DAVE moved in as Head of Senior Recruitment in summer 2007 after working in a part-time position for 14 years.

As well as scouting players, he is in charge of assessing Boro's opponents to ensure Gareth Southgate is fully up to speed on tactics and formations.

One of his first priorities is to expand the club's database to build up a more comprehensive list of possible targets.

That means building up contacts all over the world, but not neglecting home-grown UK talent.

He works closely with Ron Bone, head of Academy recruitment, and his assistant, Martin Carter, to ensure the club is covered in every position from goalkeeper to centre-forward.

Barnsley-born Dave was a team-mate of Steve McClaren when he played centre-forward for Hull City.

He later turned to management with Osset Town, but soon turned his hand to scouting.

Former chief scout Ray Train appointed him to the Boro scouting team in September 1994 and he has since turned down jobs with Liverpool and Tottenham to stay loyal to Boro.

At one point he was also offered a post at Cardiff when his friend and former Boro star Paul Wilkinson was on the coaching team at Ninian Park.

He is assisted in European and World Recruitment by former Scotland star and Boro coach Gordon McQueen.