'Challenging' - Alan Shearer makes Sunderland admission but doubles down on Newcastle United stance
Alan Shearer was forced to eat humble pie after making a bold Sunderland prediction 12 months ago.
Alan Shearer has accepted that he was foolish to write off Sunderland's chances last season.
A year ago, the Toon legend - like many pundits - predicted the Black Cats to have a difficult campaign. Newcastle United watched on as their bitter rivals secured Europa League football and won both Tyne-Wear derbies.
A brutal humbling ultimately shifted a section of Newcastle fans to believe that Eddie Howe should step down. He did - and the Magpies are now plotting revenge under new boss Matthias Jaissle.
What Alan Shearer said last year
Speaking to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on The Rest Is Football podcast in 2025, Shearer said: “We want Sunderland back in the Premier League. That's six points guaranteed, 100 per cent.”
Alan Shearer eats humble pie
Shearer has joked about his premature reaction while doubling down to predict more misery on the Black Cats. When asked about his “six-point” jibe, he told Betfair: “What fool said that? Let's hope I was just 12 months early in my prediction.
“It will be a more challenging season for Sunderland this year than it was last year. I do think it will be tougher times for Newcastle as well and we'll have to be patient.
“So, let's wait and see. We all think we know what's going to happen. But even the best of us can completely miss the mark.”