Last updated: 11:54, July 3, 2009
Middlesbrough news
Middlesbrough Football Club, also known as The Boro, are one of the three ‘North East giants’ of English football, alongside rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland.
The club are built on traditional lines and have long relied on locally produced talent to grace their famous red kit.
Wilf Mannion and George Hardwick were two pre-war stars while more recently Brian Clough, Gary Pallister and Stewart Downing have launched their careers at the club.
The Riverside Stadium is Middlesbrough’s third home since turning professional in 1899 after which they left Linthorpe Road for a 92-year stay at Ayresome Park.
Boro’s highest league finish was third place in 1913 while they have more recently tasted domestic success by winning the League Cup at Cardiff in 2005 under Steve McClaren.
The former England manager’s last match in charge before taking the national role was the 2006 Uefa Cup final where Middlesbrough lost 4-0 to Sevilla after an exciting run through to the showpiece.
Gareth Southgate took over from McClaren and has built an exciting young side which features Afonso Alves and David Wheater.
David Wheater is ignoring links to Aston Villa and focusing on helping Middlesbrough back into the Premier League next season.
Chelsea have completed the free transfer signing of Middlesbrough keeper Ross Turnbull, who signs a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up a swoop for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, who is a long-term Tottenham target.
Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves should be fit enough to return to training with the rest of the squad next Monday.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is contemplating a move for Hull striker Caleb Folan as he prepares for life in the Championship.
Middlesbrough have been linked with Crystal Palace frontman Shefki Kuqi who has confirmed he will be leaving Selhurst Park.
Middlesbrough have landed Colchester United winger Mark Yeates and he is looking forwards to mounting a promotion challenge.
Middlesbrough appear to be closing in on a deal to sign Hull City's out of favour midfielder Bryan Hughes.
Portsmouth full-back Hermann Hreidarsson has snubbed a move to Middlesbrough and vowed to sign a new deal at Fratton Park .
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is said to be back on the trail of Middlesbrough wideman Adam Johnson as he looks to add to his squad.
Middlesbrough have been handed a big pre-season boost with the news that Mathew Bates has signed a new three-year deal with the club.
Middlesbrough defender David Wheater is expected to snub interest from Aston Villa this summer to stay at the Riverside.
Boro have been linked with a move for out-of-contract strikers Leroy Lita and Shefki Kuqi from Reading and Crystal Palace respectively.
Burnely boss Owen Coyle has admitted he is interested in signing Middlesbrough fullback Rhys Williams but has denied making a bid.
Middlesbrough have told Tottenham they are free to make a move for winger Stewart Downing despite ill feeling between the two clubs.
