The war arrived to interrupt not only Wilf's career but arguably Boro's best ever team as they finished 7th, 5th and 4th in consecutive seasons. Many say the team was destined to win Boro's first silverware.

Wilf managed to turn out for Boro throughout the war as football continued on a local basis.

After the war Wilf continued to turn on the style, culminating in 1947, in what is now known as 'The Mannion Match'. Blackpool were the visitors to Ayresome Park and Wilf, although not getting on the score sheet himself, tore Blackpool to shreds, having a hand in all four goals.

Boro finished a lowly 16th that season but Wilf was still young and ambitious, he had already had one transfer request turned down. This time he moved his family to Oldham where he hoped to set up business and play for the local team. Boro were not happy to sell and put a £25,000 price on his head, Oldham could not raise the fee and the move fell through.

In those days a player was tied to a club and if they were not prepared to sell they had to stay. Wilf was not happy with this situation and his determination to get away turned in to a mini strike.

Six months later Wilf realised a move was not going to happen and he returned to Boro. He was desperately needed, Boro were languishing in 17th place in Division 1. Wilf did finally get his move, but not until 1954, when he moved to Hull City for a fee of £4,500.

Even after his playing days were over Wilf will always be remembered for the great work he did in the local community, opening fete's, presenting prizes at events, book signings etc. He was a regular at the Brunton Arms each Good Friday to present the Bunty Memorial Trophy.

Sadly Wilf passed away recently, but his memory still lives on outside the Riverside Stadium in the form of an 8 foot brass statue.

One memory that I will never forget is seeing Wilf stood alone on the balcony beneath the twin towers of Wembley, thousands of Boro fans singing "There's only one Wilf Mannion", a memory which brought a tear to my eye. Even though I never had the pleasure of seeing him play there could not be a more fitting way to remember such a great talent, there really was only one Wilf Mannion.