THERE was an emotional reunion at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium when former coach Leo Percovich returned.

Percovich was part of the coaching staff under former manager Aitor Karanka and became a hero figure for many of the fans, wearing his heart on his sleeve and beating his chest before games.

On Saturday, he was guest of honour at the Sky Bet Championship Playoff match against Aston Villa.

It was a return tinged with sadness following the death of his two daughters after a road accident.

Percovich and his family were involved in an accident in Brazil in December when their car plunged off a 20-metre high road bridge.

The crash tragically claimed the life of his youngest daughter, Antonella, whilst his ten-year-old daughter, Valentina, died in hospital on Christmas Eve – a week after the accident.

On Saturday, he walked out to the centre circle with his son Pietro to chants of 'Leo, Leo' and 'He's one of our own' from the Teesside fans.

Handed a microphone, he paid tribute to the supporters and roused them ahead of the game.