It is reported that Middlesbrough Football Club has thrown its weight behind the campaign to save the under threat Corus steel plant in Redcar.

Mr Steve Gibson chairman of Middlesbrough football club said that if the plant is closed, it would rip the heart out of the community and pledged to back the Save Our Steel campaign being run by workers in any way he can.

Middlesbrough players will show their support when they warm up in Save Our Steel t shirts before Saturday's home game against Ipswich Town. It is hosting dozens of Teesside steel workers at the match. They will parade banners around the pitch shortly before kick off.

Union officials said that the club's gesture would bring together the Teesside community in a show of unity and strength. The area has been under a shadow since it was announced that an international consortium had pulled out of a 10 year deal to buy steel from the plant earlier this year.

Mr Gibson said that the club existed for the community and the people of Teesside. He added that "The closure of the steel plants threatens to rip the heart out of our community. We cannot stand by and allow that to happen. We want the steelworkers and their families to know that we are behind them and will help their campaign in any way we can. We want to show that no one at Saturday's game is left in any doubt about the importance to all of Teesside of this campaign."

Mr Geoff Waterfield chairman of Corus multi union committee said that the support for the SOS campaign was hugely important. He added that "It is long recognized that the steel industry is the heart of our community. The foundations of Middlesbrough and Redcar are forged and built on the steel families of this region. Likewise, Middlesbrough Football Club is and has been part and parcel of our community for generations. Generations of Teesside families have worked in the local steel works and many have followed with the same passion to see Middlesbrough Football Club play when and wherever the club takes them with undying loyalty. Teesside people are passionate about everything they do so to bring together our community on one day is a symbol of unity and strength."

He added that "Mr Steve Gibson and his lifelong enthusiasm for Middlesbrough Football Club and the surrounding area is a true testimony to his loyalty and beliefs. Our passion for Teesside Steel and the families of our region are just as strong. Saturday's game symbolizes another memorable and historic day for both club and community, working side by side, standing side by side."

(Sourced from www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)