It's hard to put a figure on it, but if George Hardwick had played in the modern era then there would be few clubs with the muscle to prise him away. Hardwick, a defender, gained 12 England caps and captained the side before injury ended his career.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Boro side of 1955. With the likes of Clough yet to emerge on the scene, and Hardwick and Mannion no longer involved this is a team in transition. Rolando Ugolini is a prominent figure in this team as keeper.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wilf Mannion was a footballing legend, up there with the likes of Finney, Matthews and Edwards from his era. He notched a hat-trick on his England debut, as well as scoring 110 goals in 368 appearances for Boro. Sadly he died aged 81 in 2000. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Clough was one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Britain during the 1950s and early 1960s. Abrasive, opinionated and supremely talented, Clough left for Sunderland on a sour note, not before scoring 197 goals in 212 games for the Boro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mick McNeil made his name with the Boro as a full-back during the late 1950s, forcing his way into the England squad alongside teammate Brian Clough. Supporters were disappointed to see his departure from the club, as he signed for Ipswich in 1964.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nobby Stiles had made his name at Manchester United, while Stuart Boam was yet to truly announce his presence on the football scene. Boam ended up as skipper and legend at Ayresome Park, leading the club from the back during the 1973/74 title season. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middlesbrough Football Club circa 1974. This side contains some of the club's all time heroes - Maddren, Spraggon, Souness and Armstrong all appeared as the club, under the guidance of Jack Charlton, won the Second Division with a record 65 points. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seventies football wouldn't have been the same without this moustachioed hardman. Tough in the tackle, but with the necessary skills to make him a complete midfielder, Souness impressed at Boro before earning a trophy-filled move to Liverpool. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Armstrong rose to prominence with his cultured midfield play as part of the 1974 promotion side. He later played for England, despite competition from the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Sammy Lee and Trevor Brooking. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Boro fans love anything, it's a hometown player making it in the first team. Tony Mowbray was one such player who rose through the ranks at the old Ayresome Park, and became legendary as a tall, powerful and elegant centre-half.  

 

 

 

 

 

'Wolfman' Bernie Slaven was a striker whose 146 goals for the Boro made him a folk hero. An unrelenting desire to score goals attracted the attentions of former boss Jack Charlton, who took Slaven to the 1990 World Cup with the Republic of Ireland. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bustling and prolific, John Hendrie provided a rich supply line of goals for the Boro during the 1990s. His partnerships with the likes of Paul Wilkinson yielded goal after goal, particularly in helping Bryan Robson's side to promotion in 1994/95. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gary Pallister once cost Alex Ferguson some £2.3m when he left Middlesbrough in 1989, before becoming one of the most consistent centre-halves in the top flight. A towering giant - he wore his heart on his sleeve during two spells at the Boro. 

 

 

 

Colin Cooper enjoyed two spells with the Boro during his career. He began life at the club as a buccaneering full-back with an eye for goal and ended it a combatative centre-half with England honours. Coops is now reserve team coach at the Riverside. 

 

 

 

 

 

Bryan Robson played a massive part in the resurgence of Boro during the 1990s, both as a player and manager. He brought leadership qualities and midfield drive to the team, while his reputation attracted numerous stars to the club.

 

 

 

 

Hard as nails centre-halves enjoy a special relationship with the Boro fans, and the fearless Nigel Pearson is no different. Pearson was an inspirational skipper, good in the air and brave on the deck, bringing silverware to the club in 1994/95.

 

 

 

Pictured here in the League Cup final against Leicester, Robbie Mustoe was an energetic midfielder who spent over a decade at the club. He racked up over 400 games for Boro, enjoying a testimonial against German giants Borussia Dortmund in 2000.

 

 

 

 

Middlesbrough FC circa 1995. The club had appointed Bryan Robson as a player/manager and the former United midfielder led the club to promotion at the first attempt with the likes of John Hendrie, Uwe Fuchs and Jamie Pollock making a big impression.

 

 

 

 

 

Juninho's ability, skill and most notably heart made him a hero during three spells at the Riverside. His debut season saw Boro' relegated despite reaching two cup finals, but the tiny talent softened the blow with his valiant efforts on the pitch.

 

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