There has been a lot of noise, emotion, and drama building around the upcoming derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland, and it has led some people to ask a slightly mischievous question. Could this derby actually be postponed?
Before anyone jumps to conclusions, let me be clear. This is not about fear, nerves, or running scared. The idea of Newcastle facing Sunderland does not keep me awake at night, and I doubt it does for most supporters either.
Derby games always come with tension, pride, and emotion, but that is part of the joy of following football, especially when you care deeply about your club.
Like every Newcastle fan, I want to win every single match. That includes derbies, cup ties, league games, and everything in between. Of course the nerves rise before a game like this, but they rise before any match that truly matters. And to Newcastle supporters, almost every match matters.
When people talk about postponing the derby, it sounds dramatic, but the idea is not about the game on Wearside this weekend. That one is coming whether we like it or not.
The match that really sparks the imagination is the return fixture on Tyneside. That is where things get interesting, and where fate may have a sense of humour.
There has been endless talk about how important Sunday’s match is, with many asking whether it is the biggest game of the season for both sets of fans. Personally, that feels like a strange question.
Football seasons are unpredictable. How can anyone say which match matters most when there are months of football still to be played, with league positions, cup runs, and potential finals all still undecided?
Would I love to see Newcastle repeat the comfortable 3-0 win we enjoyed not too long ago? Absolutely. That memory still feels fresh, and there is nothing quite like a derby win.
Would it mean more than any other victory this season? Possibly. Derby wins always carry extra weight. They live longer in the memory and are spoken about with more emotion.
From time to time, I have glanced at Sunderland fan forums and media, and the feeling over there is very clear. Many of them would happily trade almost anything for a derby win over Newcastle.
Some would even accept relegation if it guaranteed beating us, especially if it meant doing the double. That shows how deep the rivalry runs, and how much these games mean to them.
But here is the thing. While I want Newcastle to beat Sunderland, it does not define me as a supporter. It is important, yes, but it is not everything. Let’s push the idea to an extreme.
If Eddie Howe and his players somehow lost both derby matches but won every other game in all competitions, lifting trophies and making history, would any of us really spend the summer upset because Sunderland had one small moment of joy? Would it really overshadow silverware, glory, and success on a much bigger stage?
This is where the idea of postponing the derby becomes strangely exciting rather than frustrating. Imagine we reach March 2026, and Newcastle fans are able to say, with a smile, that the home derby has been delayed because the club has more important business to take care of.
Imagine saying we are heading to Wembley again, preparing for another major final, chasing trophies instead of worrying about local bragging rights.
By a remarkable twist of timing, the weekend when Newcastle are scheduled to host Sunderland at St James’ Park clashes with the Carabao Cup final.
If Howe’s side get past Fulham in the upcoming cup match, they will be just two legs away from another Wembley appearance. Suddenly, the idea of a postponed derby feels like a badge of honour rather than an inconvenience.
This brings us back to the real question. How important is it to beat Sunderland? The honest answer is that it matters, but it is not the be-all and end-all. Think back to how you felt after Newcastle lifted their last trophy.
Now imagine that feeling again, multiplied, with another cup added to the cabinet. Where would that rank compared to any single league match, even a derby?
When fans of clubs like Manchester City or Liverpool look back on their greatest seasons, they talk about titles and trophies, not whether they won or lost a derby along the way. Success changes perspective.
Of course, if given the choice, we would always want to beat Sunderland rather than any other team when the stakes are the same. That rivalry will never fade. But the real dream is bigger. The hope is that Newcastle have bigger fish to fry this season. More silverware. More European nights. More progress.
And when the derby at St James’ Park finally comes around, perhaps the sweetest part will be knowing that beating Sunderland is just one step along a much greater journey.
Maybe it helps secure Champions League football again. Maybe it comes in a season filled with trophies and unforgettable moments. If that is the case, then a postponed derby might just feel like destiny doing Newcastle United a favour.
