Sunderland my home, says Ashurst

Ashurst (left) with Norwich boss Ken Brown at the 1985 Milk Cup final

Former Sunderland player and manager Len Ashurst has confessed his love for the city at the launch of his new autobiography.

The 70-year-old Merseysider made 458 appearances for the Wearsiders and says his time at Sunderland endeared him to the North East.

"I'm North East born and bred now," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I've been up here a long time, I like the area, I like the people and it's got a football image as well."

As a player, Ashurst was a stalwart, becoming the second all-time appearance maker at Roker Park. And, as manager, he took the club to Wembley for the 1985 Milk Cup final against Norwich City.

These days he works for the Football Association as a referee's assessor, a role he enjoys as it keeps him involved in the game.

"Five years ago I was asked to do the job to try to improve their image and to try to improve the game." he said. "And I think we have improved things.

"Referees will always make mistakes. It's human nature, you're bound to make mistakes.

"After a game I debrief them, point out where they've done really well and point out those points where I think I can improve them."