IT’S early November, the Cherries boss is manager-of-the-month and a high-stakes clash with Middlesbrough is just round the corner.

But this is no modern day tale.

This is the tale of the 1986-87 season, when Cherries battled it out with the Teessiders for the Division Three title.

Just before kick-off against fellow high-fliers Boro at Ayresome Park on November 1, 1986, Dean Court boss Harry Redknapp was presented with his league award.

Such was the disappointing nature of what followed – a 4-0 defeat – that visiting captain Mark Newson has all but wiped it from his memory, save for one half-time incident.

“What did stand out was the scuffle in the tunnel between Tommy Heffernan and Bruce Rioch, who was Middlesbrough manager at the time,” he said.

“I turned round and Tommy had him by the scruff of the neck – it’s fair to say that Tommy was quite a strong character.”

Cherries were already 2-0 down at that point. Archie Stephens had intercepted a Paul Morrell back-pass to score and Bernie Slaven doubled the advantage moments before the break.

In the second period, the visitors attempted vainly to hit back but Gary Hamilton and Stuart Ripley – with a fine solo effort – capped a thumping home win.

“What I remember most about that Middlesbrough side was the quality players they had at the time,” said Newson, a former defender.

“Gary Pallister was playing, Stuart Ripley was a decent footballer and they had Colin Cooper and Tony Mowbray as well.

“They were a strong, physical side who had quality in key areas. Bernie Slaven was scoring goals and they were a danger in the opposite box.

“We were on a good run and I think that game proved that they were our fiercest rivals.”

The teams did not meet again in the league until March 3, 1987, when a top-of-the-table clash was witnessed by a season-record home attendance of 13,835.

The home side opened the scoring after the break when a well worked move from Mark O’Connor’s corner ended with Newson directing beyond keeper Stephen Pears at the far post.

Slaven equalised moments later but with 18 minutes left, Cherries’ Sean O’Driscoll latched on to a Trevor Aylott through ball and found the back of the net from 15 yards.

Summer signing Aylott then made sure of victory when he beat Pears from the penalty spot after being fouled by Mowbray in the box.

It was a win that took Cherries six points clear at the top of the division and Newson & Co celebrated in fine style.

“Myself, John Williams and the others had a good night in Bournemouth afterwards and as I remember it, took it into the next day,” added Newson.

“Coming out on top against Middlesbrough was a big achievement for us. We were the minnows against the big club with the history.

"Once we got that result against them, we felt that was a major turning point as we had increased the gap at the top to six points.

“We felt confident going into games after that and we only got beaten once in our remaining fixtures that season.”

Cherries held on to top spot and won the title with 97 points, finishing three points clear of second-placed Boro.