Sunderland appoints Steve Smelt as new club physio on July 7, 1986

On July 7, 1986, Sunderland announced the appointment of Steve Smelt as the club's new physio. This move came as Sunderland management, led by managing director Lawrie McMenemy, expressed frustrations over the stagnant transfer market while hoping for incoming funds to enhance their squad. Smelt, joining from Middlesbrough, was set to fill the position left by Jimmy Goodfellow, who returned to Cardiff City. His arrival marks the beginning of a long association with Sunderland, where he would become a familiar figure until 1996.

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