Where are they now: The last Sunderland side to beat Middlesbrough

What was the last Sunderland team to beat Middlesbrough and what became of them?

Callum Jacques | Jan 18, 2023

Where are they now: The last Sunderland side to beat Middlesbrough /

Its been a while since Sunderland last beat Middlesbrough; almost 11 years to be exact with many seeing the Teessiders as a bit of a 'bogey team' for the club.

It was February 2012 when Sunderland secured a 2-1 win away at the Riverside Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The game was a replay following a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light and still required extra time to separate the two sides following another 1-1 draw after the 90 minutes.

Incidentally, the games were during Tony Mowbray's time in charge of Middlesbrough.

Fan favourite Stephane Sessegnon scored the winning goal in the 113th minute to see his side go through to the next round against Arsenal and knock 'Boro' out of the cup.

Since then Sunderland have played Middlesbrough seven times, losing six of those games so where are the players that last beat the 'smoggies'?

Simply click through the gallery to see the team from that day and find out what they are doing now.

The Belgian shot-stopper is back in is homeland plying his trade for Club Brugge where he has made over 120 appearances for the Champions League team. Image Credit: Richard Lee

Bardsley made over 170 appearances for Sunderland scoring seven goals along the way. Since his departure the Scottish International has played for Stoke, Burnley and most recently Stockport County where he donates his entire wage to the club's community trust. Image Credit: Philip Oldham

Former Sunderland Captain John O'Shea was one of a few players to remain with the club following their relegation from the Premier League. The Republic of Ireland international played over 200 games for Sunderland before moving on to Reading. He now works under former Sunderland Head Coach Alex Neil at Stoke as a first team coach. Image Credit: Simon Bellis

Following his departure from Sunderland, Turner went on to play for Norwich, Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday before finishing his playing career at Southend United in 2019. Image Credit: Mary Evans

Fan favourite Richardson appeared over 130 times for the lads, scoring 14 goals; one of which will be remembered for years to come against Newcastle in 2008. After leaving Sunderland Richardson appeared for Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff before retiring in 2017. Image Credit: Mary Evans

The Swedish international made over 170 appearances for Sunderland before spending a season with Hull and then moving back to Sweden to finish out his career with AIK, where he won a Swedish league title. Image Credit: Vince Mignott

One player that is far from a fan favourite on Wearside, Colback did the unthinkable and switched from red and white to black and white in 2014. Colback made over 90 appearances for Newcastle before moving to Nottingham Forest where he has made over 100 appearances and scoring seven goals. Image Credit: Philip Oldham

Sunderland were the only team outside of the midlands that Gardner played for after spells with Aston Villa, West Brom and Birmingham City, Gardner had three spells with the Blues before retiring in 2020. Gardner is currently sporting director at Birmingham. Image Credit: Richard Lee

Another player that isn't quite so popular on Wearside. McClean was signed from Derry City by Martin O'Neill and made 59 appearances for Sunderland. After Sunderland, McClean moved to Wigan before moving on to West Brom, then on to Stoke before returning to the Latics where he still currently plays. Image Credit: Mary Evans

'God took Messi and Pele' used to be the chant from the Sunderland fans for the skilful Sessegnon. The Benin international made 97 appearances for Sunderland scoring 18 goals and assisting a further 20. Sessegnon was sold to West Brom and has since had spells at Montpellier in France, Gençlerbirliği in Turkey and at the age of 38 currently plays in Malta for Sirens FC. Image Credit: Richard Lee

Campbell endured an injury laden four years at Sunderland in which he appeared 72 times scoring 10 goals and assisting 11. Since playing for the lads Campbell has played for Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Hull and most recently Huddersfield but has been without a club since June. Image Credit: Mary Evans

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