THE disappointment will be hard to take for Middlesbrough supporters as they arrive back from their great European adventure today.

But when they have time to reflect properly on their team's achievement in reaching the Uefa Cup final in Eindhoven, they should feel nothing but pride.

For a team like Middlesbrough - on the brink of extinction amid a financial crisis 20 years ago - to reach a major European final is a magnificent effort.

And while a 4-0 defeat to a very accomplished Sevilla side is a sad way for it all to end, Middlesbrough have left their fans with some wonderful memories.

They will never forget the way Boro came back from the dead in the quarter-final and semi-final. They will never forget that diving header from Massimo Maccarone which got them to the final against all the odds.

And they will never forget their colourful journey of hope to Eindhoven - even though it ended in tears.

There is no gleaming silver trophy to bring home to the good people of Teesside who have had so many knocks and deserve a taste of glory. There is no parting gift from Steve McClaren and no just reward for chairman Steve Gibson.

But Middlesbrough are winners for the way they fought their way to the verge of history.

And we are sure fans will share the sentiment of our front page headline today which simply says: Thanks for the memories.