We were saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeper Bob Appleby.
Northumberland-born Bob was first spotted as a 17-year-old playing from local league side Amble Welfare, though he worked with the Boro grounds staff and progressed through the juniors and reserves before finally making his senior debut for the club under Bob Dennison in April 1960.
Stepping out of the shadows of Peter Taylor and Esmond Milion, he became Boro's first-choice custodian for almost two seasons.
A dressing room joker, he was infamous among his teammates for putting spin on the ball as he threw it out, making it difficult to control, while it is said he'd regularly make bird noises during a game.
He made just shy of 100 Boro appearances before once more linking up with Dennison at Hereford United in 1967.
Our condolences go to Bob's family and friends after his passing at the age of 84.