In 1984 Middlesbrough was in the hands of the administrator and the future of the club looked bleak. Thanks to Steve Gibson, a generous benefactor, the club’s fortunes were revived. Middlesbrough continues to be an economically challenged area and the promised re-development around the Riverside has never taken place. But until recently the club was doing well on the pitch.
In 1984 Middlesbrough was in the hands of the administrator and the future of the club looked bleak. Thanks to Steve Gibson, a generous benefactor, the club’s fortunes were revived. Middlesbrough continues to be an economically challenged area and the promised re-development around the Riverside has never taken place. But until recently the club was doing well on the pitch.
Today one has a club struggling in the second tier of English football, faced with mounting supporter discontent and a financial outlook that could be devastating if promotion is not achieved. Indeed, the club could be facing a relegation fight.
Of course, things are far better than they were in 1984.. Thanks to Gibson’s financial and emotional investment, Middlesbrough have won their first major honour, boast a state-of-the-art stadium and training complex, and have spent 13 of the last 15 seasons in the Premier League.
But money can be wasted as well as being spent wisely and there are increasing questions about whether the substantial budget available to Gordon Strachan has been wisely used.