Bring back our derbies

IT’S now over six years since the last Tyne-Wear (or Wear-Tyne) derby. It’s about time we had another.

Of course, that won’t happen overnight. There’s a little matter of two whole divisions between Newcastle United and Sunderland to address.

Earlier this season, Sunderland fans might have looked forward to renewing the rivalry as early as the autumn of this year as they targeted promotion to the Championship while United looked in danger of relegation to the same league.

United have impressively climbed clear of danger, while Sunderland missed out on automatic promotion.

Tonight, the Black Cats begin the play-offs – three matches that could end their four-year ordeal in the third tier.

A big club like Sunderland belongs in the big league. United fans may be loath to admit it, but they too may miss the fervour of a North East derby clash.