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'It's not the same going to a game without him'

Jim Scott
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
Reporting fromSunderland
Handout A family photograph showing Ian Wake, on the left, wearing a red and black SAFC branded cap, and a red and white scarf around his neck. On the right, his friend Michelle, is wearing a black, red and white wool hat and a similar red and white coloured scarf. They are both standing on a football pitch. Handout
Friends Ian Wake and Michelle Barraclough rarely missed any home or away games and always attended together

A football fan who died after appearing in a documentary series following his club's highs and lows "will be looking proudly down" at Wembley, his friend says.

Lifelong Sunderland er Ian Wake regularly appeared in Netflix's Sunderland 'Til I Die, along with best friend Michelle Barraclough.

Mr Wake died at the age of 62 in March 2023, months before the third and final series of the documentary was released.

The club face Sheffield United on Saturday in the Championship play-off final, with the winner being promoted to the Premier League.

"It's not the same going to an away game without him, and it'll be the first time going to Wembley without him," said Ms Barraclough, from Silksworth, Sunderland.

"But he would be absolutely delighted, and so, so proud of these young lads."

Michelle Barraclough, pictured, has brown hair and is wearing a red and white Sunderland shirt, while holding up a large red Sunderland AFC branded cushion and a white football, which has been signed by various footballers. Behind her are four framed football shirts.
Michelle Barraclough says appearing on the series has proven to be a "wonderful tribute" to her late friend Ian

The pair became recognisable after the second series showed Ms Barraclough in tears following a defeat to Charlton, asking Mr Wake: "Why is it never us":[]}