COMFORTABLE Sunderland victories and happy Mackem football fans are rarely a welcome sight on Tyneside, and never more so than on Wednesday night.

Each Wearside goal against Everton was another nail in Newcastle’s coffin.

The Toon Army watched from afar as its fate was sealed and their arch rivals escaped the drop themselves, securing a place in top flight football next season with a 3-0 win over Everton.

The club that has proved unbeatable in the last nine Tyne-Wear derbies has consigned the Magpies the most humiliating of relegations.

Instead of travelling to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, supporters now face the prospect of trips to Burton Albion, Wigan, and Rotherham.

Newcastle face Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season on Sunday, although they no longer have anything to play for.

Newcastle United Fans Forum has today issued a statement that said: “We are completely devastated to lose our position in The Premier League. Our fans have many concerns.”

This season, the club spent £80m on new signings and brought in a world class manager in Rafa Benitez to replace Steve McLaren with ten games to go, but it was not enough to secure Premier League survival.

The fans' statement said: “We want every possible resource thrown at an attempt to retain the services of our current manager.

“Rafa Benitez has demonstrated his ability to connect with the fans.”

It is the second time Newcastle United has dropped into the Championship during the Mike Ashley era.

Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer, who was manager when the Toon was last relegated in 2009, said it was unlikely the Spaniard would stick around for Championship football.

He said: “It is a huge football club and the fans would love him to stay there, but he is going to have so many offers from around the world and in the Premier League.

“He is a world class manager and is not going to want to go into the Championship when you look at his CV.

“Whoever they get in has to be allowed to run the football club in his own way, with players that he wants.”

In a personal plea to Rafa, the fans begged him to stay.

They said: “Whilst we fully accept that the short term prospect of life in the Championship may not be as appealing as other offers that you may be presented with, we can certainly promise you that the potential rewards of the longer term would exceed any position that you consider.”

And the supporters also issued a new message to Mike Ashley.

They said: “It is imperative that you act swiftly.

“We need you to demonstrate your business acumen and your intent to not let this one slip away.”

NOT only did Sunderland escape the risk of relegation with the victory over the Toffees at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, they also managed to ensure their North-East rivals went down.

For Black Cats fans it was a double reason for celebrating the 3-0 win at the end of a season that has been unsatisfying for both of the region’s top clubs.

Goals from Patrick van Aanholt and two from Lamine Kone, also ensured Norwich City will be playing in the Championship next season, along with the Magpies and Aston Villa, while Middlesbrough will be back in the top flight.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce, himself a former Newcastle boss, said: “It was a great end to a season that did not always go the right way.

“I did not do any dancing. I caught the eye of a guy in the stadium and he started to do some daft things, but I stopped myself from doing that.

“The fans have been behind the team all season and they have made a massive difference.

“Everyone has talked about the electric atmosphere inside our stadium over the past two games and there is no doubt that has helped us achieve Premier League status for next season.”

Sunderland fans can relax now, with the next game against Watford away on Sunday inconsequential, the next big event at the Stadium of Light is the Beyonce concert on June 28.

Meanwhile, Newcastle fans face uncertainty not knowing if Rafa Benitez will be the man to lead the Toon Army into the Championship next season.

Granting the Freedom of the City of Sunderland to Black Cats legend Jimmy Montgomery in the council chamber today added to the celebratory atmosphere across Wearside.

Monty, who made 627 appearances for Sunderland, had a key role in 1973 FA Cup Final against Leeds United at Wembley with a memorable double save.

Now an ambassador for the club, he said: “It was phenomenal on Saturday against Chelsea and I thought ‘how can you improve on that?’

“It was much more comfortable last night to tell the truth.

“Once we got the first goal, which was always pivotal, I could not see us losing.

“The fans once again were superb. There was an unbelievable atmosphere and it makes this day more special.

“We have survived and to be honoured by the city is just phenomenal. It has been a fantastic 48 hours.”

Monty was joined in getting the Freedom of the City by businessman John Hays of Hays Travel, who is also a Sunderland fan.

Mr Hays said: “For Sunderland, as a city, to be in the Premier League is really important.

“You just have look at Leicester City. The interest and enthusiasm for Leicester as a city worldwide in terms of value is incalculable, although we haven’t won the league yet.”