Try GOLD - Free
Defoe: Stadium of Light can be a true fortress
The Chronicle
|October 17, 2025
SUNDERLAND icon Jermain Defoe understands the meaning of playing on Wearside and what it feels like to wear the number 18.
The ex-England striker made 100 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring 37 goals in all competitions, becoming a firm fan favourite for the Black Cats.
From derby-day heroics to unforgettable goals, few players have left such an enduring mark at the club. It's no surprise, then, that his words still carry weight both inside and outside the dressing room.
Defoe, who also made a huge impact at West Ham, Tottenham and Portsmouth, revealed that he played a small but meaningful role in one of Sunderland's biggest summer moves the signing of Granit Xhaka.
This story is from the October 17, 2025 edition of The Chronicle.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Chronicle
The Chronicle
Bruno is top of Keegan's wish list
FORMER Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has admitted if he returned to management the one player he would love to sign is Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes.
1 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Young adult unemployment has soared in the UK since Labour came to power
THE number of young people claiming unemployment benefits has soared across most of the UK since Labour came to power - even as the overall number of claimants has fallen.
3 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Youngsters ease past Forest into next round
ACADEMY manager Robin Nicholls has discussed the importance of the FA Youth Cup at Sunderland and the valuable development opportunities it provides.
1 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
'Game-changing' buggy for Kinsley
MEET six-year-old Kinsley Ridley from North Tyneside, who has Dandy Walker malformation and development delay.
2 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
It's sad that friendships fall out...
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez discuss friendship and loss in their roles in a new filmed stage version of Stephen Sondheim's musical Merrily We Roll Along. By LYNN RUSK
4 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Gateshead triathlete Kate wins world title in Qatar
KATE WAUGH defied her own doubts to cap a ‘dream’ season with the T100 Triathlon world title.
2 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Why was it built in the first place, asks council leader
A YEAR on from the closure of the Gateshead Flyover, council leader Martin Gannon is plagued by the question: 'Why the hell did they build it in the first place?'
2 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Twelve months on, abandoned eyesore flyover is still standing
AN ABANDONED and crumbling eyesore running through the heart of Tyneside, the Gateshead Flyover has now stood empty for a full year.
3 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Council warns it must find £8m of extra savings
A North East council has warned that it will need to make £8 million worth of extra cuts next year after a Government funding shakeup.
2 mins
December 13, 2025
The Chronicle
Former Newcastle keeper Krul has sympathy
FORMER Newcastle United star Tim Krul has opened up on the difficulties of being a second choice goalkeeper amid the battle for the gloves at St James’ Park between Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.
1 mins
December 13, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size