Danny eyes an even bigger derby
DANNY Simpson will give the Tees-Tyne derby against Middlesbrough this weekend the respect it deserves.
But the Newcastle United defender is dreaming of another north east grudge match.
Simpson – who had a spell on loan at the Stadium of Light earlier in his career – would love to play in a Tyne-Wear tussle, having heard from both sides of the divide about the intensity of the region's biggest derby.
However, for the time being, Simpson is just focused on helping Newcastle back to the Premier League, where he hopes relegation-threatened Sunderland will be lying in wait.
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However, the 23-year-old knows most of Tyneside would be more than happy for Steve Bruce's side to drop out of the division.
"I've still got friends at Sunderland, Phil Bardsley being one of them," said Simpson.
"Things haven't been going too well for them in the last few months, and, from Newcastle fans' point of view, if we went up and Sunderland went down, I'm sure there'd be double celebrations.
"But, as a Newcastle player, I'd like to play in a Newcastle-Sunderland game – and win.
"From what I've heard, they're absolutely amazing games to play in, but, as I say, if they go down, then I'm sure it would be a case of double celebrations."
United go into the game against Gordon Strachan's side – who are well adrift of the play-off places – with a six-point advantage over second-placed West Bromwich Albion.
More importantly, Nottingham Forest, in third, are a further two points behind, and Simpson is confident Chris Hughton's side can maintain their advantage between now and the end of the season.
"We're all focused on one thing, and one thing only, and that's getting into the Premier League," added the former Manchester United right-back.
"Every player wants to be there. It's the best league in the world, and I want to play against the best players. Newcastle's a massive club, and it should be in the Premier League.
"With the players we've got, we should be there, and the main thing is to keep doing our jobs and getting wins.
"For me, personally, if we can get into the Premier League it will have been a perfect move."
* The last remaining tickets for Newcastle United's visit to Bristol City on Saturday, March 20, went on sale from the club's ticket office today.
* United's reserve game against Huddersfield Town at Whitley Park has been put back 24 hours to April 20 after the first-team fixture at Plymouth Argyle was switched to April 19 for live TV broadcast.
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Weather for Jarrow
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
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Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 6 C
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