The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 24

24 SPORTS NEWS THE GUARDIAN Thursday May 19 1994 Soccer European Cup final: Barcelona 0, Milan 4 Milan press on to a convincing victory Ruaull Thomam In Athene. reta off his line. A chip from outside the area was perfectly delivered into the far corner. Milan were running rampant as Savicevlc again went clear to hit the post from close range. But it was only a brief reprieve for Barcelona, as Albertini forced the ball through for De-sailly to advance and curl a 12-yard shot crisply past Zubizar-reta's left hand.

and, It seemed, a Koeman caught in no man's land, and the Montenegrin's scooped cross found Zublzarreta exposed. Massaro did well to connect cleanly, sending the ball inside the goalkeeper's right-hand upright from four yards. Massaro's clinical finish on half-time was even more eyecatching, the striker delivering a low 15-yard shot with a flourish of his left foot to finish off a flowing move. Boban had supplied Donadoni, who wended his way down the left byline before pulling the ball back invitingly for Massaro. He called for his men to impose their own style; they could not have responded more impressively' in a first-half ascendancy given expression by Massaro's two superbly taken goals.

The Italians' familiar pressing game, determinedly imposed, gave Barcelona little chance to develop any rhythm. And when Milan switched the ball to the right after 22 minutes of pressure applied mainly down the the Spanish champions were found wanting also in defensive concentration. Savicevic's confidence and acceleration confounded Nadal The coach's strategy was utterly vindicated, as was his perseverance with Daniele Massaro, the striker whose two first-half goals redeemed his reputation after the misses that proved so costly last year. Last night Massaro built the platform for success, drawing "Oles" from the Italian support that rang derisively in Catalan ears. Yet, in a defence lacking the suspended captain Baresi and the no-nonsense Costacurta, this looked the most stringent possible test of Capello's tactical abilities and of his squad.

For Barcelona, Stoichkov's speed of foot and mind had briefly alarmed a defence in which Maldini and Galli had switched seamlessly into the central positions. An early 25-yard shot from the Bulgarian striker passed wide before his clever connection with Guar-diola's lofted pass gave Ro-mario a rare opportunity. But the Brazilian stubbed his shot. Stoichkov had also threatened a quick reply to Massaro's first goal. Taking a Koeman pass, his pace took him clear for once of Milan's defence and on to Rossi.

The goalkeeper sprawled bravely to save at his feet and, with Rossi apparently hurt enough to roll around in pain, Stoichkov was booked for following through. Barcelona's disappointment had turned to abject despair only 13 minutes into the second half, reflected by Johan Cruyff mournful face as Milan clinched the title with two more goals of high quality. The Dutch coach's shoulders had visibly sagged when Savi-cevic again showed his mastery of Nadal in the 47th minute, robbing the defender on the right before spotting Zubizar- I Massaro two goals First Division semis, 2nd teg: Millwall 1 Derby 3 (1-5) Shamed MillwaDI trace fine aftteir invasion n. i -war -v atsflk. ertBr -) -J Don Bt I ILLWALL may face a huge fine after their supporters I added another chap ter to their shameful history by twice invading the pitch during their crucial play-off last night.

Reg Burr, the Millwall chairman, had promised that there would be no trouble at the New Den last night. He was proved horribly wrong. Fortunately, order was restored long enough for Derby to secure then rightful place at Wembley on Monday week. Goals from Gabbiadini, Johnson and Van den Hauwe, who embarrassed his own goalkeeper, gave them a convincing aggregate victory. Berry's header was a token reply.

Derby's lead from a volatile first leg was comfortable rather than commanding and though Millwall had a steep hill to climb their manager Mick McCarthy was convinced his side could go through. County's lap of honour after Cowans and Johnson had given them the advantage was a red rag to McCarthy. Acknowledging that his tactic on Sunday of employing three central defenders had failed he reverted to a flat back four and recalled Allen, Moralee and Berry with attack in mind. 1 La av I New Den of Iniquity police Leicester City 2, Tranmere Rovers 1 (agg: 2-1) last night's Millwall game Cynthia Bateman new player-manager instant pressure to do Speedie's violent moment of glory ILAN, calmly, sometimes fhrill-Ingly and eventually contemptuously, reasserted themselves as Europe's prime footballing power last night with a performance of such conviction as to ridicule predictions that Fabio Capello's weakened team would fall to a Barcelona side deemed the irresistible attacking force. It was Milan's third triumph in six years but Capello's first.

Millwall went in search of an early goal frantically rather than thoughtfully. The first 15 minutes produced only a Moralee header saved by Taylor, and a Rae drive high over the bar. After 16 minutes Derby were in front. Johnson was put clear down the left by Pembridge and his cross was slipped home by Gabbiadini, despite the efforts of KeUer to keep it out. Two minutes later Allen's shot was kicked off the line, and when Stevens was booked for a foul on Gabbiadini it began to look more and more like Derby's night.

Johnson ensured that it would be after 22 minutes, breaking quickly through the middle to plant a low shot into the net to Keller's left. So simple, so effective and Mill-wall were stunned. Crowd trouble, as had been feared, erupted on the half-hour as dozens of police clashed with fans in front of the East Stand. More than 50 officers had gone to the lower tier to make arrests when fans on the opposite, side ran across the pitch to see what was happening. The players fled for the dressing-rooms as mounted police tried to restore order.

"You are a disgrace to the club," said the announcer. How true. The players were off for 19 minutes and Millwall resumed with three corners in quick suc who had only joined the fray in the 65th minute after coming on as a substitute. Leicester had been somewhat fortunate in gaining a 0-0 draw at Prenton Park on Sunday, becoming only the third club to stop Tranmere scoring at home this season. Although their play was a little more positive that in the first match they retained a five-man defence.

Once again most of the creative football came from Tranmere. In the sixth minute the left-back Nolan announced the importance of his influence with a powerful run and a well- double boost nously faltered, causing the goalkeeper Nicholls to make his feelings clear. But Francis compensated superbly, with two goals in just over two minutes. The absence of mobility at the centre of the Argyle defence was twice exposed: both times they simply had no answer to the exuberance of Francis. He hungrily snatched a pass from Heath in the 29th minute and set off on a marvellous run which ended when he rounded the advancing Nicholls.

Almost as spectacular was Francis's second: again the ball came from Heath and Hill never looked like catching him. In no time the mood of the match appeared to have changed, and the referee held up play after a linesman was struck by a missile. An army of stewards prevented further incident. Joyce, a former Home Park player, scored their third nine minutes from time. Plymouth Argylei Nicholls; Patteraon, McCall, Hill, Camyn, Burnett, Barlow, Castlo, Landon, Marshall, oallon.

Bumleyi Beresford; Parkinson, Thompson, avis, Pender, Joyce, McMinn, Deary, Heath, Francis, Eyres. Referee) Holbrook (Staffs). A late goal by Chris Beaumont ensured that Stockport will meet Burnley at Wembley on Sunday week. Beaumont scored in the 85th minute, coolly curling the ball round the advancing keeper Dean Kie-ly after being freed by the midfielder Jim Gannon, The play-off final will be Stockport's fourth visit to Wembley in two years, following two Autoglass Trophy finals and a play-off defeat in 1992. Boro make Robson Zublzarreta: Ferrer.

Koeman. Nadal, Sergl, Amor, Guardlola, Bakero, Stoichkov, Ramarlo, Begulrlalain (Euseblo, 52mln). Ham Rosol; Tassottl, Gain, Maldlnl (Nava, 84), Panucct. Boban, Albertini, Doaallly; uunaaum, oavicevic, Masaaro. Don (England).

sees Middlesbrough's come under a Keegan on Teesside brought to St James' Park. Robson insisted he would find it no problem to wear the three hats of club manager, player and England coach. He had been offered a full-time England post but decided the time was not right as he wanted to continue playing. His decision to leave United followed a disappointment two years ago when Alex Ferguson chose Brian Kidd ahead of Robson as his No. 2.

It became clear that there was no suitable place for Robson on United's backroom staff; and although the chairman Martin Edwards recently said Robson would be "considered" as a future manager at Old Trafford, that day seems a long way off. "Our boss," said Robson, "I mean Alex, loves his football." Ferguson and Kidd were likely to stay for the foreseeable future and by the time they left "I hope to have Middlesbrough up alongside He refused to be drawn on a No. 2 at Middlesbrough, saying the matter was confidential as the other club still had to be approached, but Barnsley's Viv Anderson, the former England full-back and United colleague, is thought to be the choice. When Robson walked out on to the pitch, the schoolkids produced a chattering racket of welcome not too far below that of the average Ayresome Park crowd. Gates have slumped from 20,000 to 6,000 in the three years under Lennie Lawrence, and bleak prospects for season-ticket sales prompted Boro to seek a high-profile manager.

They hope Robson will bring a 2 million bonanza. Robson, 37, who was born near by, still has family in the area. But he will commute from his mock-Tudor home near Manchester airport using a private jet shuttle provided by ICI Middlesbrough's sponsor for its executives. He spent more than half an hour signing autographs for the schoolchildren who greeted him. "Do you know who he is?" a spiky-haired 10-year-old was asked.

"Yeah, he's Boro's manager." Anything else? "I think he used to play for Manchester United. I love him." focus of Ayresome expectations cession. They came to naught and Derby ended the half in ahi solute control as Van den Hauwe, with all the time in the world, turned the ball past Keller to put the visitors three up after 42 minutes. Berry pulled one back for Millwall with a header on the hour, causing some fans to cele brate witn a conga, 'rne good nature died minutes later just as the referee was awarding a penalty to Millwall for a foul on Rae by Williams. On came the louts again; off went the play ers, Taylor being whacked round the head as he left.

The match resumed again 12 minutes later witn a Dounce-un. the referee obviously deciding that the second invasion had occurred when play was in mid-field and that a penalty would' be unfair to Derby, whose play ers were distracted. When the new stadium opened last summer there were high hopes that the sparkling surroundings would have a civilising effect on the fans' behaviour. The club's chaplain, Father Owen Beament, said: "I know that good buildings up grade people, Know it. 'mere won't be trouble.

These are good people." Millwall! Keller; Cunningham, Huxford; Hurlock, Van den Hauwe, stavena, Rae, Allen, Morales, Mitchell, Berry. Derby Cowitin Taylor: Charles. Forsyth. Harxes, Short, Wllllama, Cowans, Johnson, uaDDiaoini, Hemouage, aimpson. Referee, Hill (Kettering).

exit mars struck shot from 25 yards which Ward did well to save. Leicester snowed greater reliance on the counter-attack employing the long ball with the pace of Joachim their principal instrument. He might have scored in the 25th minute when Walsh sent him clear with a clever ball but Nixon raced off his line to save. Walsh had played only 80 minutes football in the previous eight months but he came in for Gee, who had been taken off on a stretcher in the first game. Tranmere responded with a thoughtful piece of football on the left side.

Nevin showed fine Wycombe garner Wembley place AYCOMBE will play Pres-VV ton in the Third Division play-off final. While Martin O'Neill's side found their way to Wembley with considerable ease against Carlisle, Preston, 2-0 down from the first leg against Torquay; battled back to squeeze through in extra-time 4-1 on aggregate. Wycombe beat Carlisle 2-1 in the second leg at Adams Park and now look forward to their third appearance at Wembley In four years after two FA Trophy victories in 1991 and 1993. Their driving force was Simon Garner 34, who has won two play-off finals with Blackburn and West Brom. Ho scored a goal in each leg of this tie.

Wycombe took the lead after 12 minutes when Steve Guppy pulled back a cross from an acute angle for Dave Carroll to head home at the far post. A pair of Carlisle fans immediately came on to the pitch to make signs at the crowd, and when O'Neill tried to pull one of the invaders off he was ushered away by police. Order was Anally restored after five minutes. Garner scored after 58 minutes and Simon Davey struck a consolation penalty for Carlisle nine minutes from time. Two of Tottenham's England internationals are unhappy with their new terms.

Darren Anderton, who is under contract until 1996, says he will not sign an extension; and Gary Mabbutt, under contract until the end of the week, is highly unlikely to. IE I after the first pitch Invasion at Speedie hero then villain 0 Parker 80, Foster 74no, A Kellott 63) and second Innings forefelted. Mlddx 84-0 dec and 303 (M A Follham 71, Weekes 66, Harrison SB; Weekos 5-93). Yorhs won by 32 runs. Cycling ONI-DAV TOUR OP FHIUL1 (Udlne, It): (198km): 1, Pulnlkov (Ukr) 5hr 12mln; 2, Sorensen (Oen) same time, 3, Chlesa at 2sec; 4, A Volpl; 5, Settembrlni both st; 6, Konyshev (Rus) 14; 7, A Bertollni; 6, Mar-tlnello; 9, A Ferrlflato; 10, Checcin all at.

Ice Hockey NHLi Stanley Cup Playoff' laatom Corn renew PlnaJi NY Rangers 4, New Jersey 0 (serlBS tied 1-1). Fixtures Cricket BRITANNIC AtfiURANCI COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP (first day of lour, 11.0): Derbyi Derbyshire Worcestershire. Oatae-hoad Path Durham Gloucestershire. Southampton. Hampshire Middlesex.

Cantorburyi Kent Lancashire Nottingham. Nottinghamshire Sussex. Taunton. Somerset Warwickshire. Tha Oveh Surrey Northamptonshire.

Haadlngtayi Yorkshire Essex. TBXACO TROPHY (one day, 11.0): Edgbaa. torn England New Zealand. BAIN CLARKSON TROPHY (one day, 11.0): Mafdstonai Kent Surrey. Ofd Traffordi Lancashire Nottinghamshire.

Lelcaatan Leicestershire Derbyshire. Northampton! Northamptonshire Essex. OM lihwardllana CO Warwickshire Glamorgan. Mark Taylor, the Pontypool centre, is set to stay wnn mo ciuo insteaa oi going inrougn with a move to Harlequins. Taylor signed (or the Harlequins and appeared In one club match after obtaining a trainee accountant's lob in London.

But the Watoa Undor21 inter' national will play tor his home club If work commitments allow, Pontypool leave for a short tour of Romania on Juno 25. The defending champion Calrlona Matthew put herself Into a strong position by taxing me leading qualifier spoi in ine Scottish Women's Amateur Championship at Qui-lane. The Curtis Cuo olaver from North Ber wick, aiming for her third victory In four years, carded a 75 for a two-round 147 to take the stroke play prize for a second year running and head the Held for the match play stages. The British Champion's dominance was challenged by Stirling's Alison Rose, whose eagle at the 12th holpod her to tho socond best round of the tournament, a 73. leaving her only two shots behind.

Matthew annum una ino msi rouno oi mo mawn pmy section easier when she faces the last of the 32 guatlflera, Catherine Divers, today. Ban Smith, the 22-yesr-old Leicestershire batsman, made 75 as the countv comclled a modest 303 for seven declared against the university at Oxford. Smith and Paul Nixon pui on tn tor ine sixin wickbi. The county had been nut In on a alow pitch and Nigel Briers and Peter Hapworth gave Leicestershire a sound Mart with a stand of 56, but there was little sparklo In the batting ogalnst bowling that was steady but never penetrative. escort players and officials off City, realising they would lose without a change to the score, brought on Speedie for Carey.

Speedle almost scored with his first touch as he raced on to Coatsworth's header but the goalkeeper just beat him to it. But he was not to be denied when he raced to meet Blake's free-kick with a header, although Rovers' Garnett seemed to help the ball over the line. Letceater Cttyi Ward; Qrayson, Whitlow, Willis, Coatsworth, Carey (Speedle. QSmln), Joachim, Blaka, Walsh, Gibson, Ormondroyd. Tranmere Rovers! Nixon; McGreal, Nolan, Brannan, Qarnatt, O'Brien, Morrissey, Aldridgo, Irons (Mulr, 55), Navln (Jones, 89), Ttiomaa.

Refereet Cooper (Swindon). DAVIS CUPl EuroAfrican Zone Bi Slovak Rap 3, Malta 0: Llthanla 3, Tunisia Cyprus 3, Congo Turkey 3, Sudan 0. ATP WORLD TEAM CUP (Dueaseldorl): Red Oroupt Spain 3, Cx Rep (Spanish first): Bruguem bt Korda 6-0, 4-8, 8-1: Ceete bt Novacek CoetaT Cur-bonofl bt KordaM Damn) 6-2, 7-8. Sweden 3, Australia (Swedish first): Idberg bt Masur 8-2, 7-8: Onstafeeon bt Woodfordo 4-6, 7-8; BarftmanJ Ape bt WoodfordeD Catilll 3-8, 6-1," 7-8. Badminton MEN'S THOMAS CUP (Jakarta): Semi-final! Indonesia 4, Korea 1 (Indonesian Ural)'.

Joko tsuprlartto bt Kim Hak Kyun 15-12, 15-5; Bembana Suprlyanto-Ounewan bt Yoo Young SungKim Dong Moon 12-15, 15-5, 15-10; Herlyanto Arbl lost to Park King Woo 18-17, 1-15: Ricky Bu. bfltryaReiiy Mllnaky bt Lee Kwang Jln-Ghol Jl Tae 15-1, 15-2; Susan to bt Ahn Jae Chang 15-4, 15-1. WOMEN'S UBB CUP (Jakarta): SeroJ-flnaii China 3, Sweden 2 (Chinese first): Ye Zhaoytng bt I Xlaoqlng 8-11, 12-e, 11-1; Han Jkigna bt Bongtason 11-8, 12-10; Liu Yuhong lost 10 'C Magnuaaon 12-10, 3-11, 4-11; Oe FeVOu Jun bt BengtssonC Banglsson 11-15, 15-11, 15-12; YlnglW Yuhong lost to LXIaoqlngVC Magnuaaon 15-9, 12-16, 8-15. Baseball NATIONAL LBAQUKi Chicago 11, San Diego Cincinnati 4, Atlanta 3 (16); Philadelphia 6, Montroal Pittsburgh 0, St Loula Now York 4, Florida Houston 2, San Francisco Colorado 7, Loa Angelea 6, AMERICAN LBAQUBi Seattle 0, Kansas City Cleveland 7, Mllwaukeo Baltimore 3, Boston Toronto 6, Detroit 13; Minnesota 5, New York California 2, Chicago 10; Oakland 7, Texas 8 (10). Basketball NBA! Play-bHei Eaalarn Conference! SemMlnela! Atlanta 88, Indiana 76 (Indiana lead aeries 3-2).

Western Conferenoei SamMtnarei Houston 109, Phoenix 86 (Houston lead series 3-2); Utah 101, Denver 109 (Utah lead series 3-2). Crlckot pjAHNDleYl The Park! Lelcs doc (B Smith 751, Oxtard University 1-0. RAPID Cn.CKLm.IMI CHAMPIONSHIP! BrUtob Durham 249-3 dec (Q Fowler 109no, Hutton 67). Qloucealorshlre 244 (D Haw-son 72, CunllKo 50; Cox 6-S7). Durham won by live runs.

FkuhtunpiteMfi Hants 3cu (p wmiBKor i4f). somersat 12-0. Maidstotw Kant 229 (D Spencer 80; Keylock 4-68). Surrey 44-0. Final day rained out, match drawn.

Northampton Northampton-shirs 204 (K Curran 52; Drakes 0-41) and 251-0 doc (NOB Cook 82no), Sussex 216 and 194-7 (Drakes 76, Law 49). Match drawn. OM Traffordi Nottinghamshire 224 (L Walker 59, Archer 67; Martin 6-36, Chappie 6-75) and 252-2 doc (Archer 131 no, A Oassaur 77). Lancashire 232-7 deo (Martin 95) and 207-4 (N Wood 82). Match drawn.

Swimsvai Lalcoaierahlre 446-6 dec (D Maddy 131, Robinson 114, A I Ditto 66no) and 161-3 dec (D Maddy 72, Venter S4no), Glamorgan 311-4 dec (A Rose-berry 125, A Dalton 94) and 261-0 (Dalton 64, Roes 56). Match drawn. Uabritfoai Yorkshire 419-7 aeo (R A Keltloborouflh 97, Paul Woaver AFTER playing the hero in securing Leicester's place at Wembley with an 86th-minute winner, David Speedle quickly returned to his more normal role as villain. In the final seconds of a fraught second leg at Filbert Street he was sent for fighting with Tranmere's goalkeeper Eric Nixon, who was also shown the red card, after a violent confrontation between the two sides. It had been an extraordinary evening for the pugnacious Scot Francis Burnley David Foot TWO minutes of individual brilliance and two memorable, goals by John Francis transformed this energetic, taut second-leg tie and took Burnley to Wembley.

Francis hobbled off with a groin injury early in the second half, before Warren Joyce made sure with a third goal after some shaky goalkeeping from Alan Nicholls. Plymouth's defeat was a bitter disappointment at Home Park and is certain to fuel speculation about the managerial future of Peter Shilton in Devon. Argyle went ahead after a quarter of an hour through Dwight Marshall's 14th and probably best goal of the season. He had won a free-kick at the expense of Joyce near the left touchline and darted into the penalty area as Dalton's awkward ball came over. Burnley floundered badly with their intended clearance and the rebound dropped at Marshall's feet.

He struck a fierce shot past Beresford. There had been plenty of the inevitable play-off tension and vigour. The first leg had seen seven bookings and a dismissal, Argyle's Burrows, and last night the referee was quick to issue stern warnings in an attempt to avoid any repetition. There was no lack of pace in the Burnley side. Francis had it in abundance, though he wasted one chance with a sliced drive as Argyle's defence omi vision in spotting Nolan but the defender's cross was just too high for Morrissey.

Blake shot over in the 35th minute, but on the stroke of half-time Leicester took the lead. From a throw-in on the left, Joachim dummied and let the ball run to Blake. His drive struck the left post and Ormon-droyd scored from the rebound. Tranmere equalised a minute into the second half. O'Brien took a short free-kick to Bran-nan on the right and his low cross was struck into the roof of the net by Nevin.

Tranmere dominated most of the next 20 minutes and then Soccer EUROPEAN CUP Final AC Milan (2 4 Massaro 22. 45 Savicevlc 47 Desallly 58 Barcelona' (o) END8LEIOH LBAQUR lay-off ai SamMlnala, eacond lag First Dlvlalon Leicester (t) 2 Ormondroyd 45 Speedle 86 (agg: 2-1) waxen (0) i Serry 60 18,470 (agg: 1-6) TreJiirMr (0) 1 Nevin 4S 22,693 Derby (3) a Gabbiadini 18, Johnson 22 Van Oen Hauwe 42 (og) Second Dlvlalon Plymouth (1) 1 Marshall 15 17,515 (agg: 1-3) Stockport (0) 1 Boaumont 85 (agg: 1-0) Burnley (2) 3 Francis 29, 31 Joyce 81 York (0) 6,743 Third Division Praaten (2) 4 Torquay (1) 1 Ellis 8, Moyes 43 aoodrldge 15 Hicks 52, Ra'ynor 110 11,442 (ael; 3-1 SGmlna; agg: 4-3) Wycombe (1) 1 Carlisle (0) 1 Carroll 12 Davsy 81 (pen) Garner SB 6,285 (agg: 4-1) CARLINQ N-W COUNT! KB LUMUJIl First DlvrelOfli Chadderton 1, Eastwood Hanlay 1. IsUOUB OF WM.UI Uansantlliald 1, Flint Tn Utd 0, J-LUOUli Santrocce Hlroahlms 4, Vsrdy Kawasaki Jubllo twata 4, Shlmlzu S-Pulae' Kaahltna Antlers 2, Nagoya Grampus Urawa Reds 3, Yokohama Flugels JEF Ichl-hara 2, Yokohama Marinoa Qamba Osaka 2, Bellmare Hlratsuka 1. FRUNDLV INTERNATIONALS! 8 Korea 3, Bayer Leverkusen Hungary 2, Croatia 2. Rugby Union TOUR MATCH! Btoemlonteliu Orange Free Slate 22, England 11.

Perth Western Australia 8, Ireland 84. WORLD CUP QUALIFIER (Vledsna): Italy 104, Cz Rep 8. Rugby League ACAD BUY PLATBi SemJ-Hnsli Fealhor-atone Rvra 18. Sheffield Eagles 21. Tennis rUSNCrl OPEN QUALIFIER (Psrle): Meni Fleet round (ssleclod): A Foeter (GB) bt Kaplan (SA) 8-4, 7-8: Arthurs (Aua) bt Henman IGBI 8-4.

7-8: Betes (OBI bt a Barber (US) 8-2, 6-2; Petchey (GB) bt N'uoran (ivory wast) 7-e; is (GB) bt Carraz (Fr) 8-2, 8-4. TO NOBODY'S surprise except a couple of dozen "we won't believe It until we see it" individuals gathered at the red gates of Ayresome Park Bryan Robson was confirmed as player-manager of Middlesbrough yesterday. I don't want to nromise too much at the start. But I hope somewhere along the line we can get back into the Premier League," said an unsmiling Robson, who had flown to Tees-side from the previous night's England game against Greece. Few of the 200 or so children wheeled out from the Sacred Heart school next door to ereet him could remember Boro's brief encounter with the elite the season before last.

Middlesbrough's young (32) and rich (shipping and haulage) chairman Steve Gibson injected a more urgent note: "We have been involved in long discussions with Bryan in recent weeks, and we share the same ambition: to produce a team capable of competing at the very highest level as quickly as possible. Our target is promotion in the coming season, with attractive football." "Sufficient" funds 2.5 million is the figure being bandied about will be available for Robson to buy players. But the new manager instantly reassured the existing team, who finished ninth in the First Division this season: "There will be no clear-outs. Everyone will be given a chance to prove himself." He had, he said, had numerous offers to go to other clubs but had chosen Middlesbrough because of their obvious ambition: a proposed stadium the season after next, a new training ground, and money for players. No mention was made of the 900,000 he is reputed to be receiving for signing a three-year contract.

The former England captain, questioned about the failed transition from playing to managing of Terry Butcher, Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore, pointed to the success of Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish. Ha accepts that the Middlesbrough fans will expect the kind of instant success Keegan has.