A lasting tribute to the much missed commentator will soon adorn the side of the Shepherdson Way underpass in a joint project between Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough Football Club.
Ali’s memorable monologue following the final whistle of the 2006 UEFA Cup semi-final against Steaua Bucharest will become a special addition to the ongoing public poetry scheme in Middlesbrough.
The wall mural will read:
“That is it. It’s Eindhoven. It’s Eindhoven. Boro have made it. One of the most glorious nights in the history of football. We go back to 1876, the Infant Hercules, fathomed out of the foundries of Teesside, mined out of the Eston Hills, we’re roaring all the way to Eindhoven and the UEFA Cup Final. It’s party, party, party! Everybody round my house for a parmo!”
Middlesbrough Council launched its public poetry scheme earlier this year and there are now three prominent pieces in the town centre on Baker Street, Bedford Street and King Edward’s Square.
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Every Boro fan will have their own favourite Ali Brownlee moment. His ability to not just explain what was happening on the pitch but to capture the emotions we all feel following the Boro is what made his commentaries transcend any other.
“His way with words, both in the good times and the bad, was undoubtedly poetic and we are delighted to be making this tribute to a man who will never be forgotten in Middlesbrough.”
[Photo taken from Gazettelive]
