Many Middlesbrough fans would like to adopt a pre-match anthem like Liverpool’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
A pre-match song sung from the terraces is a common feature at many teams, and many Middlesbrough fans have long sought it. While the players currently emerge at the Riverside to Pigbag, there is no anthem like Liverpool’s You’ll Never Walk Alone or Sheffield United’s Greasy Chip Butty, which has the entire stadium on their feet, scarves aloft, and signing with regional pride.
Over the years, there have been numerous attempts and/or debates to introduce one. The most popular proposal is “We Shall Overcome,” and the club even utilised the Deep In My Heart lyric from the song as the catchphrase for next season’s season ticket early-bird campaign.
It remains a source of discussion among supporters, as there is an increasing desire to improve the Riverside atmosphere. Indeed, when asked what supporters wanted to talk about with the club at next week’s meeting, the Middlesbrough Supporters Forum stated that a new anthem was on the table.
With that in mind, we decided to take the question to our own supporters’ forum. We asked our fan panel if Boro should have a pre-match anthem and, if so, what it should be. Our fan panel this week includes YouTuber and talkSport writer Phil Spencer, Boro Breakdown co-host Dana Malt, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy, and Twe12th Man member John Donovan.
Phil Spencer
I believe that Middlesbrough would benefit greatly from a pre-match anthem, but it must be appropriate. Pigbag must remain the walkout song for me since it has been a part of the matchday experience for as long as I can remember, and even now, when I hear the music play, I get a rush of adrenaline – even at a sparse Riverside on a cold Tuesday night!
In terms of an anthem, it must be the appropriate song. It cannot be cheesy (such as Hey Jude or Sweet Caroline), but it must be well-known enough that every fan feels comfortable singing it. I’m not sure what that tune is.
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