What I’d give to see Sunderland play the Scouse Mackems in the Championship next season | OneFootball

I enjoyed Dean Wilkins’ article (‘Proof that the gap between Premier League and Championship has never been greater’) on The Mag on Wednesday, about the gap that exists between the EPL and the Championship.

It was also refreshing to observe that others have noticed how the Sunderland fans are a little bit quieter, now that they have been knocked off their second-tier summit.

The Mackems have been punching above their weight but this still hasn’t captivated all of the Wearside public.

Nevertheless, it seems that Sunderland AFC are still prone to exaggerating their home attendances.

Trying to create a mythical scenario of being serious rivals to Newcastle United when it comes to pulling in punters. This fable has never been further from the truth than it is now in 2024.

Put it this way, you certainly don’t have to worry about becoming claustrophobic at the Stadium of Light, with all of those empty spaces and seats.

Dean’s piece on The Mag was spot on.

Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley are now in the top three positions in the Championship.

The Blades and the Clarets have been promoted to and relegated from the EPL in recent seasons, ‘Boing Boing’ clubs personified.

All three have tried and tested managers in the Championship. Daniel Farke, Chris Wilder and Scott Parker have all proven themselves by successfully guiding sides to promotion.

As Dean also stated, when Newcastle United were relegated in 2009 and 2016, we bounced straight back up as Champions under the popular Chris Hughton and Rafa Benitez respectively.

This is proof that Newcastle United never belonged in the Championship.

I noticed one person recently claiming in the comments section on The Mag that many Newcastle United fans are unhappy since the takeover. This regular in the comments section is a big fan of previous owner Mike Ashley (who relegated NUFC twice and was going to do so a third time until the takeover saved us) and I’m sure doesn’t speak for anybody else, only himself. I am happy moving forward in the knowledge that the dark days of the Fat Parasite are now firmly behind our great club.

Whoever does get promoted to the Premier League this season will have their work cut out in the next campaign for sure.

Last season’s promoted teams – Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton – are currently finding life difficult in the top tier.

I have no love for unsaintly Southampton but would have no qualms if the Foxes and Tractor Boys beat the drop.

In an ideal world, Everton would have taken the plunge years ago. How they have managed to escape being sucked under while constantly treading water is beyond comprehension and modern logic.

Everton are currently only two points above the drop and their next six matches include games against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man U (this weekend at Old Trafford).

How I would love it and oh what I’d give to see, Sunderland play the Scouse Mackems in the Championship next season.