Finally time to salute a true football icon

DON REVIE, BORN IN MIDDLESBROUGH BUT AN ELLAND ROAD ICON

- By CRAIG JOHNS

A 'FORGOTTEN' former England manager is set to be honoured in his hometown of Middlesbrough, with the aim of inspiring the community through his remarkable achievements.

Don Revie, a pioneering footballer and coach who won numerous titles both on and off the pitch, has often been portrayed as a controversial and divisive figure, leading to his accomplishments being overlooked in football history.

Around two years ago, Middlesbrough & Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald and Fly Me To The Moon football fanzine editor and Discover Middlesbrough organiser Robert Nichols approached Archibald Primary, Revie's former school, about changing this.

Revie's story becomes even more intriguing when considering his rivalry with Brian Clough.

Both born in Middlesbrough and living roughly a mile from Ayresome Park in opposite directions, they went on to become England footballers and top-level managers, winning numerous trophies. However, while Clough, often referred to as the 'greatest manager England never had', has a statue in Albert Park, a plaque on his old house on Valley Road, and a street named after him in Linthorpe, there is nothing in the town to commemorate the fact that Revie - who did manage England - ever lived in Middlesbrough, with even his former home on Bell Street in Newport unmarked.