MICHAEL BEALE believes Sunderland are as massive a club as Newcastle - apart from Saudi cash available to the Tynesiders.
The Black Cats boss has ordered his players to "make it uncomfortable" for Toon in the FA Cup at the Stadium of Light and refused to concede his side are underdogs today.
But the financial gap between the two is huge, with Newcastle's turnover 10 times that of the red-and-white rivals 12 miles up the road.
Sunderland's squad cost £ 10 million and spent four years in League One before reaching the Championship play-offs last term.
United have spent £375m under Saudi ownership, their highest earners banking the same in a year as the entire Mackems squad. But the former Rangers manager said:
"Massive underdogs? Never in a derby and certainly when you look at the past the way the results have gone and it is 11 versus 11.
"There is no difference in terms of status, support, size and pool of the club. That is very similar, that is on a par with each other.
Esta historia es de la edición January 06, 2024 de Daily Record.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 06, 2024 de Daily Record.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
REDS LOOK GOOD TO SECURE TOP SLOT
Arne's boys pass biggest test yet to hit the summit
Stick together in Italy & we have a puncher's chance
Kyogo says it's time for Hoops to show Europe what they can do
Clement made promises of jam tomorrow but in reality Gers are leaving their fans with just a bad taste in the mouth
THEY had been waiting for this moment to come along ever since leaving Parkhead with their tails tucked between their legs. For weeks now, they were hoping it might drop out of the sky and land at their feet.
Mr Gates doesn't do small talk.
Tycoon urges UK to maintain lead role in helping the world's poorest
SALMOND FUNERAL TO BE 'NEXT WEEK'
St Andrew's Day and Hogmanay among possible dates for public memorial
ASHLEY BANJOED
80mph winds wreak havoc across country
PREMIUM BOND
Unique image publicised Diamonds Are Forever
King Charle must have a translator to give Dad a gong..don't think he speaks Craiglang!
Life of public service earns trip to Palace
Crown under
King tells of love for Oz amid warm greeting in Sydney
Fave Chris' Strictly tour flaw
Bookies' No1 faces stand-up date clash as Merse is given the boot