Alan Shearer has admitted that he takes ‘no pleasure’ in seeing Sunderland relegated to League One, fearing that we won’t see another Tyne and Wear Derby for a long time after they slipped out of the Championship on Saturday.
As a local lad and Newcastle United man through and through, I think Alan might be telling a few porkies in saying he’s not taken any satisfaction at all from Sunderland’s struggles, however most of us would probably admit that the derbies will be missed.
We may have failed to win any of the last 9, however they’re an occasion like no other and a day that both sets of fans look forward to each and every season.
After seeing Sunderland’s relegation confirmed at home to Burton on Saturday, here’s what big Al has had to say during his latest column for the Sun:
“I take no pleasure from Sunderland’s demise.
“How can a club of that size, with that stadium, find themselves in the third tier of English football?
“Mismanagement on a huge scale from an owner who has long since wanted out.
“It said everything about the malaise, that few people there even seemed to realise they had gone down after Saturday’s home loss to Burton.
“It is going to be a long haul back and don’t bank on a quick promotion.
“Every game next season will be like a cup final for their opponents, who will see the Black Cats as a major scalp.
“What we will not be having soon is a North East derby — and I’ll miss the great atmospheres.
“They are great to play in but, unless they’re drawn in a cup, there won’t be another for a while.”
What’s your take on it all folks? Like Shearer, does a big part of you wish Sunderland were still around in the top division of English football to give us two Tyne and Wear derbies per season?
