IN FOCUS: MIDDLESBROUGH

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Ahead of our return to the Sky Bet Championship, learn more about all 23 of our opponents

2024-07-05T08:00:00.000Z

IN FOCUS: MIDDLESBROUGH

Ahead of our return to the Sky Bet Championship, learn more about all 23 of our opponents

2024-07-05T08:00:00.000Z

Ahead of our return to the Sky Bet Championship, learn more about all 23 of our opponents

Middlesbrough were formed in 1876, only turning professional permanently in 1899.

Boro moved to Ayresome Park in 1903, a ground which would remain their home for the next 92 years until they moved to their current home of the Riverside Stadium.

They spent much of that period between Divisions One and Two, becoming one of the Premier League’s founding members in 1992 following Steve Gibson’s takeover in 1986. They were, though, one of the first three clubs to be relegated from the newly-formed 20-team top flight.

With several high-profile players in their ranks, the club enjoyed success in the 2000s by winning the League Cup and reaching the UEFA Cup final, where they lost to Spaniards Seville in the 2006 final.

Current England manager Gareth Southgate – then Boro captain – took charge of the team the following season, relegated on the last day of the 2008/09 campaign.

Going on to lose the Play-Off final in 2015, Aitor Karanka would then guide the club back to the top flight with automatic promotion the season after, pipped to the Championship title by none other than the Clarets after our 23-game unbeaten run.

Boro didn’t survive the following season and haven’t reached the Premier League since, despite their best efforts. After losing in the play-off semi-finals in 2022/23, they finished 8th last time out under the guidance of Michael Carrick.

Stadium: Riverside Stadium (34,742) – Middlesbrough, TS3 6RS

Nickname(s): Boro

Manager: Michael Carrick

2023/24 finishing position: 7th in Sky Bet Championship

2023/24 top scorer (all competitions): Emmanuel Latte Lath (17)

Played for both:

David Nugent – Nugent’s first professional experience was with Bury and, after impressing in League Two, he joined Preston North End in January 2005. 10 and 15 league goals in consecutive seasons for the Lilywhites earned him a switch to Portsmouth and it was from there that he joined Burnley on a six-month loan in January 2009. The striker scored a brace on his home debut and, after seeing his time in Lancashire extended by a further six months, totalled six league goals in 30 appearances. After four successful years with Leicester City he joined Middlesbrough, helping them up to the Premier League before finishing his playing career with Derby County, Preston North End and Tranmere Rovers.

Danny Coyne – A goalkeeper by trade, Coyne’s career started with lengthy and successful spells at both Tranmere Rovers and Grimsby. After a step up to the Premier League with Leicester City lasted just one season, he penned a three-year deal with Burnley in 2004. After a strong start for the Club, which saw him earn more caps with Wales, a knee injury affected his progress and he eventually departed in 2007. A return to Tranmere saw him reignite his career and the stopper spent 2009-2012 with Middlesbrough, keeping clean sheets in his first four games before falling out of favour. Coyne transitioned into a player/coach role with Shrewsbury Town, taking on Caretaker Manager duties when required.

Marlon Beresford – Beresford also played in goal and, after loan spells at several clubs while registered to Sheffield Wednesday, joined Burnley in 1992. Turf Moor is where he had his most successful period, spending six years in Lancashire and making 240 league appearances. Then came a move to Premier League Middlesbrough where he started well, keeping clean sheets in all his first three games before eventually losing his place to Mark Schwarzer. That saw him return to Burnley in 2002, making a further 13 league outings. His career finished with various moves at a lower level and since retiring he has had a varied life, working in coaching, the media, and accountancy.