However, had the long lenses of the cameras been focussed on Central Avenue, Billingham a few days earlier they would have captured another meeting between the two men in rather less grand surroundings.

The occasion was a reserve game between Boro and United staged at the ground of Northern League Billingham Synthonia. Snow flurries and sub-zero temperatures failed to deter Bobby or Terry or the 250 spectators huddled in the lower stand.

While Venables opted for a touchline station complete with mug of char, it took Bobby more than 80 minutes before he graduated to pitch level.

Two men at work with a vast reservoir of knowledge, still passionate despite their advancing years. Bryan Robson was nowhere to be seen.

p.s. Final score Boro 0 United 3, a repeat on Saturday would put the smile back on Bobby's face.

Biffa