Newcastle United and Sunderland are set to renew their rivalry in the Premier League next season.
Alan Shearer has admitted he was pleased to see Sunderland achieve Premier League promotion - but hopes Newcastle United batter their bitter rivals next season.
Fans across the North East have been starved of the Tyne-Wear derby in the top flight for nine years. The two clubs met in the FA Cup 18 months ago, with Newcastle cruising to a 3-0 triumph at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s plight over the past decade saw them spend four seasons in League One. However, two promotions in three years - both via the play-offs - means the Black Cats are gearing up for a Premier League return.
Alan Shearer relishing Tyne-Wear derby
Shearer insisted Newcastle’s season will be more exciting now Sunderland are involved - with all eyes on the Premier League fixture list being released on June 18. He told Betfair: “I know I've joked about Sunderland in the past, but in seriousness, it's a much better season, as a player and fan, when you've got the derby to look forward to.
“They're great games to play in, the fans look forward to them, you get away with a little bit more in terms of what you do and how you play. I wouldn't say I'm pleased they got promoted, but in terms of the entertainment of the derby and having it to look forward to, I'm pleased they're back in the Premier League.
“We had the cup game a couple of years ago when Newcastle won comfortably and I'd hope that happens again next season for obvious reasons but, as much as I laugh and joke about Sunderland, they really are good games to play in. As a fan now, I'm pleased they're back but not for any other reason. Hopefully, Newcastle can take six points off them.”
Sunderland tipped for Premier League struggle
Shearer could not resist backing the Black Cats to succumb to an immediate top-flight relegation. He added: “For large parts of the play-off final, Sunderland got battered but they defended very well and managed to get the goals to hold Sheffield United off.
“I also think that watching the final also told you how far they have to go to actually stay in the Premier League. It's one thing getting to the Premier League, and another staying there. You can say the same for Leeds and Burnley too.
“They're going to find it difficult next season, there's no doubt about it. When you look at the squad, it'll be very, very difficult for them to stay in the Premier League as the evidence proves over the last two years because every team has gone back down.
“I don't see anything different happening unless there's a radical change and they bring an influx of players in. I see Sunderland having a tough season and I think even the fans will say that, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy last weekend's promotion.
“We had the cup game a couple of years ago when Newcastle won comfortably and I'd hope that happens again next season for obvious reasons but, as much as I laugh and joke about Sunderland, they really are good games to play in. As a fan now, I'm pleased they're back but not for any other reason. Hopefully, Newcastle can take six points off them.”
‘Impossible to predict’ - Regis Le Bris
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was in dreamland after leading his team back to the Premier League promised land. He said: "It was impossible to predict. Last season Sunderland were so inconsistent, so my job was to give the methodology to bring this consistency.
“We need talented players, we need strong connections between them. I think they deserve this. They worked so well together. This game is a good example of the season."
Continue Reading