We put our rivalry to one side at times like this. Our rivals over on the Wear gave him a rousing send-off on Saturday.Mackems Give FA Cup Star A Grand Send Off
We put our rivalry to one side at times like this. Our rivals over on the Wear gave him a rousing send-off on Saturday.Sadly the ex-Sunderland midfielder died at a hospice in Surrey on Tuesday at the age of 61.
Porterfield was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, but carried on with his duties as manager of Armenia's national team until just before his death.
His goal at Wembley brought 'double' delight to Gatehead-born Bob Stokoe, who had skippered Newcastle to FA Cup glory in 1955.
Supporters of Sunderland and Reading - one of the clubs Porterfield managed - stood as one to give him an emotional ovation before the clubs kicked off their Premier League encounter on Saturday.
The most touching moment came midway through the second-half, when the entire ground stood again to sing and applaud for their fallen hero.
Ex-Sunderland goalkeeper JimMontgomery: "It was an unbelievable day. We went down to the Stokoe statue earlier in the afternoon and the crowd there was incredible.
"Walking through the crowd with them all clapping was emotional and fantastic for Ian's family and the rest of the lads."
Our thoughts go out to Ian Porterfield's family.