FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a loyal Boro supporter who collapsed and died at the Riverside Stadium ahead of last Saturday's game against Barrow.

Grandfather-of-five Brian McGowran, who was 65, became ill shortly after arriving in the Mannion Suite hospitality lounge, where he was a guest.

He was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital by ambulance, but he never regained consciousness.

Friends said he had been in typically good spirits before suddenly collapsing.

Although he had held a Boro season ticket since the 1970s and was at all the club's cup final appearances, including Eindhoven, he was brought up in Newcastle and was also a passionate supporter of the Magpies.

Scarves from both clubs will be on display at the funeral.

Boro spokesman Dave Allan said everyone at the club was saddened by Brian's death.

"Middlesbrough Football Club would like to offer our sincere condolences to Brian's family," he said.

"He was a personal friend and I know how much both Boro and Newcastle United meant to him. He will be sadly missed."



The family, who live in Acklam, have been deluged with cards and letters since news of Brian's death swept round Middlesbrough.

"We've been deeply touched, he was so well regarded by so many people," said Brian's daughter, Julie.

"We'd like to thank the football club for their quick response. They couldn't have looked after him any better and we're very grateful for everything they've done."

Brian - whose late stepfather was one of the famous Charlton footballing family from Ashington - was the owner of building firm Bemac Site Services and also owned and ran the Knights Club, in Middlesbrough's Southfield Road.

Fr Paul Farrer, who was with Brian at the match, said he was "devastated" by the death of a man he was privileged to call a friend.

Brian's son, Paul, who was also with him when he died, said: "Dad was a larger than life character who loved to chat and laugh with anyone.

"I remember him celebrating when we scored at a Sunderland v Boro game and getting abuse from the home fans.

"So he turned round and told them it was all right, he wasn't from Middlesbrough, he was a Geordie - and they nearly ran him out of the ground!

"That was typical of him. I feel I've lost one of my best friends as well as my dad."

Brian's funeral will take place at the Holy Name of Mary Church, Linthorpe, at 9.15am on Thursday.