Thomas Sørensen
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sørensen has opened up about his fond memories at the Stadium of Light and his eagerness to revisit Wearside with his family. The Danish stopper, who joined Sunderland in 1998 from Odense Boldklub, became an integral part of the club’s success during his tenure. Sørensen’s time at Sunderland is remembered for his remarkable performances, including a record-breaking promotion campaign and a memorable save against Alan Shearer in the Tyne–Wear derby.
Thomas Sørensen said: “When I signed for Sunderland in 1998 it was really the start of my career. It was a big opportunity and I had no idea where it would end up. I had five fabulous years at the club. Sunderland is still ingrained in my DNA and that of my family. It brings back fabulous memories. It’s a great club with great fans and I had fantastic teammates. I’m so happy that we are back in the Premier League. I just wish my kids could have been there at that time when I was playing.”
“For me personally, I think Peter Reid took a bit of a gamble on me. He wouldn’t have given me many games if I wasn’t doing it, so I was obviously playing my part and the team helped me. It was really easy to some extent, but I felt that I had contributed, and we went on to have some great times in the Premier League.”
“Obviously we had a fantastic season. It was a team who had suffered the disappointment of the Play-Off final loss on penalties before I came in.”
“Of course. There are always moments in your career – whether they are good or bad – where you instantly feel the emotions. In that situation, he was well known for hitting it up to the keeper’s right. He was pretty consistent, but I just had a hunch that was added to by his body language that he was maybe overthinking it. We were leading 2-1 and it was late on, but I thought I saw things that maybe would bluff him a little bit, and that he would change from his usual side. He did, and I managed to save it.”
“I realised how big a save it was when we got back to Wearside. We went to a bar and somebody offered £500 for the chair that I had sat in. That’s when I fully understood how much it meant for our supporters to win the derby. It meant a lot for us and it means a lot to me now.”
“Tony Coton had a relationship with Peter Schmeichel and I had been to United in 1997 and the spring of ‘98 and had training sessions there. Maybe they had a word with each other, but I don’t know. Tony Coton came to Denmark to watch me, as did some other clubs. What swayed me to choose Sunderland was when I saw the stadium and met Peter Reid, and saw a video of the Play-Off semi-final with Sheffield United. The atmosphere made me understand it was the right place for me because I saw the passion of the fans. I couldn’t have made a better decision.”
“That was an opportunity that Sunderland provided. Going to the big tournaments was fantastic. We beat France at the 2002 World Cup, but one of the lowlights came against England when I didn’t cover myself in glory.”
“Those scenes in the play-offs last season were incredible. So many people around the world have seen the ‘Sunderland Til I Die’ documentary, and I’ve lived it to some extent. I’m so pleased for all of the fans who have lived through those years.”
“There are qualifying rounds all around the world, which I came through. This year the championships are in Australia, where I live now. I keep myself fit out of habit, I think, and it demands a lot of training. The event is 130 kilometres with a couple of semi-mountains, so it’s a fairly hard route.”
“I’m desperate to bring my kids over to give them the experience of seeing Sunderland.”
Sørensen’s career at Sunderland was marked by significant achievements, including helping the club secure promotion in 1999 with an extraordinary 29 clean sheets during a 105-point Championship-winning campaign. His decision to join Sunderland was influenced by the club’s passionate fan base and the guidance of then-goalkeeping coach Tony Coton. Sørensen’s move to Sunderland also paved the way for his international career, earning over 100 caps for Denmark and participating in major tournaments like the 2002 World Cup.
His reflections highlight the emotional connection he maintains with the club and its supporters. Sørensen’s desire to return to the Stadium of Light and share the experience with his children underscores the lasting impact Sunderland has had on his life and career.
About The Author
