Spike.

Who’s that whizzing up and down the wing,
turning on a pike.
skilful as you like?
Who’s that taking defenders for a hike?
Spike!

Who’s that capturing a little boy’s heart?
Spinning round Ayresome Park
crosses like a dart?
Who’s that taking defences apart?
Spike!

Who’s that magician feinting into a trap?
Clever little chap
but only one cap.
Who stuck with a club not on the FA’s map?
Spike!
 
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Erimus74 said:
One of the best ever players to come through the ranks of the mighty Boro, started his 13th game of his short career to date at the mighty Boro unaware of what he was about to achieve

Dave Armstrong had made 12 appearences between April 1972 to 27th January 1973 & after being left out of the following 7 games was brought back in to the 1st team & started at home to Aston Vila in a 1-1 draw & what followed is truly remarkable, playing every single league & Cup game, including 99% of friendlies, up to the 6th September 1980 at home to Forest in a 0-0 draw

A remarkable 356 consecutive games, including countless friendlies, that will probably never be beaten, what a player & record, a remarkable player who should have regularly played for England, how he didn't is criminal

Stan Anderton team v Villa on the date a tremendous record was started

Jim Platt
John Craggs
Frank Spraggon
Nobby Stiles
Stuey Boam
Bill Gates
Peter Brine
DAVID ARMSTRONG
Malcolm Smith
Graeme Souness - 10th appearence
Alan Foggon - 9th appearence

One day short of 12 months since he started his incdedible run he scored the only goal of the game at home to Oxfird to guarentee promotion to the 1st division

Registered No489 when he made his debut on 3rd April 1972 in an away defeat at Blackpool, wearing his famous No11 shirt, he went onto play 416 games, 3 as sub, scoring 73 goals

A vital member in the best ever Boro team in my lifetime & one of the very best players in our history

Met Dave Armstrong a number of times at reunions, always happy to chat with fellow Boro supporters

RIP David Armstrong 😢😢

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What a brilliant obituary
 
Only the third player to pass from that superb 11 from 1973-74 and was one of the youngest. Reminds me of Alan Ball from the 1966 WC winning side taken far too early.

As many have said he was a hero, an ever present player who was always always always on the team sheet. He was consistent, had everything. Energy, scored goals, could tackle. He had the sweetest left foot. With Murdoch on the right of midfield boy did that team have balance.

My dad also loved him. Never did I hear him ever criticise Spike. And that was praise indeed.

RIP David.
 
I’ve just came on here to see if the knee jerkers had calmed down after Saturday’s result and saw this dreadful news. I can honestly say it brought a lump to my throat.

So many above have paid tribute to him with so many kind words. I would just like to say thanks for the memories, there are loads to choose from.

RIP David ‘Spike’ Armstrong.

I was working in Southampton and staying near the old ground when Spike signed for them.

One day I was walking past and the gates to the ground was open. I walked in and stood on the terrace looking around. As I was leaving the ground a kid shouted ‘Spike’ (my nickname) and I turned. He came running up and asked me for my autograph. I tried to explain that I wasn’t Armstrong, but being slightly bald at the time and having a north east accent, the young lad wasn’t having it and continued to ask me for my autograph.

I wonder if he didn’t like Spike for not signing his autograph book.
 
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WindyNook said:

Up with JFH and Grants free kicks to get the bend on an old caser like that was remarkable. Spike a true Boro legend.
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I remember that goal as clear as day, because I was stood in a direct line from the Holgate to the ball, and I knew where it was going as he ran up. Fabulous player. RIP
 
Always remember those 2 home games we played against Arsenal in Feb 1977, league then cup. Beat them 3-0 in the first game then Malcolm MacDonald got all mouthy about the upcoming cup game so we beat them 4-1 for good measure. We were some team back then, Spike scored in both games and was fantastic. Great memories, thanks and RIP Spike. 👏

Edit: Just found this tweet from an Arsenal fan.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1561451006113861632
 
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chickenrunner said:
Always remember those 2 home games we played against Arsenal in Feb 1977, league then cup. Beat them 3-0 in the first game then Malcolm MacDonald got all mouthy about the upcoming cup game so we beat them 4-1 for good measure. We were some team back then, Spike scored in both games and was fantastic. Great memories, thanks and RIP Spike. 👏
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Yep... I was at both games and on our day could beat anyone. Great times.
 
I missed the news. In the Boro side that beat Man Utd for my first visit to Ayresome.
Cracking player. 67? That's shocking.
RIP mate. Thanks for the memories. Condolences to your friends and family.
 
So sorry to hear this sad news, Spike was a credit to the Club and the Game in general.
RIP David.
 
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