GARY originally arrived at Boro in 1984 from Northern League Billingham Town in exchange for a set of strips.

He first impressed in partnership with Tony Mowbray and became one of the country's most sought-after players as Bruce Rioch's young side won successive promotions.

After making his England debut while still a second division player, Gary moved to Manchester United for a then record fee £2.3m.

At United he won numerous championship and cup medals and more England caps, although untimely injuries ruled him out of the international squads for successive major championships in the 90s.

His partnership with Steve Bruce was a formidable one and in 1992 Gary was the PFA Player of the Year.

Former Old Trafford team mate Bryan Robson brought Gary back to Middlesbrough in 1998 for £2.5m before retiring in summer 2001 after the arrival of new boss Steve McClaren.

In all he played 249 games for Boro, scoring seven goals.

He is now a property developer and lives in Yarm.