Middlesborough F.C. - Riverside Army

[FootieFan2k8]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesborough F.C.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Information

Full Name: Middlesborough Football Club
Nickname(s): The Boro, Smoggies, The Red and White Army
Founded: 1876
Ground: Riverside Stadium, Middlesborough, England
Ground Capacity: 35,100
Chairman: Steve Gibson
Manager: Gareth Southgate
League: Barclays Premier League
2007/08: Barclays Premier League, 13th

Brief History

Middlesborough Football Club were founded in 1876 and play their football in the Barclays Premier League. 'The Boro' as they are also known have played at Riverside Stadium since 1995 which has a capacity of 35,100. The Main club rivals are Newcastle and Sunderland. The 1913-14 season saw Middlesborough finish an extremely respectable 3rd, which is still to be a club record today.

Part 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Club History
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Early Years

Middlesborough F.C. were formed through a group of local Cricket players who wished to stay fit during Winter. It was Albert Park on Linthorpe Road, where they formed the team. The club retained its amateur status until 1889 when several members of Middlesbrough FC split to form Middlesbrough Ironopolis over a dispute.

Three years later, both clubs were doing well and becoming far more successful, and both teams knew if they were to stand a real chance in the Football League they would have to unite. On 7 May 1892 an application was made to the Football League under the name of Middlesbrough and Ironopolis Footbal and Athletic Club. However the appliaction surprisingly failed, and both teams went their own, seperate ways, as Middlesborough F.C. moved back to Amateur status. They won the Amateur FA Cup in 1895 and again in 1898. However a year later the Club turned professional yet again in an attempt to gain entry to the Football League. , and on 18 May 1899, backed by local neighbours Newcastle United and Sunderland, they were admitted to the Second Division, narrowly ahead of Blackpool.

Boro's debut in the Football League was less than a pretty one, comnig 14th out of 18 teams, as they failed to win a match away from home. The 1901-02 campaign saw Boro finish second, to gain promotion to the First Division, where they would play their home games in their new ground, Ayresome Park.

A record had unfolded as in February 1905 the Club had failed to win an away game for 2 years. After some New arrivals to Middlesborough the Club went onto finish 6th just two points behind Champion, Aston Villa. Middlesbrough enjoyed their highest finish to date, as they ended the 1913-14 season in third place, before the First World War intervened.

Post-War History
The Post-War time for Middlesborough was a miserable peroid for the Club as 3 Players had died during the War, while others were too old too return. The Club finished Mid-Table, and continued posting those kind of results for the next few seasons. The 1923-24 Season however saw Middlesborough face relegations as they plummeted to a disappointing last in the League. They stayed there for a few years before winning the title, to find themselves back in the Topflight.

After a good start to the season the Club's form Decliend and went down-hill, and before they knew it, they had been relegated. They bounced straight back the next season though, winning another Second Division title, remaining in the top flight after that until 1954. Football was Stopped during World War II


Tough Times
The Leagues resumed and Middlesborough faield to find their form that they had prior to the war. It was the start of tough times for the club. The club hovered mid-table with average cup results. The next season, nearing Christmas, Boro headed the First Division table, but a 1-0 defeat at Leeds knocked confidence and they slipped to sixth. Midway through the season, Hardwick also left the club to become player-manager of Oldham, and afterwards the team began to falter, eventually falling to relegation in 1953-54.

An awful start to the season was revived with a 12th place finishing. This was the start of a 20-year spell outside the top flight. Brian Clough was establishign himself as a key to Middlesborough which helped the club to a 14th league position in 1955-56. Over that period, Boro maintained reasonable progress in the Second Division but never looked like gaining promotion.

After a great season in 1962-63, where Middlesborough finished 4th, the club's form started to declien once again and the next 3 seaons posted 10th, 17th and 21st league positions.The Clubwere relegated to the Third Division for the first time not long after.


Moving On-Wards
It was up to new Manager Stan Anderson to help Middlesborough return the club to Second Flight Football. But after only 2 wins in the first 10 games it looked like another abysmall season, before Stan turned it around and the team finished 2nd. After regaining promotion to the Second Division, Boro were on good form. They wouldn't finish below ninth during the next eight seasons.

Middlesbrough spent the next eight seasons in the First Division, finishing 7th in 1974-75 and were generally a mid-table side in the seasons that followed. After the club found itself back in the top flight the team gained some well-earned luck in the cups, albeit not winning anything. In the season of 1974-75 Middlesborough reached the sixth round of the FA Cup and the Quarters of the League Cup, followed by a semi-fianl the following year. In February 1982, chairman Charles Amer and his son Kevin, a director, left the club to be replaced by George Kitching. That season saw Middlesbrough suffer a disappointing relegation back to the Second Division. With Murdoch still as manager, and, after appearing at the World Cup, Jim Platt as captain, led Boro into another disappointing season, eventually finishing 16th.

Boro were facing some Financial problems. This saw Allison kicked out and replaced by Willie Maddren, temporarily with some help from Jack Charlton. Middlesbrough were dropping down the table though, finising 19th in 1984-85.

The 1985-86 Season found Middlesborough relegated to the Third Divison once again.


The Rioch Era
With Rioch as Manager Boro found a way into the Second Division after a 2nd place finish behind Bouremouth. year later they won the Second Division promotion/First Division relegation playoffs, after defeating First Division Chelsea to send them down, and achieved a second successive promotion which landed them in the First Division.

1988-89 looked good for a Mid-Table Finish but they went downhill and got relegated to Second Division. Their dismal form continued into the following season and a second successive relegation looked on the cards. Rioch was subsequently dismissed in March 1990 and his successor Colin Todd just managed to save Boro from the drop. The same season saw Middlesbrough play in their first Wembley cup final, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The team was led out at Wembley by an unfit Tony Mowbray.

1990-91 looked up for Boro and a 7th palced finish was enough was good enough for a Play-Off Position, but still they failed to move up. Lawrence's first season at the helm was a success, with Boro reaching the League Cup semi finals for the second time and most significantly finishing runners-up in the Second Division - booking their place in the inaugural Premier League. Boro were mid table in the Premiership come Christmas 1992, but a run of seven defeats beginning in February dragged them down the table and they were relegated after losing their penultimate game of the season. The board kept faith in Lawrence but he resigned a year later after failing to achieve promotion back to the Premiership.

Steve Mclaren
In 2001 Mclaren joined Middlesborough in hope for some success at the club. Steve guided Boro to the FA Cup Semi-Final, but a less impressive 12th in the league. In the season of 2002-03 Boro finished 11th, a marginal improvement on the previous season's finish but slightly disappointing considering Middlesbrough's early season form suggested that they could qualify for Europe.
The next season however saw Middlesborough win their first major trophy, the League Cup. The season ended on a disappointing note as they were convincingly beaten 5-1 by Portsmouth on the final day to end a disappointing league campaign. They finished 11th.
The following season started great for the Club hovering around the top six until November, before dropping Mid-Table. In their inaugural UEFA Cup run, Middlesbrough performed brightly but were eventually knocked out in the fourth round by Sporting Lisbon.
The season of 2005-06 was Inconsistent from Middlesborough, which they found they could beating Teams at Home, Including Arsenal and United. However dismal mid-season form saw them sucked into the bottom half of the Premiership, and at one stage they looked in real danger of being relegated.
On 27 April 2006, Middlesbrough reached the UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven, with a victory over FC Steaua Bucureşti 4-3 on aggregate in stunning fashion. Boro fans watched from the stands as their Middlesbrough team lost 4-0 in the final to Sevilla FC. Trailing Sevilla 0-1 at the break, McClaren opted for a very attacking line-up for the second half with four strikers, which had worked to great effect in the quarter and semi-finals. Nevertheless, Middlesbrough were forced to push on in desperate search of an equaliser.

Part 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stadium
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Name: Riverside Stadium
Location: Middlesborough, England
Built: 1994
Opened: August 26, 1995
Owner: Middlesborough F.C.
Operator: Middlesborough F.C.
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 35,100

Stadium History
The Riverside Stadium was built to replace Ayresome Park after the Raylor Report, which required all top division football stadia to be all-seater. Middlesbrough were unable to expand the current stadium outwards owing to its location in a residential area, and expanding the stadium upwards would have limited the club
to a capcity of 20,000 seats. So the Club Officals deciced to build a new stadium. Taylor Woodrow Construction buitl the stadium for a Cost of 16 Million Pounds, and had a Capacity of 30,000. Surprisingly the production only took 32 weeks to complete.

The first match played at Boro's new stadium was against Chelsea in front of a 28,286 crowd. Middlesborough won the game 2-0. In 2005 the club resurrected the old Ayresome Park gates which had been famously locked when the club went in to liquidation. They were erected outside the Riverside Stadium as a new entrance, a reminder of the past. The club have the Council's permission to extend the capacity by another 7,000 if demand made it necessary.

Intenational Matches

Part 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Club Kits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Middlesborough's traditional Home Kit in 1899 a White Shirt with Blue Shorts, however later that season they adopted new Colours of red and White. Other kits around the 1889 time included a white shirt with a blue and white polka dotted collar. The broad white stripe across the chest was introduced by Jack Charlton in 1973 (following an attempt to change the home shirt to a Leeds United-style white shirt).

Part 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Domestic

Football League Second Division/Football League First Division:
Champions 1926–27, 1928–29, 1973–74, 1994–95; runners up 1901–02, 1991–92, 1997–98

Football League Thrid Division:
Runners up 1966–67, 1986–87

Northern League:
Champions 1893–94, 1894–95, 1896–97; runners up 1890–91, 1891–92, 1897–98

Cup

League Cup:
Winners 2004; Runners up 1997, 1998

FA Cup:
Runners up 1997

Zenith Data Systems Cup:
Runners up 1990

International

Uefa Cup:
Runners up 2005-06

Part 5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Records
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appearances

Youngest first-team player – 16 years and 323 days

Sam Lawrie (vs Arsenal (H) 3 November 1951)

Stephen Bell (vs Southampton (H) 30 January 1982)

Oldest first-team player – 39 years and 355 days

Bryan Robson (vs Arsenal (A) 1 January 1997)

Most consecutive appearances – 305

David Armstrong, between March 1973 and August 1980

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goalscorers

Most goals in a season – 63

George Camsell (Second Division, 1926–1927)

Most League goals in a season – 59

George Camsell (Second Division, 1926–1927)

Most goals in a single match – 5

John Wilkie, vs Gainsborough Trinity, 2 March 1901
Andy Wilson, vs Nottingham Forest, 6 October 1923
James McClelland, vs Leeds United, 9 January 1926
George Camsell, vs Manchester City, 25 December 1926
George Camsell, vs Aston Villa, 9 September 1935
Brian Clough, vs Brighton and Hove Albion, 23 August 1958

Most goals in the League – 325

George Camsell, 1925–1939

Most goals in the FA Cup – 20

George Camsell, 1925–1939

Most goals in the League Cup – 13

John Hickton, 1966–1978

Most goals in European competition – 8

Mark Viduka, 2004–2007

Oldest goalscorer – 38 years and 2 months

Bryan Robson, vs Port Vale, 26 March 1995

Youngest goalscorer – 17 years and 64 days

Arthur Horsfield, vs Grimsby Town, 17 April 1963

Youngest hat-trick scorer – 20 years and 6 days

Tony McAndrew, vs Sheffield United, 17 April 1976

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other

Record League win – 9–0 vs Brighton & Hove Albion, Second Division, 23 August 1958

Record FA Cup win – 11–0 vs Scarborough, 4 October 1890

Record League Cup win – 7–0 vs Hereford United, 18 September 1996

Record European win – 4–1 vs FC Basel, UEFA Cup, 6 April 2006

Most League wins in a season – 28 in the Third Division, 1986-87

Fewest League wins in a season – 7 in the First Division, 1923-24

Record League defeat – 0–9 vs Blackburn Rovers, Second Division, 6 November 1954

Record FA Cup defeat – 1–8 vs Hebburn Argyle, 12 December 1896

Record League Cup defeat – 0–4 vs Manchester City, 21 January 1976

Record European defeat – 0–4 vs Sevilla, UEFA Cup, 10 May 2006

Most League defeats in a season – 27 in the First Division, 1923-24

Fewest League defeats in a season – 4 in the Second Division, 1973-74

Fewest League goals scored in one season – 34 in 42 matches, First Division, 1981-1982

Most League goals conceded in one season – 91 in 42 matches, First Division, 1953-1954

Fewest League goals conceded in one season – 24 in 34 matches, Second Division, 1901-1902

Most points earned in a season (3 for a win) – 94 in 46 matches, Third Division, 1986-1987

Fewest points earned in a season (3 for a win) – 39 in 42 matches, First Division, 1981-1982

Most points earned in a season (2 for a win) – 65 in 42 matches, Second Division, 1973-1974

Fewest points earned in a season (2 for a win) – 22 in 42 matches, First Division, 1923-1924

Longest sequence of League wins – 9 in the Second Division, 1973-74

Longest sequence without a League win – 19 in the First Division, 1981-82

Longest sequence of League defeats – 8 in the Second Division, 1954-55 , in the Premiership, 1995-96

Longest sequence of unbeaten League matches – 24 in the Second Division, 1973-74

Longest sequence of draws – 8 in the Second Division, 1970-71

Highest attendance at the Riverside Stadium – 34,836 vs Norwich City, Premier League, 28 December 2004)

Lowest attendance at the Riverside – 3,918 vs Northampton Town, League Cup, 11 September 2001

Highest attendance at Ayresome Park – 53,802 vs Newcastle United, First Division, 27 December 1949

Lowest attendance at Ayresome Park – 1,633 vs Brescia Calcio, Anglo-Italian Cup, 22 December 1993

[FootieFan2k8]

Goalkeepers

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ross Turnbull

Name: Ross Turnbull
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1985
Height: 6''4

Previous Clubs:
Crewe
Cardiff City
Barnsley
Bradford City
Darlington

Small Bio
Ross Turnbull made his way up the junior ranks before signing a professional contract with Middlesborough F.C. in 2002, Ross also Represented England in the U20 in the 2003 Fifa World Youth Championship.

In 2007 Middlesborough announced Ross had joined Cardiff City on a season Long loan deal, and began the season as 1st choice Goalkeeper, but after some mistakes in his opening few matches he was replaced with Michael Oakes, and spent the rest of his time on the Bench until he was recalled by Middlesborough after Brad Jones Injured himself. After more than 11 years with Middlesbrough, Mark Schwarzer left the club during the summer of 2008 to join Fulham. Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate decided not to buy a new keeper and allow Turnbull and Jones to fight it out for the number one position.

Brad Jones

Name: Brad Jones
Nationality: Australian
Year of Birth: 1982
Height: 6''3

Previous Clubs:

Blackpool
Sheffield Wed.
Stockport
Rotherham

Small Bio
Brad used to play with his Native team, Bayswater, before joining Middlesborough, where he unexpectedly found himself on the bench for the first team when they played Fulham in 2002.

Despite not seeing any 1st team action he, he secured his place amongst the subs for a further 4 games, after showing potential to the team. After the injury of Carlos Nash, Jones became a regular fixture on the bench. But he made his 1st team Debut in 2004 with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Count in the FA Cup.

Several Years later after Loan Deals with Stockport County, Rotherham, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday, Brad Jones started in goals for Boro on the opening day of 2008/09 season.

Jason Steele

Name: Jason Steele
Nationality: English
Year of Birth:
Height: 6''2

Previous Clubs

None

Small Bio
The 17-Year Old from Newton Aycliffe has been predicted to have a bright career and has started out at the English club Middlesborough F.C. In May 2007 he was a key player in the European Championships, before losing in the final 1-0 to Spain, however they still qualified for World U17 Championships. But illness forced Steele out.

Steele signed a Professional contract with Middlesborough on his 17th Birthday.

[FootieFan2k8]

Defenders

Justin Hoyte



Name: Justin Hote
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1984
Height: 5''11

Previous Clubs

Sunderland
Arsenal

Small Bio
Justin Hoyte started his career and the tender age of 9, at Arsenal Football Club. He signed a Professional contract with Arsenal in 2003 after comnig up throguh the Academy, Youth and Reserve teams. He made his début as an 89th minute substitute in Arsenal's 6-1 Premiership victory over Southampton in May 2003. During the summer of 2005 Hoyte was linked with a mvev to Ipswich Town, but Arsene Wenger made it clear this was nothing but a rumour. Aston Villa were set to make a £4.5 million offer to Arsenal for Hoyte; after manager Martin O'Neill prioritised bringing in someone to fill the right back position. However Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger publicly announced "Hoyte is going nowhere"

After Middlesborough's Luke Young left for Aston Villa Middlesborogh announced they were interested in the defender. On the 16th, the player was unveiled to a 33,000 crowd, at the Riverside Stadium as his signing was confirmed.


Chris Riggot



Full Name: Chris Riggot
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1980
Height: 6''0

Previous Clubs

Stoke City
Derby County

Small Bio
Derby County were the team that produced Chris Riggot into the defender he is today. Chris Riggot was managed by Steve Mclaren, the soon to be England Maager. Had made 91 Appearances for Derby and scored 5 goals from a Centre Back Position. After being linked with Liverpool, Chris Riggot eventually moved to Middlesborough during 2003summer transfer market.


David Wheater



Full Name: David Wheater
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1987
Height: 6''5

Previous Clubs

Wolves
Doncaster
Darlington

Small Bio
David's breakthrough season came in the season of 2007/08 as he scored 3 League Goals in the League and 1 in the FA Cup. He had a brief loan spell at League One side Doncaster Rovers from January to April 2006. Things did not go to plan at Doncaster so David moved on but he did score one goal during the loan.

The date of March 20th saw England Manager Fabio Capello call Wheater for the England squad, but wasn't announced in Capello's final 23. George Boateng revealed that Wheater regularly comes into the Boro changing rooms with merchandise to sign for family and friends.

David experienced his best season of football during the 2007/08 season, starting as a regular for Gareth Southgate's side and becoming an imposing force at the back that has been linked with clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle & Tottenham.


Seb Hines



Full Name: Seb Hines
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1988
Height: 6''2

Previous Clubs

None

Small Bio
Hines' youth team before playing for Middlesbrough was Kirk Deighton Rangers. His career was troubled with a serious knee injury in October 2005, but Hines recovered fully. On 16 January 2007, he scored on his first team debut with a scorching effort from outside the box against Hull City in the FA Cup Third Round. On 18 August 2007, he made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Fulham.


Matthew Bates



Full Name: Matthew Bates
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1986
Height: 5''10

Small Bio
Matthew is a product of Middlesborouh Youth Network and has been loaned otu 3 times in his short spell at the club. The 20 Year Old has been to Darlinton, Ipswich Town and Norwich City. He was sent out on loan to Ipswich Town in 2006, but was seriously injured in his second game, tearing his cruciate ligament and partially tearing his medial ligamentand was forced to end his loan spell. Matthew later went to Norwich City and his 3rd Loan Deal while at Middlesborough, he stayed for two months.

He later returned to Middlesbrough after suffering from another knee injury which has resulted in him needing a third operation in just 18 months.


Robert Huth



Full Name: Robert Huth
English: Germany
Year of Birth: 1984
Height: 6''3

Previous Clubs

Chelsea

Small Bio
Germany's Robert Huth started his career at Chelsea, aged 17, and made his debut at that age in the last game of the 2001-02 season as a sub, they went onto lose 3-1 to Aston Villa. Unfortunately for Huth, hsi chances of regular starts for Chelsea seemed limited as he had Terry Gallas and Carvalho ahead of him also fighting it out.

On 13 July, 2006, a proposed transfer to Middlesbrough was scuppered when Huth failed a medical. Middlesbrough continued to track Huth and on August 31 that year Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb stated that he expected to sign him that day, reportedly for £6,000,000 on a 5-year contract.


Andrew Taylor



Full Name: Andrew Taylor
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1986
Height: 5''10

Previous Clubs

Bradford City

Small Bio
Taylor was brought in Boro in 2004 and then went on loan to Bradford City, but was recalled back in 2006 after impressing Steve Mclaren. He played in several Premiership matches and the FA Cup semi-final to save Queudrue for the Uefa Cup tie with Sevilla. Linking up with fellow Boro graduate Stewart Downing, the homegrown duo combined well down the left flank.

Taylor extended his contract at Middlesborough in 2008 which will see him stay at the club until 2011.



Jonathon Grounds





Full Name: Jonathon Grounds
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1988
Height: 6''1

Previous Clubs:

Norwich City

Small Bio
The young 20 Year old stepped up from Middlesborough's academy in 2007/08 season, before unexpectedly signing a one-year contract. With regular left backs Andrew Taylor and Emanuel Pogatetz injured, he made his debut on 12 January 2008 in a 1–1 Premier League draw at home to Liverpool. After impressing in several further appearances he was rewarded with a new two-year contract in March of that year.



Emanuel Pogatez



Full name: Emanuel Pogatez
Nationality: Austrian
Year of Birth: 1983
Height: 6''2

Previous Clubs



Small Bio
Emanuel Pogatez has been with Boro for 3 Years after being signed in 2005. Pogatetz broke his nose, jaw and cheekbone in an accidental clash of heads with Basel's Mladen Petrc during the first leg of Boro's UEFA Cup quarter-final. Pogatetz was warned against returning to full training for three months for fear of risking his eyesight. He underwent successful surgery to have the fractures reset.

Durign the season fo 2006-07, Pogatez was forced into Central defence after Chris Riggots's injury.
At the close of the 2007–08 season it was announced by Boro boss, Gareth Southgate, that Emanuel was to be given the captain's armband on a full-time basis following his taking up of the role towards the end of the season.

[FootieFan2k8]

Midfielders

Didier Digard



Full name: Didier Digard
Nationality: French
Year of Birth: 1986
Height: 6''0

Previous Clubs:

PSG
Le Harve

Small Bio
Didier Diagrd started his career at Le Harve earning himself 72 Appearances, for the French Club. But in the Summer of 2007, the French Man was linked with 3 barclay Premeir Leageu sides, Aston Villa, Reading and West ham United, but eventually moved to PSG after opting to stay in France. On 4 July 2008, he signed for Middlesbrough on a four-year contract after the club agreed a €5 million (£4 million) deal with PSG.


Mohamed Shawky



Full Name: Mohamed Shawky
Nationality: Egyptian
Year of Birth: 1981
Height: 5''11

Previous Clubs:

None

Small Bio
Mohamed signed a 3 Year deal with Middlesborough in 2007 Summer Transfer Market, and has been there ever since. He made his debut against in a Carling Cup match against Tottenham Hotspurs, which Middlesborough lost 2-0.

Shawky played central midfield in Middlesbrough's opening premier league game of the 2008-2009 season against Tottenham Hotspur which Middlesbrough won 2-1.



Marvin Emnes



Full Name: Marvin Emnes
Nationality: Dutch
Year of Birth: 1988
Height: 5''11

Previous Clubs:

None

Small Bio
For three years Emnes played for Sparta Rotterdam after comnig through the Junior ranks and eventually signed for Boro in 2008, for 4 Million Euro. His first full team debut came in the Carling Cup against Yeovil Town on August 27th 2008 getting on the score sheet in the process.



Gary O'Neil



Full Name: Gary O'Neil
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1983
Height: 5''8

Previous Clubs

Cardiff City
Walsall
Portsmouth

Small Bio
Middlesborough signed this promising Midfielder in 2007 for an undisclosed fee. Although not scoring in his first season he became a key player for Middlesborough and earned praise for Fans and Manager, Gareth Southgate. In all he made 26 appearances in the league, and 3 in the FA Cup during the clubs run to the quarter-final.



Graeme Owens



Full Name: Graeme Owens
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1988
Height: 5''10

Previous Clubs

Chesterfield

Small Bio
If necessary Owens can play on eithier wings which coems in handy for Gareth Southgate, but prefers that Right wing. After good performances for the reserve team he was included in the first team squad for the trip to Bristol City in the FA Cup, and although he didn't make the final 16, manager Gareth Southgate suggested he is one to watch for the future.

He made his full debut in the Carling Cup against Tottenham Hotspurs during the 2007-08 season.



Adam Johnson



Full Name: Adam Johnson
Nationality: English
Year of Birth: 1987
Height: 5''9

Previous Clubs

Watford
Leeds United

Small Bio
Adam Johnson, like alot of other Middlesborough players, graduated from the Academy system.
Johnson made his senior debut aged seventeen on 17 March 2005 in the UEFA Cup in the 1–0 defeat away to Sporting Lisbon. Almost six months later he made his Premiership debut, and first senior start, deputising for an injured Stewart Downing in a 2–1 home win against Arsenal.




Stewart Downing



Full Name:
Nationality:
Year of Birth:
Height:

Previous Clubs:

Sunderland

Small Bio
Stewart Downing has been at Middlesborough ever since he was a school-boy only ever leaving for Sunderland on a Loan Deal. His debut in the League for Boro came in April 2002 against Ipswich Town away. He was limited to just three appearances during that season, plus a further three the followin season despite scoring his first senior goal in a 4–1 League Cup victory over Brentford.


Julio Arca



Full Name: Julio Arca
Nationality: Argentina
Year of Birth: 1981
Height: 5''9

Previous Clubs:

Sunderland

Small Bio
In the 2006-07 season Julio Arca was signed on a 5 Year Long Contract. Arca had a terrible debut for Middlesbrough, breaking his toe early in the match. However, since then Arca has proved a revelation. With the progress of Andrew Taylor at left-back, Julio has been utilised as central attacking midfielder. After impressing in a 2-2 draw against Manchester Untied in the FA Cup he has been tipped to soon break into the Argentian International Squad.

[FootieFan2k8]

Forwards

Tuncay Sanli



Full Name: Tuncay Sanli
Nationality: Turish
Year of Birth:1982
Height: 6''0

Previous Clubs:

Sakaryaspor
Fenerbahce

Small Bio
Middlesborough's new signing Tuncay arrived at the club 18th June 2007, and has been there for a year. After passign hid Medical 5 days later he attained a work permit on 4 July 2007, and completed his free transfer to Middlesbrough. After joining teh club he spoek out about wanting to get Middlesborouh back into europe, a feat he still yet to acheive.



Afonso Alves



Full Name: Afonso Alves
Nationality: Brazilian
Year of Birth: 1981
Height: 6''1

Previous Clubs

Malmo FF
Orgyte IS
SC Heerenveen

Small Bio
On the eve of February, Alves made his way to Boro after being signed for around 12.7 million, right at the end of the Transfer Season during January. He signed for a 4 and a half year contract. He made his debut on February 9, 2008, against Fulham as a second half substitute for Lee Dong-Gook. His first Middlesbrough start came on February 27 in an FA Cup home tie against Sheffield United, when he was substituted in the 73 minute. Middlesbrough eventually won the game 1–0.


Mido



Full Name: Mido
Nationality: Egyptian
Year of Birth: 1983
Height: 6''2

Previous Clubs:

Ajax
Celtic Vigo
Roma
Marseille
Gent
Zamalek
Tottenham

Small Bio
Mido started his career at Zamalek in Egypt in 1999, for K.A.A. Gent in Belgium where he won the Belgian Ebony Shoe. This was folllowed by a move to Ajax in 2001, where he joiend Celtic Vigo on Loan, in 2003. His next destination was Olympique de Marseille in France and left them for Italian side A.S. Roma in 2004. He joined English side Tottenham Hotspur on an 18-month loan in 2005 and eventually joined the club permanently in 2006. He left the club in 2007 to join his current club Middlesbrough.



Jeremie Aliadiere



Full Name: Jeremie Aliadiere
Nationality: French
Year of Birth: 1983
Height: 6''0

Previous Clubs:

Wolves
West Ham United
Arsenal
Celtic

Small Bio
Aliadiere was given the Number 10 Shirt Prior to his second season at the English club, he had previously worn the number 11 shirt. Aliadière scored his first goal of the 2008-2009 in Middlesbrough's 5-1 home victory aganist Yeovil Town at the Riverside Stadium on 26 August 2008. Aliadière had a slow start to the 2008-2009 Premier League season, but on Saturday 4th October 2008 he scored his first Premier League goal of the new season in a 1-0 win against Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium. The goal came in the 89th minute of the match.

[FootieFan2k8]

Thread Updates

[FootieFan2k8]

This is the Season

[AdidasF10]

Wow
long post

[FootieFan2k8]

You can Post.

[Chelsea11]

no offense, but I think you would have been better off posting two seperate pictures of the kits, because it looks small in that one. But really good start nonetheless

[FootieFan2k8]

I like it like that........

[FootieFan2k8]

Anyhow, theres the Squads Updated.

[Chelsea11]

ok then, I'm just saying it doesn't look that great lol. Check out some manip tuts or try to find some good looking effects. Use different types of filter effects (blurs, pixelations, etc.) and play around with the layer mode and the number of layers

[FootieFan2k8]

Still a good start though?

[xRonaldinhox10x]

Nice start, just change the font for the stuff under stadium. Good luck this season

[FootieFan2k8]

What do you mean?

[xRonaldinhox10x]

Full Name: Riverside Stadium
Location: Middlesborough, England
Built: 1994
Opened: August 26, 1995
Owner: Middlesborough F.C.
Operator: Middlesborough F.C.
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 35,100

Stadium History
The Riverside Stadium was built to replace Ayresome Park after the Raylor Report, which required all top division football stadia to be all-seater. Middlesbrough were unable to expand the current stadium outwards owing to its location in a residential area, and expanding the stadium upwards would have limited the club
to a capcity of 20,000 seats. So the Club Officals deciced to build a new stadium. Taylor Woodrow Construction buitl the stadium for a Cost of 16 Million Pounds, and had a Capacity of 30,000. Surprisingly the production only took 32 weeks to complete.


The first match played at Boro's new stadium was against Chelsea in front of a 28,286 crowd. Middlesborough won the game 2-0. In 2005 the club resurrected the old Ayresome Park gates which had been famously locked when the club went in to liquidation. They were erected outside the Riverside Stadium as a new entrance, a reminder of the past. The club have the Council's permission to extend the capacity by another 7,000 if demand made it necessary.

Make it bigger

[luke-LFC]

Full Name: Riverside Stadium
Location: Middlesborough, England
Built: 1994
Opened: August 26, 1995
Owner: Middlesborough F.C.
Operator: Middlesborough F.C.
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 35,100

Stadium History
The Riverside Stadium was built to replace Ayresome Park after the Raylor Report, which required all top division football stadia to be all-seater. Middlesbrough were unable to expand the current stadium outwards owing to its location in a residential area, and expanding the stadium upwards would have limited the club
to a capcity of 20,000 seats. So the Club Officals deciced to build a new stadium. Taylor Woodrow Construction buitl the stadium for a Cost of 16 Million Pounds, and had a Capacity of 30,000. Surprisingly the production only took 32 weeks to complete.


The first match played at Boro's new stadium was against Chelsea in front of a 28,286 crowd. Middlesborough won the game 2-0. In 2005 the club resurrected the old Ayresome Park gates which had been famously locked when the club went in to liquidation. They were erected outside the Riverside Stadium as a new entrance, a reminder of the past. The club have the Council's permission to extend the capacity by another 7,000 if demand made it necessary.


that would be better change to a SIZE 2

[Chelsea11]

oh and footie, for the main graphic at the top, it looks like you attempted to cut the logo. You can just get it off wikipedia, and it's pre-cut

[luke-LFC]

Originally Posted by Chelsea11

oh and footie, for the main graphic at the top, it looks like you attempted to cut the logo. You can just get it off wikipedia, and it's pre-cut

WOW! Nice Spot

[FootieFan2k8]

Thats were i got it from?

[.DJ]

Nice start mate

[Camo]

yeah good start kiu

[FootieFan2k8]

Cheers Guys going to bed now maybye update or 2 tommorow

[FootieFan2k8]

With teams like Manchster United and Chelsea splashing the cash over the summer break, lesser teams like Middlesborough are having to do more and more to keep up with the quality of football.''Money is becoming more of an issue in English Football and the new On-Line feature ''Boro Interactive'' will surely mean the difference between being relegated and staying up.'' The service will come at a cost of £8.00 per Year and includes a range of unique services including live 1st Team, Reserves, Youth and Women's matches available in English, Italian, Spanish and German. The new Service also features Hours of Behind-the-Scenes footage, Player Interviews, Manager Reactions and Thousands of images in an exclusive Gallery, that will be seen nowhere else. The new feature will be available to buy from the website in three weeks on July 18th.