Many thanks for your generous comments.
Interesting that you were considered a "late developer". I vividly recall all those many years ago at Acklam Hall two such lads, Smith and McCue, who joined the school aged 13. They were put in the B stream and came top of the class, so they were promoted to the A stream. They came top there too.
They were not only the brightest kids in their year, but two of the most modest, conscientious and personable pupils I ever taught. I think this was because they were determined to make the most of their second chance. They gave every impression of truly appreciating and wishing to take full advantage of everything the school had to offer.
If they felt fortunate to have been taken on by the school, they were mistaken. The school was lucky to have them. Indeed they were entitled to feel some degree of injustice at a system that had almost deprived them of the education they deserved. But the path they had been forced to take helped make them both wholly admirable young men.
Funny, these memories. I have occasionally brought Smith and McCue to mind over the past 60 years. Told their stories to friends. They will be in their mid 70s now. I expect they will have had not only highly successful but very worthwhile careers.
As indeed have you Dormo.
After tonight’s results it doesn’t matter what the scores on the weekend, we will still be 2nd on Monday before (and after) the game v Shef Utd.
Come on BORO.
Yes I know about the blog being more than just football but I was under the impression that other than the football (such as cricket, politics, religion school etc) would be under separate headings 🤔, or have we abandoned that 🤔. The reason I am on this site is to discuss MFC or there are other sites such as @Whereborowalk, The Twe12thman etc. where they discuss all things Boro..... and please write out 100 times the doctrine of the Blessed St Anthony of Vickers:
"This blog is, and always has been, about more than football"
Come on BORO.
@exmil - I reply to this as I sit on the side of my bed before getting in! The blog is primarily one for Boro supporters, wherever they may be in the world, so they can read and write about Middlesbrough football club. But obviously there may be occasions when we take a little diversion. Especially now - with there being such a gap between Boro's home game against Norwich and the next game away to Sheffield United. Ten days I think, from Saturday 31st January to Monday 9th February.