Riverside at 30 - stadium signified a new era for Boro

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Riverside Stadium opening its doors for the very first time.

Chelsea were the visitors that day upon Boro's return to the top flight, with the hosts coming away 2-0 winners. They went on that season to finish 12th in the Premier League guided by player-manager Bryan Robson.

Jamie Pollock played for Middlesbrough at the time and recalls what a special occasion the opening of the Riverside was.

"The game was absolutely unbelievable and to win 2-0, for me as a local it really was a dream come true," he told BBC Radio Tees.

Middlesbrough moved from Ayresome Park after the Taylor Report banned standing for fans watching football in British stadiums.

Pollock said it took some adjusting for the players and fanbase alike.

"That was our home, that was everything to us - Ayresome Park was a fantastic stadium," he said.

"The Ayresome Park atmosphere was a bit more robust. There was a change. As players we knew that was the start of a new era and it was important but at the same time for me, leaving Ayresome Park was a very difficult thing to do.

"Looking back I just feel so privileged to be able to tell stories about being involved."

In 2025, Middlesbrough have made a fast start to their Championship campaign winning their opening three games and sitting second in the table.

"I think it's a great opportunity this year," said Pollock.

"I think one big investment up front and a bit more strength and depth and I think it could be a great season."

Fan Ian Smith was 10 years old when Middlesbrough moved to the Riverside Stadium.

"The thing I remember mostly is having a bit of nervous excitement. I loved Ayresome Park and even as a 10-year-old I was absolutely be gutted to be leaving," he told BBC Radio Tees.

"You got used to your surroundings at Ayresome Park. It was a ramshackle of a place but it was our place, and [the Riverside] felt otherworldly.

"There's always that cynicism to begin with thinking it won't be the same or [questioning] how are we going to fill the stadium. But it did feel like a fresh start.

"It felt like the club was always a bit of a footnote, a second-tier team, plucky underdogs.

"It was like we had arrived finally."

Listen to the full interviews with Jamie Pollock and Ian Smith and more on BBC Sounds.