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Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson nets an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List - although some fans may even think he deserves a knighthood for all he’s done for the club.

The Boro and Bulkhaul supremo is the most high profile Teesside name included in today’s list.

And the honour - given for services to the economy, sport and the community - caps a memorable few weeks for the club’s chairman following Boro’s triumphant return to the Premier League last month after a seven-year absence.

Park End born and bred, the 58-year-old was part of the consortium which helped save the club from going bust in 1986.

He then oversaw the move from Ayresome Park to the Riverside Stadium in 1996.

Since then, the club has experienced a rollercoaster ride of massive highs and crushing lows, including the Carling Cup win of 2004, a UEFA Cup Final appearance and, of course, devastating relegations.

But the one constant throughout it all has been Steve Gibson - a lifelong Boro fan who supporters see as one of their own, and whose massive financial and emotional investment in the club he loves regularly sees him dubbed Britain’s best football chairman.

(Image: Ian Cooper)

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As a youngster, he attended Boro matches with close pal Chris Kamara - now a Sky Sports presenter.

Aged just 26, he became the club’s youngest-ever director when Willie Maddren was manager.

And when the club nearly bit the dust in 1986, Mr Gibson - whose transport and shipping company Bulkhaul was already going from strength to strength - joined the consortium which was to save MFC’s life.

In 1994 he succeeded Colin Henderson to become Boro chairman.

And since then, he’s been a reassuring presence behind the scenes and in the director’s box - as well as being a supporter like the rest of us.

Mr Gibson has modestly declined to comment on his OBE award.

But Boro supporters across Teesside will doubtless raise a glass to the man who continues to be the club’s safety net, and whose resolute backing will continue to underpin the club’s 2016/17 Premier League campaign.