Mags v Mackems - England's Premier Derby!
Last updated : 24 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Sunderland fans must surely feel they will never have a better chance of beating United due to the current situation, but their record on home soil against the Geordies is dreadful!
Is it the biggest derby in England?
Personally I would say it is the most passionate, by a mile. And I have been to many derbies (as a reporter) up and down the country.
The Mersey derby is generally regarded at the "friendly derby" because the fans mix. The Scousers HATE it being termed that, but there is never the pure hatred you get on Tyneside and Wearside when the Mags and Mackems clash.
I remember a Sheffield derby, and the newspaper had a four page spread showing a photo of Hillsborough full to the rafters ... but if you looked closely it was taken in 1974 when Newcastle beat Burnley and the joyous fans were Geordies!
Man Utd and Man City can be nasty, as can Spurs and Arsenal. Villa and Brum has seen its moments, but the most luke warm I have ever attended was Norwich v Ipswich ... there's probably more life in a trap's vest!
Speaking from experience, nothing beats Newcastle v Sunderland!
SUNDERLAND - STADIUM OF LIGHT INFO
AWAY FANS -
Away fans are located in the South Stand at one end of the stadium, where around 3,000 fans can be housed. The facilities and views of the playing action from this stand are excellent.
BY CAR -
Exit the A1 at Junction 62, the Durham/Sunderland exit and take the A690 towards Sunderland. After about eight miles, you will reach a roundabout, at which turn left onto the A19, signposted for the Tyne Tunnel. Stay in the left hand lane and take the second slip road towards Sunderland (signposted Stadium Of Light, A1231 Sunderland). This takes you onto a bridge crossing over the River Wear. Turn right onto the A1231 following the signs for Sunderland. Go straight over four roundabouts into Sunderland.
Then go through two sets of traffic lights (keeping in the left hand lane at the second set, going straight on towards Roker rather than the city centre) and you will see the Stadium car park on your right, about a mile after the traffic lights. However there is only limited parking at the ground, so alternatively, you can park in the city centre and walk to the ground (about 10-15 minutes). The traffic for a couple of miles around the ground was solid when I went so allow plenty of time for your journey.
There is also a 'Park & Ride' scheme in operation on matchdays, free for both home and away supporters. This is situated at Sunderland Enterprise Park, which is well signposted just off the A1231. Buses run every five minutes, for 90 minutes before kick off and continue after the game until everyone has gone.
TRAIN/METRO -
Sunderland train station in the city centre is walkable from the stadium (around 15 minutes). From the train station, exit between W.H.Smith and the bakery. Turn left and walk down "High St West" and then turn left again and walk up Fawcett St to the Wear Bridge. From here you can see stadium as it is on raised ground. Simply cross the bridge, and turn left into Millennium Way, opposite the Wheatsheaf pub (home fans only). The away turnstiles are located on the side of the ground which is straight ahead.
The Metro stations called the 'Stadium of Light' and 'St. Peters' both serve the stadium. The metro provides regular and rapid transport from both Newcastle and the South of Sunderland. Both stations are only a few minutes walk from the stadium, although away supporters should alight at St Peters Station as that is closer to their entrance. This provides an alternative to the regular rail services. Please note though that after the game the Stadium of Light metro station only operates Northbound (i.e. towards Newcastle) and St Peters metro station only operates Southbound (i.e. towards Sunderland centre).
