Newcastle United and Sunderland will rekindle their Premier League rivalry next season.
Alan Shearer confessed he was glad to see Sunderland promoted to the Premier League, but he believes Newcastle United can batter its bitter rivals next season.
Fans in the North East have been missing the Tyne-Wear derby in the top division for nine years. The two clubs played in the FA Cup 18 months ago, when Newcastle won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s misery throughout the last decade resulted in four seasons in League One. However, with two promotions in three years, both via play-offs, the Black Cats are preparing for a return to the Premier League.
Alan Shearer relishing Tyne-Wear derby
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“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 couldn’t help but predict that the Black Cats will be relegated from the Premier League right away. Sunderland defended effectively and scored goals to win the play-off final against Sheffield United, according to the speaker.
“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
Regis Le Bris was in dreamland after bringing Sunderland back to the promised world of the Premier League. He explained: “It was difficult to predict. Sunderland were uneven last season, so my duty was to provide a mechanism for restoring 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.”
