This Hummel classic was worn by the Boro in the season after their most traumatic of experiences. Steady decline had seen Middlesbrough slip from the top flight in their 1970’s heyday under Jack Charlton and down to the Third Division. Subsequently, the club’s finances spiralled out of control and during the summer of 1986 the liquidators were called in and the gates to Ayresome Park were locked.
Needing £350,000 to pay for their league registration, a consortium led by local businessman, and still Boro chairman, Steve Gibson rescued the club with just ten minutes to spare until the deadline passed. A new Boro was born.
The malaise on Teesside was lifted and under manager Bruce Rioch the good times returned.
A vibrant side including legends such as Gary Pallister, Bernie Slaven, Stuart Ripley and Tony Mowbray formed the backbone of a team that won successive promotions back to the top flight.
Middlesbrough retained the white band across the chest of their shirts in a nod to their halcyon days of the previous decade and were sponsored by Dickens – the Stockton-On-Tees based home improvement firm who were taken over by B&Q in 1999.
Classic retro shirts now available from Campo www.camporetro.com
