Boro fans launch own TV show for end of season drama

UpTheBoroTV will launch on Wednesday, with the weekly half-hour programme being broadcast online.

Published 25th Apr 2016

Boro fans have come together to launch their own independent TV show highlighting their teams dramatic battle for promotion.

UpTheBoroTV is launching this Wednesday and the first half-hour weekly programme will be available to watch online.

A full team of fans have volunteered for roles like producer, technician, graphics editor and social media coordinator.

Fans will be able to submit video clips to form 'FanRants' and there will be regular features with clubs around the town and Boro hero Craig Hignett.

The show is the brainchild of former Boro TV presenter turned businessman Dave Roberts.

The first episode will be recorded this Tuesday evening and will see Roberts sit in front of camera again for the first time since retiring as a presenter after the 2010 World Cup Final for ESPN.

Guests will include FMTTM editor Robert Nichols and Marc Yafano from local community football team Teesside Rangers FC.

Mr Roberts said: "I’ve been thinking of doing this for the past few months but only woke up last Thursday and said let’s do it.

"Within 48 hours a new Facebook page attracted a 1000 likes and I’d received offers of help from fans as far away as Australia.

"And it’s not just fans helping, Teesside companies have stepped forward to lend a hand.

"Equipment has been begged, stolen (not quite) and borrowed - mainly from myself - and the likes of Tab Wed Solutions have stepped in to look after the website and CS Sports called to say we could use its showroom as a studio, it’s just incredible.

“The first couple of shows may be held together with sticky-backed plastic as we try to pull it together with no budget, but we’ll then look to develop it in the summer to buy specialist equipment and hopefully start a Premier League season with a bang."

A new 'Middlesbrough Anthem' will feature on the first episode which can be watched at www.utbtv86.tv