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Simon Jordan on talkSPORT | talkSPORT - YouTube
The fall-out from the Tyne-Wear derby continues - with former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan weighing in on the “bigger club” debate.
Simon Jordan believes Newcastle United will always be a bigger club than bitter rivals Sunderland.
The former Crystal Palace owner’s comments come just days after the Black Cats edged ahead in all-time Tyne-Wear derby wins. Brian Brobbey’s stoppage-time winner sank black-and-white hearts to snatch a comeback victory at St James’ Park.
As well as local bragging rights, Sunderland also leapfrogged Newcastle in the Premier League. The Magpies sit 12th - one point behind their bitter rivals - with hopes of European qualification fading fast.
‘Newcastle the bigger club’ - Simon Jordan
Speaking to talkSPORT, ex-Palace chief Jordan suggested Sunderland remain in Newcastle’s shadow. He said: “Sunderland, you have to admire them. Their centre-forward (Brobbey) drove the centre-backs mad. He bullied Sven Botman and Dan Burn. You don’t get to do that very often.”
“Are they still in Newcastle’s shadow? Newcastle are a bigger club than Sunderland. With due respect to the two football clubs, they’ll always be in my view.”
Sunderland result damaging for Eddie Howe
Jordan also insisted the Sunderland defeat will prove more damaging for Eddie Howe than the Barcelona setback days earlier. The pressure levels - and questions regarding his future - have ramped up on the Toon boss since Sunday’s humiliation.
“I think the Sunderland result (is more damaging for Howe) because it follows on the back of a necessity to bounce back. You have to live in this city. The rivalry between these two football clubs is significant and you’ve already been beaten by them once.
“The last thing you want to be doing is following up a bad result against Barcelona, where you’ve had your backsides handed to you… you want to bounce back, set it right and give the fans something to cheer about.
“If you looked at the atmosphere before the kick-off, it was absolutely electric. It was a stadium to be in, they scored a goal and they’re in the ascendancy. I didn’t think they were in control of the game at any point. Sunderland looked composed, even though Newcastle were full of fervour and bluster initially.”
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