Warning: Long winded, self indulgent and possibly pointless new user introduction post below.
Well, not exactly new. I've read and enjoyed this forum and it's predecessors since the old geocities.com days where as a relatively new Boro fan based half a world away, a shred of news about my new found obsession was as rare as a chronologically relevant NUFC trophy. Highlights during this time include the Stephane G'ivarch and Ibrahim Ba transfer frenzys and slightly more recently the great Francois Grenet saga.
So full disclosure: I'm an Aussie. Born and bred AFL fanatic educated that 'soccer' was for those who were afraid of footsteps. Sunday afternoon in the mid-ninetys was normally barron territory for a sports mad 14 year kid yet to discover a broader range of pursuits. A weekly English Premier League highlights show became compulsive viewing as a result. After a few weeks I decided I need to choose a team. Determined not to follow tha hoardes and pick either Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal (cause apparently they were the only teams that existed) another team in Red and White caught my eye. Neat dribbling, quick passing and a couple of victories in succession. A team of small, fast, skillful players sitting ninth on the table, yes, Middlesbrough were my team. Off to the Encyclopaedia Britannica Atlas I went to pinpoint the location.
A few weeks after, I decided to come clean and reveal to my family that I'd been watching soccer and that I had chosen a team to follow. Expecting backlash, I feared the worst, only to be told that my Maltese great uncle lived in Stockton-on-Tees (back I headed to the Atlas). Well, this is meant to be, I thought.
What has followed ever since is a wonderful combination of self explanation, late night Radio commentary (thanks Ali and Bernie) which has culminated in an immense pride for the mighty Boro.
I've been to 3 away games for the following record. P3, W0, D0, L3, GD-4, PTS0. All 3 games were completely unremarkable and completely memorable in equal measure. Ugos 13 minute injury interrupted debut at The Valley (RIP), Carlos Marinelli's coming of age (ok, he scored the opening goal on opening day at Fulham and then barely touched the ball) and Mark Vidukas 45 min debut at WHL where he was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch.
Outside of the Carling Cup, Euro runs, Steaua, Basel and 8-1 v Citeh I've loved all the little moments along the way. Geremi's free kick v Liverpool, Hamilton Ricard and Mikel Beck destroying Sol Campbell, Brian Deane's celebration v United, Boksic's chip at Filbert Street, Noel Whelan's goals to stave off relegation, Juninho's headers, David Wheater's England call up, Gareth's fist pumps. I literally could go on and on.
I've long felt every Australian should be duty bound to follow the Boro. The history is undeniable and arguably the strongest connection a club has to a country other than its origin or ownership in world football. Captain Cook, the Harbour Bridge, Craig Johnstone, Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Tony Vidmar, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire, Scott McDonald, the greatest Australian hero since Ned Kelly, and now Riley McGree.
I'm now thrilled to say my boys are being fully indoctrinated. Amazing what 5 wins in a row can do. I think it's safe to assume my eldest is the only 6yo outside of Middlesbrough pretending to be Matt Crooks in the playground.
I'm not sure whether I will be able to contribute much of value, but I'm thrilled to be here and absolutely love the Boro. UTFB and Choo Choo
Well, not exactly new. I've read and enjoyed this forum and it's predecessors since the old geocities.com days where as a relatively new Boro fan based half a world away, a shred of news about my new found obsession was as rare as a chronologically relevant NUFC trophy. Highlights during this time include the Stephane G'ivarch and Ibrahim Ba transfer frenzys and slightly more recently the great Francois Grenet saga.
So full disclosure: I'm an Aussie. Born and bred AFL fanatic educated that 'soccer' was for those who were afraid of footsteps. Sunday afternoon in the mid-ninetys was normally barron territory for a sports mad 14 year kid yet to discover a broader range of pursuits. A weekly English Premier League highlights show became compulsive viewing as a result. After a few weeks I decided I need to choose a team. Determined not to follow tha hoardes and pick either Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal (cause apparently they were the only teams that existed) another team in Red and White caught my eye. Neat dribbling, quick passing and a couple of victories in succession. A team of small, fast, skillful players sitting ninth on the table, yes, Middlesbrough were my team. Off to the Encyclopaedia Britannica Atlas I went to pinpoint the location.
A few weeks after, I decided to come clean and reveal to my family that I'd been watching soccer and that I had chosen a team to follow. Expecting backlash, I feared the worst, only to be told that my Maltese great uncle lived in Stockton-on-Tees (back I headed to the Atlas). Well, this is meant to be, I thought.
What has followed ever since is a wonderful combination of self explanation, late night Radio commentary (thanks Ali and Bernie) which has culminated in an immense pride for the mighty Boro.
I've been to 3 away games for the following record. P3, W0, D0, L3, GD-4, PTS0. All 3 games were completely unremarkable and completely memorable in equal measure. Ugos 13 minute injury interrupted debut at The Valley (RIP), Carlos Marinelli's coming of age (ok, he scored the opening goal on opening day at Fulham and then barely touched the ball) and Mark Vidukas 45 min debut at WHL where he was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch.
Outside of the Carling Cup, Euro runs, Steaua, Basel and 8-1 v Citeh I've loved all the little moments along the way. Geremi's free kick v Liverpool, Hamilton Ricard and Mikel Beck destroying Sol Campbell, Brian Deane's celebration v United, Boksic's chip at Filbert Street, Noel Whelan's goals to stave off relegation, Juninho's headers, David Wheater's England call up, Gareth's fist pumps. I literally could go on and on.
I've long felt every Australian should be duty bound to follow the Boro. The history is undeniable and arguably the strongest connection a club has to a country other than its origin or ownership in world football. Captain Cook, the Harbour Bridge, Craig Johnstone, Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Tony Vidmar, Rhys Williams, Luke Wilkshire, Scott McDonald, the greatest Australian hero since Ned Kelly, and now Riley McGree.
I'm now thrilled to say my boys are being fully indoctrinated. Amazing what 5 wins in a row can do. I think it's safe to assume my eldest is the only 6yo outside of Middlesbrough pretending to be Matt Crooks in the playground.
I'm not sure whether I will be able to contribute much of value, but I'm thrilled to be here and absolutely love the Boro. UTFB and Choo Choo
