Thanks Mark

Mark Schwarzer has ended an eleven-year career with Middlesbrough and has now taken on a fresh challenge at Fulham.

The big Aussie has had some interesting experiences on Teesside. He has been Middlesbrough’s number one through the bad times, the good times and on occasion the unbelievable times.

Schwarzer made an impressive 367 appearances for Boro over eleven years. He even holds the record for most appearances in the Premier League for a foreigner.

Mark has helped Middlesbrough reach domestic and European cup finals in recent years.

I’ve selected my favourite moments of Mark’s career at Middlesbrough.

Memorable Schwarzer Moments:

1. That penalty save – Mark saved a last-minute spot kick from Robbie Fowler against Manchester City in the 2005/06 season to make sure Boro qualified for the UEFA Cup.

2. The Phantom Of The Opera – Schwarzer fractured his cheekbone against West Ham just weeks before the UEFA Cup final. He surprised everyone by declaring himself fit and wore a protective mask so he could play. What a hero! We lost 4-0 though.

3. Ups and Downs of the League Cup final – After a massive handling error had allowed Bolton to cut a two goal lead down to one, he then went on to make a number of world-class stops to ensure Middlesbrough won their first big trophy.

A poem to say thanks:

A big fella called Mark, he was our number one,

Here for eleven years but now he’s gone.

People came to watch him from all over, even as far as down under,

To see him play a blinder for Boro and not to see him produce a blunder.

He got injured but refused to miss Boro’s UEFA Cup final task,

So he went to a fancy-dress shop on Linthorpe Road and bought a mask.

A big fella known as Skippy, he was our number one,

Got us into Europe once but now he’s gone.

Thanks Mark!