Aussie football legend Mark Viduka needs no introduction to Middlesbrough fans. The striker, who played for the club between 2004 and 2007, is still keeping tabs on his old team as they push for promotion to the Premier League next season.
Viduka's Message of Support
Ahead of Kim Hellberg's squad tackling Southampton in the Championship first-leg playoff on Saturday night AEDT at the Riverside Stadium, the ex-Socceroos forward took time out to pass on his best wishes. Viduka, 50, scored 26 goals in 72 appearances during his time at Middlesbrough.
In a club video, Viduka said: 'Just want to say how much the club means to me. I spent three years there and had some great times, I made a lot of good friends. To the fans, we had so many good nights together, it was a fond part of my career. I wish the boys at Boro the best of luck and hopefully you can get back into the Premier League where we belong.'
He finished his clip by declaring 'We Shall Be', a nod to Teesside football fans and local residents. Translated from the Latin word 'Erimus', it is the town motto and offers a lasting legacy of defiance, pride and belief.
Middlesbrough's Playoff Push
Middlesbrough were in the top two for long stages of the Championship season but paid the price for a winless stretch in March and April. They ended up finishing fifth on the ladder but head into the playoffs on the back of a four-game unbeaten run as they bid to reach the Wembley final and gain promotion to the Premier League.
Socceroos Riley McGree and Sam Silvera are in Boro's current squad, adding an Australian flavour to the team.
Spying Controversy
Adding considerable spice to the clash is Middlesbrough sensationally catching a Southampton first-team analyst allegedly recording their training session from behind a bush earlier this week. An individual was spotted and approached by club staff at Boro's Rockliffe Park training centre. It is claimed the man, believed to be a performance analyst, deleted video and pictures from his mobile phone and refused to identify himself.
Middlesbrough contacted the English Football League (EFL), given spying on opposition training is a breach of the League's rules. Southampton was then charged with a breach of EFL regulations, and the club confirmed they will be 'fully co-operating' as the investigation continues. They declined to comment further as the matter is ongoing.
