THE OFFICIAL HISTORY OF MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

1876: Club formed by members of Middlesbrough Cricket Club at a meeting at the Albert Park Hotel.

1877: First recorded game against Teesside Wanderers ends in 1-1 draw. Home games played at Archery Ground in Albert Park, Middlesbrough. First recorded away game at Barnard Castle ends in 1-0 defeat.

1879: Middlesbrough play first game at their new Linthorpe Road ground.

1889: Breakaway sect who want the club to turn professional form Middlesbrough Ironopolis. Their games are played at the Paradise Ground in Milton Street. The team plays in maroon and bright green stripes. Middlesbrough also turn professional.

1892: Middlesbrough revert to amateur status.

1893: Middlesbrough Ironopolis join the Football League and finish 11th out of 15 in their first season. Unfortunately, it is a financial disaster and the club folds at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough win the Northern League.

1895: Middlesbrough again win the Northern League and the Amateur Cup, beating Old Carthusians 2-1 in the final at Headingley.

1897: Northern League won again.

1898: Amateur Cup won for a second time, with Uxbridge beaten 2-1 in the final at Crystal Palace.

1899: On May 19, Middlesbrough are elected to the Football League. Boro join Division Two, losing 3-0 at Lincoln in first league game. First home game ends in 3-1 defeat against Small Heath. First league win at home against Grimsby. Club colours are white shirts and blue shorts. Away colours are black shirts and white shorts.

1902: Promotion to Division One after conceding only 24 goals (a club record) throughout the season. First ever Division One game ends in 1-0 away win over Blackburn. Club play last game at the Linthorpe Road ground.