This ‘Outside Perspective’ is brought to you by Sunderland fanatic Mik Richardson (otherwise known as 'the postman on netflix'!). Huge thanks to him for taking the time to answer the following questions. Can he remain unbiased when discussing the fortunes of his team’s deadliest rivals? Find out below:
What memories do you have of your team’s matches against Newcastle United over the years, do any particular games stand out?
I would love to say the first 3-0 win we had at SJP when Di Canio was in charge for his second match. An unexpected result at the time. But for me it has to be the first win at SoL when Richardson thumped in that free kick. First win at home in 28 years and the first one I'd seen. It was a special day.
Can you think of any players who have played for both teams, what kind of impression did they make?
Out of the ones in recent years that have crossed the divide there is Michael Chopra and Jack Colback who both left on sour terms with many Sunderland fans. I think there’s still appreciation for Yedlin and Ki. I loved Ki when he played for us, such a talented midfielder and a shame we never got him permanently.
Have you ever visited St James’ Park and/or the city of Newcastle, what did you make of your time there?
I visit regularly, why wouldn't I?! it's a fantastic city that’s vibrant, exciting and cultured with plenty to do when there. I went to SJP for the Olympic games. The Brazil match was brilliant and I attended the Rugby World Cup too as well as a few gigs over the years. I'm always in awe of the location to the city centre your ground is and because it's built ground up, the scale is something else!
Hypothetically, if your team’s next match was at home to Newcastle in the league, would you be quietly confident of three points?
Definitely not! Despite the state your club is in at the moment, we are struggling to get a squad together that can mount a league challenge. We might give your under 21s another crack at it though!
Newcastle fans have often been referred to as ‘deluded’ by some sections of the media, unfair and untrue, entirely justified or somewhere in the middle?
Right now here is where I may have to wear my Sunderland hat a bit. Perhaps the media likes to peddle Newcastle fans in a certain light but it had to start from somewhere. I reckon the majority of the club’s fanbase is more humbled now by recent years. Just remember you are still in a privileged position by where you are in the Premier League so looking at clubs like Bolton, Bury, Blackpool and even us to see where you could be if your club is not looked after properly.
‘Newcastle United is not a big club’. How would you respond to this statement?
How do you measure a big club, is it success? Trophies? League position? Fans? If the answer is the last one both Newcastle and Sunderland would be in Europe every year if ‘big’ is based on fanbase.
What does Mike Ashley’s ownership of Newcastle look like from the outside?
It's difficult to understand how annoyed you are at an owner that has made sure the club is suitably balanced financially. He has prepared you to come back up if you get relegated and then when you do get relegated you get financed accordingly. I don't read enough about Newcastle to know the complete ins and outs so it's easy for me to say as I am slightly 'uninformed' by everything that's going on. I feel if you are upset with the owner, you answer with your feet. Stay away and make sure he gets the message. Don't buy the shirts, don't eat or drink at the ground. I know the premier league money eclipses most of these things but it will work eventually.
Would you swap the current owner of your club for Mike Ashley?
If Ashley was our owner we wouldn't have done a double relegation and perhaps might have found our way back to the top tier. But that's just by looking at your last 2 seasons you spent in the Championship, both of which of course you won. Although we had good transparency with our new owners, I feel a lot of our own supporters have let us down by ridiculing them at every turn. It seems no matter who you are, football fans will find a way to turn on you.
In this day and age of massive TV revenue, do you believe supporter led protests such as boycotts etc still have the power to bring about positive change?
You just have to look at the powerful message Blackpool put out to the Oystons by answering with their feet. It may have taken time but they're on the way back. Our dwindling attendances in the championship I believe spoke volumes to Ellis Short who eventually packed his bags too. There is no club if no one is there to see it.
Where do you think Newcastle will finish in the league this season and why?
Watch Bruce answer his critics by putting in an okay first season. I would say 12th.
Do you think the manager’s job at Newcastle has become something of a poisoned chalice?
I think both our clubs can be. At least you had a manager who was at the club for a few years and provided some stability in the dressing room during that time
What would represent ‘achievement’ for Steve Bruce in his first season as manager of NUFC?
Keeping you up unfortunately as that's what he's been brought in to do. Try and get a league cup win or something too as it's about trophies and winning something eventually.
If you could choose one current NUFC player to sign for your team this summer, who (if any) would you choose and why?
I don't even know who you have in your squad anymore. It would have been Perez. Perhaps Shelvey as he'd scare the shit out of the League One opposition hahaha!
Are there any former NUFC players that you wish had played for your team rather than the Toon?
David Ginola, that man is a God!
Fancy featuring on ‘An outside Perspective’? Simply email in, let us know which team you support and we’ll get back to you with a list of questions.