Boro chairman Steve Gibson has presented a Legacy Number certificate to the family of one of the club's first-ever players.
Joe Murphy holds the distinguished record of being one of just two players to have scored a hat-trick on their professional debut for Boro.
The Irishman achieved the feat in 1899, scoring three times as Boro beat Burton Swifts 8-1 at Linthorpe Road.
It took 97 years for the achievement to be matched by Fabrizio Ravanelli, who famously notched a hat-trick against Liverpool at the Riverside.
Murphy, who is #26 on our all-time list, had earlier played for Boro in the club's amateur days, and netted five goals in six appearances as a professional.
The Legacy Number certificate was presented by the chairman to Murphy's granddaughter Maureen Roberts and great-grandson Dave Roberts before the game against Stoke City in September.
Huge thank you to Steve Gibson for sorting a superb day for Mum at the Stoke game.
— Dave Roberts (@daveroberts64) October 5, 2024
Her Grandad was Joe Murphy, @Boro’s first player to score a hat-trick on his debut (8-1 vs Burton Swifts 11/11/1899) and the club presented her with Joe’s Legacy Number (#26). #UTB pic.twitter.com/Q74G3GQMVH
Boro's Legacy Numbers were launched earlier this year. Following extensive research from volunteer historians among the Boro-supporting community, an official Legacy Number was assigned to each and every senior men’s player to feature in a competitive fixture since the club permanently turned professional in 1899.
Aidan Morris became the 1000th Boro player when he made his debut at the start of this season, and more have since followed.
Watch this space for a new book from club author Anthony Vickers, chronicling the club's Legacy Numbers.
