Keane applauded over brilliant Newcastle swipe all Sunderland fans will love
Roy Keane is no doubt a Sunderland legend, with the former manager still held in high regard by the Stadium of Light faithful.
While it may have been almost two decades since Keane was in the Black Cats dugout, the former Ireland international still has fond memories of his old side.
Keane regularly talks about his time at the club, and he recently admitted that Sunderland almost signed Giorgio Chiellini under his stewardship.
Now, he has taken a swipe at the Black Cats’ fierce rivals Newcastle when discussing the Premier League outfit.
Keane insists Sunderland are still bigger Newcastle
Although Sunderland’s season has no doubt been excellent so far, albeit with an end-of-season loss of form, one downside was the fact that their rivals Newcastle finally got their hands on a trophy.
The Magpies had a terrible record of achieving success, even when they had good teams on paper. However, their 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup finally ended this streak in February.
Ruud Gullit, who was manager of Newcastle between 1998-1999, discussed the club’s struggle to attract players when he was there before Keane had a brilliant comeback to his comments.
| Roy Keane’s record at Sunderland | |
| Games managed | 100 |
| Wins | 42 |
| Draws | 17 |
| Losses | 41 |
| Win percentage | 42 per cent |
The Dutchman said on The Overlap (1 May): “The biggest problem that you also had was that not everybody wants to go there. You have to really get with a good plan in order to go there.
“I think that the biggest success they had was when [Kevin] Keegan was coach there. They had the best team they had – didn’t win it, but I think that now that they won a trophy, I’m so happy for them.”
Keane butted in with: “There’s a bigger club down the road in Sunderland, so that’s the problem.
Sunderland native Jill Scott said: “Yes, Roy”, and fist-bumped Keane.
Sunderland have chance to get revenge against Newcastle
With the playoffs now secured, promotion to the Premier League is now in Sunderland’s hands.
While returning to the top flight has many benefits, one of the most sought-after aspects will be the Tyne-Wear derby.
It has been unbearable for many Black Cats fans seeing their rivals doing so well while they have been stuck in League One and the Championship.
Newcastle’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup last season was humiliating, especially as it was hosted at the Stadium of Light.
However, if Regis Le Bris’ side goes up through the playoffs, it will give the club an excellent chance to knock the Magpies off their perch.
It will no doubt be a challenge, but Sunderland have an excellent team and could beat Newcastle next season if further improvements are made in the summer.