John Carver haunted by Magpies’ past soccer derby failures

The sight of Paolo di Canio sliding across the St James’ Park turf on his knees in celebration is one which will always haunt John Carver.

Di Canio’s joyous celebration of Adam Johnson’s goal in a remarkable 3-0 derby victory on Tyneside for Sunderland in April 2013, remains an iconic image for Black Cats’ fans long after the controversial Italian’s brief, if eventful, reign came to an end.

But it did not go down well in the home dug-out, particularly with Geordie Carver, then Alan Pardew’s assistant.