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‘Newcastle v Sunderland is bigger than Manchester United v Liverpool’ – Former boss

8 years ago
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Manchester United v Liverpool on Thursday night in the Europa League is trumped by the Newcastle v Sunderland derby on Sunday.

That is the claim of former Sunderland Manager Peter Reid as he looks forward to possibly the biggest ever Tyne & Wear derby.

The two north west clubs are of course bitter rivals and there is Champions League qualification if you win the Europa League BUT they are only in the last 16 currently and with quality teams such as Borussia Dortmund it is big odds against either of the Premier League clubs winning the whole competition.

Whereas, as Peter Reid points out, the winner of Sunday’s Newcastle v Sunderland match could well be the key match in deciding who stays in the Premier League (assuming it is not Norwich City….).

Jurgen Klopp said that Thursday night will be the ‘mother of all games’ but Peter Reid has gone one better and said Sunday will be the ‘Grandmother of all games’.

This is one of those rare occasions when I can’t disagree with a Mackem.

Peter Reid talking to the official Sunderland website:

“I can’t put it into words how big it is…I know Sunderland have won six on the trot and that’s a great record – but you would give anything to win this one.

“If Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool and Manchester United is the mother of all games, he hasn’t seen this one at St James Park because that’s the grandmother of all games – it is a massive one.

“I think the one who is successful in this game could retain their Premier League status, it is that big.

 “That save from Sorensen is folklore. It will be spoken about in 100 years’ time and that is the beauty of being involved in those games, you can make history. That’s how big they are in football and in terms of this footballing mad region.

“It is great for the area; I found it dead easy because I used to relate it back to when I was a player.

“If you had told me as a kid that I had a chance of playing in a derby game against Newcastle United, you’re a lucky lad so go out and enjoy it but make sure you win.”

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