The club is saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Bill Gates.
The 79-year-old, who inspired a nationwide campaign highlighting links between football and dementia, sadly passed away at the weekend after suffering from a progressive brain disease.
Ferryhill-born Bill was a one-club man and spent 13 years with the Boro, making over 330 appearances.
As a player, his versatility was such that he was used in eight different positions - from centre-back to centre-forward - though it was said his best was at the heart of the defence.
Having made his debut in 1961 he went on to flourish under Stan Anderson, and made two appearances during the Jack Charlton promotion season 1973/74 before bowing out with a testimonial against Leeds United.
In recent years, Bill's wife Judith has been leading the Head For Change campaign, aimed at highlighting the links between heading a football and dementia, and he is also the subject of a film which is set to premiere at the Tees Valley International Film Festival later this week.
Boro's head coach Michael Carrick said: "I think I can speak for everyone at the club when I say what sad news this is. On behalf of myself, the players, the staff, and everyone connected with the club, our thoughts are with Bill's family and friends at this time."