MIDDLESBROUGH’S starring role in the 1966 World Cup is being relived at the town’s Dorman Museum as part of 50th anniversary celebrations.
Middlesbrough and the 1966 World Cup looks at the story of the unforgettable games played at Ayresome Park, alongside the invaluable contribution made to England’s World Cup success by a Middlesbrough great – Harold Shepherdson.
The exhibition is open now and is the first in a series under the umbrella title of “From the Bob End” looking at the history of Middlesbrough Football Club.
The Dorman Museum has teamed up with a group of Middlesbrough supporters, collectors and enthusiasts, affiliated to the Durham Amateur Football Trust (DAFT), who are researching and gathering collections of supporting historic material, souvenirs and commemorative items to stage these small changing glimpses into fascinating aspects of Middlesbrough’s football heritage.
The main feature is the remarkable story of outsiders North Korea, a team taken to heart by fans of the area after their shock defeat of favourites Italy at Ayresome Park in July 1966. The displays include posters, banners, badges, programmes and tickets mainly relating to the North Korean team and their later return visit to Middlesbrough.
Also included will be the story of Mr Shepherdson, the England trainer who, with Sir Alf Ramsey (original letter of appreciation from Sir Alf included in the display), took the England team on to success at Wembley.
Featured will be the actual blue, three lion-badged tracksuit that Shepherdson wore on that momentous day, along with many mementoes of his illustrious career.
From the Bob End: Middlesbrough and the 1966 World Cup will be followed by the story of Middlesbrough’s great 1926-27 season, starting on Saturday, September 17.
Senior Curator Museums Phil Philo said: “It is a real privilege to have the support of these enthusiastic and knowledgeable Middlesbrough supporters who have given freely of their time and generously lent their fascinating collections to share with our visitors to bring this amazing story to life.
“The Museum hopes that “From the Bob End” will go from strength to strength.”
The display can be seen during Dorman Museum opening hours: Tue – Sun (& Bank Holiday Monday) 9.30am-4.30pm. Closed Mondays.