Welcome & farewell

[erimus74]

2 photos, big, big part of our recent history

The late, great Willie Maddrens final recruit to the Boro during his time as manager when Bruce Rioch arrived as first team coach


The programme cover from the great mans final game as manager

A while after Bruce took over at the Boro he paid a visit to see Willie at his, then, place of work for the sole reason, which he'd ok with Steve Gibson, to ask Willie to come back to the club as chief scout
The club realised what a good job Willie had done with recruitment & had a talent in spotting players, including ones he wanted who, for whatever reason, went elsewhere

Sadly Willie had to decline the offer, he was in the initial stages of his illness & without anyone outside his immediate family to know he couldnt take the position, whether he would, have due to his pride

[Nosmo-King]

Still brings back a lot of sadness when thinking and talking about Willie.

For those too young, he was a superb defender. Certainly in the top echelons when rating a central defender.There is little doubt if he played for a more fashionable club he would had loads and loads of England caps - he was THAT good.

His eye for a player when managing was second to none. It really was.

And to cap it all, a thoroughly decent guy. Sad loss and gone far too early.

[erimus74]

Still brings back a lot of sadness when thinking and talking about Willie.

For those too young, he was a superb defender. Certainly in the top echelons when rating a central defender.There is little doubt if he played for a more fashionable club he would had loads and loads of England caps - he was THAT good.

His eye for a player when managing was second to none. It really was.

And to cap it all, a thoroughly decent guy. Sad loss and gone far too early.

100% spot on Nosmo-king, couldn't have put it better myself

[Nosmo-King]

Cheers Erimus. Our admiration for Willie is identical