Former Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet celebrates his side's goal against Newcastle United at St James' Park(Image: PA Wire)

Gus Poyet would 'love' to manage Sunderland again as he reveals Newcastle United target

The former Black Cats boss has fond memories of his time on Wearside, including three derby day wins

by · ChronicleLive

Former Sunderland manager Gus Poyet says he would 'love' to manage the Black Cats again one day and rekindle his love affair with the Wearside faithful.

The ex-Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder joined Sunderland in October 2013, staying at the Stadium of Light for 18 months until he was sacked in March 2015. Now manager of the Greek national side, Poyet remembers his time with the Black Cats fondly, and revealed he is still in regular contact with Sunderland shareholder Juan Sartori. The 56-year-old had a rollercoaster spell on Wearside, but his time in the Stadium of Light hotseat is remembered for three Tyne-Wear derby wins over arch-rivals Newcastle United.

And he revealed that beating Newcastle and staying in the Premier League were the two key objectives given to him as he took over the reigns from Paolo di Canio.

“When I went there, I was asked to do two things: keep the club in the Premier League, which I did somehow, and beat Newcastle United," he told NewBettingSites.uk. “In the first seven games we got one point. We then lost to Swansea, 4-0. Eight games, one point. Up next was Newcastle at home… and we won 2-1. That was it, it everything changed. It was incredible. We played Newcastle three times that year, and I beat them three times.

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“I think any Sunderland fan would be okay with that, we were in the Premier League and beating Newcastle every time we played them. The atmosphere was tremendous.

“I would love to go back, obviously I can’t go now, but I have a great relationship with the club and one of the owners, Juan Sartori. We’re in touch once a month. If the timings work, one day I’d love to go back.”

Sunderland will face Newcastle for the first time in nearly eight years in January when they host Eddie Howe's Magpies in the third round of the FA Cup at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, January 6, 2024.