CHRIS was a lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Teesside when he was brought in by Boro to help develop the facilities at Rockliffe Park.

It soon became clear that he could help play an important role in helping Boro's players reach full fitness.

His responsibilities include conditioning and fitness work and nutrition for players of all ages, although he works primarily with the first team squad.

He is a Boro lad and a former steelworker, and his favourite player of all time is John Hickton.

"When I was young and getting lifted into the Boys End, he was the one banging the goals in," he says.