Newcastle United are Sunderland will go head-to-head in the Premier League next season.
Dan Burn has opened up about how he and his dad reacted to Sunderland’s Premier League promotion.
The Black Cats surprised many by beating favourites Sheffield United in last month’s Championship play-off final. A comeback win saw two goals in the final 14 minutes to put the Blades to the sword 2-1 at Wembley.
Sunderland last competed in the Premier League eight years ago - and spent four seasons as a League One club. Regis Le Bris has worked wonders on a shoestring budget but many are tipping Newcastle’s rivals for an immediate relegation.
The Tyne-Wear derby was last contested at top-flight level in March 2016 when Aleksandar Mitrovic netted a late equaliser. However, Newcastle faced the Black Cats in the FA Cup 18 months ago - claiming a comfortable 3-0 win.
Dan Burn on Tyne-Wear derby return
Both sets are supporters are only looking for one team when the Premier League fixture list is released a week on Wednesday (June 18). Toon favourite Burn is a player but also a lifelong fan and he was torn as Sunderland walked out against Sheffield United.
"I had this conversation with my dad,” he said. “I rang my dad and said, 'I wouldn't be fussed, if Sunderland come up then great we get the derbies if not then great, keep them in the Championship!'
“My dad was like, 'Yeah, same,' then a minute in Sheffield United nearly scored and I could hear him jumping up and down and I was like, 'Nah, you're a liar!'”
Eddie Howe relishing Tyne-Wear derby
Eddie Howe believes the Tyne-Wear derby returning is “great for the area” after being starved of the rivalry in the Premier League for nine years. He told reporters: “I’d almost forgotten about that (derby games), to be honest, in amongst today (Everton game). But, of course, that was yesterday.
“Will it make it more difficult? I think the derby games are obviously very intense games and they are challenging for both teams - but I think we will have the attitude that we will look forward to it. It’s great for the area and I think it brings more energy and drama to the game so let’s bring it on.”
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Regis Le Bris answers transfer doubt
Le Bris is confident Sunderland can enjoy a solid summer to make the Premier League adjustment easier. The Black Cats are understood to have rejected a bid from Borussia Dortmund for Jobe Bellingham.
“I think here at Sunderland, we are still building our structure,” the Frenchman said last week. “Now, we will have to make another forward step. We will have to do that to prepare the squad for the Premier League. We will see in the next few days and weeks exactly what that looks like. Can the club make that next step? I hope so.”
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