The club recently presented a Legacy Number certificate to relatives of one of the very first professional Boro players, Robert Eglington.
Thornaby-born Eglington, #18 on Boro's all-time list, was an inside left, joining the club in 1899. As well as scoring on his debut for the club, his goal away to New Brighton helped Boro to what was a first-ever point in the Football League. He also scored in the club's first league win over Grimsby Town.
By a quirk of fate, Eglington's great-great grandson Isaac Hammill is now a player with Boro's Academy at Under-11 level, and is pictured proudly with the Legacy Number certificate.
A further family link to the club is that Isaac's uncle Joe Hammill, of Cattle & Cane, wrote and performed the song Infant Hercules, which in turn inspired the spectacular Red Faction tifo displayed as the song played out in the build-up to our first match of the season against Swansea City.
Boro in 1899. Robert Eglington is pictured front row, second from right
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 subsequently became the 1000th Boro player when he made his debut at the start of the season, and more have followed, with Academy graduate Nathan Simpson the newest name on the list at #1008 after his cameo at Cardiff City.
Watch this space for a new book from club author Anthony Vickers, chronicling the club's Legacy Numbers.