POLITICIANS are notorious for claiming the credit when anything goes right and though I usually try to avoid such opportunism I cannot resist it on this occasion. Spike Milligan employed such a tactic when he famously entitled his book Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall.

Well, in a similar vein I can now reveal Middlesbrough FC: My Part in their Victory.

I was in two minds as to whether to attend the Carling Cup Final in Cardiff. As a boy I regularly attended Ayresome Park and although I still class myself as a Boro fan, time constraints have meant I have rarely visited the Riverside.

I didn't want to take a seat if it meant a season ticket holder missing out but I was persuaded that as Mayor of Middlesbrough I really should be part of the club party led by Chairman Steve Gibson.

So by midday we were in Cardiff and I was very impressed by the supporters of both sides. There was friendly banter and singing but none of the constant foul-mouthed abuse or violent undercurrent found at some matches.

Shortly before kick-off I found myself in discussion with Boro fans near where I was sitting. I promised them we would win and informed them that I was the team's lucky mascot as I hadn't been at the previous three losing finals. From the second the referee started the match I had no doubts Boro would win.

There is a saying in athletics that in a sprint you need to start on the B of the gun going BANG. That's exactly what Boro did and they simply blew Bolton away in the opening few minutes. By the second half, Bolton kept hammering away but every Boro player stood tall and there was no way through.

We had 11 players working as a team rather than as individuals and that is vital in any line of business. I learnt in the police force you are better off with ten motivated and focused police officers than 20 who aren't up for the job.

Late into the second half I realised I was the only one in the posh seats leaping up and down. Clearly this wasn't the etiquette expected of supposed VIPs but I couldn't help myself and was carried along with the wave of enthusiasm from the Boro supporters in the section alongside.

It was a terrific atmosphere afterwards as a friendly Welsh bobby agreed to take photos of myself and other jubilant fans outside. I even forgave a young lady known as Ms Thorburn who insisted on serenading me with her demand that I personally supply her home with two wheelie bins.

This win has provided a massive boost to Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley. I suspect productivity across the town was up on Monday - certainly there seemed to be a spring in the step of local councillors.

It has really put the town and the club on the map because next season we can look forward to welcoming European visitors to the town. Up the Boro - and when we reach the UEFA Cup Final in Lisbon next year don't forget the mascot !

Published: 05/03/2004