MATCHDAY

A ground of pride, joy and sorrow . . . the final celebrations. Main image today is a painting by Bandeiro showing crowds arriving at Ayresome Park for a night game.

This is the ground where one Kenny Dalglish made his debut, where Golden Boy Wilf Mannion and Brian Clough ploughed their trade, where Boro came from oblivion in 1986, and where promotion was achieved in the last game against Luton Town, before a capacity crowd of 23,903. Also the place where the new-to-be stadium was named . . . The Riverside !
I look forward, with hope, to celebrating 25 years there in the season to come. Extra shows More Memories, another big book off the shelf. Bedtime reading tonight.