For the first time since 2016, there will be a Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League, as we travel to the Stadium of Light on the 14th of December in one of our most anticipated games of the campaign.
Since trouncing the Mackems there in the FA Cup back in January 2024, we’ve gone on to win silverware and qualify for the Champions League, whilst Regis Le Bris’ side have themselves enjoyed quite the rise up the Championship and Premier League table.
In the midst of a difficult run of form for Eddie Howe’s side, the last thing we perhaps needed was a high-stakes derby in the midst of an already tricky run of games throughout December.
But hopes are still very high that we can dispatch the Mackems with ease once again, though Alan Shearer has urged us to still be wary of the they they’ve posed big teams already this season…
Shearer on Sunderland trip
Speaking to Betfair, Alan Shearer has praised Sunderland for their strong start to the Premier League season, but insists he is still not fearing our upcoming trip to the Stadium of Light in just over four weeks time.
Having played in 11 Tyne-Wear derbies himself, Shearer’s a man who knows the fixture inside out. And for a good portion of our squad, it will be their first taste of one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.
Discussing the derby and Sunderland’s surprising from, he said:
“I wouldn’t say I am worried about the derby against Sunderland in a few weeks, but I’ve been mightily surprised at how well Sunderland have done.
“I don’t think even their most hardened supporters would tell you that they’d be where they are in the league and what they’re doing so far this season.
“I think one thing that’s come out of Sunderland is how tough it’s going to be for any team going to the Stadium of Light.
“I doubt Arsenal will have a tougher game this season than the one they had at the weekend.”
After quite the summer spending spree, Sunderland have assembled an almost entirely new XI compared to the side that won the play-offs last season.
The mix of European football-calibre talent and promising youngsters has attracted strong praise from the media, and their performance against Arsenal this past weekend saw Sunderland snatch a point against the title favourites.
A tough away test awaits
With all the talk about our current away form, you would have to go back to August 2011 for our last league win at the Stadium of Light: 1-0 courtesy of of Ryan Taylor’s sensational strike.
But having not played against each other in the top flight for close to a decade, we can’t rely on history and past results to be any indicator as to how we’ll do.
Thankfully this season, it’s been the ‘big’ games where our players have shone and the team’s overall performance has been at its best. Barcelona, Liverpool, Spurs, the rest of our Champions League games, where we’ve beaten Union SG, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao by an aggregate score of 9-0.
The worry, of course, is our Premier League away form in between all of that, where we’ve failed to beat the likes of Leeds, Bournemouth, Brighton, West Ham and Brenford. After such a torrid run on the road, our performances levels simply must improve on 14th December.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
