Middlesbrough FC's journey in Europe was brought to an abrupt end on Wednesday night. David Roberts joined the small group of fans who gathered to welcome them back home.

IN the end it was not quite the fanfare welcome they would have expected had they arrived bringing silverware.

Instead, a handful of fans gathered outside Durham Tees Valley Airport to witness the return of the Middlesbrough football team.

Plans for an open-top bus journey were probably a bit premature.

In truth, the gathered Press probably outnumbered the fans as the plane came to a stop on the tarmac.

At least one partisan TV reporter was heard to curse when he was told by his newsroom they would be leading on the Alan Shearer testimonial.

As the players trooped disconsolately off the plane, only a few stopped to talk with the assembled journalists.

One suspects it may have been somewhat different had the scoreline been reversed.

"We're all very, very disappointed," said Mark Viduka. "It just wasn't our time."

Nevertheless, some players remained upbeat.

England squad member Stewart Downing said he was now looking forward to the World Cup in Germany.

He said: "Hopefully, we Boro can build on this to qualify for Europe or the Champions League - that's our aim for next season.

"This is going to be the start of something."

In the arrivals lounge of the airport, holidaymakers mingled with the stars as they all queued to validate their parking tickets.

Mandy Marron and her friends and family, from Thornaby, near Stockton, were on their way to the sunshine island of Lanzarote, but took the opportunity to pose for photographs with the players.

She said: "It was just a coincidence they were here when we arrived.

"We're all massive Boro fans, so it's a really nice start to our holiday.

"It was a shame they didn't win, but they did their best and, on the day, the better team won."

Michael and Julie Walker, from Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, who are both season ticket holders, travelled back from Eindhoven on the same plane as the players.

Mr Walker said: "The atmosphere was very subdued. All the players were very, very quiet - you could see their disappointment.

"Especially Frank Queudrue, he was particularly upset.

"But it's been a great couple of days, the atmosphere in Eindhoven was brilliant and the Spanish fans were great."