In football the term local derby, or simply just derby (pronounced ‘dar-bee’ after the English city and was pronounced ‘dur-bee’ in American English) means a sporting fixture between two local rivals. The term is sometimes also used to describe major rivalries in which both clubs have substantial regional or national followings.The local derby in the Premierships is always be the hottest game to watch through the season.
This Saturday ‘Tyne-Wear Derby’ between two north-east club Newcastle United versus sunderland, can be very hostile as in 1996 where both fans from each city being banned from the other during derby day.
Both Newcastle and sunderland will chasing the win to improve their league position. Newcastle will have no choice but to win the game, not just for the supporters and league position, but also for Sam Allardyce. This game is his bet for his future job as Toon gaffer.
Although Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has give his support for Allardyce, but the lost against Newcastle number one rival is could be the last game in charge for Sam Allardyce. In 1999, Ruud Gullit was being axed shortly after his team lost 2-1 in St. James’ Park against the macKem.
Unied’s goalkeeper, Steve Harper is also have warned the Newcastle new boys, especially the foreigners about how important is this derby match for Toon Army.
“I am from the area and it is up to me and Steven Taylor to get around the lads and let them know just how big a game this is and what it means for the region,” Harper said. “We will get the message across. The staff will identify strengths and weaknesses before the game and we’ll explain just how important it is to the fans.”
Steve Harper was a native of Easington, Durham with estimates of 60-40 split between supporters of Sunderland and Newcastle United.
The high tense of a possibly one of the toghest Tyne-Wear derby ever played in Premierships era, was even started long before the kick-off. Sunderland police staff has warned Mike Ashley not to wear his Toon Top. Although Niall Quinn said he wouldn’t mind that.
Newcastle’s chairman Chris Mort told the Chronicle about Saturday’s match as a big match and both sides are going into it more desperate for a win than usual. He also announced that Mike Ashley will be there to watch the game as a Newcastle United supporter, not the owner.
“Mike is not wearing his shirt to games to embarrass the opposition or put them in a difficult position. He wants to be and sees himself as a Newcastle United supporter and he knows that every fans wear the shirts – he wants to be part of that.” Said Mort.
Sam Allardyce and his squad have all 100% supports from both directors and supporters, now it’s all up to them to do all the best they can. This time no excuse allowed, a win means you are all save, but if we lost….well?