AS part of the Football League’s Family Football Festival, Middlesbrough are offering families a fantastic opportunity to get behind Middlesbrough and have a great day out win, lose or draw against Blackpool on Saturday.

Children are invited to dress as their favourite superhero, while adults are encouraged to dig out retro 80’s clothing and Boro tops to reminisce about the days seeing Tony Mowbray in the famous shirt.

Head of Supporter Services at the club Anthony Emmerson emphasised the importance of such events in encouraging people back to the matches: “We want to see the ground full and more people coming back to the Riverside.

“We are offering something for everyone and the day is sure to be a hit with the younger generation of Boro fans.”

With face painting, spot prizes and sweets giveaways all on the agenda the club are looking to invoke a carnival atmosphere in the stands not too dissimilar to that seen around the boundary at Twenty20 cricket matches.

The club are confident that supporters will return to the Riverside and admit they will do everything in their power to return to the sell-out matches seen back in the Bryan Robson and Steve McClaren days.

Emmerson stressed: “There is always more to be done and we have to continue to strive to improve and back Tony (Mowbray) and the boys on the pitch.”

Encouragingly, the crowds at the Riverside have started to return since Tony Mowbray’s homecoming in October last year.

The statistics show an increase of 7 per cent in attendances compared to the 2010-2011 season and Boro are only one of two teams in the Championship to show an improvement.

Boro’s home record has been nothing short of magnificent under Mowbray and they look to stretch their unbeaten home record to 17 games as the Seasiders visit on Saturday.

Tickets are still available at the Riverside Ticket Office, by phone on 0844 499 1234 and through the clubs website at www.mfc.co.uk.