THE very first episode of UTB (Up The Boro) television has been hailed a success.

The online Middlesbrough FC programme generated more than 22,000 Facebook posts, hundreds of messages of congratulations and ex-players and fan celebrities making contact to agree to be future studio guests.

UTBTV is produced and presented by volunteer Boro fans and the first episode was broadcast on the utbtv86.tv website and YouTube at 7pm on Wednesday, April 27.

It included in its first edition an exclusive chat with former Boro star now Hartlepool United manager Craig Hignett.

On Boro’s possible promotion, Mr Hignett said: “Boro should be away and dry. I’d be so gutted if they didn’t do it, you know for everybody connected with the club and for the money Steve Gibson’s put into it and for the ambition he’s shown again. For them not to do it would be heartbreaking.

Led by Middlesbrough fan and Teesside businessman Dave Roberts, the show included video clips sent in by fans who wanted to air their views of the team and recent performances.

Mr Roberts says, “The reception of the show has been nothing short of phenomenal. I expected a few messages after the show went out, but Facebook and Twitter posts were coming in by the second, faster than I could deal with them. In the end I had to switch of my computer and admit defeat.”

There will be a second show on Wednesday.