It has been 16 years since Newcastle United beat Sunderland at St James' Park in a crushing 5-1 win
Kevin Nolan (right) of Newcastle United celebrates with Danny Simpson during their 5-1 win over Sunderland in 2010
Kevin Nolan (right) of Newcastle United celebrates with Danny Simpson during their 5-1 win over Sunderland in 2010(Image: 2010 Newcastle United)
View 3 Images
October 31, 2010, was an afternoon that will live long in the memory for any Newcastle United fan lucky enough to be inside St James' Park.
After winning the Championship title the previous season, the excitement was palpable ahead of welcoming Sunderland to Tyneside for the first Tyne-Wear derby for 18 months.
Chris Hughton had built a team of players who cared for the club and cared for the cause and there was genuine optimism heading into a derby fixture that began with Sunderland as slight favourites.
But nobody could have predicted what followed. Kevin Nolan scored a hat-trick, Shola Ameobi scored twice, former Newcastle defender Titus Bramble was sent off as Newcastle thashed Steve Bruce's Black Cats 5-1.
Darren Bent's consolation goal late in the game for the Wearsiders was even sarcastically cheered by Newcastle fans on a day where everything that could have gone right for the Magpies, did so.
Danny Simpson was Newcastle's right-back that afternoon and would later go on to win the Premier League title with Leicester City. But the 'demolition derby' still lives fondly in his memory.
"[It is] One of my best [memories in football]," Simpson exclusively told Chronicle Live via Gambling.com, where you can explore top UK online casinos.
"I had a few at Newcastle, but that one and the Arsenal game, for me, was the one I stood out. I didn't realise how big those games were until you're actually there in the mix and it's not just the day, it was more like the build-up. How long it was, for weeks and weeks, that's all anyone talked about.
"So, I think for us to play like that, obviously Kevin Nolan got the hat-trick and I remember the fifth goal, as I crossed it. Andy Carroll hit the bar and Shola followed through and finished it off. After that, for the rest of the days, the weeks, it was all anyone spoke about, wherever you went.
"Sometimes it does feel like you are untouchable on the pitch. At first I was a bit like is this really happening? Because I don't care who you are, you do feel nervous in those games, because you know how much it means to everybody.
"But anything that could go right, went right, and everyone was on the same page. It was a special day, a special memory. People still talk about it now, which is nice.
"I can't believe that's the last time we won at St. James'. I'll be there at the weekend, and I am looking forward to just experience it, because that was a prime time for me."
Shola Ameobi scores against Sunderland
Shola Ameobi scores against Sunderland
View 3 Images
Simpson was a relative youngster in a team full of experienced, battle-hardened professionals moulded in the unassuming, but tough personality of their manager.
"Chris tried to build a team of good people," Simpson added.
"Obviously good players, but people that cared about the club and wanted to bring some kind of success back to the club and to the fans.
"Shola was a massive part of Newcastle, Kevin Nolan was the leader and I was only a young boy, so I looked up to him. Andy Carroll was obviously the local boy and it came out of nowhere really in terms of what he was doing for the team.
"The players that were there were infectious, and you followed their lead on a nice little journey."
Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton, celebrates with Ryan Taylor and Danny Simpson after sealing promotion to the Premier League in 2010
Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton, celebrates with Ryan Taylor and Danny Simpson after sealing promotion to the Premier League in 2010(Image: 2010 Newcastle United)
View 3 Images
Bizarrely, Simpson had played for Sunderland during a loan spell in 2006/07 before joining Newcastle in the summer of 2009, helping the Black Cats win the Championship under the management of Roy Keane.
But after spending four seasons at Newcastle, he insists his heart belongs to Tyneside, rather than Wearside.
"I never actually played against Newcastle which helped," Simpson continued.
"It's unique because I won the championship with both clubs. I joined Sunderland as a kid on loan and played for my idol, Roy Keane and that was part of the reason. I didn't lose a game for Sunderland, so obviously it was a good time.
"But going on to play for Newcastle, that's obviously where my heart is. My daughter was born there and I'm a Newcastle fan, so to speak."
Sunderland are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League derby matches against Newcastle and history is against Eddie Howe's side heading into this weekend's clash.
But Simpson is confident Newcastle can avenge December's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light when they welcome the Black Cats to St James' Park on Sunday.
"I feel like the timing now of this game is probably the right time for Newcastle more than Sunderland," Simpson asserted.
"I think they're struggling a little bit compared to the start of the season, and I think if you look at the results lately for Newcastle, I was at the Manchester United game and the atmosphere was just incredible..
"I feel like everything is falling into place for Newcastle to go and get the win."
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image