In reality Newcastle Utd v Sunderland is NOT a derby. Ten miles apart, they are the closest two grounds in England not to officially be in the same city - although they share the same Metro system and have the same phone code.
You can even see the Stadium of Shite from the top of the Leazes at St James'' Park on a clear day.
Ten miles apart - not officially a derby - but Spurs v Crystal Palace (14 miles apart) is.
Pardew has played and managed in London derbies, but he says those games don’t compare to this fixture.
Alan Pardew: “I explained it to someone in London the other day – It’s not like a London derby.
“I don’t know, why. Maybe because it’s a city that has intense rivalry with the bordering city. They’re almost on top of each other.
“There’s certainly, on game day, a ferocious atmosphere about the game and passionate feeling that I’ve not experienced at any other game other than at a Glasgow game between Rangers and Celtic.
“It’s the only game that I’ve been to which I can compare with this.”
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
