JUNINHO’S LEFT BOOT

An account of a visit to the Riverside Stadium
The home of Middlesbrough Football Club

On 21st December, the coldest day of the Winter so far, a party of 18 blind and visually impaired people went on a guided tour of the Riverside Stadium – described locally as the home of European football.

The visit was absolutely fantastic and this is what happened: -

• Visiting fans.  We visited the concourse and were told how the club manages to keep the rival fans apart.  The security arrangements were most impressive, which might explain why there is never any trouble at the Riverside.

• The trophy room.  Middlesbrough AFC has only ever won one trophy – the Carling Cup in 2004.  The replica cup was taken out of its locked cabinet and was passed around the group.  What a thrill!

But even better was to follow!  From the cabinet was produced the left boot that was actually worn by Juninho in that famous cup final.  This was again passed around the awe-inspired group.  It was amazing – what an honour to actually hold that great player’s boot.  It was so small and light – just like a slipper with studs.  Such boots offer no protection to the player’s feet and it is hardly surprising that so many footballers today suffer from broken toes.

• The Chairman’s suite.  The best Chairman in the Premiership is undoubtedly Steve Gibson.  We were honoured to be able to enter his suite where we disappeared up to our knees in the thickest, most luxurious carpet we had ever experienced.  The cost of such a carpet would surely have bought several international footballers.

• Old Balls.  Whilst in the Chairman’s suite we were allowed to hold one of those old leather footballs that were in use decades ago.  These footballs, which had a bladder inside secured by a lace, became increasingly heavy as the match wore on if conditions were wet or muddy.  “It was like trying to kick a cannonball”, our guide informed us.  He was a former professional footballer who said he was a centre half who started his career 6ft 4ins tall.  After 20 years of heading “cannonballs” he ended up only 5ft 10 ins tall and a bit simple as well.

• The Director’s Box.   From the Chairman’s suite we made our way to the Director’s Box where, apart from the Directors, celebrities and other important guests view the matches.  Undoubtedly the best seats in the house.

• The home team’s changing room.  We were able to sit in the very same seats as our Boro favourites.  Shirts with their names on were hanging on the pegs so we could all imagine for a moment that we were Yakubu, Viduka, Lee Cattermole or captain George Boateng.

The colour scheme was designed to build confidence.  There were 6 baths for the players – one would be filled with ice and another with really hot water.  Such treatment was to alleviate the effects of bruises and minor knocks.  There was a tactics board where our Manager, Gareth Southgate, would stand and give team talks and instruction.  There would be loud music to inspire the players and a basket of bananas for energy.  Four treatment tables were there to give treatment or massage at half time and after the game. 

• The psychology of the away team’s changing room.  Unlike the home changing room this was very basic.  The colour scheme was deliberately chosen to create a feeling of depression.  It was dark green and cream.  Yuk!  There were only 4 baths and no ice or really hot water for the treatment of bruises.  There was no tactics board, no music and certainly no bananas and only 2 treatment tables.  How could the Boro ever lose a match when such profound psychology is at work?

• The tunnel onto the pitch.  From the changing rooms we went down the tunnel and entered the playing arena just as the players do.  We realised just what it must feel like to be a player at the beginning of a match.  We weren’t allowed to walk on the pitch but we stood on the touchline and let our imaginations run wild.  It was a wonderful feeling.

That concluded our tour.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and the whole group were unanimous in their praise and gratitude to Middlesbrough Football Club for organising the visit and to the Primary Club, whose generosity made the trip possible.

Geoff Garnett
22 December 2006