IT has taken 128 years for a major trophy to be brought home to Middlesbrough.

But for the 150,000 fans expected to turn out to see the Carling Cup paraded through the town tomorrow, it will have been worth the wait.

Sporting silverware is a rarity in the North-East so it is a chance for families to witness a piece of history.

The overwhelming reaction to Boro's win a week ago underlines football's unique ability to raise the spirits of an area.

Hopefully, there will be a double cause for celebration tomorrow, with Sunderland taking a step closer to the FA Cup final by beating Sheffield United in the quarter-finals at the Stadium of Light.

We wish the Black Cats well in their bid to bring more cup glory to the region.

But Boro take centre-stage first and Teesside is set for a party that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Steve McClaren and the players deserve their moment in the spotlight. But the fans should reserve their biggest cheer for chairman Steve Gibson, the man who has made it all possible.