The Old Boys' Network
WELCOME to the online home of Middlesbrough's Former Players Association.
The group was set up by ex-players including Gordon Jones, Jim Platt, Alan Peacock, and Frank Spraggon and now has dozens of members.
It exists to help former Boro players keep in touch with each other and to raise funds for former player who are in need, as well as for other good causes.
Former stars including Graeme Souness, David Armstrong, John Hendrie, Tony Mowbray, Mel Nurse, Stuart Boam, John Hickton, Mick McNeil and Eric McMordie are among those who have pledged their support.
Rolando Ugolini and Arthur Fitzsimons are among the oldest members.
THE COMMITTEE
President: Steve Gibson
Chairman: Alan Peacock
Secretary: Jim Platt
Treasurer: Gordon Jones
Committee members: Alastair Brownlee, Ron Darby.
Contact: jim.platt@mac.com
Here's the full story of how the Association began...
THE seeds of an idea that grew into the Middlesbrough Former Players' Association were sown ten years ago when old team-mates were reunited for Boro's final game at their former home.
In April 1995, Boro entertained the final visitors to Ayresome Park, Luton Town, and a thrilling 2-1 victory guaranteed promotion to the Premier League.
The game was attended by former Boro players from throughout the club's history, including England striker Alan Peacock, above, and long-time skipper Gordon Jones. As they joined the promotion celebrations and reminisced about old times, the early stages of an exciting new project began.
"It was nice to see everyone again and share such a memorable game for the club. It was from there that the original idea progressed," Alan recalls.
This reunion of Ayresome heroes provided the initial inspiration to organise a Middlesbrough Former Players' Association (MFPA). Similar organisations already existed at other clubs and some of Boro's finest players decided it was about time they brought the idea to Teesside.
"It was pressure from Gordon Jones and John Hendrie that recently provided the impetus to get the ball rolling after almost 10 years of discussion," says Alan.
MFPA sent letters around the world to the last known addresses of more than 100 ex-Boro stars. Former England defender Gary Pallister was the first to reply and Newcastle boss Graeme Souness soon followed.
"The response has been fantastic," says Gordon, pictured above with chief executive Keith Lamb. "We've had letters and e-mails from as far away as New Zealand and Canada."
Tony Mowbray and Gary Gill were among the many players who responded enthusiastically. Former players from throughout the club's history accompanied their letters with donations towards running costs, all much appreciated by everyone involved.
Alan explains: "We're hoping some of the ex-players we have contacted are still in touch with others and that they can spread the word and pass on information about the Association."
Now the Association has its own home in cyberspace here in the official Boro website's Forever Boro section.
MFPA is driven by Alan as president, Gordon as treasurer and goalkeeper Jim Platt, above, as secretary. One of their aims is to raise money to help Boro heroes who have fallen upon hard times. Unlike the stars of today, footballers of the past did not earn the superstar wages that make many top players millionaires.
When Alan became aware that a former Boro full-back of the 1960s was living in sheltered accommodation in Middlesbrough and had been without a television for nine months, they were able to buy a TV set, allowing him to enjoy the successes of the current Boro team.
And they are also raising money to bring former stars from every era to the Riverside - a group of heroes from the 1940s, including Rolando Ugolini and Arthur Fitzsimons attended the win over Aston Villa in 2005.
Former players wanting more information should contact Jim Platt at jim.platt@mac.com.
