FOOTBALL fans are being urged to recreate the Wembley scenes of 1973 to help send Sunderland on their way to FA Cup glory.

Supporters hope the wave of emotion which has followed the death of Bob Stokoe, the man who masterminded the unlikely Wembley triumph against Leeds United, will lift the team to success in Saturday's fifth round FA Cup tie against Birmingham City.

Club officials have already dubbed the occasion Bob Stokoe Day, as it is the first chance for most fans to pay their respects following his death.

Most of the team of 1973, who attended Mr Stokoe's funeral, at Newcastle West Road Crematorium on Tuesday, will lead a two-minute silence on the pitch at the Stadium of Light prior to the kick-off.

Permission has already been given for the FA Cup to be displayed, while footage from the Wembley win will be broadcast before the game and at half-time.

Fans are also being asked to wear their old scarves and display them during the silence, to reflect the scene at the final whistle in May 1973.

Eddie Calland, from the Chester-le-Street and District branch of the Sunderland AFC Supporters' Association, said: "Everyone remembers Bob Stokoe running on to the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate with goalie Jim Montgomery, and the crowd scenes with the fans holding their scarves aloft.

"It would be fitting to recreate that scene during the silence, so we're hoping fans will dig out their dad's old scarf from the loft to wear just for the day on Saturday."