| Middlesbrough was a founder member of the F.A. Premier League in 1992. Its debut season ended in relegation but former England captain Bryan Robson arrived to lead the club back into the big time in 1995. Boro was promoted as First Division champions in its last year at Ayresome Park and moved to the impressive new Riverside Stadium on a high. Chairman Steve Gibson invested in some world-renowned talent with Brazilians Juninho and Emerson and Italy striker Fabrizio Ravanelli turning out in the red and white during Robson's seven-year reign. Later, England stars Paul Gascoigne, Nick Barmby and Paul Merson would also parade their skills for the Boro faithful. The 1996/1997 season proved eventful for the club, as they reached the finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup, only to be beaten by Chelsea and Leicester. Following relegation, the Teessiders bounced straight back to take their place in the top flight in 1998, the season in which Boro recorded their best F.A. Premier League finish to date - a creditable ninth. Robson was replaced by Steve McClaren in 2001 and the England assistant coach has since splashed out on Gareth Southgate, Massimo Maccarone and George Boateng. With Boro hero Juninho returning to the Riverside for a third spell, there is no doubt that McClaren is building a side who have the potential to be title challengers. |
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