Viv Busby, the former assistant manager of Sunderland AFC, has passed away at the age of 75. There have been tributes given to him.
When Busby joined the team in 1987, he was Denis Smith’s number two. They had both played for York City, and in just three seasons, they moved Sunderland from the third division of football to the premier league.
In 1990, they defeated Newcastle in the play-offs, earning their second promotion.
In his playing career, he played as a striker for several teams, amassing 431 first-class matches and tallying 105 goals. Alongside Bobby Moore and Alan Mullery, he played in the 1975 FA Cup final for Fulham, where he made the most appearances.
During the 1973 FA Cup run, he was a member of the Luton Town team that lost the quarterfinal at Roker Park, but he also scored four goals for Fulham against Sunderland.
However, as a coach on Wearside, he is most remembered. Later on, he managed Hartlepool United and had second stints at York, Workington, and Swindon Town. Moreover, Viv was a radio pundit.
He was given a leukemia diagnosis in 2000, and although he had to undergo five rounds of chemotherapy while in the hospital for 11 months, he managed to survive.
According to Gary Bennett, a former captain of Sunderland, Buzzer was an amazing man both on and off the pitch. He was a wonderful man to talk to and an excellent coach.
“Back then, he played the role of good policeman, bad cop, with Buzzer as the good officer. He got along with the guys so well; we had a great relationship.
“We were shocked to learn about it, as he was an active young man. He took care of himself.
“A great character and a lovely man.”
Club historian Rob Mason posted the following on the SAFC website: “I last corresponded with Viv via email in 2022.” He recalled playing for Luton against Sunderland in the 1973 FA Cup quarterfinal during this interview.
“The 50,000-person crowd was amazing, and the atmosphere was fantastic,” remarked Viv. As assistant manager at Sunderland, I can attest to the importance of the audience to the club. It was a major factor in their success.
“Always an engaging and popular person, Viv Busby will always be fondly remembered at SAFC.”