After a season in the Championship, the Mackems are back and look in better shape than they have for the past few years, I spoke to ‘My Boy Harry’ from the SMB for his views on this Saturdays game, past derby memories and the Keane/Quinn impact on the club.

1. Tell us about your earliest memory of a derby match

I’d like to say 1908! Boxing Day 1976 at SJP. the Sunderland fans were in The Gallowagate that day and it was a depressing 0 v 2 defeat for us. I think Hudson and Cannell scored your goals.

2. Which game brings back the best memories?

I’d have to say the play off game at SJP in 1990. Even after the draw at Roker Park I was confident. We had a great away record that year and played a classic counter attacking game which served us well on that famous night.

3. And the one you want to forget?

Plenty to choose from. I didn’t like the one in 1996 or so when both sets of fans were barred from each others grounds. The atmosphere at Roker Park was pure vitriol. We lost having taken the lead if I remember correctly through a Martin Scott penalty.

4. What about the best goal scored in the derby?

Difficult one. Wasn’t it Lawrence who scored from 30 yards or so at SJP when we lost 2 v 3 the season before last? Good goal that one. Also I remember Arnott scoring a cracker for us at Roker when we drew 2 v 2 Easter 1977. Cateron’s wasn’t bad at SOL a few years back.

5. How much has the club changed since Murray left?

At the minute its more off the field and the hope it injects into our support. Bob Murray did his best but in the end it wasnt to be. Quinn and Keane, in theory, have what it takes but that theory has to be translated into practice. It’ll take time but at the minute everyone is fully behind them.

6. What is your opinion on Keane as a manager?

Not sure. At times I think he has the makings of a good manager, at times I think he comes across as a bit naive. The latter is probably because he is - he’s still learning the managerial ropes and he’ll make mistakes. We desperately need him to succeed for us.

7. How about his summer signings? How well have they done?

I’m not sure that we had a level playing field here. I think we tried to mould a team but we need quality, and lots of it in the top flight. In hindsight it might have been better to do a bolton Wanderers and buy some “mercenary” type players on a short term basis. Money talks in football, irrespective which club you are. Pay the money and you get the players. However the inference that a lot of us picked up was that some players just wouldn’t come because of our previous poor top flight record, which is understandable.

8. What is your opinion on Allardyce?

He has proved it at Bolton. You just have to look at how they are now struggling as soon as he has left. Successful teams have successful managers. Clough moulded the likes of Kenny Burns to be a European champion and showed the value of a top class manager. As English managers go he’s probably the best we have, but I still don’t think he’s good enough to manage England - i don’t think any current Englishman is. I think he’ll do well for Newcastle but it remains to be seen what ultimately he achieves. I’m not sure that the North East Big 2 aren’t jinxed!

9. As for our match on Saturday, who do you think will be the danger man for you lot?

Its bound to be Jones, especially with Edwards waiting in the wings to provide him some ammunition. He’s enormous and a right handful.

10. And which of our players do you think will cause the most danger?

Not sure what your injury etc. situation is but the obvious candidate is Owen. You don’t score 40 odd goals for England because you’re crap. He’s the best striker England has and on his day a goal poacher of immense ability.

11. Where do you think both clubs will finish in the league this season?

I think NUFC will be top 10. Depends how quickly Allardyce gets into the groove as to how high you can go.

As for us we’re in familiar territory at the minute but I don’t think we’ll go down. I think we’ll be 4rth to 6th bottom. It’ll be tight though. I’m hoping that the likes of Edwards returning and the January transfer window might give us a bit more of an impetus. We’ll see.

12. Tip for the title and who’s going down?

Arsenal look a solid bet for the title. Wenger is brilliant at spotting good players. Even the reserve side is class!

Derby and Bolton look like they are going down. I think Wigan might join them.

13. Finally, a prediction for Saturday?

Our derby record on Wearside in the last 3 decades is woeful and from what I can tell a lot of our fans go into this match more in hope than anything else. Newcastle seem to be able to really rise to the occasion - more so on Wearside than at your own place - and I’ll hedge my bets on a draw.

Thanks to Paul for his time.