Dion Dublin, Tony Mowbray and Gary Pallister at Mockingbird Yarm

Famous former footballers Dion Dublin, Tony Mowbray and Gary Pallister dropped in to surprise staff and enjoy a coffee at The Mockingbird Deli in Yarm on August 22.

Posting on its social media page, The Mockingbird Deli had an image of the three of them with the caption: "What a treat to have Dion Dublin join Pally and Mogga for a coffee in the Mockingbird this morning, and so great to see Tony looking and feeling well again." 

The trio, who all played in the first division with various clubs over their careers, sparked delight from fans, who commented how great it was to see all three of them.

Tony Mowbray and Gary Pallister, have connections to Teesside, with Pallister starting his youth club in Billingham before going on to play for Middlesbrough in two separate stints, while Mowbray played nearly 350 games for Middlesbrough between 1982 and 1991, before managing Middlesbrough and Sunderland. 

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It's unknown why the three were in Yarm last week - but with Tony Mowbray and Gary Pallister living in the area, and Dion Dublin living in Merseyside, it was great to see all three of them on Teesside. 

Meanwhile, many people, including The Mockingbird Deli, said how great it was to see Mowbray looking so well - given his health challenges this year. 

The 60-year-old stepped down from his role as manager of Birmingham City to undergo medical treatment in February this year - but seems to be recovering well.