A team which would finish first in a list of 'Football teams with the greatest names', Middlesbrough Ironopolis spent a solitary season in the Football League between 1893-94. The clubs formation in 1889 was in response to Middlesbrough FC's amateur status, its founders believing the formation of a professional team would allow Middlesbrough a Football League team. Playing at the suitably named Paradise Ground, Ironopolis played five seasons of football, winning the Northern League at all three attempts before being admitted to the Second Division of the Football League. Despite finishing 11th in their first season, Ironopolis disbanded in May 1894. Six years later Middlesbrough FC would gain entry to the Football League, leaving Ironopolis as an odd footnote in North Eastern footballing history.
