The die hard Black Cats fan, from Millfield, could not wait to torment NUFC supporters after their relegation to the Championship.

So, under the cover of darkness, he put up his 'Shearer's £1 Shop' sign - and waited for the reaction.

The dad of two, who runs his own sign making business, Darren Lloyd's Signs, said: "We have to have a bit of a gloat at their expense. I know they would do the same to us.

"The only difference is that they haven't got a sense of humour."

Passers-by have stopped to joke and giggle and scores of people have already posed outside the empty shop for a photo.

Traffic has even been backing up on Hylton Road since the sign went up on Tuesday as motorist crane their necks for a look.

Darren, 48, said: "I wasn't there, but apparently a bus driver with a bus-load of people stopped and got out to take a picture on his phone.
"I drink in the Willow Pond and a couple of friends in there know I did it but I didn't think they would tell anyone."

The Echo has been swamped with phone calls about the sign and since Darren's secret got out his phone has not stopped ringing.

He said: "I've done worse. When Shearer missed a penalty I went through to Newcastle with a Sunderland shirt on under a zip up top."

Darren unzipped his jacket and posed with a banner that said Shearer let the Toon doon, even asking a geordie to take his photo.