Apologies in Advance: G'day from Melbourne

[Diego]

Welcome mate! There’s no other club like the Boro

 

[Uhtred]

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 absolutelyWelcome love the Boro. UTFB and Choo Choo

 

[Uhtred]

Welcome to the mad house
Is the Melbourne Boro supporters club still active, my youngest son helped to set it up 5 or 6 years ago

 

[Merrykoala]

You want to add your story to this thread. Melbourne must be a contender for far distance award. I liked it. Though I found its cakes a disappointment, no matter how great they looked.

People not from the Teesside area, and without a Teesside family connection, following the Boro

I've always thought they were rare specimens. Notable examples would be the legendary Yusuf, WeeGord from FMTTM (I think), and an Australian guy we met at Norwich a few seasons ago(his only connection was his affection for Mark Viduka back in the day). Are there many out there? (Following on...

www.fmttmboro.com

I wouldn't be so sure, some of the board "characters" are on a other planet

 

[mb06]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. Looking forward to contributing and riding the wave to promotion and beyond!

 

[mb06]

Welcome to the mad house
Is the Melbourne Boro supporters club still active, my youngest son helped to set it up 5 or 6 years ago

Thanks! Not sure, but I will definitely look into it

 

[newyddion]

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

Superb! Welcome! Congratulations!

 

[swordtrombonefish]

Well that was a lovely post indeed. Welcome matey!

 

[redblood]

Fair

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

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

Fair dinkum cobber, fantastic post and great to hear of another Boro fan residing in Oz, like myself.

Unlike you, I was Born in the Boro but I only got to see them for the first time after returning to England at the end of 65 after spending 3 years
living in Perth and Sydney.
My parents couldn't have timed our return any better as England were soon to lift the World Cup and the Boro were to be promoted to the second
division soon after in 66/67.
I was heartbroken when my parents decided to pack up and head for a new life in the USA.
I had fallen in love with the Boro and I thought that it was cruel of my dad to take me away after he had achieved his dream of indoctrinating me to
his beloved Boro.
Things didn't work out and I was back following the Boro within a year of leaving my homeland at the age of 13 and in love once again.

He was to break my heart again two years later.
My parents were given another opportunity to return to Oz as my sister and myself were now of working age and were in demand by the Oz government.

I've been here ever since and have done my best to introduce people to the roller-coaster ride of being a Boro fan.
I worked on the Sydney harbour bridge for ten years and it was a surreal experience of seeing the name of the place where my dad and grandfathers worked
"Dorman Long" and the name of our beloved Boro " Middlesbrough" inscribed on every girder and panel wherever you looked.

With enormous pride I would tell all my workmates as well as the hundreds of famous people that had to come inside my crane ( before the new bridgeclimb cranes)
that that is my hometown and my football team and reminded them of Capt Cook and that is their heritage and history and that alone should link them to the Boro.

One thing for sure, you couldn't have picked a better team to follow if you are seeking a team that will give you every emotion known to mankind.
It seems that my entire life has been a promotion or relegation battle ,year in year out, and, I wouldn't have it any other way and I wouldn't want
it any other way.
So proud to be a Boro boy and Boro fan and that you chose to become one too.

Welcome aboard and prepare yourself for a cliff hanger of an end to the season and for you, many many more to come.
UTB

 

[M to M]

Wow this must be kismet!

I’ve recently moved to Melbourne myself and have been searching for the supporters club here to no avail.

I’m in Caulfield south, whereabouts are you mb08?

If you or any other Boro fans in Melbourne fancy a meet up, drop me a line.

 

[Lefty]

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

What a lovely read.

 

[mb06]

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone! Glad my brief history as a Boro fan has been well received. I genuinely can't want until I can organise a trip to the Riverside and take my boys to watch first hand although given my record of 3 games for 3 losses perhaps it's best I stay away!