Middlesbrough have paid tribute to lifelong supporter and former academy coach Colin Galloway, who has died at the age of 68. Galloway played a vital role in creating the club's Legacy Numbers project, a landmark initiative that permanently records the history of every player to represent Boro.

His work, conducted alongside fellow club historians Anthony Vickers and Shaun Wilson, resulted in the list being launched in April 2024 and later published as a book profiling the first 1,000 players. This project is a definitive record of the club's heritage, from its early days to the modern era.

Galloway's connection to the club ran deep. After a career with Cleveland Police, he served as club secretary at Darlington FC before returning to Teesside to coach within Middlesbrough's Academy. His retirement was dedicated to preserving the club's past, a labour of love that culminated in the Legacy Numbers.

Family and club tribute

The club honoured Galloway with tributes on its official website and social media channels. His family, including his wife Debra, son Scott and daughter Hollie, have been at the heart of the condolences from the Riverside community.

Scott Galloway shared a quote that captured his father's passion. "One of the greatest sources of pride in my dad’s life was his love and devotion to Middlesbrough football club," he said.

Team context and upcoming fixture

The news comes as Michael Carrick's side sits third in the Championship with 15 points from eight games, firmly in the promotion conversation. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five outings, a solid platform as they prepare for a key period.

Their next challenge is a top-of-the-table clash at the Riverside Stadium against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 10 October. Wolves currently occupy fourth place, setting the stage for a significant early-season encounter. The full squad, which includes top scorer Will Lankshear with six goals, will be looking to honour Galloway's memory with a performance befitting the club's rich history, details of which he helped to codify. Supporters can view the complete squad list and the latest standings online. Fans can check the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page.

More detail at gazettelive.co.uk