971. I lived there until I was 20 when me and my brother moved down south to Hampshire to live with my mother. My dad still lives there.
SAFCMAD: Can you remember the first game Sunderland game you ever attended Lee and was it at Roker Park? Also, when was the last game you attended?
Lee71: Yes I have seen Sunderland play at Roker Park. The first match I saw was Sunderland versus Tottenham in 1977. The final score was 1-1 I think. The last time I actually saw them play was in 2001 against Ipswich.
SAFCMAD: So you don't see the lads play much these days?
Lee71: I don't get to see them play these days. It's too expensive for me to travel by rail. If they played Southampton or somewhere like I could probably get there easily, but further away is a bit impossible.
SAFCMAD: Ever catch any matches closer to home…say Southampton or Portsmouth?
Lee71: Don't usually get the chance, but if I did it would be So'ton or Pompey.
SAFCMAD: So who do you live with now Lee?
Lee71: I share a house with my mother in Fleet, Hampshire
SAFCMAD: What sort of job do you do?
Lee71: I am a chef for a company called Sodexho. I work in an Officer's Mess in Aldershot Garrison
SAFCMAD: Lee do you have any hobbies or interests aside from football?
Lee71: Music, History and movies
SAFCMAD: After Sunderland which clubs do you like?
Lee71: I like Everton and Aston Villa
SAFCMAD: And clubs that you don't like? Say Newcastle and anyone else?
Lee71: I actually like most clubs, it's the fans that get on my nerves. I think most of them are plastic supporters.
SAFCMAD: What is your favourite Sunderland moment (on the pitch) in the years that you have been following the team? What Sunderland achievements stand out for you?
Lee71: Favourite moments are getting out of third division back in 1987 under Dennis Smith and promotion year under Niall Quinn when he was a player.
SAFCMAD: Who are your all time favourite Sunderland players?
Lee71: Niall Quinn, Eric Gates & Marco Gabbiadini
SAFCMAD: And speaking of Quinn, what do you think he can do for Sunderland?
Lee71: Niall is an intelligent man with a player background. He has played for many teams with good reputations such as Arsenal and Manchaester City. He will hopefully bring the experiences he got with those teams and also playing for his country with him and give Sunderland the boost it desperately needs in order to bring back it's old glory. Most importantly I believe he will bring the club some much needed stability. Niall understands the player/management dynamic and I believe will bring back the balance necessary for Sunderland to build a solid first class team on solid foundations.
SAFCMAD: Thank you Lee
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