Jordan Pickford has compared Sunderland’s derby with Newcastle United to the Old Firm derby.
Despite spending 15 years at Sunderland, Jordan Pickford never took his place in between the sticks during a Wear-Tyne derby.
Born in Washington, the goalkeeper made his senior debut in January 2016, but didn’t force his way into the number one spot until Vito Mannone picked up a serious injury during the following season.
Pickford was on the bench during Sunderland’s last meeting with Newcastle, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking great enjoyment out of derby days. No doubt the England international spent many of them in the stands as a fan.
Despite joining Everton in a £30 million deal six years ago, the boyhood Black Cats fan has remained in support of the club and has even claimed that he will try and attend next month’s FA Cup match on Wearside.
Speaking to BeIN Sports, Pickford said: “The fixtures have fell into place so hopefully, I can go and show my support.
“Personally, I don’t think in the country that there’s a bigger derby. I think it is on par with Celtic-Rangers.
“For me, It is one of the biggest derbies atmosphere-wise. It is a great day out for home and away fans. It is a great day and the atmosphere is right up there for me.”
Jordan Pickford back at the SoL
It seems pretty crazy that Jordan Pickford never managed to play in a derby. That certainly would have been a sight to behold.
The 29-year-old makes his hatred for Newcastle United very clear when Everton come up against them, as you could see through his brilliant reaction to their 3-0 win over the Magpies earlier this month.
Pickford would have done a brilliant job at winding up the supporters and probably the players as well, but seeing him cheer the lads on from the stands will be pretty great in itself.
Hopefully Anthony Patterson will be on form and can impress the former Sunderland man. The Black Cats have been blessed with some brilliant goalkeepers from the academy and the 23-year-old looks on track to live up to the hype that Pickford had when he left the Stadium of Light.
Patterson will have plenty more Sunderland appearances to his name than Pickford though, and hopefully we can keep hold of this one.