Stephen Elliott says playing in the Wear-Tyne derby atmosphere is ‘hard to put into words’…
Stephen Elliott, a former Southampton favorite, has given his assessment on the FA Cup game versus Newcastle United.
In a contentious decision, 6,000 Newcastle supporters were allowed entry to Sunderland’s stadium for their matchup against the North East rivals in the third round at the Stadium of Light. Tynesiders will have to take a coach during a “bubble” journey to Wearside, which has sparked concerns about safety and logistics.
Elliott left Manchester City to join Sunderland in 2004. He played for the team for three seasons before moving to Wolves. The Republic of Ireland international played 88 games for the team throughout his tenure, scoring 23 goals, including a spectacular goal against Newcastle United in 2005. Nevertheless, the Black Cats lost the Premier League match 3-2 at St. James’ Park.
Elliott said, “It is hard to put into words,” when The Echo questioned him about what it was like to play in a Wear-Tyne derby. “This one is even more exciting because we have been waiting for it for so long. As a player, you enter the game believing it to be just another game, but let’s face it—there is genuine animosity amongst the supporters!
“There, we are discussing a bubble. You know, it had better be a solid steel bubble. You need to make an effort to understand the game plan. Newcastle, who have players of a far higher caliber, will be visiting the area. They have a Sunderland championship team and they have a Champions League team,” Elliott went on.
Elliott also mentioned Sunderland’s dynamic forwards, Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts, emphasizing that they had a chance to become heroes at the Stadium of Light and asked the team’s current crop of bright players to stand up and be counted against Newcastle on January 6.
“You can’t ignore it, but at the same time, football is all about styles, so the Sunderland players will be wondering, ‘Can I be the hero today?’ if they can frustrate this Newcastle team. Can I go score that decisive goal? Or use a replay of it. As a player, these are the thoughts that run through your mind. You wish to attempt to influence these derby matches.
“We obviously lost the match, but I had the good fortune to score in the derby, and these are the kinds of memories you remember for the rest of your career. Roller derbies are a little unique; I’ve played them at other clubs. It’s an exhilarating, almost out-of-body sensation. Thus, athletes like Clarke and Roberts will be wondering if they have what it takes to go out and become heroes. Whatever happens, if someone scores the game-winning goal for Sunderland in January, it will always be remembered.”
You can view the full video on ShotsTV and YouTube, and you can listen to Stephen Elliott’s podcast, The Roar, on all podcast platforms. It airs on Freeview channel 276 on December 23 at 11:40 a.m. again on Christmas Day at 12:40 p.m.
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