The rivalry of the Tees–Wear derby, however, is much more intense and evenly balanced in southern County Durham, where fans of both clubs live and work close together and interact regularly.

There is also an increased feeling of rivalry between fans of older generations who experienced greater crowd troubles between the two clubs during the 1970s and 1980s when British football hooliganism was at its highest levels.

[5] In the years up to the break in the football league for World War 2 in September 1939,[6] Sunderland had spent every season in the top flight.

Both clubs have suffered multiple relegations, including dropping into the 3rd tier (Sunderland for 5 seasons and Middlesbrough for 2), and neither have come close to winning a top division title.

Sunderland won an unlikely second FA Cup in 1973, beating defending champions and top flight contenders Leeds United 1–0 at Wembley Stadium.

Middlesbrough qualified for Europe a second successive season, ultimately reaching the UEFA Cup Final in 2006, but losing to Sevilla.

[12] Following an irreparable fallout with the majority of his teammates, in July 1961, Brian Clough issued a transfer request that was accepted by Middlesbrough, and he moved to Sunderland for £55,000.

After a short stint at Wigan Athletic, Middlesbrough academy graduate, one time youngest-ever captain and 69 appearance maker Lee Cattermole, moved to Sunderland.

Sunderland academy graduate midfielder Grant Leadbitter captained both clubs either side of a period at Ipswich Town.

Former Middlesbrough captain and manager Tony Mowbray controversially accepted the Sunderland head coach job in August 2022.

As manager, Mowbray led Sunderland to an unlikely 6th place finish in the 2022–23 Championship, ultimately losing the subsequent two legged Playoff semi final to eventual winners Luton Town.