You're wrong! Sunderland boss calls out Newcastle counterpart over Wear-Tyne derby

Sam Allardyce is no stranger to big derby games after so many years in the game

SAM ALLARDYCE reckons rival Steve McClaren is wrong to dismiss the Wear-Tyne derby as "just another game''.

 

Newcastle boss McClaren has done his best to play down the visit to Sunderland.

But Black Cats manager Allardyce is in no doubt about the importance of the game - and a chat with big mate Steve Bruce underlined the significance of the occasion.

Former Sunderland boss Bruce, raised as a Newcastle fan, never fully recovered in his time on Wearside from the 5-1 Hallowe'en hammering his side suffered at St. James' Park almost five years ago.

And ex-Sunderland skipper Allardyce insisted: "It isn't just another game - it's far from itfor me.

"It's one that nobody wants to be on the wrong side of, there's no doubt about that.

"It can have a more damning effect losing this game than any other. So get out there - and win.\

McClaren has dismissed the game as just another one

"I've spoken to Brucie several times about his time here, particularly when Niall Quinn was around because they were the combination who tried to move the club forward.

"He's talked to me many times about that big defeat to Newcastle. He's hoping it's something that doesn't happen to me."