Over the years, Middlesbrough have accumulated a very eventful history in the Football League.

Battling through a liquidation saga in 1986, countless relegation and promotions to and from the Premier League, almost coming close to winning finals in 1997 etc.

There are certain players that just stand out, and make the history books. Players that the fans will always love and remember as being part of Middlesbrough Football Club.

These 'cult heroes' may not even be amazing footballers, but if they made an impact on Teesside and made a difference to the club's history, they are regarded as a cult hero.

Here are the top FIVE Middlesbrough cult heroes......

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

[/ffc-gallery]

 

Massimo Maccarone

Massimo, signing for a club record £8.15m in 2002, achieved "cult hero" status in a Boro shirt after scoring essential goals which got the team to the UEFA cup final.

Nicknamed "The Gladiator", the young Italian international made an initial impact on Teesside, scoring twice against Fulham in only his second game for the club.

Boro boss Steve McClaren signed Maccarone from Empoli after he scored a sensational goal in a match against England in the U21s.

In his first season for Middlesbrough he scored nine goals in 34 appearances, but poor form and minor injuries led him to lose his first team spot.

The striker scored 7 goals in 30 games the following season, and was ultimately dropped to the bench for Middlesbrough's famous Carling Cup final win over Bolton at the Millenium Stadium.

Maccarone had been loaned out to Parma and then Siena, before returning to Middlesbrough and achieving what he once promised; scoring two of the most important goals in Boro's history.

In 2006, Middlesbrough had reached the UEFA Cup Final in Eindhoven, against Seville. Massimo Maccarone scored a last-gasp winner against FC Basle in the quarter final, and again in the semi final against Steaua Bucharest, taking the club to the final.

The Steaua goal, scored with a dramatic diving header in the closing minutes, is arguably Boro's most important ever goal.

A giant photo of the goal being scored can be seen on the stadium wall, and fans often relive the moment with videos on YouTube, featuring local hero Ali Brownlee commentating, screaming his name.

The two goals instantly entered Boro folklore as, as literally lightning struck twice at the Riverside, with the Teesside team coming from behind to win each tie 4-3 on aggregate.

Throughout his time at Middlesbrough, the Italian made 102 appearances and scored 24 goals. He was released by Boro in January 2007, returning to Siena. Now, at the age of 36, Maccarone plays for Empoli and is their top goal scorer for this season in the Serie A.

 

George Boateng

The experienced Dutch midfielder, George Boateng, became one of the club's best signings of recent times when he signed from Aston Villa for £5million in the summer of 2002.

The ageing Paul Ince needed a replacement, and Steve McClaren saw Boateng as a perfect successor. He immediately became a regular in the first team following his move to the Riverside.

His first season finished without a goal to his name, which prompted European scout Don Mackay to promise George 12 bottles of champagne if he could score three goals the following season.

Boateng claimed the bubbly with strikes against Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and a heroic winner at the Riverside against Tottenham Hotspur.

He was named supporters' Player of the Year in 2004, after playing a key role in the success of the 2004 Carling Cup.

George was unfortunately sidelined for three months due to injury in 2005, which ultimately forced him to miss crucial UEFA Cup ties against Grazer AK and Sporting Lisbon. But after his injury spell, he enjoyed a blossoming partnership with fellow Dutchman Bolo Zenden.

The following year, the midfielder featured in the unforgettable ties against Basle and Steaua Bucharest, before appearing in the infamous UEFA Cup Final against Sevilla.

Once McClaren left to become England manager, and Southgate had elevated from captain to Middlesbrough manager, this saw George Boateng take over the captain's armband.

The Dutchman was known for being committed and showing passion in his football. He insisted on playing with a knee injury that affected his mobility and form, and eventually joined Hull City in 2008.

Fans adopted the chant of "You are Boateng, always believe in your soul" to Spandau Ballet's 'Gold', and fans still often sing this, even though the midfielder left 8 years ago.

 

Uwe Fuchs

Signed on loan in January 1995, Fuchs just played 15 games for Middlesbrough.

However, he was instrumental in helping the club win promotion back to the Premier League scoring nine goals, including scoring on his debut and a hat-trick against Bristol City.

Even though the German had a limited grasp of the English language, the German soon became a cult figure at the Boro.

Unfortunately, Uwe Fuchs was never signed permanently by manager Bryan Robson.

 

Bernie Slaven

Bernard Joseph Slaven arrived at Ayresome Park (Middlesbrough's previous stadium before the Riverside) in October 1985, after an acrimonious departure from his previous club, Albion Rovers. It was there he had been top scorer in Scotland the season previous.

Bernie refused to re-sign for Albion, and started working as a part-time gardener when Boro boss Willie Maddren bought him for a fee of £25,000.

In his career he helped Boro battle through the liquidation saga of 1986, with his consistency, finishing top goalscorer for six consecutive seasons.

His combined attributes of good close control, great positional sense and accurate finishing meant the 'Wolfman' was assured a place in the pantheon of Boro legends.

Bernie Slaven played between 1985 - 1992 for Middlesbrough, achieving 381 appearances and 146 goals in that time. He is the 6th top scorer in Middlesbrough's history.

Juninho

Every Boro fan has heard of 'The Little Fella'.

Just months after they had been promoted to the Premier League, Juninho Paulista signed for Middlesbrough for £4.75 million in October 1995.

It was a major surprise when he signed for Boro because he had been tracked by numerous European top club.

Juninho adopted the nickname 'The Little Fella' or TLF, because his height measures up at 5ft 5in.

The Brazilian was extremely effective for Middlesbrough in an attacking midfielder position, helping the club reach both the FA Cup and League Cup finals in 1997.

At the end of the same season, a three-point deduction from the FA meant that Boro were relegated to Division One. Juninho came runner up to Gianfranco Zola for FWA Player of the Year award.

Following Middlesbrough's 1-1 draw to Leeds United on the final day of the season, their relegation was confirmed. Juninho was reduced to tears, and he left the club just to pursue his chances of making Brazil's 1998 World Cup squad.

Juninho was signed to Atletico Madrid when he was loaned back to Middlesbrough during the 1999-2000 season, where he played 24 games.

In 2002, Juninho began his third spell with Middlesbrough when he permanently signed for £6million. Spending two more years at Teesside, the Little Fella helped the club win the Carling Cup in 2004. In 2007 he was voted PFA fan's poll as Middlesbrough's greatest ever player.