Sunderland defender aims for derby win
With a pair of Tyne-Wear derbies back on the agenda this season after a one-year absence following Newcastle United’s return to the English Premier League, Sunderland defender Michael Turner says that
his side must win to give their supporters a boost.
The clubs meet at St James’ Park on Sunday, 31 October, for the first time since the 2008-09 season, at the end of which Newcastle were relegated to the Football League Championship.
Turner has yet to play in the contest as he only moved to the Black Cats from Hull City in August 2009. However, he appears in line to make his derby debut after Newcastle earned promotion at the first
time of asking.
The last time Sunderland ventured over the Tyne into black-and-white territory, in February 2009, they emerged with a point when Djibril Cisse’s strike for the visitors was cancelled out by a Shola Ameobi
penalty.
Turner is hoping to make amends for that draw and aims to put a smile on the face of Sunderland fans by leaving St James’ with all three points.
'Massive game for fans'
He told the BBC that: "It's a massive game for the fans and we need to produce for them. It's important to put on a show for them and put in a good performance.
"Everyone's really looking forward to it. The boys who have played in the derby before can't wait to get in there and those who haven't are just as excited about the game.
"It's important to get a good start and try to keep them [the Newcastle fans] quiet. There's obviously going to be a good atmosphere and they're going to get behind the team. These are feisty occasions
— supporters from the same area come together for their team. It's a big game and one we're all looking forward to."
Sunderland are currently seventh in the EPL table with 12 points, while Newcastle are just one point behind in ninth place.
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