Sunderland's psychic pig Big Bob taken ill after failing to predict SAFC's play-off woes - but owners say his son Big Rob is taking over

Down At The Farm's psychic pig Bob, with owner Will Weightman, when he predicted Sunderland's promotion.

The much-loved pig has built up a reputation for being right when it comes to predicting what the future holds in football.

A popular pet at Down at the Farm, near Houghton, Big Bob prophesied victories over Tunisia, Panama and Sweden during England’s World Cup campaign, as well as defeat to Belgium.

Big Bob predicted that Sunderland would secure promotion last year.

Last August Bob predicted that Sunderland would secure a promotion to the Championship after he was set a test to choose his favourite sow rolls from one of four bowls, labelled ‘champions’, ‘promotion’, ‘play-offs’ and ‘mid-table.’

He turned his attention to the one marked ‘promotion' getting fan's hopes up that their side would be victorious.

Find out what Psychic Sunderland Pig Big Bob is predicting for SAFC this season

But Sunday's game against Charlton Athletic told a different story, as Sunderland were beaten 2-1 in the final minutes of the game.

But Big Bob has an excuse for his wrong prediction, after battling back from the brink of death earlier his year.

Owner Catherine Weightman, said: "Back in March, Bob became ill suddenly.

"He seemed to have lost control of his body and couldn't stand.

"We had to put him in a barn by himself and he was fed by hand.

"But he has battled back from the brink and is totally recovered now.

"He is in a barn where the public can interact with him.

"Since he was ill he has had to learn everything again.

"So maybe that could explain why he managed to get the prediction wrong!"

While Big Bob has been recovering his 'son' Rob has taken over as Sunderland's psychic pig, but failed to predict that the Black Cats would lose against Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy back in March.

Catherine added: "He is still learning the ropes!"