AS a young prospect, Craig Harrison was part of a strong dressing room. In a corner of the Riverside, the Middlesbrough defender sat alongside some fiery characters.

Nigel Pearson, Andy Townsend, Emerson, Paul Gascoigne, Paul Merson and Fabrizio Ravenelli, all opinionated, all part of Bryan Robson’s Boro.

And Robson feels that the new Hartlepool United boss can only have learned from the experience, setting him in good stead for, what has proved so far, to be a successful career in management.

Appointed last Friday with the task of getting Pools back in the Football League, the 39-year-old has won a stack of trophies with TNS.

Moving to Pools is his big break, a step up from the League of Wales.

Robson gave Harrison his debut in September 1997 and the Manchester United global ambassador is sure he can prove a success in the North-East.

Robson was back at the Riverside for a sell-out dinner hosted by BBC Tees presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough last weekend.

He said: “I'm thrilled for Craig  that he is making progress with his managerial career. He keeps winning trophies and breaking records so he was always going to get the chance to move up the leagues.

“I remember him as a strong determined character and he was always keen to learn and work hard on his game.

“Even as a young lad just coming through his attitude was first class. He was voted young player of the season in 1997/98 following our promotion back to the Premier League, playing at full - back, and he fully deserved that recognition.

“He was in the squad with lots of very strong characters that season. Craig had to find his feet very quickly as a young lad and nothing phased him in a very strong dressing room or on the pitch.

“I know he was sold to Crystal Palace in 20000 and he was involved in that horrific double leg break injury which destroyed what would have been a very good career for him.

“Craig has shown that he wants to succeed as a manager and keep the momentum he has gathered at TNS and progress.’’

Harrison won 13 trophies in six seasons at TNS, and led them to the qualifying stages of the Champions League.

Getting Pools back on track following the trauma of last season will be some task, but Robson said: “From what I hear ,Craig is highly motivated and will be well up to speed on what Hartlepool will face in the National League season.

“It will be difficult trying to reverse seasons of failure at Hartlepool, but if the town can get behind him and the players then anything is possible.

“I sincerely send him every good wish as I love to my former players progress, and he was a real pleasure to work with.

“If he does well, then Hartlepool will be back in the Football League, and that can only be good for our area.’’

Robson thanked the full house that joined him last weekend when he looked back in a two-and-a-half hour show highlighting his spell as Boro boss from 1994-2001.

“It was a fantastic night full of great memories,’’ he reflected. “The place was packed and it was very touching to hear the memories of the many that joined us. I loved working with Steve, the club and those wonderful fans. Just arriving back reminded me of the Riverside rocking to capacity.

“I so wish Steve Gibson and his players all the very best for a speedy return to the Premier League.

“I will miss the two fixtures we would have had, and I have many fans on Teesside that are currently feeling the pain of relegation. We made an instant return in 97 / 98 when we all re-grouped, so it can be done.’’

An Evening with Ricky Tomlinson and Friends is the next big event at Boro on Saturday, June 24, hosted hosted by Goffy. Tickets are £30 from the MFC events team on 01642 757642 or email events@mfc.co.uk