Without boss Robbo, Boro would never have seen the likes of Juninho and Ravanelli
IT is 25 years this month since a Bryan Robson-inspired Middlesbrough stepped out at the Riverside for the first time.
Ayresome Park – their home for 92 years – was dilapidated and destined to become a housing estate as Boro relocated to a new, £16million all-seater arena.
Former Manchester United and England captain Robson, in his maiden managerial job, had led Boro into the FA Carling Premiership as champions of the old Division One in his first season in charge.
As one local newspaper headline read at the time, it was a “Ruud awakening’’ for the Riverside as the new ground welcomed Chelsea – managed by player-boss Ruud Gullit – as its first visitors.
For Boro, who had drawn 1-1 at Arsenal in their opening game of the season, it was a winning start at the Riverside as they beat Gullit’s side 2-0.
And, for Craig Hignett ( below), scoring the first goal that day – Saturday, August 26 – guaranteed him immortality on Teesside.
Signed from Crewe for £500,000 in November 1992 by Robson’s predecessor Lennie Lawrence, Hignett struck six minutes before the break and Norway striker Jan-Aage Fjortoft added the second goal with around 15 minutes left.
Hignett recalled: “It was a great day and they were fantastic times under Robbo. Even when we went into the new stadium, little did we know the types of players we would be signing.
“Nick Barmby had just arrived from
Spurs, but then Juninho joined in the October. And the following season, we had Emerson and
Fabrizio Ravanelli as well.
“You couldn’t replicate it.
Ravanelli was the top scorer for Juventus – it would be like getting Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo at
Middlesbrough now.
“Robbo was known worldwide as the captain of England and Man United. His reputation was phenomenal. When he spoke to these players, they all knew him. What a legend he was.
“Yes, there was the new stadium and later the new training ground, but, without Robbo, it wouldn’t have happened the way it did at Boro.’’
Hignett, an attacking midfielder, added: “Nick Barmby was massive for me. He was similar to me, he played the game the way I did, but I learned from him and there was an instant bond. We became good friends.
“We started that 1995-96 season with me, Nick and Jan Fjortoft in attack and it worked well. I had five goals in the first 10 league games.
“I was really disappointed that, when Juninho came, I didn’t get the chance to play with him and Nick on a regular basis. The three of us in the team would have been interesting.’’
Fast-forward and Boro now languish in the Championship. Long-time benefactor and chairman Steve Gibson took the tough decision in June to sack rookie boss Jonathan Woodgate and bring in wily, old Neil Warnock to stave off the threat of relegation.
Hignett said: “I’m sure Boro can get back into the Premier League. Steve Gibson has been fantastic, but your wealth only goes so far.
“Boro have spent a fortune on players in recent years and they haven’t produced.
“But Neil has been there, done it and he knows how to operate on lesser budgets. I think it’ll take time.
“Neil loves the game and is very enthusiastic. He’s been around so long and he knows what it takes to get out of that division.’’
Hignett, 50, is scouting for Sunderland, but hopes to return to management or coaching one day after two spells as boss of Hartlepool.
He said: “I’m desperate to get back into management – I really enjoyed my time at Hartlepool.
“Given time, I was confident I would have got them back into the Footbal l League.’’