THE RED carpet has been rolled out for lifelong Middlesbrough FC fans at a Teesside care home for the 2024/25 season.
Residents at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, Thornaby, have received two season tickets from the club’s elite partner, Perco Foods.
They have also been treated to a hospitality package that includes access via the executive entrance, an arrival drink, two-course dining with house drinks, executive padded match seating, complimentary official matchday magazine, and a guest appearance and interview.
At a recent match, resident John McAleer, 55, met and had a pitch side photo with Boro striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.
John has been a Boro fan since 1978 and attended his first match at nine years old with his father. He said: “I remember we were playing Liverpool and it ended in a one-one draw. I was so excited to see my first match.
“My favourite players from that era were David Armstrong and Terry Cochrane, who played during the seventies and eighties.
Having attended two home games thanks to the tickets donated by Perco Foods, John added: “It’s been fantastic being able to go and watch Boro play again, as I’ve not been able to see a match since 2006.”
Fellow Mandale House resident, Sydney Harrison, 94, has also attended two games using the season tickets.
He said: “I’ve been watching football matches since I was 12 years old. I’d get permission from my parents to go to games. There were no leagues back then, just friendly matches between north and south.
“My favourite player was Wilf Mannion, who played for Middlesbrough in the thirties, forties and fifties. He played for the England war time team.
“I really enjoyed going back to watch the team. The atmosphere was amazing and I’m looking forward to attending future matches.”
Anita Clarkson, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Perco for their generous donation. We have plenty of Boro fans in the home and it will be a great experience for them to come and watch home games.”