Riverside Dream Team #8 Decided

So, the partner to ‘The Little Fella’ in central midfield has been decided.

Former Boro and England star Paul Gascoigne only received 1% of the star whilst current Blackburn boss and ex Boro skipper Paul Ince brought in 2% of the votes. With names like these only brininging in small votes it just goes to show how many good mifielders we have had down the years!

Robbie Mustoe brought in 3% of the votes and after making 365 league appearances and scoring 25 goals he is one of Boro’s longest serving players. Carling Cup winner Bolo Zenden scored 5%. Bolo’s performances improved dramtically after being moved into central midfield from the wing and his partnership with Queudrue and Downing was very strong.

Party animal Paul Merson received 10% of the votes and was on Teesside for only 1 season. He had a mixed relationship with the fans because of his antics off the pitch and some of the things he said about the club.

George Boateng received 21% of the votes and although ‘the Boat’ may not be on Teesside for much longer he is a fan favourite at the Riverside and many will see him as one of the best players in Boro’s history. He played a major role for Boro as the holding midfielder and up until before last season whenever he was out of the side he left a big gap which nobody else could fill. His energy, spirit and proffessionalism makes him an assett for any club. Who can forget the goal he scored against Tottenham at the Riverside in the penultimate game of the 2004-2005 season, which set-up a last game decider with Man City for the last remaining UEFA Cup spot and also knocked Tottenham out of contention for it.

Another fans favourite came 2nd in the poll with 25% of the votes. Craig Hignett was one of the best around at making runs forward and scoring goals from midfield – making 155 league appearances and scoring 33 goals. Higgnett had masses of energy and could get the crowd going with his bursting runs forward and he also had the ability to pick a pass which many others would not even see. Should have had a chance with the England team but for one reason or another was overlooked.

First in the poll was Emerson with 33% of the votes. Emerson only played for Boro for 1 season but made a massive impact in his time here. Emerson was another who would burst forward but also score some wonder goals and add a bit of spark when it was needed. He could do things on a football pitch that no others could dream about. And who can forget the piledriver he scored against the Mackems? He made 53 appearances for the club and scored 9 goals during is spell on Teesside. However, he is another who Boro fans have mixed feelings about after he left when boro were relegated. After hearing the big clubs were interested he left for Brazil at the end of the 1996-1997 season and threatened never to return to the club. He didn’t and moved onto CD Tenerife.

With a midfield of Juninho and Emerson Boro had one of the best about and were full of creativity. Emerson is another worthy entrant to the Riverside Dream Team.

The poll to find the right midfielder is now open so get voting!

Riverside Dream Team:

1. Mark Schwarzer (1997-2008)

2. Luke Young (2007-present)

3. Franck Queudrue (2001-2006)

4. Juninho (1995-1997, 1999-2000, 2002-2004)

5. Gary Pallister (1984-1989 and (1998-2001)

6. Gareth Southgate (2001-2006)

7.

8. Emerson (1996-1997)