Following the Magpies’ 6-2 rout over Norwich at the weekend, Sunderland legend Niall Quinn is fearing the worst for his old club ahead of the north-east derby.
Newcastle’s first Premier League win of the season, alongside McClaren’s first top-flight win with the club, left the now pundit Quinn fearful of Sunderland’s chances for this weekend’s clash.
Sunderland are now the only side without a Premier League win ahead of the first derby which they have performed so well in over the past few years, kicking off at noon this Sunday.
Following McClaren’s win, Sunderland are now rock bottom, and Big Sam’s first home game could be one of the biggest of his career, for our league position and for the support of the fans on such a momentous occasion.
Ex-player and chairman Quinn says the Sunderland squad must live up to the expectations of the fans.
“Sunderland have to dig deep now,” said Quinn. “Sam [Allardyce] will be required to get them into a different place, mentally. Newcastle are already in a great place going into it, and Sunderland will have to apply themselves to get there.
“Derby games are the sort of place where everything gets thrown out of the window, and it certainly won’t be a place for the faint-hearted. But if you were Sunderland, you’d be worried after the [Norwich] result.”
Quinn went on to talk about the game at St James’ park, saying it was a “special game” to be at.
He added: “It is hard for a Sunderland man like myself to say this, but it was a special game to be at, and I am pleased that we [Sky] did it.
“I am pleased for Newcastle, and I am pleased for Steve McClaren because it was a special day for them.
“This result will help them a huge amount, as that doubt is gone.
“They have shown they are capable of putting a performance like that together and proved they are a top team going forward when they want to be.
“Obviously the manager will want them to continue in that form.
“What it means is that they come into training in the week and the local papers, local radio stations, everything starts to hot up as the week goes on, with the players with big smiles on their faces.”
The former Sunderland striker scored 61 goals in his 203 appearances for the club, and has had his fair share of encounters with Newcastle, let’s just hope the lads currently in the squad are capable of some magic for this Sunday’s outing.
