THERE is a long way to go in the fight to save Teesside steel but there was a glimmer of hope today when SSI confirmed that it will pay monthly salaries.

It is a huge relief for the families of the workers affected while talks continue to try to find a way forward.

In the meantime, it is good to see Middlesbrough Football Club throwing its weight behind the campaign to save the industry which is so important to its fan base.

Football clubs have an extraordinary power to bring people together and to influence the public mood.

It was, therefore, important for Boro manager Aitor Karanka to show empathy with the steel families’ plight and for club chairman Steve Gibson to back calls for Government action to stave off closure.

Mr Gibson understands what matters on Teesside and he can see it from both sides.

As an entrepreneur who has become a major local employer by building a global company from scratch, he understands the challenges of running a business.

But, as someone who has done more than anyone else to sustain the town’s football club, he also appreciates the value of community and the social consequences of jobs being lost.

By speaking out so passionately about the need for the Government to act, and by allowing Sunday’s Middlesbrough versus Leeds match at the Riverside to be used to showcase the Save Our Steel campaign, Mr Gibson has been true to his roots.

It is all about making the voice of Teessiders as loud as possible in the corridors of power – about making those who can make a difference understand what is at stake.

It’s about teamwork.