The club is deeply saddened to report the passing of former chief executive Keith Lamb.
Keith passed away after a long illness on Thursday morning, aged 77.
Keith was an instrumental figure behind the scenes at MFC for just shy of a quarter of a century, overseeing one of the most exciting and successful eras in our history.
A former local league footballer and a chartered accountant by profession, Keith was one of the first executive appointments made by Steve Gibson and the consortium which had been assembled to save the club from extinction in 1986.
It was the start of a long and fruitful relationship. Keith helped navigate the club through the challenging early years, and played a pivotal role in the club’s transformative moves to the Riverside Stadium and Rockliffe Park training ground.
Keith had a big hand in Boro’s ambitious recruitment of playing and coaching staff, helping lure a string of huge names to Teesside, and his tenure included the club’s first major trophy success and a European final.
Keith stepped down from his role as chief executive in 2011, taking up a position on the FA board, but retained his association with the club as a non-executive director.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson paid tribute to Keith: “I was deeply saddened to be informed of the death of Keith Lamb. He was a trusted colleague and friend.
“Keith was appointed chief executive in the aftermath of 1986 and was instrumental in bringing back the club’s sustainability and viability, helped greatly by the heroics of Bruce Rioch, Tony Mowbray and the squad of '86.
“His achievements during this time were many. Keith’s ability and commitment to the club contributed greatly to the success we enjoyed under Lennie Lawrence, Bryan Robson and Steve McClaren.
“We had long periods in the Premier League, reached FA, League and FA Youth Cup finals. There was the building of the Riverside Stadium and the Rockliffe training ground. These were all ground-breaking achievements and his role in the history of our club will never be forgotten.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Margaret, and his sons and daughters, Kris, Katy, Steven, and Charlotte.”