WHISTLE-blowing former spy David Shayler will be listening for the referee's whistle this weekend.

The man who claims the British Security Intelligence Services were behind a plot to assassinate Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi, is realising an ambition unrealised for the last three years.

The Boro's most famous season ticket holder will be taking his seat in the stands at the Cellnet Riverside Stadium, cheering his team against Leeds United.

Watching the Boro play was said to have been one of Shayler's ambitions during a three-year exile in Paris.

He is currently on bail after having been arrested by Special Branch on his arrival in Dover, charged with offences of breaking the Official Secrets Act by informing a national newspaper of his claims in 1997.

Friends and supporters are holding a celebratory home coming party for him on Saturday night at the Cleveland Trade Union Centre, Middlesbrough