Smoggies Lost In The Acid Rain

Last updated : 16 September 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

Steve McClaren hit out at what we have known for years .... the Smoggies are fair-weather supporters. To say he was disappointed at the attendance for Middlesbrough's opening Uefa Cup tie is an understatement. The stadium was like a library. But what do you expect from "a small town in Yorkshire"?

Just over 14,000 Boro fans saw their side seal a 2-0 victory over FC Xanthi in their first round, first leg tie at The Riverside Stadium.

"We worked so hard last season to get into Europe, so we are all very disappointed," said McClaren. "We had such a good run in Europe last season and we all enjoyed it immensely. We put in so much effort to get European football again this season because we see that as the measure of success.

"This was the first game and it's very disappointing. As for the reasons, I just don't know. The chairman has worked very hard for this football club and I feel sorry on his behalf. He wanted to bring European football to Middlesbrough and it's disappointing for him that the team hasn't been backed by the fans."