Of benches and managers

So, they’ve been doing up parts of middlesbrough. The Boulevard, which is pretty much city centre, has been closed for over a year now while they built the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art and generally do up the place.

Having seen the plans, I think it’ll look good. But then, it’s an area which has been badly needing it for years.

And it’s better than their plans for Middlehaven, another area in Middlesbrough. Where the plans include an area inspired by Prada skirts, a theatre shaped like a toaster, a hotel shaped like a champagne bottle and glass, another one based on the game Kerplunk!, sugar cube offices. Oh, and a giant Space Invader.

(Think I’m joking? Go here then click on check out the plans for Middlehaven.)

Anyway, back to my original point. They opened up part of the revamped area recently. And blundered into outrage.

Was it that they moved the statues? Or got rid of the tatty old shelter?

No. It was the benches.

Yup. Or, to be more precise, these benches.

I’ll admit, they are nice looking benches. And they seem to be comfortable.

They were also designed in Norway, made in Scotland and cost £7,000.

Each.

And, no that was not a typo.

And how many do you think the council bought?

10.

I actually think godd on them for doing this and not just putting in ‘normal’ benches.

But, there you go.

As you may (or may not) know, Middlesbrough recently lost their manager as he’s taking over the England job.

So an enterprising soul decided to apply. Based on his experience playing Football Manager 2005.

Don’t quite think he expected a response for Steve Gibson (Boro chairman).

You can read the whole thing here.

Steve Gibson, you absolute legend.

Will