REGARDING the letter from Karl R Ogle (HAS, May 10) telling of his “suffering” because of the demise of Sunderland AFC, I know exactly how he is feeling.

I have been a Leeds United supporter since 1962. The first time I went to Roker Park would be the 1963-64 season when both teams were chasing promotion to the top flight – the First Division, as it was then. Sunderland outplayed Leeds and I think the score was 2-0 to them.

Both teams got promoted, Leeds United going up as champions. The press predicted that Leeds would struggle in the First Division and Sunderland would do well. It was the opposite, Leeds ended up runners-up to Manchester United on goal difference.

The first game both teams played on promotion was at Elland Road, Leeds winning, Bobby Collins – at 5ft 3ins the greatest player to come out of Scotland – playing Sunderland’s new signing, Jim Baxter of Rangers, out of the game.

In 1973, my father and I went to Wembley to see what was going to be the most one-sided FA cup final in history, Sunderland coming from the Second Division to play First Division Leeds. With 20 minutes gone, I turned and said to my father: “They are not going to score.” Enough said – Sunderland scored in the 31st minute.

How about the present season for both clubs? Sunderland relegated from the Premiership and Leeds United, in a play-off place since November, losing out in the last two games of the season. Leeds got a draw at St. James’ Park and we all laughed in the pub. Next games were Wolves at home then Burton away and we lost both.

I am sure Karl Ogle will agree that there is nothing like a football team to give you a high and then to bring you back crashing down to earth.

M Harrison, York