Bardsley was a member of both Sunderland teams that faced the Magpies last term, with the Black Cats following up their 5-1 humiliation at St James' Park last October with a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light at the start of the year.Both sides began the new campaign with draws but the Bardsley has high hopes Steve Bruce's team can gain the early bragging rights at the weekend, inspired by the memory of last season.The former Manchester United defender told the Northern Echo: "It was a tough one last season.
We struggled twice against them but ended up finishing tenth and above them. But people look back and say 'You didn't beat Newcastle'. "I agree with that in a way, it was something we should have done but I wouldn't have given away finishing above them. I think we do want to repay the fans a bit for that. "The anticipation is incredible up here. I was out having some food in Durham mid-way through the pre-season and people weren't even talking about Liverpool, they were saying 'Good luck on the 20th, I hope you do it'.
I had to think and then it was like, oh the Newcastle game. "It's incredible and fair play to the people - they are both right behind their teams on derby day. Hopefully we can make a bit of history."
Source: DSG
