The passion for football on Teesside is undeniable - and at the heart of that passion is Middlesbrough FC. Now firmly established as a Premiership club, the Boro is central to the lives of the thousands of Teessiders who attend matches at the Riverside Stadium and follow the team's fortunes through the sports pages of the Evening Gazette.
The club is currently enjoying its greatest period of sustained success in its history. After 128 years without a major trophy, no Boro fan will ever forget that magical day in Cardiff on February 29 2004. The lifting of Carling Cup after a 2-1 victory against Bolton Wanderers saw hardened Boro fans fight back the tears after witnessing the triumph so many had waited so long to see. The victory was matched by an open-top bus parade which few who experienced it are ever likely to forget. Last season the club enjoyed its first taste of major European competition with an exciting run in the UEFA Cup. The Riverside Stadium welcomed teams including Italian giants Lazio, Austrians AK Graz and Czech side Banik Ostrava, all of whom went back to the continent defeated. The Euro campaign also saw Boro fans on tour providing superb atmospheres at grounds across the continent. Only the might of eventual finalists Sporting Lisbon prevented Boro from reaching the quarter finals. Not content with one season challenging some of Europe's finest teams, Boro will head for the continent again this season after Mark Schwarzer's stirring last gasp penalty save from Robbie Fowler at Manchester City ensured Boro regained a UEFA Cup place after clinching seventh spot in the Premiership. The club's recent success is even sweeter given its turbulent past and is the culmination of major investment by Boro-born chairman Steve Gibson. The Teesside businessman has ploughed millions of pounds into the club attracting some of football's biggest names from Juninho to Fabrizio Ravenelli and current stars such as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Gaizka Mendieta. The club's progress is even more remarkable given that just 19 years ago the club was on the brink of extinction after financial turmoil saw the club almost close. Since then fans have experience the highs and lows of promotion, relegation and a move to a multi-million pound stadium at the Riverside Stadium from Ayresome Park. The club also has a proud history of producing outstanding players such as Brian Clough, Wilf Mannion and George Hardwick - all local lads who went on to perform on the international stage. Wing wonder Stewart Downing is the latest Teesside-born Boro player to play for England after making his international debut earlier this year. Downing is one of a crop of talented youngsters currently playing at the club and hopes are high for a further successful run this season. But behind the players, the stadium, the managers and on-going battle for trophies is the fans. Whether fighting for Premiership success or battling for the club's very survival, Boro fans have been there and shown themselves to be among the country's loyalest supporters. The central role that Middlesbrough FC plays in the lives of so many Teessiders reveals why it is one of the most cherished institutions in our area. | 
101 Great Reasons...
Welcome to the 101 Great Reasons