AT the end of every home game when Middlesbrough have won, which has been more often than not this season, the sight of George Friend charging, leaping and fist-pumping towards the South Stand has become something of a trademark.

It is reminiscent of the days when Gareth Southgate used to do his own little roaring gesture to the Boro faithful, in an attempt to keep everyone united and moving forward together.

Friend, from the Devon town of Barnstaple, has loved every minute of his time on Teesside and really bought into the ethos of the club, the town and its supporters. Even though there has previously been Premier League interest in him, it would have been a wrench for the articulate 28-year-old to leave.

Friend has embraced life in the North-East and, holding back the tears as he reflects on the team’s performance this season, helping Middlesbrough return to the Premier League has made everything that little bit sweeter.

“It’s hard to sum it up, I have been here for four years and every season we wanted promotion,” said Friend. “Last season we were so close, but I will admit we were not ready. This season we were ready and we showed that last Saturday against Brighton.

“It’s a magnificent club to play for. I am truly honest when I say that. I love the club, I love the fans, I love the chairman, all the staff, my teammates, and it’s an unbelievable achievement.

“I have always wanted to win promotion and to do it with Middlesbrough caps it. This team will go down in history and I wanted to be part of the history here because I love it here. I really do.”

There is complete sincerity when Friend talks. The amount of time he spends in the community meeting and greeting fans highlights just how much the area has got under his skin.

Friend, who has previously played for Wolves, Exeter and Doncaster, said: “I think about everyone that has helped along the way.

“I think of people like (BBC Tees commentator) Ali Brownlee, who will be looking down at us and he will be crying. It makes me cry thinking about everything that goes with it. We did it.

“It’s Teesside and Teesside is always together. That’s one thing I have realised since I have been here and we will be together as we move forward to the Premier League.”

Like all of the Middlesbrough players who have delivered promotion over the years, the class of 2016 will be forever remembered as the team which struck gold by going up when a £170m cash windfall was at stake.

The finances, in many respects, are immaterial when it comes to the record books, however. And Friend is just overwhelmed to have gone down in Middlesbrough folklore with the rest of his team-mates.

“The Championship is a tough league to get out of, this club has tried to do it for seven years,” said Friend. “You think of the players that have been here over the years, it’s a special place.

“I know the crowd here is used to the Juninhos and the Ravanellis being here, but this group is a special group because we have achieved something that is very difficult.

“It is such a difficult task to get out of this league and thank you to the chairman for sticking by us and putting the money in as well! it’s just an incredible feeling and I can’t wait for next season.”