The inspirational, emotional words of the late, great Alastair Brownlee were today officially unveiled outside the Riverside Stadium. Fans arriving at the Sunderland match on Sunday will be the first to see the speech in all its glory written large across the wall of Shepherdson Way. What a wonderfully fitting tribute it is to the Voice of the Boro and Voice of Teesside, Alastair Brownlee. How inspirational it will be to arriving fans and players alike.

Today the speech was unveiled by Alastair's proud dad, Malcolm and daughter, Emily. The Mayor of Middlesbrough Dave Budd was present, as was Middlesbrough FC COO Mark Ellis and of course the player's whose pinpoint cross was converted for the winning goal, Stewart Downing.



The night when Lightning struck twice and Boro came back from apparently certain defeat to beat Steaua Bucharest is perhaps the greatest in Boro's long history. Alastair Brownlee's amazing, emotional response voiced the feelinfgs of 30 000 enraptured fans. This was an epic achievement that seemed to be the culmination of our incredible journey as a town. An Infant Hercules born from the river and iron ore of Eston Hills all so visible from the Riverside. Alastair summed it all up from thr furnace to the parmo in one long roar that is now forever indeliably linked to that incredible night. Let's face it, as players and as fans if you cannot get lifted and inspired bhy those words then nothing at all will inspire you.

It is a wonderful idea and fantastic that the council and football club have come together to make it a reality.

In many ways this is more special than a cup. These are words from the heart, the heart of Boro, the heart of Middlesbrough, the heart of Teesside. Maybe just maybe, this makes Riverside more of a home from home than ever before.

I will be back later with some comments from those involved today. It was actually quite moving as well as uplifting for everyone if you follow me. I think we are all just knocked out that Alastair Brownlee will be remembered everytime we go to the match and fittingly remembered for his classic commentary in Boro's greatest hour.



