North East Football TV Podcast

Sunderland Head Coach Régis Le Bris was pleased with the composure and control shown by his side in their 3-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League.Following the victory, Le Bris made clear that “in the Premier League, if you get complacent, you will get punished,” and praised the level of ambition shown by his players in the second half, after what had been a dominant first period.North East Football TV is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Sunderland were two goals to the good by the half time interval, but Le Bris revealed how he had told his players during the break that the game was “not finished”, and that they had to win the second half.Le Bris added that there had been two examples of Premier League sides going two goals up but failing to win during this matchweek, and that he was determined that Sunderland would not do the same. The full time score of 3-0 to Sunderland highlighted that Le Bris’ message had got through to his players.The Black Cats were undoubtedly helped by the complete lack of potency and threat shown by visitors Burnley, but those in red and white stuck to their jobs to see out what was as comfortable a Premier League victory as they come.However, such is Le Bris’ attention to detail, he also called on his players to “fix two or three problems” in the second half, even though his side had been commanding in the first period. That mindset shows just how Sunderland are the only side in the top flight who have not yet lost a game at home.The Black Cats’ away record does leave more to be desired, but given that in their first season back in the Premier League since 2016/17, they sit on 36 points and in the top half, it is clear that Le Bris is demanding the highest of standards from his players to ensure their safety in the league and the possibility of a very positive finish to the campaign come May.North East Football TV is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to North East Football TV at northeastfootballtv.substack.com/subscribe

Eddie Howe has stated that he is only focused on Newcastle United and is undeterred by any speculation linking him to the vacant Head Coach role at Manchester United, after Ruben Amorim was removed from his post on Monday.When asked about the situation, Howe made clear that “nothing has changed” from his perspective and that he remains 100% on-board with Newcastle as a club and project.“From my perspective, my commitment to my work and my job as long as I’m happy and able to express myself in the best way that I can to help the team, nothing will change”, Howe made clear.Having steered Newcastle to their first major honour since 1969 by winning the Carabao Cup in Match 2025, Howe has already been assured of legend status on Tyneside. Despite this, he reiterated his pride at being part of Newcastle United by adding that nothing at present could tempt him to leave for pastures new.Howe was quick to add that his relationships with others at the club have not been consistently good, perhaps referring to his lack of bond with former Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who arrived at the club without the Head Coach having any say. Mitchell left the club after just a year, with Howe saying that currently he is “very happy”.Job satisfaction is clearly of the highest significance to Eddie Howe, as well as being able to work effectively with those around him. He praised recent appointments by the club, alluding to Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson becoming the new Sporting Director and Chief Executive Officer, respectively.Despite what has been a frustrating campaign on Tyneside so far, Howe is clearly content, and has no desire to move to a club where his happiness and ability to express himself, as he put it, would be heavily strained. Certainly, Newcastle still have the chance to make the season a memorable one.The Magpies are just two points away from a potential Champions League qualification place in the Premier League table, are within touching distance of reaching at least the play-off round in the Champions League, and are two legs of a Carabao Cup semi-final away from reaching Wembley again, and having the chance to defend their trophy.Newcastle will have to evolve and be flexible, Howe said, given some of this season’s struggles, and be “open to change”. That may be necessary on the pitch, but off it, this is beginning to feel like one of the most stable periods at the club since Howe took charge in 2021. Get full access to North East Football TV at northeastfootballtv.substack.com/subscribe

Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe has made clear his hopes that the Magpies can return to the best version of themselves during what is set to be a busy month of January.Howe said that there “is a lot more to come” from his side in the Premier League this season, but that the two recent wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace were “a big step in the right direction”.Newcastle were not at their best in either victory, but crucially got over the line on both occasions to claim six points. The Magpies now sit in 9th place in the league table, and just two points off a potential Champions League place currently occupied by Chelsea in 5th.“When you’re playing a lot of games, you want to feel good”, Howe said, alluding to the hectic fixture schedule that Newcastle have in January. He added that he and his players were experiencing a “different emotion” ahead of the Burnley match, but having won there and against Palace, Newcastle can really kick on.Eddie Howe, his staff and players will know that playing with belief and confidence will help to build momentum. By achieving two wins in the type of fixture that they have found difficult to navigate this season, this could be a springboard moment.All at the club are very aware that this has been an inconsistent season, devoid of winning runs that have aided their success in recent seasons. However, given the abundance of matches to come, in a variety of competitions, the Magpies have the opportunity to transform what has been a stuttering campaign into a memorable one.Next up for Newcastle is another home fixture in midweek against Leeds United, before two more outings at St. James’ Park in the following days, against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, and then Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. Get full access to North East Football TV at northeastfootballtv.substack.com/subscribe

Sunderland’s squad unity was praised by Head Coach Régis Le Bris following the Black Cats’ Tyne-Wear derby win over Newcastle United.Le Bris spoke of “teamwork” at Sunderland being “one of the main strengths” at the club, which has inspired them to 27 points after 17 games (following the goalless draw at Brighton) in their first season back in the Premier League.The Black Cats did lack an attacking threat against their local rivals, but made up for that in character and desire, with the game’s one big moment ultimately going in their favour, when Nick Woltemade headed into his own net.“We are working together”, Le Bris stated after the full time whistle, a relatively simple point, but one that Sunderland are fully committed to, especially at the Stadium of Light. Their unbeaten record at home in the league this season speaks volumes.Le Bris added that the game changed after Sunderland took the lead early in the second half, with the Black Cats then dropping deeper to defend the lead they had. For many teams this could spell trouble, but despite Newcastle increasing the pressure, Sunderland did not wilt.This is perhaps what is most impressive about Sunderland at present. The cohesion that they have developed has made them completely unfazed by any opponent in the Premier League. They have beaten Chelsea, and drawn with Arsenal and Liverpool. Losses have come in amongst those results but given that a year ago, the Black Cats were 2-1 victors against Norwich City in the Championship, all of a red and white persuasion will be nothing short of delighted.Many feared how Sunderland would cope in the top flight this season, but thanks to their summer recruitment, and the coaching of Le Bris and his staff, so far it has exceeded all expectations. The “collective project” Le Bris spoke of is taking shape. It has seen them defeat North East neighbours Newcastle, but what next?This season remains all about survival for Le Bris, despite the growing imaginations of some supporters. They are over halfway to their points target and are showing no signs of letting up. The amount of players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations is a slight concern, but Le Bris will no doubt confident that Sunderland’s unity will carry them through. Get full access to North East Football TV at northeastfootballtv.substack.com/subscribe

Newcastle United’s attacking performance against local rivals Sunderland has given Head Coach Eddie Howe huge cause for concern after the Magpies only registered two shots on target.Howe made clear his “disappointment” following the full time whistle that his side were not able to meaningfully test Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, given the “quality players” Newcastle possess.After a first period devoid of any chances, Sunderland took the lead early in the second half when Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade headed into his own net past Aaron Ramsdale.“Goals change games”, Howe made clear, and added that the Magpies’ approach to the second period was completed altered as a result, but despite the introduction of Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy and then Yoane Wissa, Newcastle continued to lack creativity despite dominating possession.Newcastle’s Head Coach did praise his side’s defensive display, which limited Sunderland to minimal chances, but this will pale into insignificance given that none of the Magpies’ attacking options were able to create any real moments of opportunity to excite the travelling Toon supporters.This will perhaps frustrate Howe the most. Sunderland have played better this season, as highlighted by the 26 points they have amassed so far, and yet Newcastle failed to land a glove on them. There were moments in the match where better decision making in attacking areas could have seen the Magpies create significant openings, but they came to nothing.Ultimately, it is a day that Eddie Howe, and everyone else associated with Newcastle United will want to forget in a hurry, but making up for it will not be as easy for the Magpies as simply winning their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Fulham in midweek. Newcastle will have to wait until March to exact revenge on their North East rivals when the two sides meet again at St. James’ Park.Until then, Howe will have seriously consider making changes to Newcastle’s strategy in attack. The Magpies have lost the pace and intensity that was once a key characteristic of their play going forward. It could be argued that given Newcastle’s schedule, playing that way consistently is unsustainable, but for it to be missing in a game of such magnitude some will see as unforgivable. Get full access to North East Football TV at northeastfootballtv.substack.com/subscribe