anthoney ormerod started his career at middlesbrough and scored on his debut in a 2–2 draw against bradford city in the first division on 13 september 1997. his next goal came in a 3–1 win against qpr on 8 november. he scored again seven days later in the 3–1 victory against norwich. overall, he made 23 appearances in his first season with middlesbrough as the teesside club regained promotion to the premier league.