The start of the 1994-95 season saw the arrival of new player manager, Bryan Robson, a player that earned 90 England Caps, many of them being as captain of the nation. He led the club to promotion in his debut season, as they were crowned as first division champions by the end of the season. Robson had enjoyed his honey moon period at the club and celebrated it by signing new Brazilian super star Juninho, a former player with Sao Paulo. The Brazilian player was outstanding for the club and was arguably the most skilful player in the premier league. Boro’s first season back in the premiership was a very respectable one as they finished the season off strongly in 12th place. Boro reached the forth round of the FA Cup and league cup, suffering elimination out of the FA cup, losing against Wimbledon.
Middlesbrough had a star studded team during the 1996-97 season; it was a side that included Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Nick Barmby. Many tipped the side to be contesting for the title at the start of the campaign, however the complete opposite occurred as Boro finished the season off in a very poor 19th position, in turn surprisingly relegating the club. Boro were in their defence unlucky with many results and when they did win, they put on some spectacular displays. They were outstanding in the FA Cup as they reached the final of the competition, however they lost a final encounter against Chelsea 2-0, they also enjoyed a great run in the league cup that saw the side reach the final, meeting Leicester City. Boro forced the tie to a replay and lost it 1-0. The 1996-97 season really proved to be a real unfortunate one for the club.
The start of the 1997-98 season saw the departure of the Brazilian, Juninho. Surprisingly Boro strengthened their side at the start of the campaign, bringing in one of England’s finest players at the time, Paul Merson. Their side improved as the season continued and Bryan Robson pulled off one of the signings of the decade, bringing in Paul Gascoigne in the middle of the campaign. Middlesbrough strolled through the division, finishing the season off in second place. They ere outstanding once again in the league cup and reached the final for the second consecutive season. They met Chelsea FC in the final and the score line finished a repeat of the FA Cup final the previous year, 2-0 to Chelsea.