THERE WAS SOMETHING MAGICAL IN THE AIR DURING THE SUMMER OF 1994
It was a time of historic change both on and off the pitch, with Bryan Robson unveiled as Player-Manager, as well as plans for a brand new stadium.
Ayresome Park, Boro’s home since 1903, was to be replaced by the Riverside Stadium on the banks of the Tees. The final game of the 1994/95 season proved to be a fitting send off, with John Hendrie scoring the last goal at the famous ground in front of a packed Holgate to give Boro a 2-1 win over Luton and put one foot firmly into the Premier League.
Former Boro centre-back Steve Vickers remembers the day vividly. “It was one of those games that you just never forget. The build-up before the match was a showcase in itself, and then when we needed to dig deep, the crowd got right behind us and pushed us to get the all-important three points. I can still recall the second goal going in and the sense of relief and elation it brought. It’s something that will live with me forever.”
While Vickers was on the pitch, Carol Skivington was on the other side of the white line. A fan ever since her mother, Milly, brought her along to her first game in 1967, the season is one that lives long in the memory:
“We were so good that year, everything seemed to be falling into place under Bryan Robson. The final day of the season was a really incredible atmosphere. Everyone inside the ground felt it and we knew that it was going to be a special occasion the minute we walked through the turnstile. That game in particular is one that I still watch often on YouTube with my two young grandchildren.”
The 1994/95 season saw Errea become Boro's official kit provider, starting a long and successful partnership with the club. The Home shirt features a dark blue collar with red and white details, with the iconic Transporter Bridge and club badge embedded as part of the fabric.
The Away shirt, which has become a firm favourite with fans and collectors alike, incorporates the same subtle details with a two-tone green colourway and gold accents.
Produced in limited numbers, the reissued Home and Away shirts are accompanied by newly created walkout jackets that take their theme from the original designs. Both shirts are also available for the first time in a range of children’s sizes and can be purchased now both at the official club shop and mfcofficialdirect.co.uk.
With special thanks to the Erimus Quoit & Rifle Club.
