Dream Team : David Phillips

I have been a Middlesbrough fan since approximately 1976 although I did go to the odd match previously including Sunderland and Newcastle. I would like to do something different and name a Dream Ream consisting of my favourite Middlesbrough riders over the years.

Dixon	Parker

Steve Wilcock
Mr Consistency and one of the most loyal riders I have known. His track craft around Cleveland Park was second to none.

Martin Dixon
What an ambassador for the sport and a great shame he is not riding this year. If you wanted thrills Dicko was your man. A role model for young riders and he always had the time to spend with the fans and the kids.

Bruce Forrester
Unfortunately I never got to see much of Brucie and injury always followed him but a true number 1.

Steve Regeling
As consistent at home as he was away. On more than one occasion saved us from some humiliating away scores by rattling in high double figure returns.

Shane Parker
Led from the front and when he didn't provided some top class overtaking around the boards at Cleveland Park on a track that at the time was one of the best race surfaces I have seen. Ever popular and always gave 100%

Geoff Pusey
Often unsung hero at Middlesbrough but you would not wish for a better rider to have in the pits. Was never a world beater but some of his team riding, especially with steve wilcock, gave me many happy sights around Cleveland Park.

Chris Readshaw / Paul Pickering
A strange choice but Chris Readshaw and Paul Pickering provided one of the best displays that could be possible back in the days of 8 man teams. Paired at reserve 7 & 8 respectively they both rode to brilliant paid 21 point maximums a feat that I reckon will never be matched again.

This article was first published on 20/09/2003