Newcastle United vs Sunderland - Do we want to see the games back in the Premier League?

It's the question that divides a fan base - as Newcastle United fans, do you want Sunderland back in the Premier League and therefore the rebirth of the derby matches?

It's a question that pops up every now and then and even more so now with Sunderland top of The Championship, and Newcastle thankfully far from the relegation threatened side they always seemed to be under their previous ownership.

This week on The Rest is Football Podcast, Toon legend Alan Shearer was asked to share his views on the potential return of Sunderland to the top flight and admitted that he would like to see the grudge matches back on the fixture list.

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“Yes, definitely. Absolutely," he said, "We want Sunderland back in the Premier League because it’s guaranteed six points for us, isn’t it?! That might come back to bite me in the future!

“Nah, the games are better. You want to play in those games. They are great derby games to play in at St James’ and at Sunderland. I do actually want them back up, because they’re not only good games for the players but for the fans to look forward to as well.”

The last game between the two teams was in the FA Cup Third Round back in January, and Newcastle ran out three-nil winners at The Stadium of Light but what do our team of writers here at Chronicle Live think about the derby - and do they want them back?

Something to be proud of

Lee Ryder

If we really want the North East to prosper in football the truth is we need all three of the main North East clubs back in the Premier League, Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Rivalries aside, the Tyne-Wear FA Cup derby was something to be proud of for our region and the long gap since the one before it underlined how much both sets of fans had really missed it - even if some wouldn't want to admit it!

That day just beneath the Press box as the teams walked out, a dad and his two kids were experiencing their first taste of a Tyne-Wear derby and they, like many others around them, were overcome with the sheer emotion of it all.

Does the North East, once dubbed the hotbed of football, really want to lose that?

The Newcastle fans were swirling their scarves around and it created a unique atmosphere compared to other away games for the Geordie fans, so I'd say yes, let's have them back, not just Tyne-Wear, but Tyne-Tees derbies too.

You also have to factor in the prices of following a team away from home these days, two away fixtures on the doorstep would ease the burden on pockets during these costly times.

Enjoy it for as long as you can

Aaron Stokes

Sunderland - or Middlesbrough - achieving promotion would be great for North East football. But let me be clear, I don't think I can hack two derbies a season and the nerves that accompany them.

I've never really enjoyed derbies, in truth. Undoubtedly due to the years of Newcastle United struggling to beat their nearest rivals when Tyne/Wear clashes were a twice a season affair. January's FA Cup win was great - but the hours leading up to the game were extremely unpleasant as I battled to get the knot out of my stomach.

Newcastle took the spoils home that day - and therefore have the bragging rights until the two clubs next meet, so let's enjoy that achievement for as long as we can.

Something special

Andrew Musgrove

Without a doubt I want Sunderland back in the Premier League and the return of the derby games - and I've wanted them back for many years.

Speaking as a life-long Newcastle fan, and with a best mate who is a Sunderland fan, I admit I've enjoyed their fall downs leagues but that feeling can only go on for so long.

What I want now is the two teams to be in the best league in the world competing season after season. I want to see Newcastle beat Sunderland every year - not hold on to the memories of 2010 or last year at the Stadium of Light.

Yes, derby days are horrendous days. They make you anxious, the build up can be sickening and if you lose, well the less said about that the better - but they are something special, and I want them back.

There are no winners

Stuart Jamieson

There are no winners in a derby, only losers, and for that reason, I'm more than happy for the derbies to stay away. Win the game, and you're the one to be shot at for the next time, lose and you face the torment and ridicule that comes with it.

The games are always awful, scrappy affairs when the tension from the stands is transmitted on to the pitch. Newcastle United's new 'riches' mean the level of expectation will lie heavily on their shoulders, while Sunderland's years outside the Premier League mean they have a long way to go to catch up. No matter which side of the Tyne-Wear divide you're on, keeping the neighbours at arm's length is no bad thing right now.