Middlesbrough chief Steve Gibson told 'something must be done' about Riverside Stadium issue - It's 'horrible' | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has revealed the one biggest concern they have for the club at this moment in time.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough Football Club and everyone connected with it are feeling extremely positive about the direction the team are heading in under Rob Edwards, but that's not to say there isn't some lingering concerns.

Indeed, there is much to be optimistic about regarding the Boro at this moment in time.

The team have been able to make their best league start in their 149-year history under their new boss, have seemingly smashed another summer transfer window, and their new club crest that will be implemented for the 2026/27 season onwards has gone down a treat with Smoggies everywhere.

As such, the future looks brighter than it's been in a long time for the North East-based club, who are looking to end their almost decade-long exile from the Premier League this season.

But, that doesn't mean that there aren't some concerns among the Middlesbrough fanbase surrounding their football club.

We asked our Boro fan pundit, Liam Day: 'What is your one biggest concern with Middlesbrough right now, on or off the pitch, and why?'

Liam said: "I know this is a weird concern, but the stadium, just inside of it, is a bit bleak at times.

"The seats are pretty much turning white now in the seats that are meant to be red, and around my seat, there is tonnes of cobwebs. There's a lot of bad stuff, to say the least.

"It really needs cleaning. I know it's a weird one, but it's been annoying me for a few years now, and nothing has been done really.

"I was expecting a bit of a change this year, but nothing, and it's quite annoying. You look over at the owner's box, and all their stuff is nice and done. It's all dolled up and looks fresh every season.

"Then you go around and look at the fans bits, and all the seats are horrible. The floors are horrible. Something needs to be done about it."

Middlesbrough must ensure Riverside Stadium doesn't grow tired

Whilst Liam may feel his concern sounds strange, it's safe to assume that it's one that many other Boro fans will share about their beloved and iconic home.

Opened back in 1995 after their former ground, Ayresome Park, was no longer able to meet the requirements of new football stadia legislation, the Riverside Stadium became the largest new football stadium to be built since the Second World War.

Since then, its corners have been filled in, a big screen fitted, and in 2015, the ground made its latest piece of history, as it became the first stadium in the UK to have a 360 degree LED perimeter boards fitted - facing both the pitch, and the fans in the stands.

It's hosted some of the biggest games in the club's history, provided the playground for some of the club's greatest ever players to thrill the Teesside faithful, and also generates one of the best home atmospheres in the Championship.

Therefore, with Edwards' side hoping to turn it into a fortress from which they can conquer their Premier League promotion dream this season, then Gibson and the rest of Middlesbrough's hierarchy can't afford to let the stadium grow tired.

Current fan energy and appetite for their club is at a level that has not been felt for a number of years on Teesside, and so it would be a massive shame, and perhaps a big missed opportunity, to allow their superb venue to not share in that.