They told Newcastle ‘Enjoy Burton’ now Sunderland fans know when playing Fleetwood, Rochdale and Accrington Stanley
Sunderland fans had their brief moment of glory when telling Newcastle supporters to ‘enjoy Burton’ two summers ago.
Newcastle United relegated for a second time under Mike Ashley and the Mackems having the upper hand.
Newcastle fans of course did ‘enjoy Burton’, beating them home and away as they went up as champions.
The two full seasons under the expert guidance of Rafa Benitez have coincided with a three division shift between the two clubs.
NUFC promoted and then finishing top ten in the Premier League, whilst Sunderland fans have seen their fortunes plummet, ending consecutive seasons rock bottom of the Premier League and Championship.
There has been much bravado this summer from the Mackems, claiming they are happy to be having a rest away from a stale Premier League (and presumably a stale Championship as well….).
However, Thursday morning has been their reality check.
The fixtures are out for the lower leagues and Sunderland fans can now plan ahead when their big games are this season.
They open their season at home to Charlton on Saturday 4 August (a week earlier than the Premier League) and then the rest of that month sees them up against Luton, AFC Wimbledon, Scunthorpe and Gillingham.
Saturday 8 September sees them ‘welcome’ Joey Barton and Fleetwood Town to Wearside, which should be interesting.
The Mackems look sure to be an interesting sideshow this season, with of course extra cup commitments as well, including potentially playing Newcastle’s kids in the group stages of the Checkatrade Trophy!
If they get off to a good start then just like fans of any side, if you have a winning team in any division then you can enjoy it and there should be harmony within the club.
However, if things don’t go in a positive direction then the meltdown with the Sunderland fans and the new owners (who have been telling the Mackems everything they think they want to hear, including how much they don’t like Newcastle United) will be something special.
Here’s hoping.
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