‘Different beast’: Simon Jordan emphatically settles the Newcastle and Sunderland debate
The possibility of one of English football’s most intense rivalries reigniting is closer than ever. Sunderland stand just one match away from securing their return to the Premier League, setting the stage for a long-awaited reunion with Newcastle United.
The Championship playoff final at Wembley on May 24th will determine whether the Black Cats can reclaim their top-flight status, potentially reviving a fixture that has been absent from the Premier League calendar since March 2016.
The last encounter between these two historic clubs in England’s elite division ended in a 1-1 stalemate, but much has changed since then. Newcastle, under the guidance of Eddie Howe, have transformed into a formidable force, while Sunderland have navigated the challenges of the Championship, inching closer to redemption.
Should they overcome Sheffield United in the playoff final, the Tyne-Wear derby will once again become a highlight of the Premier League season—a prospect that excites and intimidates in equal measure.
Howe has already demonstrated his ability to mastermind victory in this fierce rivalry, having led Newcastle to a resounding 3-0 win over Sunderland in last season’s FA Cup.
That emphatic result at the Stadium of Light underscored the growing disparity between the two sides, a gap that has only widened in the intervening months.
Newcastle’s recent successes—including their Carabao Cup triumph and a potential top-four Premier League finish—highlight their ascent, while Sunderland face the daunting task of bridging the divide should they secure promotion.
Simon Jordan, the outspoken TalkSPORT pundit, has been quick to temper expectations among Sunderland supporters. He warns that Newcastle have evolved into a “different beast” since the clubs last met in league competition, emphasizing the vast difference in quality and resources.
“When they play Newcastle United, there will be a gulf in class between the two clubs, regardless of how much Sunderland spend in the summer transfer window,” Jordan stated.
He pointed to the financial constraints imposed by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which will limit Sunderland’s ability to make significant reinforcements, further complicating their bid to compete with their wealthier rivals.
TalkSPORT host Jim White countered with optimism, suggesting that Sunderland’s “heart and belief” could prove decisive. But Jordan remained unmoved, insisting that raw determination alone would not be enough. “Look at the quality of Newcastle,” he argued.
“When the reality of the match arrives, it will be a fantastic spectacle for the North East, but Newcastle are operating on a different level. They’ve moved far beyond where they were the last time these sides met.”
The prospect of the derby’s return has sparked divided opinions among fans. For some, the thrill of local bragging rights and the electric atmosphere make these encounters unmissable.
For others, the emotional toll of defeat—or even the nerve-shredding tension of victory—makes the fixture an ordeal they’d rather avoid.
Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer and a man who knows the weight of this rivalry better than most, falls firmly into the former camp. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer made his stance clear: he wants Sunderland back in the Premier League.
“Absolutely,” he declared. “We want them up because it’s guaranteed six points for us, isn’t it?” He acknowledged the risk of his words coming back to haunt him but stood by his sentiment, emphasizing the unique appeal of derby matches. “Those games are special—for the players, for the fans, for everyone involved. St James’ Park against Sunderland is what football is all about.”
Whether Sunderland can secure their Premier League return remains to be seen, but the implications are undeniable. A victory at Wembley would not only mark their resurgence but also rekindle a rivalry steeped in history, passion, and regional pride.
For Newcastle, it would present another opportunity to assert their dominance. For Sunderland, it would be a chance to prove they belong back among the elite. And for football fans, it would be the revival of one of the game’s most compelling contests.
The Tyne-Wear derby is more than just a football match—it’s a clash of identities, a test of nerve, and a celebration of North East football.
Should Sunderland triumph in the playoffs, the stage will be set for a new chapter in this storied rivalry, one that promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. The countdown to Wembley begins, and with it, the anticipation of what could be one of the most significant fixtures in recent memory.