I left Newcastle United to join Sunderland on a free transfer - here’s why

In 2004, the Scot committed the ultimate sin of ditching Tyneside for Wearside - and he did so on a free transfer. Few opportunities under Sir Bobby Robson caused Caldwell to jump ship and head for the Stadium of Light.

He played 81 times for the Black Cats, helping them achieve promotion in his debut season. Later challenges saw Caldwell play for Burnley, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic before moving to Canada.

Speaking to RG, the 44-year-old opened up about his controversial St James’ Park exit. He said: “When I was 22, I was striving to play regularly and realised it was going to be very difficult to do so in Newcastle. 

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“I saw all the players that Newcastle were signing. I was getting 10 to 15 games a season and I knew that I had to drop down a level. I tried to leave in the summer of 2003 and it never quite worked out. I went back and there was a little bit of tension but, ultimately, I just wanted to be a regular and thankfully. 

“Mick McCarthy and Sunderland gave me that chance. When I got the chance to meet McCarthy, I realised that he was going to be a great influence on my career. He was going to be tough on me, teach me some things and help me improve as a player."

Despite the red-and-white switch, Caldwell insists his sons are Newcastle fans. He added: “I watch Newcastle a lot, my boys are Newcastle fans and we’re part of a little supporters club here in Toronto. I think they can go very far and win a trophy this year. 

“The challenge is going to be to kick on to the next level and push for the league title, but they need to fix their revenue streams so they can have more potential to sign players. They have the money, as we know, but with Financial Fair Play, there are restrictions to what they can spend.”