Eric McMordie

Early days

McMordie was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was spotted by Manchester United playing as a junior in Belfast and was invited for a two-week trial at Old Trafford in July 1961. He travelled to Manchester with George Best, however, both players became homesick and soon returned to Belfast, Best was soon persuaded to return while McMordie stayed at home. On leaving school he worked as a plasterer and played football for the east Belfast part-time side Dundela F.C.

Middlesbrough

After showing good form for Dundela, McMordie was signed by Middlesbrough in September 1964 as an eighteen-year-old. He made his debut in September 1965 against Plymouth Argyle and scored his first goal against Rotherham United two weeks later. McMordie was a first team regular at Boro for eight seasons, playing 241 games and scoring 22 goals. During his time with Middlesbrough, McMordie represented Northern Ireland on 21 occasions between 1968 and 1972, scoring three goals. The team narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight on several occasions. The arrival of Graeme Souness for the 1972–73 season severely restricted McMordie's first team appearances, Middlesbrough won promotion to Division one in 1973–74, however McMordie was not a member of the side, with new manager Jack Charlton preferring Souness, Bobby Murdoch and David Armstrong in midfield. During the following 1974–75 season McMordie was loaned out to Second Division Sheffield Wednesday for two months…