Sunderland Legend Bobby Gurney Honored with Statue in His Hometown
In a moving tribute to one of English football’s most prolific goal scorers, Sunderland legend Bobby Gurney has been immortalized with the unveiling of a statue in his hometown of Silksworth, a small village in the City of Sunderland. The bronze monument stands as a lasting recognition of Gurney’s incredible contribution to Sunderland AFC and English football during a golden era of the game.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by hundreds of fans, local officials, former players, and members of Gurney’s family, was a celebration of a career that not only broke records but also symbolized loyalty, humility, and community pride. The statue, positioned in the center of Silksworth Green, captures Gurney in mid-stride with a ball at his feet—his expression focused, determined, and quietly confident, just as those who watched him play remember him.
A Prolific Career That Defined a Generation
Bobby Gurney’s career remains one of the most illustrious in Sunderland’s long history. Born in Silksworth in 1907, Gurney joined Sunderland AFC in 1925 and would go on to spend his entire professional career at the club. Over 20 years, he made 390 league appearances and scored a record 228 league goals—numbers that remain unbeaten to this day.
His overall tally of 288 goals in all competitions for Sunderland is a record that still stands nearly a century later. Gurney was the club’s top scorer for ten consecutive seasons and played a crucial role in their First Division title triumph in the 1935–36 season. He was also instrumental in the club’s 1937 FA Cup win, scoring in the semi-final and leading the line in the final victory over Preston North End at Wembley.
Gurney’s loyalty to Sunderland and his humility off the pitch endeared him to fans and earned him the admiration of opponents. In an era when football was not yet dominated by fame and wealth, Gurney played for the love of the game and his community—qualities that have kept his memory alive across generations of Sunderland supporters.
A Statue That Speaks to Community Values
The idea for the statue was first proposed by local football historians and community groups, and quickly gained traction among Sunderland fans. The project, spearheaded by the Bobby Gurney Memorial Committee, received funding through a combination of public donations, local government support, and contributions from Sunderland AFC.
Renowned sculptor Tom Maley, known for his work on the statues of Sir Bobby Robson and Jackie Milburn, was commissioned for the piece. “It was important for us to capture not just Bobby as a footballer, but as a symbol of the region’s heart and resilience,” Maley said at the unveiling. “His story represents the very best of working-class pride, community spirit, and sporting excellence.”
Gurney’s granddaughter, Margaret Taylor, gave an emotional speech on behalf of the family: “My grandfather wasn’t just a footballer—he was a devoted family man and a proud son of Silksworth. To see him remembered in this way, in the place he grew up, is truly special. This statue means more to us than words can say.”
Sunderland AFC Pay Tribute
Sunderland AFC issued a heartfelt statement following the statue’s unveiling:
“Bobby Gurney’s contribution to Sunderland is immeasurable. He is not just the club’s record goalscorer—he is a symbol of everything this club stands for. Passion, loyalty, dedication, and class. We are proud to see his legacy preserved for future generations.”
The club also announced plans to incorporate Gurney’s story more deeply into the fan experience at the Stadium of Light, including a dedicated exhibit in the club’s museum and special matchday tributes throughout the upcoming season.
Fans Reflect on a Lasting Legacy
For many Sunderland supporters, especially the older generation, the statue is a long-overdue acknowledgment of Gurney’s impact. “I never saw him play,” said 63-year-old fan Ian Robinson, “but my father and grandfather told me stories about him that made him sound like a superhero. This statue will help keep those stories alive.”
Local schools have also embraced the moment as an educational opportunity. Several primary schools in the area organized class trips to attend the unveiling, with teachers incorporating lessons about Gurney’s life into their history and physical education curricula.
A Legacy Set in Stone
In a sport often dominated by fleeting fame and short-term success, Bobby Gurney’s legacy stands as a reminder of the timeless values that truly define greatness. His statue in Silksworth is more than a tribute to goals scored or trophies won—it is a celebration of roots, community, and quiet heroism.
As the sun set behind the newly unveiled statue, casting long shadows over the green where Gurney once played as a boy, fans placed scarves, flowers, and handwritten notes at its base. One note, scribbled in red ink, summed it up best: “To the greatest of them all—thank you for everything, Bobby.”
With his legacy now cast in bronze, Bobby Gurney will continue to inspire for generations to come—his story forever woven into the proud fabric of Sunderland’s footballing history.
