We can officially confirm that we will be wearing our Black away strip at Wembley in our F.A. Cup Semi Final with Barnsley.

This follows a discussion on Friday between the Chairman and the first team squad where concerns were raised by the players regarding the suitability of both teams playing in white shorts; they unanimously felt that this gave rise to considerable difficulty with regards to distinguishing players to pass to.

In addition again unanimously the players felt the psychological confidence of having worn the all black strip at Middlesbrough was something they wish to take into the semi-final against Barnsley.

It is understood that some supporters will be disappointed that we are not wearing our tradition blue and white home strip, but we feel sure that for good footballing reasons people support us in this decision.