Middlesbrough’s owner has been Steve Gibson since 1994. The Middlesbrough fan took full control of Boro, buying out the other shareholders until he eventually owned 90% of the club and became the Chairman.
When did Steve Gibson become the owner of Middlesbrough?
Being a lifelong Middlesbrough fan, Gibson joined the board of directors at just 26 years old back in 1984. From here, he helped save the club in 1986 from liquidation. Middlesbrough were in massive financial difficulties and had fallen all the way into the third tier of English football. With the club unable to register with the Football League and the gates to Ayresome Park locked it seemed all hope was lost.
Then, at the 11th hour, Gibson helped bring together a consortium to save Middlesbrough and he formed Middlesbrough Football and Athletic Company (1986) Ltd.
Over time, Gibson’s influence grew and he began to buy out other stakeholders shares. This included the Scottish and Newcastle shares in 1993. By 1994, he succeded chairman Colin Henderson, owning 90% of the club at the time.
To this day, he holds this position as chairman. The Gibson era has therefore lasted for 30 years which makes him one of the longest-serving owners in English football.
What have Middlesbrough won with Steve Gibson as their owner?
Under Gibson, Middlesbrough have experienced its most successful era at the club and have added plenty of cups to its trophy cabinet.
The club’s first bit of success came in the 1994/95 season. This saw Middeslbrough lift the Division One title and earn promotion to the Premier League and they soon moved to the Riverside Stadium. From here, the club were extremely close to lifting their first major trophy in the 1996/97 season as they finished runners-up in the FA Cup and League Cup.
Unfortunately, in the same season, they were relegated from the Premier League. The following season, they won promotion again, this time finishing second. In this campaign, they reached another League Cup final, this time being defeated by Chelsea.
A major trophy would eventually come. In the 2003/04 campaign, Middlesbrough won the League Cup, defeating Bolton in the final under the guidance of Steve McClaren. It was the first major trophy in the Boro’s club history.
Gibson’s ownership continued to deliver finals and in 2006, they reached their first European final. In the UEFA Cup, they faced Sevilla but were unfortunately humbled 4-0 in the Netherlands.
Little success has come since. Boro were relegated in 2009 from the Premier League. Middlesbrough eventually won promotion again back in 2016. However, their time in the top flight was short-lived and since the 2017/18 season, have remained in the Championship. Now, manager Michael Carrick is aiming to guide the club back to the top flight once again.
What other sports franchises does Steve Gibson own?
Gibson made his money by being a global entrepreneur. He went on to found Bulkhall Limited. This company transports liquids and gases across the world in big batches. On top of this, Gibson also owns Rockliffe Hall Hotel which is located right next to Boro’s training ground.
Apart from Middlesbrough, Gibson does not own any other sporting franchises which allows him to focus more on the club.
How much is Steve Gibson worth?
Born in Middlesbrough, England, Gibson is one of the richest Englishmen alive. According to The Sunday Times 2020 Rich List, via Teesside Live, Gibson is worth £270 million. This saw him rise to the 481st on the list with his wealth increasing by £60 million compared to the previous year.