Mosaic of Don Revie to be unveiled at his former school in Middlesbrough
It's hoped his achievements will inspire the community
A mosaic is being unveiled in Middlesbrough today of a former England manager who many say is "forgotten".
Don Revie was a pioneering footballer and coach who won numerous titles on and off the pitch – but who has also been portrayed as a controversial and divisive figure. As a result, his achievements tend to get overlooked when football history is being reported or remarked upon.
Around two years ago Middlesbrough & Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald and Boro-fanzine editor 'Fly Me To The Moon' and Discover Middlesbrough organiser Robert Nichols approached Don Revie’s former school Archibald Primary about changing that.
Revie’s story becomes even more interesting when his rivalry with Brian Clough is put into the mix. The two were both born in Middlesbrough, each about one mile from Ayresome Park in opposite directions and went on to become England footballers then top level managers winning numerous trophies.
But whereas the “greatest manager England never had”, as Clough is often called, has a statue in Albert Park, a plaque on his old house on Valley Road and a street named after him in Linthorpe, there is nothing at all in the town to say Revie, who did actually manage England, ever lived in Middlesbrough, with even his former home on Bell Street in Newport unadorned.
Earlier this year Andy McDonald and Robert Nichols saw an opportunity to apply to local arts body Borderlands for funding for a project to mark Revie’s achievements and inspire pupils at Archibald.
Teaming up with the school, local historian Dr Tosh Warwick and Teesside artists Helen and Derek a plan was put forward for a metre-squared mosaic at the school which will be visible to passers by.
Andy said: “Don Revie was a pioneer in football and his achievements were utterly remarkable. In a very short space of time he took a second division side in Leeds United to the top of the English game and into Europe.
“But whereas others like Brian Clough and Bill Shankly who have had similar achievements are hero figures across the nation, Don Revie is forgotten somewhat outside of Leeds.
“That someone from Middlesbrough’s Newport area could rise to be one of only 16 people to ever hold the permanent position of England football manager and the story not be told seemed to us a crying shame.
“He is a fascinating character who has divided opinion but someone who we should perhaps look again at for the town of Middlesbrough and we hope in this piece of art that we do just that and inspire the pupils of Archibald to know that they can achieve anything they want to.”
Archibald Deputy Headteacher Steve Cowgill said: “We are really proud that our school has such a long history, and are looking forward to working on this exciting project relating to an ex-pupil who went on to be a significant local and national figure.
“Our aim is that as many pupils and their parents and carers as possible can become involved in creating this lasting recognition to Don Revie.”
Borderlands is the Creative People and Places (CPP) programme for Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland and is funding the Don Revie project.
Louise Scholes, Creative Producer at Borderlands said: "This project incorporates so many of Borderlands' key values, celebrating local history and heritage through intergenerational storytelling and creativity. We are so excited to support the community of Archibald primary as they explore the story of Don Revie and radically reimagine what their own futures may hold!"