With the countdown on for the start of the 2020/21 Sky Bet Championship, we're getting to know our opponents for the season ahead. Next up, we take a look at Middlesbrough…
Middlesbrough
Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Capacity: 34,000
Year Formed: 1876
Nickname: The Boro
Most Appearances: Tim Williamson, 602.
Most Goals: George Camsell, 345.
Record League win: 9-0 v Brighton & Hove Albion, 23rd August 1958.
Record defeat: 0-9 v Blackburn Rovers, 6th November 1954.
Last Five Years
2019/20: 17th in Championship – 53 points
2018/19: 7th in Championship – 73 points
2017/18: 4th in Championship – 76 points
2016/17: 19th in Premier League – 28 points
2015/16: 2nd in Championship – 89 points
Manager – Neil Warnock:
With over 50 years of experience in the game, Neil Warnock is a house-hold name for most football supporters.
Warnock played for the likes of Scunthorpe, Rotherham and Hartlepool as a player, before going on to make a name for himself in management.
A 40-year career in management has seen Warnock have 18 spells at 17 different clubs, with his most recent appointment coming earlier this year, where he took the reins at Middlesbrough.
Throughout his career, Warnock has gained a reputation for gaining promotion, with eight under his belt.
Familiar Face – Ian Bennett:
Former Sky Blues ‘keeper joined Middlesbrough’s coaching staff for the start of the new season, taking over as Goalkeeping Coach.
Bennett made a handful of appearances for City during a loan spell from Birmingham City back in 2005.
The Goalkeeper also played for the likes of Peterborough United, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town.
Connections:
There have been some familiar faces to have represented the two sides over the years, with the likes of; Noel Whelan, Seb Hines, Adam Jackson, Bryn Morris, Luke Williams, Tony Mowbray and Dimitrios Konstantopoulos,
CCFC v Middlesbrough Head-to-Head:
Won – 16, Drew – 15, Lost – 16
Last Time We Met – Coventry City 3-1 Middlesbrough, 21st January 2012, Championship.
Gary McSheffrey, debutant Alex Nimley and a Matthew Bates own goal gave City a three goal lead back in January 2012. Middlesbrough pulled one back in the 66th minute, but the Sky Blues held on for three points.
Loanee Nimley set up two of the City goals as well as scoring himself, playing a starring role as the Sky Blues secured a win over 9 man Boro.
Team: Joe Murphy, Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Hermann Hreidarsson, Martin Cranie, Sammy Clingan, Gary Deegan (David Bell 46’), Conor Thomas, Gary McSheffrey, Alex Nimley, Clive Platt (Freddy Eastwood 79’).
Unused subs: Chris Dunn, Richard Wood, Carl Baker.
Fact:
In 1910, Middlesbrough hit the headlines when they defeated local rivals Sunderland 1–0.
However, it was to emerge after the match that Boro manager Andy Walker had offered Sunderland's players the sum of £2 each to let Boro win the game.