Newcastle United fans may take joy in Sunderland’s plummet down the footballing pyramid in recent years, with the Black Cats suffering consecutive relegations and set to play in League One next season, but it’s a sentiment that isn’t echoed by a club legend.
Magpies icon Alan Shearer has had his say on the demise of the Wearside club, stating he takes no pleasure in their relegation and will miss the derbies with Newcastle, when writing in his latest column for The Sun.
“I take no pleasure from Sunderland’s demise. How can a club of that size, with that stadium, find themselves in the third tier of English football? Mismanagement on a huge scale from an owner who has long since wanted out.”
“It said everything about the malaise that few people there even seemed to realise they had gone down after Saturday’s home loss to Burton. It is going to be a long haul back and don’t bank on a quick promotion. Every game next season will be like a cup final for their opponents, who will see the Black Cats as a major scalp.”
“What we will not be having soon is a North-East derby — and I’ll miss the great atmospheres. They are great to play in but, unless they’re drawn in a cup, there won’t be another for a while.”
Sunderland’s defeat to Burton Albion at the weekend condemned them to another relegation, despite having two matches left to play.
