Ally McCoist makes hilarious Sunderland promotion claim on talkSPORT
Ally McCoist replied to Jeff Stelling’s claim that Sunderland will achieve promotion with a dig at rivals Newcastle United.
The Black Cats occupy the top spot in the Championship albeit could lose that if they suffer defeat at Deepdale against Preston on Wednesday (6 November).
Stelling predicted an outcome of promotion for Sunderland to set up a derby with fierce rivals Newcastle United next season, which prompted a great reply by ex-Sunderland striker McCoist.
Stelling, talking on talkSPORT (5 November), said: “Next season in the premier league, there will be a Tyne-wear derby”
McCoist replied: “I’ve got to say you to mate, coming from an ex-Sunderland man, I think that’s a bold prediction that Newcastle will stay up. But I’ll take it.”
Could Sunderland return to the Premier League this season?
Could they? Yes. Will they? Only time will tell.
Sunderland have certainly demonstrated their promotion credentials under Frenchman Regis Le Bris and despite dropping points against QPR, they occupy the top spot in the Championship.
If they suffer defeat against Preston, they could lose that position depending on what Leeds United can do against Millwall but they are in a fantastic position.
Notoriously, teams have to pick up an average of two points per game to be in with a chance of achieving promotion, which over the course of a season equates to 92 points.
Le Bris had previously set his sights on achieving 90 points this season.
Currently, the Wearsiders are picking up an average of 2.23 points per game and are certainly on course to achieve success.
It is approaching eight years since the Black Cats were a Premier League outfit and a return to the top flight would be an exciting prospect for a side who have showcased an ability to attract players to the club despite being in the Championship.
In other Sunderland news, United States international DeAndre Yedlin has opened up on his time on Wearside, reflecting on it as “one of the most important chapters” of his life.
For more Sunderland news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.