Ex Sunderland star lands dig at Newcastle United as he joins new club - player lost 6-0 to Magpies in 2016

Former Sunderland defender Bailey Wright enjoyed a light-hearted jibe at Newcastle United as he arrived at new club Lion City Sailors.

The 30-year-old centre-back had joined the Singapore side after being let go from the Stadium of Light earlier this year but couldn't keep his mind off his former noisy neighbours even being 7,000 miles away.

Wright, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Rotherham from Sunderland, was spotted by the Sunderland Echo taking part in a Q&A with his new club's social media team and was asked a series of quick-fire questions.

After picking Ronaldo 'the original' as his childhood inspiration and pizza as his cheat meal, the centre-back was asked which football team he can't stand. After a moment's pause, Wright cracked a wry smile and replied with Newcastle United.

Wright joined Sunderland in 2020 having made a name for himself as Preston North End and Bristol City and would go on to make 107 appearances for the Black Cats, winning promotion from League One with the club in 2022.

The player has come up against Newcastle United three times in his career, although not for Sunderland. Wright played against the Magpies with Preston North End twice, including a 6-0 drubbing at St James' Park in the League Cup in 2016, as well as one Championship game with Bristol City in 2017.

In the quick-fire interview, Wright also named current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou as his best-ever manager. The two worked together as part of the Australian national team set-up between 2014 and 2017.

After signing for the club, he told The Sailors’ website: “I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of a club as ambitious as the Sailors, and as well-organised.

“Everyone at the club has been welcoming, and I’ve had all the support I’ve needed to bed in and get ready to play alongside my new teammates. Everywhere you go, you hope to leave things in a better place than when you first arrived, and that’s exactly what I hope to achieve here in Singapore.

“I’ve taken in a few games already, and I’m confident that with the coaching staff and the team working hand in hand, we’ll continue to be able to put in performances like we did in the 7-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United. With the Training Centre on Mattar Road and the structures in place, the ingredients for success are present for the club to win trophies.”