Who is the ‘bigger club’? Simon Jordan settles Leeds or Newcastle debate

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Former Premier League owner Simon Jordan has given his verdict on the old ‘my club is bigger than your club debate’, telling talkSPORT (20 December, 12.50pm) that Leeds United are a rung further up the ladder than Newcastle. 

Now, Newcastle fans will argue that they have the bigger stadium, and have spent far more time in the Premier League than the men from West Yorkshire. 

Those of a Leeds persuasion, however, will point out that their most recent top-flight title came back in 1992. For Newcastle, you have to go all the way back to 1927 to find the last time the champions of England resided on the banks of the Tyne. 

Both Leeds and Newcastle, meanwhile, have had their ups and their lows in recent times; from the highs of the Champions League to the lows of relegation. 

But Jordan, once the chairman of Crystal Palace, is unequivocal.

“Leeds is a bigger club!” he argues. 

Who is the bigger club? Leeds United or Newcastle?

Former England international Lee Bowyer, however, is reluctant to nail his colours to any particular mast. Bowyer represented both Leeds and Newcastle during his Premier League career, winning two Player of the Year awards at Elland Road before spending three seasons with the Magpies from 2003 to 2006. 

“Two great clubs! I’m going to sit on the fence there,” Bowyer smiles. “Two great clubs. Two great sets of fans; passionate, both love the game.”

Bowyer does concede, however, that as far as ‘history’ goes, Leeds have the edge.

“They’ve both got history,” the ex-Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City boss adds. “But Leeds have got more history, for sure.”

As domestic football returns to England after the Qatar World Cup, Newcastle are preparing to travel to Leicester City on Boxing Day sitting pretty in the Champions League positions.

They are already 12 places and 15 points better off than a Leeds side who, despite dramatic victories over Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth, are still glancing nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone.