The document summarizes why the football teams Newcastle and Sunderland have struggled recently. It argues that a lack of investment in quality players, passion from players who see the clubs as just jobs, and controversial owners have all contributed to their decline from challenging for trophies to facing relegation. While both clubs made high-profile manager changes mid-season, the performances did not improve and relegation seems inevitable, though it may allow them to rebuild.

1. Why has it gone wrong for the North East teams?
As we head into the final few games of the 2015-16 Premier League, Sunderland
and Newcastle are sat 18th and 19th respectively. The two clubs were once a
major force in the Premier League but in recent times money and politics has
taken over the beautiful game. The North East was once a staple for top-level
football with both Sunderland and Newcastle competing for trophies and top 10
finishes.
The table brings grim reading for many Magpies and Black Cats fans that are
wondering how the situation got so bad, so quickly.
But why has this happened?
Money plays a major part in modern day football, with players demanding bigger
and bigger deals. Major foreign investment is the norm in professional football
with the likes of Man City and PSG receiving huge cash investments that have
propelled them up the table.
Newcastle and Sunderland have been trailing behind other teams in terms of
investment and developing their club. The infrastructure is there but the lack of
investment in the right players has led to a downfall in results and left the two
teams facing relegation.
A lack of passion is a major downfall for both Sunderland and Newcastle because
I believe footballers are playing for their wages rather than for the love of the
club and the passion that football brings.
What I think went wrong?
Newcastle and Sunderland are major brands in football and should be attracting
the biggest stars around the world, but players are deciding not to come to the
North East. The lure of playing in London and the financial benefits has
persuaded football players not to play in the North East.
Newcastle and Sunderland’s wages are comparable tiny compared to the elite in
football. This has meant the North East can no longer compete with the top of the
Premier League.
The lack of top quality players has meant that the North East clubs have dropped
in stature and in ability.
What have the owners done wrong?
The owners are always under scrutiny and their decisions are magnified
especially in the North East. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is a controversial
character that rarely listens to the fans. The lack of spending has been evident
and with Ashley treating Newcastle more like a business rather than a football
club.
Ellis Short owner of Sunderland is less controversial than Mike Ashley but seems
to me that his involvement in the club is very limited, although he is the owner.
Sunderland’s problem is not the lack of spending it’s the quality of the signings.

2. Jermain Defoe was an inspired signing but the lack of depth and quality is
evident.
Will this ever change?
Newcastle and Sunderland have begun this repetitive cycle of middle table
mediocracy finishing 15th and 16th last season respectively, which has left fans
frustrated with the player’s performances. The player’s attitudes need a dramatic
improvement if fans want to see their beloved team move up the table.
With relegation an ever-present threat, can the players’ attitudes and passion for
the game improve or will relegation be a blessing in disguise? Relegation would
be seen as a blessing for many supporters and myself included because it will
allow the team rebuild and restructure.
Newcastle has already faced relegation in recent years, being relegated in the
08/09 season and I believe it allowed the team to regroup and build a foundation
for an assault on the Premier League.
Sunderland vowed not to be in a relegation battle but are facing a similar
situation to their previous campaign. Manager Sam Allardyce believes
Sunderland can escape relegation ahead of their game against Norwich at the
weekend. Sunderland’s performances have seen flickers of hope but I believe
that relegation will help the team and allow them to focus more on football.
Managers come and go!!!
Both Sunderland and Newcastle have made managerial changes to hopefully
boost their chances of survival. So has it worked?
Newcastle made a high profile decision of sacking former England manager Steve
McLaren after Newcastle were languishing in the relegation places. The
appointment of former Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez in March took
everyone by surprise. Rafa’s decision to move to the North East provided the city
with an air of optimism and renewed hope. His managerial CV provided hope to a
Newcastle fan base frustrated with the team’s performance.
Sunderland’s appointment of Sam Allardyce was rather low key as he took over
from Dick Advocaat in October. With all new managers there looked like there
was light at the end of the tunnel for a beleaguered Sunderland side looking to
find the right path to success.
Obviously the two managerial changes provided much hype for the clubs but
performances still lacked any desire or quality. The once inspired choice to
change the manager mid way through the season looks to have turned out to be a
failed attempt at a quick fix.
Future?
With both teams destined to head into the Championship the state of North East
football looks bleak at best. With both teams expected in the Championship,
there will be a major reshape and focus will be put on getting back to Premier
League as quickly as possible.

3. Relegation should never be an issue for both teams with the finance and
infrastructure at their disposable but in reality football is down to the players
and what happens on the pitch. With a change in ethos and attitude both teams
can make a swift return to the Premier League.