Aji Alese has made a promise to Sunderland fans ahead of the Wear-Tyne derby this weekend.
Aji Alese made his long awaited comeback to the first team in the weekend’s win over Preston North End, taking the place of the injured Niall Huggins on the left side of defence.
The 22-year-old had only made one appearance since March prior to the Lilywhites clash, featuring against Luton Town in the Championship play-offs before suffering another injury setback.
So Alese is used to being thrown in at the deep end during his time at the Stadium of Light, but he is yet to experience the intensity of a Wear-Tyne derby.
The defender is extremely likely to feature in the FA Cup tie against Newcastle United, though he is joined by the entire squad in never participating in derby day. Though Anthony Patterson, Elliot Embleton, Dan Neil and Chris Rigg will all understand the importance of such a game.
Despite never playing against the Magpies, Alese has admitted he knows all about the vicious derby, and has made a promise to Sunderland fans.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said: “Growing up in Essex, you know about the Tyne-Wear derby and coming here you learn more about it and you understand how much it means to the fans.
“So we’re all aware and we’ll go into it with everything.”
Do Sunderland have the experience to cause an upset this weekend?
Back when Wear-Tyne derbies were twice a year, Sunderland had plenty of players who had experienced the pressure-cooker situation they would find themselves in at the Stadium of Light.
However, the Black Cats could now be depending on their homegrown players to drill into their teammates how important this is to the city.
Though other players will have experienced their own derbies across the country. Alex Pritchard has played in the East Anglian derby, Corry Evans in the East Lancashire derby, and Patrick Roberts in one of the biggest in the world – The Old Firm.
It’s going to be an extremely tough match, but I’m sure these players will know what to expect.
To not get thrashed would be a huge success in my eyes, but to put on a solid performance and actually challenge them for 90 minutes would be a huge achievement. Newcastle United have failed unless they hammer us.
I was so excited for this game when the draw was made, but now I’m just full of dread. The Magpies’ terrible form isn’t even giving me much hope, because is their worst not still better than us right now?
If Michael Beale can cause a shock on Wearside, then I will happily apologise to Kristjaan Speakman for ever doubting his appointment.