A former England star who broke into the Three Lions squad while playing in the second tier has sadly died.
Mick McNeil, 85, was playing in the old Second Division when he was first handed the call-up. He sadly passed earlier this week, with Boro confirming the news with a statement on social media.
A statement read: “The club was saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Michael McNeil.
“Mick was born in Middlesbrough on February 7, 1940. A flying full-back, he began his Boro career aged just 18 and rapidly established himself as a feature in the team. Quick into the tackle and eager to carry the ball forward, Mick had bags of energy and was versatile too.
“He starred at left-back before switching to right-back following the emergence of club record appearance holder Gordon Jones, and later into the middle of defence as Cyril Knowles came onto the scene.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Mick won nine England caps between 1960 and 1961, all despite playing in the Second Division.
“He later played more than 150 games for Ipswich Town, helping them to promotion in 1967/68, and finished his career at Cambridge. After retiring from the game, he opened a successful chain of sports shops.
“Mick passed away earlier this week at the age of 85. Our thoughts go out to Mick’s family and friends.”
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McNeil made his England debut in a 5-2 win over Northern Ireland in October 1960 – and would play alongside future England boss Sir Bobby Robson.
And fans have also taken the chance to pay tribute to one of the club’s legends. “Awful, he was a great player and will be fondly remembered,” one fan said.
Ipswich Town, where McNeil also played, said: “The club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former captain Mick McNeil.
“Mick represented the Blues 173 times between 1964 and 1972 and was part of the side which won the Second Division title in 1967/68. Once a Blue, always a Blue.”