A former England manager, often overlooked in football history, is set to be honoured in his hometown of Middlesbrough, with the aim of inspiring local residents through his impressive achievements.
Leeds United legend Don Revie, a trailblazing footballer and coach who won numerous titles both on and off the pitch, has frequently been depicted as a contentious and polarising figure, leading to his accomplishments being overshadowed.
Around two years ago, Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald, along with Robert Nichols, editor of the local Fly Me To The Moon football fanzine and organiser of Discover Middlesbrough, approached Archibald Primary, Revie's old school, about changing this. Revie's story becomes even more fascinating when considering his rivalry with Brian Clough.
Both born in Middlesbrough and living approximately a mile from Ayresome Park in opposite directions, they went on to become England footballers and top-tier managers, winning numerous trophies. However, while Clough, often dubbed the 'greatest manager England never had', has a statue in Albert Park, a plaque on his old house on Valley Road, and a street named after him in Linthorpe, there is nothing in the town to suggest that Revie, who did manage England, lived in Middlesbrough, with even his former home on Bell Street in Newport unmarked.
Andy McDonald and Robert Nichols earlier this year spotted a chance to pay tribute to the iconic Don Revie through a local arts initiative, Borderlands. Together with Archibald Primary School, historian Dr Tosh Warwick, and Teesside artists Helen and Derek, they pitched the concept of creating a visible, square metre mosaic at the school to celebrate Revie's accomplishments, reports [Teesside Live](https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/campaign-remember-divisive-former-leeds-31953857).
Mr McDonald expressed his views, saying: "Don Revie was a pioneer in football and his achievements were utterly remarkable. In a very short space of time he took a second division side in Leeds United to the top of the English game and into Europe. But whereas others like Brian Clough and Bill Shankly who have had similar achievements are hero figures across the nation, Don Revie is forgotten somewhat outside of Leeds."
He went on to remark on Revie's personal journey: "That someone from Middlesbrough's Newport area could rise to be one of only 16 people to ever hold the permanent position of England football manager and the story not be told seemed to us a crying shame. He is a fascinating character who has divided opinion but someone who we should perhaps look again at for the town of Middlesbrough and we hope in this piece of art that we do just that and inspire the pupils of Archibald to know that they can achieve anything they want to."
Revie’s biographies recount how he perfected his football skills by arriving early at Archibald School to practice kicking a ball against the playground walls before lessons started.
Archibald Deputy Headteacher Steve Cowgill shared his excitement about the school's involvement in a historical project: "We are really proud that our school has such a long history and are looking forward to working on this exciting project relating to an ex-pupil who went on to be a significant local and national figure. Our aim is that as many pupils and their parents and carers as possible can become involved in creating this lasting recognition to Don Revie."
This endeavour is part of Art Council England's Creative People and Places (CPP) initiative, titled Borderlands, which focuses on Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland, providing funds for the Don Revie project. Operated by Teesside University and governed by an independent consortium, Borderlands is committed to work "with our communities to tell the stories of our people and our places. We use creativity to amplify voices which are rarely heard and often ignored."
Louise Scholes, Creative Producer at Borderlands, couldn't conceal her joy regarding the venture: "This project incorporates so many of Borderlands' key values, celebrating local history and heritage through intergenerational storytelling and creativity. We are so excited to support the community of Archibald Primary as they explore the story of Don Revie and radically reimagine what their own futures may hold!".