Though Sunderland managed to stave off relegation last term, it’s largely been a miserable few years for North East football of late. 

Both the Black Cats and the Magpies have struggled towards the bottom end of the table in recent season, with the latter succumbing to relegation last season.

Still, considering the plight of the Wearsiders this term, it’s still the Toon Army who reign supreme in that corner of the country.

Granted, the Tyneside outfit are indeed playing in a division below their bitter rivals, though there’s little doubt they remain the bigger club.

That term alone is rather vague and often an argument used amongst different sections of support but the contrasting feelings around both clubs point to a Newcastle superiority.

Well, other any time the two clubs meet of course.

With all this in mind, here are THREE reasons Newcastle United remain a bigger club than Sunderland.

Pulling power

Despite their relegation, St. James’ Park remains a more attractive destination than the Stadium of Light not far down the road.

By keeping Rafa Benitez at the club, the Magpies reaffirmed their status as the premier outfit in the North East and one capable of attracting big names even in the second tier.

A brighter future

Amazingly, although Sunderland stayed up, the feeling around the Black Cats is one of discontent.

Even manager David Moyes has already talked about the struggle he faces to stave off relegation, while Benitez is constructing a revolution at Newcastle.

Highs and lows

Obviously, the Toon Army have had their highs and lows of late.

Still, the soaring highs enjoyed by Newcastle surpass anything Sunderland have done in recent memory and it would take a huge turnaround to change that.