Alious
The Tyne-Wear rivalry is officially back on the Premier League stage after Sunderland secured a dramatic return to the top flight—ending their eight-year absence. Their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley has set the stage for the first North East derby since 2016, much to the delight (and perhaps dismay) of fans on both sides of the divide.
Sunderland’s win came in thrilling fashion. After falling behind to a Tyrese Campbell opener and having a second Sheffield United goal chalked off by VAR, the Black Cats mounted a late comeback. Eliezer Mayenda equalised in the 76th minute, and Tommy Watson netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner**, sparking wild celebrations and sealing their Premier League return.
Fixture Announcement Looming – When’s the Derby?
The **Premier League has confirmed** that the **2025/26 fixtures will be unveiled on Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 BST**, with fans eagerly anticipating the date of the season’s most heated derby clashes. The season officially kicks off on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and concludes on Sunday, May 24, 2026, with all final-round matches kicking off simultaneously.
With Sunderland back in the big time, **supporters of both clubs will be circling those derby days on the calendar—a fixture that’s not only charged with history but promises unrivalled tension and intensity.
Shearer’s Reaction: Green Room Banter Goes Public
**Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer couldn’t escape the spotlight when it came to reacting to his club’s fiercest rivals rejoining them in the top flight. Appearing on Match of the Day to reflect on the Premier League’s final weekend, Shearer maintained a diplomatic tone when asked about Sunderland’s return:
> “I’m pleased they’re back up. They’re great games to play in.”
However, co-pundit Micah Richards quickly exposed Shearer’s true feelings, jokingly revealing, “That’s not what you said in the green room.”Host Gary Lineker tried to smooth things over with a tongue-in-cheek quip: “What is said in the green room stays in the green room.”
The exchange sparked laughter in the studio, but it also highlighted just how much emotion and rivalry still surrounds the Tyne-Wear clashes—even among legends of the game.
Howe Welcomes the Rivalry’s Return
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, meanwhile, was focused on his own side’s stunning achievement—qualifying for the Champions League. Thanks to Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United**, the Magpies **clinched fifth place on goal difference**, despite losing 1-0 to Everton.
In the post-match chaos, Howe admitted Sunderland’s promotion had momentarily slipped his mind:
> “I’d almost forgotten about that, to be honest, in amongst today… but of course, that was there yesterday and make it more difficult.”
Still, the Newcastle manager struck a respectful tone when asked about the derby’s return:
> “The derby games are obviously very intense and challenging, but we’ll look forward to it. It’s great for the area—it brings more energy and drama. Let’s bring it on.”
What It All Means
With Alan Shearer getting playfully “grassed up,” Eddie Howe rallying the troops, and Sunderland finally back in the top flight, the return of the **Tyne-Wear derby promises fireworks** next season. Fans won’t have to wait long to learn when the drama unfolds—June 18 is officially derby day on the calendar.
And if Shearer’s green room comments are anything to go by, expect plenty of banter, nerves, and fierce pride when the North East’s biggest rivalry reignites on Premier League turf.
Alious
