Middlesbrough 95-96: New comers Boro were assigned PL code "15" and received eighteen sculpts in total (if you include Bryan Robson player and Manager versions). Corinthian only officially released eight in the 95-96 kit though, they were Nick Barmby, Jamie Pollock, John Hendrie, Jamie Moreno, Juninho, Jan Aage Fjortoft, Neil Cox and Bryan Robson (player version only). Alan Miller, Craig Hignett, Nigel Pearson, Robbie Mustoe and Steve Vickers all had tool masters produced. Aside from Alan Miller (who was sold to West Brom come the 96-97 campaign), the other four players still featured heavily for Boro the next season, so it's odd that they were never released given they were ready to go. You can pick these four players up unfinished in the 96-97 kit as pictured here although they are very difficult to come by. They do not have any tampo printing or their PL release numbers present on the base and often feature repainted hair and bases. Brazilian defender Bronco was only planned for 96-97, however he did feature in this kit for Boro. Originally I only had 14 Sculpts in my picture Gallery, however the production files list four other players of which no names are featured. Thanks to the collectors that frequent this site I have been provided what I believe to be those four players. This Derek Whyte figure was picked up by a Celtic fan [insert picture] and it's great to see he is still in top condition. I only have this picture of Phil Stamp, I would like to find out if anyone owns this figure and can prove his existance. Curtis Fleming was picked up early doors by a Boro fan and lastly, I believe this unpainted model to be Chris Morris*. Without any markings to indicate a name or team it's difficult to say for sure as he looks quite generic, but I think there are enough features that match this player. 

Custom Sculpts: Gary Walsh made the switch from United to Boro during the 95-96 season So I will carry over my Custom Utd sculpt to Boro. Viv Anderson will be made in both player and assistant manager poses (Boro are actually the only team to have both manager and assistant manager as registered players and coaches in the same year). The remaining four slots will be allocated to Clayton Blackmore, Phil Whelan, Craig Liddle and Alan Moore.

Kit Usage: Boro debuted their new kit at the beginning of the 95-96 campaign in which they drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Highbury. New signing Nick Barmby (who they bought in from Arsenal Rivals Tottenham Hotspur) netted his first goal for the club before Ian Wright pulled the gunners level. The final outing of this kit was on the last day of the 95-96 season against United at The Riverside who breezed past Boro in a 3-0 victory with goals courtesy of David May, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs. By this point Boro were safe for another season, with nothing to play for (victory wouldn't move them above Chelsea) they finished 12th and 5 points clear of the drop.

Achievements 95-96:
Premier League: 12th
FA Cup: R4 (1-0 replay loss to Wimbledon)
League Cup: R4 (2-0 replay loss to Birmingham)

Not a great outing for Boro - or at least it would seem on paper. Finishing mid-table combined with swift exists from both cups would usually result in a drab outing for any supporter. However, given this was their first season upon returning to top flight football, a finish of 12th place would definitely be considered successful. It was brand new start for Boro as they had also moved to their new home The Riverside Stadium. Securing top flight football for a second season meant they could build upon their squad as new brazilian signings Juninho and Branco were a glimpse of things to come as Boro would contunie to dip into their pockets, bringing in more foreign flair in the likes of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Emerson .

Make & Sponsor: Boro's kit was supplied by Errea and Cellnet (British Telecoms) sponsored them. The kit was very well replicated, in fact there is only one small detail missing and that's the two white lines that ran from the collar underneath the arm and back round again. Aside from this, I'd be very harsh to mark it down based on anything else as it was quite an intricate kit to replicate. You may find that the red alters in players released in the second half of the season (Cox, Fjortoft, Robson and Juninho) as Corinthian moved factories. The paint will also have a more silk like texture as opposed to matte, so it's kind of annoying that all players in the same kit won't entirely match.
Rating: 9/10

Pack Releases:

Single Blisters:

All 8 players were available in single blister format

MB01: Pollock (5029310201155)
MB02: Robson (5029310223355)
MB03: Hendrie (5029310212557)
MB04: Moreno (5029310234153)
MB05: Fjortoft (5029310285636)
MB06: Barmby (5029310285643)
MB09: Juninho (5029310285674)
MB12: Cox (5029310285704)

4 Packs:
MB4A: Pollock, Hendrie, Barmby, Mareno (5029310285711)
MB4B: Pollock, Hendrie, Barmby, Fjortoft (5029310285728)

12 Pack:
N/A