Up there with the players most fondly remembered by the Boro’ faithful, Michael Love came to us in 1997 after a brief spell with Sligo Rovers. In his three years at the club, Love made the left side of the pitch his own; turning out more than 100 times and also chipping in with a goals tally that eventually crept into double figures.
Love was part of the famous Boro’ side that stuck it to Newcastle United in the 1997-8 FA Cup, though our form in the league was a little lean under Cloughie at the time. After the arrival of Richard Hill, the defender/midfielder kept his place and highlights included a six-match winning run at the start of the 1999-00 campaign. But the seventh league game of that season saw him sent off as our run came to an abrupt end.
Michael Love: Before Boro’
Love’s career before coming to us wasn’t the most settled, though it could be down to not having data for that period. After starting out with Hinckley Athletic, he moved up to Wigan Athletic – but didn’t make a name for himself there. Nor was he able to establish himself at Wycombe Wanderers, which is when he made the move across the Irish Sea to join Sligo Rovers in 1997. After making nine League of Ireland appearances, Boro’ came calling.
Michael Love: After Boro’
The curtain fell on Michael Love’s time with us in summer 2000 after three solid seasons. It was back to the Midlands he went; signing for Nuneaton Borough. He’d remain with Nuneaton for six years as he entered the closing stages of his career. In addition to spells at Hinckley United, Brackley Town, Stratford Town, Shepshed Dynamo and Rugby Town, Love ended his playing career with Barwell in the 2010-1 season.
And, all the while, you can’t help but feel he should’ve got a better terrace song than “Michael Love, Love Love”. Not least when there are so many songs with ‘love’ in the title. It must be love? Love is all around? All you need is love? Missed opportunity guys.
Totally missed opportunity…
