Home News Columnists Neil Farrington

Fans are still vital 12th man

Jan 17 2010 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

ALMOST three years ago, with their sights set on the Premier League, Sunderland turned down the chance to play live on Sky.

Instead of switching their promotion clash with Derby to a Monday night, the Black Cats opted for a Saturday 3pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light.

Chairman Niall Quinn explained: “Derby are top of the table and I’d much rather have a big crowd than the TV money and some people cheering us on in the pub.

“I’m not some marketing guy looking for commission, I’m someone who knows what it’s like to be roared on.”

Sunderland beat Derby. Won promotion too.

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