Former Cat hails return of 'very special' derby

PHIL Bardsley believes Sunderland and Newcastle supporters have “something special” to look forward to with the return of the Tyne-Wear derby showdown.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer

The former Black Cats defender enjoyed seven seasons with the Black Cats and got to experience first-hand the magnificent occasion of the iconic North East rivalry.

Only 12 miles separate the two famous clubs - and Sunderland’s memorable promotion back to the Premier League now means next season there will be two Tyne-Wear Premier League derbies for the first time in eight years.

“It’s brilliant Sunderland are back in the Premier League,” stressed Bardsley, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com.

I've played in many of those derbies and lots of others, but there’s nothing quite like the Tyne-Wear derby. Phil Bardsley

“You only have to look at the massive fan-base, the amazing stadium and now there's going to be a Tyne-Wear derby again, they don’t come much bigger than those matches.”

“They're the games that all the players and supporters look forward to, to see that game again is going to be very special.”