Kieron, Nathan and Paul explore what the Tyne and Wear derby means to them while appreciating whether there may be such a level playing field any time soon.

This episode investigates how the lack of a competitive fixture since 2016 has grown supporters weary, or alternatively fiery, in the hope of a derby match.

The biggest question, meanwhile, is what do Sunderland have to do to try and make it back to the Premier League, where their Saudi Arabian-backed neighbours await?

The Team:

• Nathan Bell
• Kieron Gilmour
• Paul Hughes

With teaching supervision by Richard Berry, Jay Sykes, and Jenny Wotherspoon, and proof-listened by Tyler Selby.

A Spark Sunderland podcast, produced at the University of Sunderland.