The Tyne and Wear derby is one of English football’s most passionate, but one thing that unites Sunderland and Newcastle United is their managerial woes – that includes Steve Bruce.
Frenchman Regis Le Bris has overseen a perfect start to his managerial tenure at Sunderland, with four wins out of four leaving Sunderland top of the table going into the international break.
Le Bris has demanded concentration from his youthful Sunderland side going into the break, but the fans can bask in the unpredictably brilliant opening to the new season their side has made.
Likewise, Newcastle fans will be pleased with the campaign’s start. Two wins and a draw have left Eddie Howe’s side in fifth in the Premier League with seven points.
Sunderland have recently faltered under the stewardship of Michael Beale and Alex Neil. Meanwhile, Newcastle fans wince when they think of the performances under Steve McClaren.
One man unites the two fanbases, however, and as former Black Cats and Magpies boss Steve Bruce returns to manage Blackpool, the rival supporters have shared their concerns.
Sunderland and Newcastle fans send warnings to Blackpool over Steve Bruce appointment
Reacting to the news of Bruce’s appointment at League One Blackpool, Sunderland and Newcastle fans took to X to tell fans of his new club to expect the worst.
The fanbases share almost nothing in common, but they can relate with each other on the struggles of a poor manager.
Another Sunderland fan was blunt with Blackpool supporters, saying: “You are in for a lot of pain and I’m sorry.”
Newcastle fans had almost identical feelings to share. One said: “This will genuinely be the worst rollercoaster ride you’ve ever been on. Thoughts and prayers.” Another added: “It won’t be pretty and it won’t end well.”
Steve Bruce’s damning legacy at Sunderland
Bruce took charge of Sunderland in the summer of 2009 after spells with Roy Keane and Ricky Sbragia had seen the club finish in an underwhelming 16th in the Premier League.
Joining from Wigan Athletic, Bruce improved Sunderland with the record signing of Darren Bent. His 24 league goals helped the club finish 13th in the 2009/10 season, with an emerging Jordan Henderson winning the Young Player of the Year award at the club.
However, a poor start to the 2010/11 season saw Bruce be dismissed as Sunderland manager in November. Bruce went on to suggest that the reason he was sacked was that he was a Newcastle fan, much to the dismay of Sunderland supporters who had been enduring their side’s poor form.
It remains to be seen how the ex-Sunderland man performs in his new role at Blackpool, but for Sunderland and Newcastle fans, his tenure marks a dark period in contrast to their bright starts to the new season.