Sunderland FC

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Derby build-up excites Anton

21 Oct 2008 - 14:26:16

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Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand can't wait to experience his first Tyne-Wear derby this weekend.

The 23-year-old only moved to the Stadium of Light from West Ham United in August and has featured in just six games for Roy Keane's side, but is aware how important the Newcastle United game will be.

"I don't need telling how big this derby is to the people up here," Ferdinand told the Sunderland Echo. "Every derby is important because the result lasts a long time in the minds and lives of the supporters.

"Up here, I can see what it means to the people and they've told me. Back in London, perhaps there are other things in life to distract you, but here it's football, football, football and I love that.

"It plays such a big part in peoples' lives and that means the result of a derby means a lot.

"I've played in a few London derbies but the biggest was probably West Ham-Millwall. That was fierce on and off the pitch.

"I was young and had just got into the West Ham team. These are experiences that stay with you. Going ahead and holding a lead for quite a long time in the game, we were obviously gutted not to win.

"The relationship that Sunderland and Newcastle fans have was the same between West Ham and Millwall supporters.

"People say that the main thing is that you don't lose a derby, but we're at home and, after a couple of decent draws against Arsenal and Fulham, we really want to get a win under our belts."