Robert "Bob" Stokoe (21 September 1930 – 1 February 2004) was an English footballer and manager who was able, almost uniquely, to transcend the traditional north-east rivalry between the region's footballing giants, Newcastle United and Sunderland. As a player he won an FA Cup winner's medal with Newcastle in 1955 and in 1973 was manager of Sunderland in their famous victory over Leeds United.

Born in Mickley, Northumberland, the son of a miner, Stokoe began his footballing career at Newcastle United, signing for them in 1947 and playing the first of 287 games, usually as centre-half, on Christmas Day 1950 against Middlesbrough, a game in which he also scored. The highlight of his 10 years at Newcastle was the 3–1 1955 FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City. After leaving Newcastle in 1960, Stokoe spent a short time playing for Bury before making the move into management with the same club.

Stokoe took the post of player-manager at Bury in 1961, leading them to the semi-finals of the League Cup in 1962-63. He stopped playing in 1964, staying on as manager for another year after which he moved south to take charge at Charlton Athletic from 1965–1967. He was manager of Rochdale from 1967 to 1968, followed by three separate spells at Carlisle United (1968–1970, 1980–1985 and 1985–1986).

Robert McKenna MBE (24 December 1933–20 July 2009) was an English comedian, better known by his stage name Bobby Knoxall.

Knoxall was born in the East End of Sunderland in 1933 and attended St Patrick's School. Illiterate after being expelled from two schools by the age of 12, he obtained a job as a barrow boy selling fruit.

Although he was mainly known in North East England, he also toured. He appeared with a group of rock 'n' roll dancers in London, before becoming a vocalist and turning his patter between songs into a comedy act. He became a cabaret star appearing alongside the likes of Johnny Mathis, Roy Orbison and Louis Armstrong. He also became popular in Africa and the Middle East, appearing on bills with Ella Fitzgerald and José Feliciano.

Knoxall recorded Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup Final record, "Sunderland All The Way". He quit performing owing to ill-health, but made a comeback in 2002. He received an MBE for services to entertainment and charity in 2004. It is estimated he raised at least £1million for charity during his 50-plus years on the stage. His autobiography, Stand Up!, was released in 2003.