'I'm hugely proud and what it's given me - memories, the life'

JONNY Howson left Middlesbrough this summer after eight years and takes away some incredible memories.

- By CRAIG JOHNS [e-mail] @craig_johns

The biggest are the ones he shared with supporters and his children. That was the big factor of his period at Boro which was different to his prior clubs Leeds United and Norwich - his Boro experience was shared with his children.

And there were some great memories too. FA Cup wins over Manchester United and Tottenham in 2022, and a Carabao Cup semifinal first leg win over Chelsea at the Riverside stand out to the Boro favourite.

"Certainly those three, not just in my time here, but in my career as well, they're right up there with the best moments I've had," he says, sitting down to reflect on his time at the club.

"Obviously, from a personal point of view, scoring a penalty at that end [the Stretford End], and then going on to win the penalty shootout was a real nice moment. You're also knocking out one of the biggest clubs in the country as well. The Tottenham one, I think, same again as Man Utd, beating one of the biggest clubs in the country, but also I think that could potentially be the best game in my career.

"And then obviously the Chelsea one, it gave us so much hope. And it's the hope that kills you sometimes! But at least we had that, certainly for a night and a few days. It was great just to have that night, the Riverside and for what it created.

"You look at Hayden scoring that winning goal, what that must mean to him being a homegrown lad, just such a special night for the football club. It all goes back to creating memories and moments."

There is one thing missing from his list of memories. One thing he wishes he could have achieved during his time on Teesside.

Signing from Norwich City in 2017 after Boro were relegated from the Premier League, the midfielder was clear that he was coming to help the club get back there. He said he'd consider it a failure if he didn't. Eight years on, does he still feel so strongly?