Ahead of this evenings big match with Accrington Jamie Macdougall has sent us the following message about his experience of cheering the Boro’ on, while serving for the British forces earlier this year, all the way from Afghanistan…

“I have recently returned from a 4 month tour of Afghanistan with 15 squadron, RAF Regiment. Whenever I could I would keep updated with the Boros results and news. I even resorted to stealing a wind-up/solar power radio so that I could pick up 5 live and listen to the results.

“On the 8th January I made sure I was up to listen to the Boro v Newcastle match (it was roughly 2am in Afghanistan). The whole ordeal was too much to take in, and for days I was throwing the banter at my Toon friends.

“If at all possible, please let the team and everyone at the club know how much morale they gave me through some pretty hard times. I am extremely proud of the progress the club has made in league 2. I was at the ground for the first leg of the play-off semi’s, and will be watching the second leg tonight! I know we can get in to the final.

“Attached is a photo of me in Kandahar. The vehicle is American as we were training the yanks to do our job, but my shirt and the scarf are a little closer to home!”