Where's Middlesbrough?
I really think that Middlesbrough has a higher recognition factor in Europe,the Near East ,the Far East and Africa in fact anywhere that watches professional football, than Durham. Like it or not Premiership Football is watched throughout the world and Middlesbrough Football Club have employed footballers from all of the above. Durham may be a cultural mecca for those who like cathedrals but the mass recognition factor goes to Middlesbrough.
P.S. run Ray Mallon through google and see what happens. Robocop is regarded as a demigod in certain parts of the good ol USA and they all know where Middlesbrough is.