A FORMER 'Boro' commentator is the fifth candidate vying to be the next elected mayor of Middlesbrough.

Ex-Teesside TV and radio presenter, Dave Roberts, who has the backing of Middlesbrough Football Club alumni including Craig Hignett and Bernie Slaven, has vowed to speak to 10,000 residents before they cast their votes on May 7.

“It is time for this town to get back on its feet," he said. "This town has suffered far too long. The need for constant council budget cuts and a decreasing population all point to bad management of the town I love.”

He is vice president of a sports business development unit at Fox International Channels and was a football commentator on TFM and Century Radio.

“In my position with Fox I had to analyse opportunities and negotiate hard with presidents, crown princes and politicians on deals valued at $500m plus. This is what I’ll bring with me to make a change,” added the 50-year-old, who is originally from Priestfields.

Mr Roberts is the third independent candidate to join the race, following Middlesbrough Independent councillor Len Junier and local businessman and charity leader, Andy Preston.

Middlesbrough Council’s Deputy Mayor, councillor Dave Budd is standing for the Labour Party and David Masterman for the Green Party in the fight to succeed Ray Mallon.