Chris Mort: "It was great to sample for the first time the very special atmosphere of the Tyne and Wear derby.
"Reflecting how Mike and I split things between us, while I was doing the suit and tie bit with Niall Quinn and the Sunderland board, Mike clearly enjoyed himself supporting the team with the Newcastle fans.
"As I said when I first arrived in June, you shouldn't be too surprised to see Mike sitting in the stands wearing his shirt for games.
"As to the game itself, it was obviously another disappointing performance for all but 10 or 15 minutes in the second half.
"Fortunately, James Milner's goal saved us from what would have been a miserable international break.
"With the next three games being against Liverpool, Blackburn and Arsenal we are about to have some stern tests of how much progress has been made.
"I am sure Sam and his coaching staff will be working very hard to have the team firing on all cylinders for those games."