FLY ME TO THE MOON | est. 1988

MIDDLESBROUGH

fmttm. com • @ rob_ fmttm ROBERT NICHOLS

FAVOURITE COVER With over 600 issues to choose between, initially I was struggling – but it just had to be the one when Tony Mowbray was unveiled as Boro boss ( left). In 1988, the fanzine was named in honour of our inspirational manager Bruce Rioch declaring that if he was called on for a Moon mission, he would want Mowbray by his side. So, the fanzine was named after the boss and captain of the team that rose from the ashes of liquidation and relegation into the old Third Division, then made the top flight just two seasons later. STANDOUT MOMENT To be awarded Fanzine of the Year in 2005 came as an incredible shock. A measure of how surprised I was is that I was totally on my own at the awards, unlike every other nominee on the longlist. That came in handy when I won a magnum of champagne, though... MEMORABLE PLAYER/ MANAGER INCIDENT

Before my time as editor, head honcho Andy ‘ Gillandi’ Smelt had to be fleet of foot and mind while trying to combat the attentions of Boro skipper Alan Kernaghan, who just dropped round to “have a conversation” about a cartoon in the fanzine. Kerny argued strongly that showing him missing the ball, running into the goal net and coming out the other side as potato chips was not so flattering regarding his skill set.

MOST IMPORTANT STORY I know this is a cheesy answer, but I am proudest of the fact that after 32 years, we are still carrying out what would have been the Fly Me To The

Moon mission statement: publishing stories, memories, articles, protests, thoughts, jokes and artwork inspired by Boro. Fans still have their say, and many have found confidence to go on and find a wider voice in the media. Most have just enjoyed writing, reading and sharing their stories.