Former Sunderland man Roy Keane has revealed the one thing he ‘never fell for’ against Newcastle United.
The rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle United to this day remains one of the most hotly-anticipated and fierce in the country.
Despite crossovers with previous managers, notably Steve Bruce, and players, including one man that captained both sides, Stan Anderson, the hatred between the two northern powerhouses can not be disputed.
One Sunderland man who never saw eye-to-eye with those representing black & white, both during his playing and managerial career was Roy Keane.
The former Sunderland manager, who served at the Stadium of Light for a total of two years, has had his back-and-forth’s with Newcastle United over the years, but he has revealed the one thing that he ‘never fell for’.
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Former Sunderland boss Roy Keane addresses previous Newcastle United hassle and what he never fell for
When Keane arrived on Wearside, it is obvious that he had already built up a hatred for the Toon Army throughout his playing career, notoriously with Alan Shearer on one occasion at the Stadium of Light.
Keane himself has shown how aware he was that he always got himself involved in a bit of ‘hassle’ against Sunderland’s rivals, as written in his second autobiography, published in 2014.
In the autobiography, The Second Half, Keane said: “I always had a bit of hassle against Newcastle.
“I’d been sent off twice up there. I’d had my battles with Shearer and Rob Lee. I always thought they were an arrogant bunch, for a club that had won f*** all.
“We always got decent results at St James’ Park; it wasn’t a bad place to play. But as for the Toon Army, the Geordies, the hostile reception – I never fell for all that cr**.”
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Roy Keane feud with Newcastle United made him perfect for Wearside
One thing that Sunderland fans desire from a manager leading the side is to have that passion that mirrors the supporters. One key part of that is that hatred for Newcastle United.
Plenty of signs point towards Keane being a key part of the success of Sunderland in the mid 2000’s, from his promotion in the 2006/07 season, finishing top of the Championship, to the comfortable 15th placed finish in the season afterwards.
Leading Sunderland to that historical 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light against their noisy neighbours will also live long in the memories of Black Cats fans, and it certainly cemented his name in Wearside folklore.