Nick Waites, a devoted supporter of Middlesbrough FC, has achieved a remarkable milestone by attending his 1,400th consecutive match. This impressive streak began in September 1996 and encompasses all competitive fixtures, including league games, FA Cup matches, league cup contests, and European competitions. At 64 years old, Waites is celebrated as one of the most loyal football fans in Britain.
Waites attributes his passion for the club to his late father, Stuart Waites, and his late mother, Rita Waites, both ardent Boro supporters. His fondest memory remains the 2004 Carling Cup final, where Middlesbrough triumphed over Bolton Wanderers 2-1, ending a 128-year wait for silverware.
His favourite player is the Brazilian star Juninho, who made a significant impact during three stints with the club between 1995 and 2004. Waites, a chartered accountant by profession, has often joked with friends about their attempts to “kidnap” him in order to break his streak. He has even worked on the personal tax returns of several prominent footballers, enhancing his connection to the sport.
“The six million dollar question is how long I can go on for,” Waites remarked. He noted the absence of any significant events to deter him from attending games over the past three decades, despite facing a few close calls. One such incident occurred twelve years ago when he needed a hernia operation. He rescheduled it to a Wednesday and still attended an away match in Leicester the following Saturday.
Another memorable moment for Waites involved an accident while returning from a game in Derby, where his car was written off after skidding on a wet road. He acknowledges that while other fans may have attended more games, few Middlesbrough supporters can rival his streak of consecutive matches.
The last league game Waites missed was in 1992 when Middlesbrough secured promotion to the inaugural Premier League. That day coincided with his brother’s wedding, a choice he has never regretted. Additionally, like many fans, he was unable to attend matches during the pandemic.
Waites reached his latest milestone during Middlesbrough’s FA Cup game against Fulham on January 10, where the team suffered a 3-1 defeat. Throughout the years, he has meticulously planned his holidays to avoid clashes with match days, opting not to attend pre-season friendlies. He describes his commitment to attending matches as an “addiction,” expressing no intention of stopping anytime soon.
With aspirations of reaching 1,500 consecutive matches, Waites is determined to continue his incredible journey with Middlesbrough FC. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the unyielding loyalty and passion that football can evoke among its supporters.
