TEESSIDER Ben Gibson has been a bright light in an otherwise dark season for Middlesbrough.
The centre back and nephew of chairman Steve GibsonΒ is being tipped for a big-money move in the summer.
After apologising to fans on Twitter following the 2-1 loss to Southampton in Boro's final home game of the season, fans were quick to leap to his defence.
Thanks to everyone for our unbelievable support β€οΈ you've all been let down, yet you've consistently been amazing ... UTB π΄βͺοΈ
β Ben Gibson (@bengibson1993) May 13, 2017
Top man. The one player whose been consistently good all season. Can hold his head up high. #localhero #leader #boro #mfc #utb https://t.co/RifjXf3RwD
β Ian Smith (@Smithy_MFC84) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 @Boro Your one in a million....Your one of our own..thanks Ben π#utb #boro
β smj (@ilesjv) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You've been consistently brilliant Ben, and thanks for taking the pic my goddaughter made. Don't forget to get your mam to tweet it!Lol #utb
β number6ix (@mcf4rl4ne) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 you have not let anybody down, no one has, I'm so proud that you're one of our ownβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ we will overcome #utb
β Jess Rogers (@jmrogerss) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You've been ace Ben, easily my player of the year, we will be back to support for 2017/18 #utb
β David Relph (@davidrelphphoto) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You give it your all every game. One of us, who says it as it is. Passion, commitment, proud to watch you play represent club so well. #UTB
β Claire Bowdler (@cbstar82) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You've been a credit to not only the club, but the whole of Teesside. Go be the next Gary Pallister sign for a big club & win trophies #utb
β Chris Pearson (@Boro_Brick_Road) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 Spoken like a true leader of our football club. Mowbrayesque. I'd love to see you lead our club back next season #UTB
β James Lees (@jimmylees) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You can hold your head high Ben. One who has been excellent this season. Hope you stay but no one will begrudge you leaving for career! #utb
β John Hammett (@JohnHammett3) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You can hold your head high. We know you put everything out on the pitch every minute you played. Hope too see you next season #utb
β Iain Olvanhill (@Ollieee1) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 we'll be back - you've been brilliant this season and deserve every opportunity but would love to see you back at Boro #UTB
β lucie swales (@eicullucie21) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 You're a fantastic leader and servant of this club. Whatever happens now, we are so grateful to have witnessed one of our own rise up. #UTB
β Jen Hayton (@x_dreamer_jen_x) May 13, 2017
@bengibson1993 Hold your head up gibbo we stick together and we come back stronger #itsintheblood #UTB
β richy (@ricard6978) May 13, 2017
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here