Famous names from the past and present turned out to honour a Sunderland AFC player-turned-kitman who served the club for decades.
John Cooke took to the field between 1979 and 1985 and then held the role of kit manager from 1994 to 2020.
A testimonial staged at South Shields FC on Sunday saw 3,500 fans turn out alongside stars including Niall Quinn, Ally McCoist and Frank Bruno.
Mr Cooke said he was "humbled" by the response.
"I'm lost for words. It's emotional," he added.
Also in attendance were former Black Cats manager Peter Reid, star striker Kevin Phillips and Newcastle United and England forward Peter Beardsley.