Eddie Howe answers whether he'd like to see the Tyne-Wear derby return to Premier League with Sunderland in play-off action tonight

Despite their form at the end of the campaign, Sunderland managed to comfortably bag themselves a place in the Championship play-offs.

Their first game is tonight against Coventry City at the Whatever Coventry City Area Calling Their Stadium This Week Stadium.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has already had the pleasure of beating Sunderland as Newcastle gaffer when the sides were drawn together in the FA Cup last season.

The Magpies emerged victorious, rather easily, at the Stadium of Light, and now the possibility of a rematch next season is on the cards.

Does Eddie Howe want the Tyne-Wear derby back in the Premier League?

If we're being honest, nobody is expecting anyone but Sheffield Wednesday to bag promotion, but stranger things have happened, and so the question was asked of Eddie Howe in this morning's press conference: would he welcome the return of the Premier League derby days?

"I think I was asked this yesterday and I very much sat on the fence. If the games come, we'll embrace the games. But it's interesting to see the playoffs, obviously I saw a bit of the game last night and I think the playoffs always had a lot of drama, so let's wait and see."

And we thought his answers about the current state of injuries was cagey!

It's quite comfortable on this fence with Eddie Howe

In all honesty, though, I can totally see where Eddie is coming from here, because it's where I find myself too, sitting upon this very sturdy fence.

Obviously, I'd like nothing more than to see Sunderland humiliated in the play-offs; it would just cap off a great season, but at the same time, imagine having the derbies back, especially given the clear gulf between the two clubs now.

How are you feeling about it? Would you allow Sunderland that little bit of joy this season just so we can have the derby back, or would you prefer to watch them struggle to get out the second tier like a spider in a bath?