New Memories of Middlesbrough in the 1950s and 1960s book featuring life at the Boro and Ayresome Park launched...
Two transformative decades in the history of Middlesbrough are the focus of the latest book by Middlesbrough-born historian Dr Tosh Warwick. Memories of Middlesbrough in the 1950s and 1960s explores the story of life in the town during an era, including providing an insight into the highs and lows at Ayresome Park that saw the ground host some of the most famous matches in its history.
Some of the club’s all-time greats starred at Ayresome Park during the era including Wilf Mannion, Brian Clough and John Hickton. The two decades proved to be an emotional rollercoaster for fans as Boro endured two relegations and celebrated promotion at the first time of asking in Stan Anderson’s first full season in charge as they overcome Oxford United 4-1 on a famous night in May 1967. The book includes newspaper cuttings from John Hickton’s arrival at Ayresome Park in 1966, photographs of Brian Clough and Wilf Mannion in action, match details and fan memories.
Beyond Boro’s ups and downs, Memories of Middlesbrough in the 1950s and 1960s shares the story of the FIFA World Cup coming to Middlesbrough in 1966, as Ayresome Park stepped in as a host venue to replace Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park. Famously, the arrival of North Korea on Teesside – who played all of their group games on Teesside - and their ensuing heroics wowed passionate crowds at Ayresome Park.
One of the highlights of the tournament and arguably the biggest shock in World Cup history saw Middlesbrough become the centre of the football world one magical July evening when the unfancied minnows dumped Italy out of the World Cup courtesy of a solitary goal from Pak Doo-ik. The victory led to an enduring bond with that famous team of underdogs that brought surviving members of the side back to the town in 2002.
Author Tosh Warwick, who is a regular contributor to the club's official matchday programme #UTB, said: “Middlesbrough Football Club has played a huge part in the town’s history and the 1950s and 1960s brought a topsy-turvy period for Boro. By sharing memories, newspaper reports and photographs from the era I hope the book brings back some found memories for Boro fans”.
Priced £14.99 RRP, Memories of Middlesbrough in the 1950s and 1960s is available to buy at www.heritageunlocked.com/shop, local bookshops and online retailers.