Our local rivals have been forced to ask the Professional Footballer’s Association for help in persuading players to either negotiate a settlement figure for their contracts or accept wage deferrals.
The Mackems are reported to be between £30million and £40million in debt and on the verge of entering administration, with huge salaries paid to poor players one of the reasons for their plight.
The importance of staying out of administration is greater than ever before because of Football League plans to deduct points from clubs in financial difficulty from next season onwards.
I may be in a minority but I wouldn’t like to see Sunderland (or any other club) cease to exist – if for no other reason than the immeasurable pleasure I gained from their on pitch performance last season.
The rivalry with the Mackems is a major part of being a Newcastle United fan and life without that rivalry (especially with us so far on top at the minute) would be poorer.
***On the subject of clubs in financial difficulties, anyone wanting to help save Oldham Athletic can make a donation to the Oldham Athletic Supporters’ Foundation Trust online at www.keep-the-faith.co.uk ***