BRYAN Robson was “thrilled to be back home” as he returned to Middlesbrough to mark the 25th anniversary since Steve Gibson unveiled him as Boro’s new boss in 1994.

The former chief was headlining a special event hosted and organised by the BBC Tees radio presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough at the Dorman Club in Middlesbrough this week.

Robson admitted: “I am touched to be greeted with a full house and so much passion all these years on.

“It was a freezing cold night around the town and in mid-January, and yet the place was full to capacity. It’s so good to know that my period on charge is still so fondly remembered all of these years on.

“I often relive those times in my mind when working on my long journeys in my role as global ambassador for Manchester United – and when I meet Boro fans it becomes clear that they do feel the same as myself about that period.

“It was simply magical. Many tell me they still have all of the old pictures of the day we welcomed Juninho to the Riverside, and as far back as the day I was revealed as the new Boro boss at Ayresome Park.’’

He added: “I wish these fans the best and I hope Tony Pulis will return them to the Premier League in the months ahead.

“Tony, is active in bringing in new players during the transfer window and that will always give the fans an extra lift. Tony, has got them into a great position in the play-offs and it’s really just a case of everybody at the club staying positive and focused.’

“I speak to Gary Pallister often about events at the Riverside. Pally works with me at Old Trafford these days and he gets to see some of their games. The fans at the Boro are very passionate and they deserve to be in the top flight.

“I always meet up with Steve Gibson when Boro play Manchester United and I have very much missed that link over the past two seasons.’’

Through Pallister, the former England captain he had also struck up a friendship with Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh after the Pools owner visited Old Trafford with Pallister.

Robson said: “Raj, would often ask If I fancied helping him at the club in some way, just as a friend, but it was always a non-starter thanks to the travelling workload that I have.

“I notice David Beckham has got involved with Salford – so just maybe Raj will be on the phone again!

“Pools are another I always keep an eye on re their results, and I hope they can get back on track soon.

“Craig Hignett is back in charge and I really wish him the very best. Higgy was a delight to work with in my Boro days – tactically very knowledgeable, very skilful and a real big character in the dressing room.

“He is back in charge of team affairs at Pools and I hope he makes it work – the fans there were always very passionate and they really do deserve to be back in league football.’’