Sam Tate

Teesside has long experience of being talked down. The place once stood for steel, iron, coal — industry. Over 40 years that status has disappeared with the industries themselves. Teesside instead saw itself as half-forgotten by government, then the butt of jokes and disparaging coverage. Recent events have only reinforced an impression of a beaten, wild area. But as a name with national recognition, what has endured is Middlesbrough FC. There was a palpable sense on Saturday that, but for Boro’s late winner against Norwich, the mood across the region would have plummeted. It can sound overblown, but what you saw with Ashley Phillips’ 91st-minute winner was just how much Teesside hope, self-esteem and identity are invested in the football club. There are no claims that football means more on Teesside, just that, as @mwalker2771 writes, at a time like this its presence is enhanced. 🔗 nyti.ms/4yI3gnE