Pictures: Jack Charlton and many of his legendary side from 1973-74 season get together for anniversary meal
The hairlines and midriffs may have changed a bit, but 40 years ago this line-up had few equals on the football pitch.
In the 1973-74 Division Two campaign, the Boro team managed by Jack Charlton stormed to promotion, winning the league by a record 15 point margin.
They caused record after record to tumble - the highest ever points total (65); Boro’s longest unbeaten league run (24 games); their best defensive record (just 30 goals against).
And 40 years on from that stunning campaign, most of the team - and even the management - reunited for a very special celebration dinner, organised by the Middlesbrough Former Players Association.
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Gallery: Charlton's Champions - 1973/74 2nd Division title-winning team
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The boss, Jack Charlton, was there, with his trusted assistant Ian McFarlane; Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, looking tanned and fit, turned up too.
And legendary centre-forward John Hickton was back leading the forward line, alongside fellow hot-shots Alan Foggon and David Mills.
Only midfielder Bobby Murdoch, who died in 2001, and centre-half Willie Maddren, who lost his brave battle with motor neurone disease in 2000, weren’t there.
But their massive contributions were also remembered on a night of pure nostalgia.
“Charlton’s Champions” plied their trade at Ayresome Park, but it was The Riverside Stadium which hosted the reunion dinner.
And goalkeeper Jim Platt, who missed just two league games between the sticks during that ‘73-74 campaign and was the main organiser for Friday night’s dinner, said it was a very special occasion.
He added: “We always try to have one or two dinners every year, but we wanted to do something a bit special for the 40 years.
“It was great to see everyone and remember some good times. And they were good times - not just in the Second Division, but in following seasons too.
"Don’t forget, on Boxing Day the next season, we were second in Division One - we were a decent side.
“And in those days, because you only had one substitute, we usually just took 13 players to away games, so we were a very close bunch.”
Jim says everyone he phoned was eager to attend the evening.
He added: “It was a fantastic night and brilliant to see old colleagues looking fit and healthy.”
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