Steaua Bucharest v Middlesbrough match programme | Countdown to Steaua I

COUNTDOWN TO STEAUA I - A CAM GOES WANDERING

Twenty years ago we were about to go out of existence and were destined to become the butt of the jokes in milk adverts for years to come. Yet somehow we survived. Well not somehow but thankfully, due to Steve Gibson and other likeminded businessmen. Thanks should also go to Bruce Rioch and the team he had for having the determination to repay the faith of Gibson (and I suppose thanks to Willie Maddren for getting those players together).

Fifteen years ago my mate and I joked about the Boro playing in UEFA competitions and how we'd be waiting for dutiful children to be pushing our wheelchairs towards Ayresome Park in order to see the Boro play FC Daftarse in the UEFA Cup by the time that happened.

Ten years ago Steve Gibson took over the club completely, moved us to a new stadium, employed a famous ex-footballer as manager, bought as many high-profile players as we could afford and we made it to those elusive cup finals - albeit always losing at the final hurdle.

Five years ago with money tight and results terrible we got an upcoming manager with no experience but with a host of coaching skills and ideas to bring with him.

Two years ago we FINALLY won that Cup and we could finally boast about some silverware. And with it came UEFA Cup qualification.

TONIGHT we play in the home leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final with only a narrow deficit from the away leg. The thing me and a mate joked about fifteen years ago is actually going to happen. Tomorrow we should be nursing major hangovers after getting to the final and wondering who the hell poured acid down our throats last night. Something I never thought would happen is about to happen (not the hangover...).

Twenty years ago we were nothing. Tonight we should be in a European final.

And if any other fans have anything to add to our Countdown feature then send them this way!

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