The story of two different goalscorers

Printed in the Cray Wanderers matchday programme on Sunday 6 January 2013 v Hendon

This particular story revolves around Sunderland FC when they played in the First Division (now rebadged as the Premier League) during the 1957-58 season.

As far as my research goes, I have not often come across this situation in footballing circles. In fact, I don't think I have ever heard of it before within the game. That doesn't mean to say that it hasn't happened before. Basically, it involves two players who scored for Sunderland during that season and who, it turns out, were the same person.

During that season, players by the name of Hope and O'Neill both scored for Sunderland - but they were one and the same and herein lies the interest...

How can that be, we all wonder? Quite simply (he says now!), after Alan Hope had scored twice for Sunderland in their 3-2 win against Leicester City at the old Roker Park ground on 4 September, he received official notification from Somerset House in London that his application to have his name changed by deed poll had been successful.

As a result of this, Hope had changed his name to that of his stepfather. As a consequence, on 7 September he scored a goal for Sunderland against Aston Villa under his new name of Alan o'Neill.

Towards the end of that season, all the goals that O'Neill had scored whilst playing as Hope had been reassigned to his new name. This was done to avoid any further confusion!

It is not very often that a situation like this happens in professional football, although the situation is perhaps more prevalent in society nowadays, after broken marriages and subsequent new long-term commitments being forged.

Back in the 1950s, it may well have been quite unusual for a name to be changed by deed poll in such a way, not only because of a much lower divorce rate in those days but also perhaps because of the stigma attached to coming from such a background for youngsters to endure. 

So, if you are anywhere near a pub quiz night and this question comes out: "How can two players named Hope and O'Neill score for Sunderland and be the same person?", you will now instantly know the answer!

Trevor Mulligan