We’re happy to fly flag for the region – Collins

May 26 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

DANNY Collins says Sunderland’s final-day escape from relegation was all the more special because it leaves them as the North East’s sole Premier League representatives.

A 3-2 defeat by Chelsea and 36 points were enough to keep the Black Cats in the division, courtesy of the ineptitude of local rivals Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.

“We’re the only North East team in the Premier League and that feels good,” he said. “The feeling in the dressing room was relief more than anything else.”

The Welsh international, part of the last Sunderland side relegated from the division in 2006, found it a strange atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. His team lost 3-2 at home, yet were cheered off the field because Hull City, Newcastle and Middlesbrough all lost.

Every goal the trio conceded was cheered to the rafters, none more so than Damien Duff’s own goal, which was greeted by tumultuous noise when news filtered through to Wearside. “It’s funny because we’d just lost the game,” said Sunderland’s supporters’ player of the season. “Overall it’s a pretty disappointing season for us, scraping clear of relegation on the final day, when at the start of the year we’d have been looking for at least mid-table.