Newcastle United were forced to sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest last summer.
Elliot Anderson might have reluctantly ditched the black-and-white stripes but he remains as Newcastle United as ever by taunting Sunderland ahead of the Premier League campaign.
A year ago, the Magpies were forced to sell the youngster due to PSR restrictions. Anderson is arguably Newcastle’s most talented academy product since Andy Carroll broke through the ranks in 2006.
However, a frantic scramble resulted in Toon chiefs selling the Whitley Bay native - alongside Yankuba Minteh - to avoid a Premier League points deduction. The move was bittersweet for Anderson having recently broken into Eddie Howe’s first-team ranks.
Elliot Anderson wanted Sunderland
Despite playing for a direct rival, Anderson’s love for the Magpies has remained strong - most notably when he was spotted by TV cameras celebrating at the Carabao Cup final in March. The 22-year-old has paid homage to his North East roots again after demanding Sunderland away on the opening day of the season.
Nottingham Forest’s media team asked their players who they would like to face first in the Premier League next season. For Geordie talent Anderson, there was only one answer now the Black Cats are back in the top flight.
What really happened
As it happened, the Tricky Trees will host Brentford on August 16, with Anderson set to face Sunderland at home a month later (September 27). The reverse fixture is not set to take place until April 25.
All eyes on Tyneside were on the Tyne-Wear derby - with December 13 at the Stadium of Light hosting the first contest. St James’ Park will host Sunderland for the first time in 10 years on April 21.
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Elliot Anderson on Newcastle United exit
Anderson admitted he felt “sad” at leaving Newcastle but is enjoying first-team football at Forest. He said earlier this year: “It was very sad, you never know you’re going to join a club and play. In my head at the time, I never knew it was going to go the way it has so it was obviously a really tough one to take.
“I was really settled there, and I didn’t really see it coming. But that’s football - you’ve got to be prepared for any challenge that comes your way. It wasn’t to be there but I’ve come to a great club where I’ve found myself. I’m really enjoying it.”
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