AYRESOME ANGELS: THE BOYS OF '67 10-11-08
Book Review by Elise Brunton
Ayresome Angels: The Boys Of '67
By Alastair Brownlee and Gordon Cox
Ayresome Angels: The Boys Of '67 is the new book by Alastair Brownlee and Gordon Cox. It chronicles Boro's 1966-67 promotion winning season back into the second division and the players who made it possible.
Memories of Boro legends from 'King' John Hickton and 'Give us a goal' John O'Rourke to Boro's first winger called Downing, Derrick Downing, are lovingly recorded through a series of interviews as the "boys of '67".
Older fans can reminisce about their boyhood Boro idols and those of us too young to remember Boro's past glories are afforded a glimpse of a different era of football. It was a time when programmes cost sixpence and players' wages were around £20 a week.
If you ever wondered what captain Gordon Jones really thought of his team mates and managers or why defender Bill Gates now resides in Florida, now is your chance to find out.
As a portrait of a generation of players and fans who experienced an amazing season together, the book works very well.
I would have liked a little more in-depth content regarding each of the games in that magical season and perhaps some more content from the angels of the title but the interviews with the players are fascinating.
Fans of MFC or indeed Ali and Coxy will not be disappointed.
