(Image: (Heritage Unlocked))
North East football’s deep links to the region’s industrial past—and the role of two major clubs in preserving it—have been highlighted at an international industrial heritage conference.
Dr Tosh Warwick, a Heritage Unlocked consultant and University of Sheffield research associate, examined the links between industry and football at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium and Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.
At the 28th International Conference on Industrial Heritage in Gijón, Spain, he showed how the clubs and their supporters keep alive memories of the steelmaking, mining and other industries that shaped Teesside and Wearside.
Dr Tosh Warwick pictured at the INCUNA Conference in Gijón (Image: Heritage Unlocked)
Dr Warwick said: "At Middlesbrough, the industrial landscape around the Dock had already undergone significant change before the Riverside Stadium was constructed and there was a less apparent connection to the area’s landmark industrial heritage.
"However, Boro fans have continued to express their links to Teesside’s industrial identity through banners and their backing of the two major ‘Save Our Steel’ campaigns, as well as the more recent adoption of Chris Rea’s ‘Steel River’ as a pre-match anthem.
"In Sunderland, the then very recent closure of Wearmouth Colliery meant that the former workplace remained in the immediate memory of thousands of supporters and local families when plans to relocate from Roker Park were being formed.
Riverside Stadium (Image: Supplied)
"Contemporary records and interviews have revealed how the recent industrial use underpinned and arguably necessitated recognition of what had come before the Stadium of Light."
Dr Warwick said North East communities remain closely tied to the region’s history of iron and steelmaking, mining, shipbuilding and chemical production.
Despite decades of decline, those industries still shape the region’s culture and identity.
Stadium of Light (Image: Supplied)
Opened in 1995, Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium stands on the former Tees Storage site near Middlesbrough Dock, which closed in 1980.
The stadium was among the first major developments in the Middlehaven regeneration project, designed to attract investment and revive the area culturally.
Opened in 1997, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light stands on the former Wearmouth Colliery site, which closed less than four years earlier.
3 – An aerial view of the Tees Storage tanks that would later be replaced by the Riverside Stadium (Image: Gordon Rees Collection)
The club has built the site’s mining heritage into its identity, from the stadium’s name and Davy Lamp sculpture to the pit wheel and Men of Steel statues.
Dr Warwick drew on archives, historical newspapers and interviews with supporters for his research.
The research showed how the two stadiums remember their industrial heritage—and the educational, economic and cultural benefits of sharing it with fans.
Aerial view of Wearmouth Colliery, Sunderland, June 1962 (Image: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums)
He said: "Importantly, the research highlights the clearly defined placemaking benefits of showcasing the area’s industrial heritage through football.
"Profiling and articulating our industrial heritage at football stadiums and matches helps share the region’s industrial history and culture with new audiences who, whilst they don’t come to the Riverside Stadium or Stadium of Light primarily for industrial heritage, nevertheless encounter these memories, monuments and meanings when going to the match.
"This in turn can help promote the area, encourage wider awareness of the opportunities of the region, create positive perceptions and encourage longer or future visits.
The Riverside Teesside Development Corporation vision (1997) for the area around Middlesbrough FC's home (MFC) (Image: Supplied)
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"Given the power of football as a brand, there is also strong creative and educational potential.
"This includes embedding the links between football and industry in the curriculum to inspire young people and encourage pride in the area during what have been challenging times."
Dr Warwick hopes the research will lead to fresh partnerships with Middlesbrough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough FC and creative groups.
He believes the partnerships could make Middlesbrough a leader in reusing and explaining industrial heritage as it bids to become UK City of Culture in 2029 and prepares for its bicentenary in 2030.
Middlesbrough Dock prior to the construction of the Riverside Stadium (Image: Paul Stephenson Collection)