Club History
Steve McClaren's record as Middlesbrough manager helped to get him the England job, though in truth it was respectable rather than exceptional - a highest-placed finish of 7th (2004-05) and a League Cup triumph (2004). The latter was Boro's first-ever major trophy, and the club had hoped to add the Uefa Cup last season, but they were soundly beaten 4-0 by Sevilla in the final. McClaren's elevation has given the previously untried Gareth Southgate his first crack at management, and though the accomplished centre-back and captain will be missed in the heart of Boro's defence, the signing on loan for the season of Middlesbrough-born Jonathan Woodgate from Real Madrid represents a coup for the rookie manager. Boro were formed in 1876 by members of Middlesbrough Cricket Club, and in 1899 the club were elected to the Second Division of the Football League. They spent various spells in the old First Division - 1902-24, 1927-28, 1929-54, 1974-82, 1988-89 - until becoming founder members of the FA Premier League in 1992-93. Self-made millionaire and passionate lifelong Boro fan Steve Gibson was the driving force behind the essential move away from Ayresome Park to the Riverside Stadium, completed in 1995, by which time Bryan Robson was installed as manager. The Gibson-Robson era saw Boro promoted in 1995; relegated and beaten FA Cup and League Cup finalists in 1997; promoted and League Cup runners-up again in 1998. But by 2001, when Terry Venables was brought in to "assist" Robson and effectively saved the club from another relegation, Robson left the club, his credibility shot. McClaren took over as manager and the club's first silverware awaited. But McClaren's side suffered from chronic inconsistency, and addressing that will be rookie manager Southgate's biggest challenge.