Newcastle United and Sunderland football clubs generate a rivalry that assumes a greater importance than any other in English football. Perhaps in British football only that between Rangers and Celtic in Glasgow can match it and that is fuelled by sectarian bigotry.

Newcastle and Sunderland are not even in the same city. Fifteen miles separates the rivers Tyne and the Wear but the rivalry is stronger than that which exists even in cities with more than one club like Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.

The most detailed history of Newcastle v Sunderland derbies ever produced; it includes match reports of every league and cup derby game between these old rivals with descriptions of every goal scored. Key players are profiled and every player who has played in Tyne-Wear derbies is assessed.

A book that fans of both the Magpies and the Black Cats cannot be without.

Author Alan Candlish is a Magpies fan who was taken by his father to see Newcastle United and Sunderland on alternate weeks.

The result is a book that lovingly chronicles the great matches between two clubs still trying to win back superstar status.

“... something which should be treasured by fans and has instantly become the standard reference work from now on.” Sunderland Echo

“Go on, give the book a try. You won’t regret it!” Newcastle Chronicle