JOINED Boro as reserve team manager in 2004 after leaving his role as assistant manager at Coca-Cola League One side Swindon Town.

Gareth Southgate promoted Crosby after another successful season that saw the second string finish fourth in a tough FA Premier Reserve League North division.

Indeed Boro almost won the league but fell away towards the latter stages of the season as a number of key players were called into first team duty.

Highly respected both on and off the pitch, Crosby was a popular choice to make the step up.

Born in South Shields, Malcolm managed Sunderland between 1991and 1993. He initially took over as caretaker manager and led the club to the FA Cup final, where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.

Crosby also briefly managed Oxford United, where he was also assistant, a post he has also held at West Bromwich Albion as well as being Jim Smith's right hand man at Derby County.

A vastly experienced coach, he has also held roles at Derby County and York City since ending a playing career that saw him make more than 300 appearances for Aldershot, netting 21 goals. He also enjoyed playing spells at York City and Wrexham.