The optimism on Teesside for this game was probably only bettered by the dark depressing rain clouds that refused to clear all day. Everton were a team on the ascendancy and Boro perilously slip sliding away. Like Spurs last week it was a nothing to lose game, a draw was possibly the most the rain soaked Boro masses could hope for though for some there was that niggling “Typical Boro out of adversity moment” that just might deliver points from unexpected places. With results over the last few weeks going against us if something was going to break then today had to be the day.
Would AK stick with the predictable? Would Friend be fit and if he was would Fabio be unfairly benched for Barragan and of course would Ramirez return? So many questions for the Boro faithful and of course which Everton would turn up, the perennial top 10 side that flatters to deceive but always falters or the one on their current free scoring unbeaten run? Hopefully the Benidorm sunshine would lift the dark clouds around Teesside. Ominously though Everton were on their best winning run against Boro since December 1931 (4 wins in a row) having never beaten us 5 times consecutively.
Lukaku was looking to break Duncan Ferguson’s 60 Premiership Everton goals record and his 16 goals already this season has made him formidable enough as the Premierships leading scorer contrasting against our feeble 11 home goals all season. As we know Middlesbrough have attempted the fewest shots on target in the Premier League this season and the only side to have failed to post a shot on target in more than one PL game in 2016-17. With that backdrop the omens certainly didn’t look good. If AK continued with the same old Boro the outcome was fairly predictable before a ball was even kicked.
The Boro Team line up was less than inspirational when it was announced an hour before KO with all the predicted players in their predicted positions with the exception of the injured Friend. The opening few minutes saw Stuani put in two very weak challenges which allowed balls into the Boro box. Espinosa also looked a little nervy and so it looked like the omens where going to be proved right with yet another “Typical AK Boro” 0-0 performance at best.
As it transpired the end result was indeed 0-0 but one earned with honour, with fight, with aggression, desire and most of all we looked like we wanted to win this. After 20 minutes the realisation was dawning on both sets of fans that it looked like Boro could indeed win this with the Everton fans the quietest I’ve ever known them to be, the noise levels from the South and North stands rising steadily.
Boro were far more positive than at any game this season, closing down, snapping into tackles and not giving Everton a second to loiter on the ball. Confidence and belief levels were growing and perhaps for the first time at home we actually looked like a Premiership side playing at home rather than a promoted side hoping to hang on at home. Things weren’t perfect, we didn’t score yet again and Lukaku burst through 1 v 1 on Valdes in the first half who came out and smothered a shot when to all intents and purposes it looked like the Premiership’s top scorer couldn’t miss. After that Boro would normally be rattled, look nervous and take ten minutes to regroup but not today up the pitch they pushed, keeping a high line and putting the Toffees back in their wrappers.
Valdes came to the rescue on another couple of occasions, racing off his line and playing the sweeper keeper role to perfection. As the game progressed the Boro faithful raised the decibels and the Everton fans I suspect were waiting for what looked like the inevitable Boro goal. Unfortunately it didn’t materialise and on a couple of occasions in the first half Forshaw had an opportunity to shoot but passed into oblivion each time. Despite the vastly more offensively minded Boro the 3 DM’s still held us back. Clayton patrolled and swept up sublimely whilst de Roon looked like he had been clubbing all night and still coming down from an artificial high as he ran chased and closed down and snapped at anything in black and pink that moved. Why would a team that plays in Blue change strip against a team that plays in Red and White anyway? Did the “interesting” strip hand Boro an initiative?
Chambers picked up what looked like a game ending ankle injury just before half time and surprisingly he made it out for the second half when he looked well and truly crocked Bamford style. In fairness whatever was in the magic sponge at half time it done the trick as he nearly stole the show in the dying seconds as he crossed for Gestede to see Robles pull off a save of the season contender (OK maybe a slight exaggeration). More surprisingly though was that AK actually made a Substitution on 58 minutes taking off Forshaw who wasn’t getting up to support Negredo who himself was brilliant, battling fighting and scrapping against Funes Mori and Williams the two Everton CB’s but in vain with no support sadly.
On came Guedioura for his home debut in place of the frustrating Forshaw who has looked for weeks like he needs a break and I don’t mean 3 days in Benidorm. For me Ramirez or Downing centrally would have been a far better fit especially as we had this Everton side on the ropes at times but the ex-Watford man came on to strut his stuff and being honest I wish he hadn’t. As at White Hart Lane when he entered the fray he gave the ball away with regular aplomb. I suppose his attempts to hand Everton what little initiative they craved took (not for the first time) some of the heat off Espinosa’s equally butt clenching distribution “skills”.
Guedioura did at least try and pass forwards and get closer to Negredo but two game winning chances fell to him on the edge of the 18 yard box and both times his efforts were more worthy of Twickenham than the Riverside. He may have a shot like a rocket but he has all the accuracy of a 90 year old on his fifteenth pint on an afternoon Sesh, the only net he hit was Temenos!
Had those chances fell to Grant, Stewy or Gaston we would have been dancing in the streets now, “high wide and handsome”, “woeful” or just plain “wayward” for a supposed Premiership professional all are apt descriptions. Our Scouting network must have been working alongside that 90 year old and drinking him under the table when they uncovered this gem!
At least AK did try and change the game with a Sub so we should be grateful but again he square pegged Traore onto the left in the second half to keep him near to the dug out and with it his effectiveness dipped compared to the first when he had Everton in a constant state of panic. Fabio already had the normally dangerous Coleman in his back pocket and the switch just made our left side messy with Stuani even more surplus wide right than wide left if that was possible. Later AK brought on Gaston for Stuani but instead of switching flanks with Traore he kept them both on their “wrong” sides to the detriment of both in my opinion.
Gaston responded to the warm reception he received by showing some forward runs and drives as well as giving away silly free kicks as is his want but how I wished AK had put Traore Right and Gaston Left (or better still Central instead of the well-meaning but limited Guedioura). Still happy though that 66 minutes in and AK had made two substitutions.
Everton were making efforts themselves to win the game especially more so in the second half as they built from their left flank with Baines now that he was free from the bane of Traore but Boro stood firm with Gibson snuffing out Lukaku in a manner that will have put another £10m on his head as he made the hitman look more like Pikachu (one for the youngsters there!). Baines even headed off the line from a Gibson header in the second half.
I enjoyed the game immensely and the crowd responded to the new attacking intent with possibly the best backing of the side all season. Hopefully not rocket science for AK to work out that playing like that had 100% support, backing and respect for his charges. More of the same please but with a few tweaks. Three DM’s are one too many, Forshaw needs a rest, Guedioura isn’t the answer and despite Gestede’s late header when he replaced Negredo with 10 to go his ball skills are Bambiesque. Traore wide right please (and leave him there) Gaston and Stewy presumably (or Grant even) in the middle instead of a DM and either Stewy or Gaston wide left. Vast improvement by the bucket load but still needs more work.
Valdes had a good game but as did Gibson who had the Cigars out but MOM for me was almost Fabio again but at the risk of going left field I’m going to give it to de Roon, that Bunny Rabbit Battery Company personified all afternoon!
Thanks RR, always god to read a live report rather than from people who have to speak to the people involved.
On to the cup, a chance for more game time for the likes of Bamford.
Excellent report RR. Many thanks.
And I agree, an all-action whole-hearted performance. In spite of AK’s peculiar way with man-management, you couldn’t doubt the way in which the entire team is committed to the cause, and it has been that way for most of the season. I was absolutely gutted for the lads at the end of the Man U game, because they couldn’t have given more, and were literally out on their feet. You could say the same about today. They chased, tackled, harried and closed Everton down for the entire game. And just when you feared that they might run out of steam towards the end, they continued to push forward and Gestede almost won it with a magnificently athletic bullet header, which needed a worldy- one of the saves of the season – to keep it out. It would have been the perfect finish and no more than the Boro deserved.
For my money Valdes, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio, de Roon, Clayton, Traore and Negredo all put in 5* performances. And- my only slight divergence from RR- I thought Guedioura gave us momentum and additional subtlety going forward in spite of his wayward shooting. I think he’s a useful addition.
This was a more than honourable point against one of the league’s quality teams,who- let’s not forget- scored six last week, and a game that we came within a whisker of winning.
Credit where it’s due to AK for the team’s superb organisation and all round effort.
Yes. Thanks RR. Your match reports have ways been essential reading for the emigrés. A great service and much appreciated.
I agree Ian, Oxford must be a guaranteed start for Bamford. I won’t accept that he has been bought in January only with next season in mind. I was disappointed he wasn’t involved today. I think he is the only player we have now that has a goal scoring instinct. 15 or 20 minutes of him today might have made a difference, but would at least have accelerated his progressive return to full match fitness.
Delighted with what I have heard about our performance today if a little disappointed we didn’t have the fortune to capitalise on the other results at the bottom. I can take losing points when we play with intent.
Really enjoyed that report. Well done, RR. You too, Len.
In isolation I’d be very happy indeed. Something to build on. Rock solid, a once shaky but now confident goalkeeper, and chances to win a home match against a very good Premier League side.
The problem is, it isn’t in isolation. Games are running out and we need to go for all the wins and goals we can get. The chances we did create, the better timing of AK’s substitutions and even the very good performances will be, as Vic once put it, a hard sell to people who struggle to remember goals and wins.
An entertaining 0.0 today as opposed to the previous drab affairs
Difference today was at least we gave it a go and that’s what the fans have been crying out for all season
All we have to get into the players heads now is to shoot when they get to the edge of the box and not pass Forshaw being the main culprit
Have to disagree on RR’s assessment on Geudiola,true his first couple of touches/shots wernt the best but he improved put some good tackles in won the ball and is more offensively minded and looks to create,similar to his performance at Spurs last week. I would have started him instead of Forshaw today and would do so next game too.
Gestade showed some good touches and intent and was very unlucky with his bullet header,hopefully he’ll get some game time against Oxford too
Espinosa got away with a few wayward passes again,Ayalas waiting to pounce for his chance should they continue I still feel we miss his aerial threat in both boxes.
Valdes saved us several times today,Fabio brilliant yet again,De Roon had one of his best games and Clayton did what he always does and Traores getting better every game,I just wish AK would leave him on the right and trust him to play.
An encouraging display that all of us hope will be replicated for the rest of the season and not just a one off especially against our relegation contenders. We need some wins soon and fast without stating the obvious
I’ll be back with my assessment of things going forward,but before. ,that ,I must say this ,and this is to the Karanka knockers, in all my years of watching, and I saw. Clough and Peacock,this bunch of lads are fighting and working their tails off for the club,it’s fantastic, we know in a couple of positions, shall we say it would improve us,but so what, we don’t have them but if we stay up I’ll put them on par with big Jack’s promotion team, as far as more than could really be expected.
Sorry meant to comment on the Watford guy we siigned, I. Hope I’m wrong, he’s been leant out all over, championship sides,
He’s awfull ,head down ass up,I’m sorry, not in this league,infact his first touch almost gave them a goal,once again another highlight signing
Agree with the general comments above – it wasn’t the win we crave but it was a much more positive performance and one that offers some hope. And it was great to see sensible bit attack-minded substitutions made early enough to have an influence.
It’s far too early to write off Guedooura. He’s only had two cameos so far. Who knows how it will work out but I was always impressed whenever I saw him at Watford, he looks a good fit in the system and is still getting up to speed.
Playing as we did yesterday, with Friend back fit and Fabio restored to the right, with Gaston back in the fold and possibly Guedioura adding some invention to the midfield, we have a chance.
Oxford next and then a massive game away at Palace. A couple of wins (particularly at Selhurst) would revitalise us.
Powmill
I could have put it better, we may not see the best of him for some time. He has barely played for a season and a half, a pre season under his belt will be a huge benefit.
It may be a run out in the cup, some U23 games and cameos. If he makes the breakthrough soon that will be great.
Everton are next best after the elite clubs, were in a very good run of form and had just scored six in a game – but we matched them in a well-balanced game and deserved the point.
Valdes was brilliant, performing the sweeper role to cut out threats, and making inspirational saves when Everton broke through and seemed sure to score. Man of the Match.
We can see AK’s dilemmas. Adam Forshaw got possession in a few dangerous breaks forward, but seems to lack the composure, technique or vision to create anything. On the other hand, he is superb along with De Roon and Cayton in the swarm/smother/disrupt role. He takes the ball well, makes little feints when needed to retain possession, and moves smoothly with the ball. If only he could create, he really would be a candidate for an England squad.
When Guediora came on he immediately lost possession and they nearly scored – so AK makes a positive substitution and makes it early, which everyone has been calling for, and it nearly backfires. Guediora’s shooting is powerful but as inaccurate as that of most of our players, to be brutally honest and realistic about what threat we have from distance. He did not retain possession very well either, which can be fatal against teams of Everton’s quality, but clearly it’s too early to make firm judgements.
AK showed a change of approach with free kicks. We had one just inside our half, and he sent men forward and had it played long into the box, rather than the short sideways pass to restart ‘playing our way’ (the way which he thinks the crowd don’t always understand). The result of the long ball was an initial dangerous situation in their box, and further danger when it was played back in again seconds later. When you struggle to create chances, you have to use set pieces offensively whenever there’s a chance.
Boronurk is spot on about forshaw. I really really like him but he’s definitely more of a holding midfielder rather than a creative one. That’s why for me the three midfielders doesn’t work as none of them provide the offensive spark we need.
As numerous people on here have said If we want to win games I would like to see Ramirez playing instead of one of the holding midfielders and then downing and traore either side.
For me guediora is a half way house. But I’d rather sacrifice some defensiveness and go for more wins particularly against the teams around us.
A really impressive performance, it was the tempo more than anything and the fact we managed to maintain it until the end. We’d shown the ability to do this for spells in the past three homes games, but only in flashes. I think the crowd helped as well, it was an excellent atmosphere. If you look back at the Leicester, WBA, WHU and Everton home games, you’d wonder how we’ve managed to not win at least one but the bit of quality in the final third is letting us down.
As gt says above, what you can’t doubt is the players effort, determination and will to win for themselves, the manager and the team.
Gibson was man of the match for me – Lukaku is on fire at the moment and he had him in his pocket. Superb performance. Valdes also had another good game bar one aberration. De Roon was excellent as well, all over the place again – seemingly limitless energy.
And AK even used subs to make an impact – I’m sure he might say that he didn’t have the players on the bench to be able to do that before. Ramirez worried me to be honest, whilst he looked likely to make something happen, he’s normally a red card waiting to happen and that seemed even more of the case yesterday. But if he can channel his frustration into good performances, and the fans continue to get behind him we might all get the result we want at the end of the season.
Guedioura certainly looked more positive (and more likely to make a mistake) – to be honest he’s worth trying to get in the team for his set pieces alone. I sit right behind where he took his corners from and they were whipped in at pace – just what we have been missing. Gibson unluckly not to score from one of them.
Overall, our delivery from the flanks was a bit better – Negredo unlucky not to get on the end of a Fabio cross and then Chambers putting one on a plate for Gestede who looks a more than able replacement for Negredo at the end of matches.
A great platform now to take us into the big matches against the bottom teams. Oxford next, and then away to Palace – time to deliver on the promise.
Talking of accuracy, MOTD have take over from the Atomic Clock as the reference point for setting of time throughout the world.
The timing of our appearance is just so reliable, it could have been a request from the scientific world though I did hear a malicious rumour it was because we don’t score.
Ian we could score six and we would still be on last 😂
BoroPhil is spot-on about Ramirez. He actually should have been sent off – foot high and lunging with studs showing – which could have cost us the game and resulted in him missing another three games. Frustrated players do tend to get sent off – remember Dani Ayala in the FA Cup. Ramirez also conceded a dangerous free kick just outside the box, so too much of Headless Chicken was in evidence. On the other hand, soon after coming on he hit a sumptuous pass to pick out De Roon who was making a break forward – the sort of pass he alone perhaps can hit among our likely starters. And he’s one guy who can shoot with accuracy and venom. Another of AK’s dilemmas, but I think he has to persist with re-integrating the player in the hope that Gastonisation of our opponents will resume.
I also take BoroPhil’s comments about Guedioura’s corners – those are exactly the sort of deliveries you would hope we are working on tirelessly in training, because increasing the quality there might yield one or two of the goals we desperately need in the next seven games.
Thanks once again to RR for yet another excellent match report and that’s now six under his belt on Diasboro.
I was able to watch the game online and it was a good committed performance from Boro and Everton could only manage a limited threat, with Valdes on hand with his feet to keep them out when required.
I think the substitutions showed where Boro could be heading, having a more attack-minded midfielder in Guedioura (other spellings are available on here I noticed: Quedioura, Geudiola, Guedooura and the safe option – Watford lad), though raw as he may be, he gives much needed and less meandering forward momentum.
Then the return of Gaston showed what extra quality he has on the ball and with the passes he can deliver – but as Borophil said he looks like he’s still prone to rash challenges that could see red on another day – though still a risk worth taking.
I think we may well have the team to see off some of our relegation rivals if we have an XI closer to the one that was on the pitch for the second half – especially if George Friend is back soon and Fabio can move to right-back – plus with Adama’s sideline coaching programme completed to allow him to stay on the right for two halves – then Gaston restored to the left instead of Stuani (who seemed to be competing for the centre-forward slot with Negredo during most of the first half yesterday) – and the ‘Watford lad’ taking a central midfield slot.
So reasons to be optimistic, plus Sunderland looked terrible yesterday and a win against Palace in two weeks would put us potentially five points clear of those pair – then it looks more like one from the next four or five clubs for the last relegation spot – much better odds!
It was a really enjoyable game to watch and the best measure of our performance was how few chances Everton were able to create. They are a really good side and we had them on the run for a lot of the second half. It’s the first time for a while that we have looked like a top class side for pretty much a whole game.
I agree with the comments about Forshaw. He doesn’t have the vision or quality for a killer final ball or shot. With Clayton immense and De Roon extraordinary in his ability to be everywhere, we have the cover that we need and the third midfielder needs to bring that attacking power. Whether it should be Guedioura or Ramirez, I’m not sure but it would be good to see how the team plays with Ramirez there and Bamford, Negredo and Traore up front. I must also throw in a word for a Gestede. His header was absolutely brilliant and we have nobody else who could have done that. Shame that their keeper pulled of a brilliant save.
The weakest link was Bernardo. He wasn’t bad but I’d expect to see Ayala have a go against Oxford and Chambers have the chance to rest his foot.
It’s also worth mentioning the crowd who were really behind the team. Maybe this was a turning point for everyone.
I’m not sure whether it’s a good time to have the cup game but we can’t do anything about it. Hopefully, we can build off this performance, have a good win and be ready for Palace.
UTB
A fifteen minute discussion about relegation on Sunday Supplement.
With Swansea v Leicester on the box later the focus was on that match but the discussion included all six down there. The least mentioned were Boro and that wasn’t insulting. There was no one saying Boro are doomed.
One interesting point was made, soon be ten games left and you don’t want to be getting to that stage needing 15 points.
Could not face a dessert last night and did not like the look of the “humble pie”.
A very good and committed performance, an all round team effort. Only watching on the PC it was difficult to judge how much the torrential rain affected the overall play by both sides.I also thought that dean had a really good game making allowances for the conditions.
As BoroPhil and boronurk said, Ramirez could have been red carded and i also thought he was lenient with Clayton a couple of times after his booking. But then there were tackles on both sides that went unpunished in what was a competitive game but certainly not dirty.
There were some really good individual games, Gibson will certainly be bound to join a higher level club at the end of the season come what may. Valdes saved the day with a couple of reactive saves and could have been close to MOtM if not for some poor clearances.
Clayton certainly earned his corn, but I am still not convinced about de Roon. Yes he has a good engine and was still going full steam after 90 minutes, but his distribution for a 12 mil player is poor. Guediouria, better than Forshaw? overall nowhere near at the moment.And as it is about opinions, I must have missed something of Negrados game.
But lots of positives, good early substitutions, better intent, and I think a belief in the team they can escape the drop. However we will have to maintain that tempo of performance every game until the end of the season to end in 17th place. A tall order but maybe achievable.
Just one thing more…..could somebody explain why Fabio kept playing inside leaving the wing wide open at times. The commentator did say he was following Barkley. If so why was Stuani not covering that space?
Thanks to Redcar for his match report delivered with speed and panache. A Traoare of the match report world.
.
Hi, Pedro.
I agree that Gibson will, in the close season, attract bids from clubs much higher in the food-chain than Boro. He is a leader, he is reliable and professional in his approach, and he is a ‘safe’ player – and being safe is a prime requirement for a centre-back. I’d much rather have a Gibson at centre-back than a Stones, and look how much Stones went for last year. Gibson’s value to the team is immense, and I expect he will bring in a big fee. when/if sold.
Traore has just had his 21st birthday. When he came to Boro he had only played 12 senior games. He has still played less than 30, I think. He is said to have a lot to learn and, bearing in mind his age and inexperience, that is hardly a surprise. He is obviously too fast for most defenders to cope with, even in the Premier League. It is clear he is learning, his performances are much better now than a few months ago, and he is even contributing in defence. He really is a “project” and if his improvement carries on, in the same trajectory he is currently following, we can be sure that he will go to a top club for REALLY big money in the not-too-distant future.
So Boro’s bank balance will be improved, whatever happens in the end-of-season rub-in.
RUN in !!!
Aww. I like the sound of the end of season rub in. Footballers these days are so pampered.
Enjoyed the game thought De Roon had his best game ran his socks off
Fabio goes from strength to strength as does Traore with AK shouting his instructions from the touch line
We deserved a point and Valdez made three great saves with his legs
That sounds like a much improved performance all round from Boro. Are we beginning to play like a team again? Please shoot though Boro, somebody posted about Burnley playing the averages or percentage game with their shooting or are Boro simply told to pass and walk it into the net?
I must say that the January transfer window seems to create more problems for Boro than it solves. Perhaps they should ban the January window and have a longer window in the summer.
My Norwich supporting neighbours came back from their game purring, particularly about the first goal Norwich scored so I watched out for it on TV and I must say it would be good to see Boro score few like that one from outside the penalty area.
Thanks for the report Redcar Red, looked forward to, read and enjoyed with a beer. Thank you.
UTB,
John
Positive signs & a great relief that we didnt get tonked by a team in form – the weather may have assisted us rather than them, the break away from pessimissum cant have been bad either.
I detect the impact of a tipping point. Carry on with the ‘I’m not changing my style!’ AK & we would have repeated the same dirge & maybe a loss. But, change has made its infrequent presence felt & the fruits of a more positive display were there for all to see.
So, what can we deduce? Well, there has been, at least for this game, a turning of the tide & the old instructions were cast out for the new – at last happy wet cold and soggy days. Have the players now found a new lease of life & can get amongst the opposition and rattle them? It seems so, & they appear to be relishing the opportunity – great!
Question is, why has it taken soooo long to discover the obvious. No need for answers on a postcard coz we all know the answer. Many, including myself, have said that this Boro squad have the ability to do so much more but were in fact greatly hindered by the manager’s instructions, selections& lack of all round footballing intelligenge & I for one am of the thinking he’s a burden rather than an asset.
Still, the Boro have taken a decisive step forward & long may it continue. Now just for that illusive win. Maybes a chance will present itself away against Palace. Here’s hoping!!
UTB
Jarsue
I have commented several times about Burnley and taking chances. They play a long ball but also shoot on sight.
Pedro
I didn’t see the match but instinct tells me Fabio is right footed and moving inside may be more comfortable. Just a guess.
Noticed that our shots on target yesterday have been downgraded from 4 to 3 – nevermind I’ve adjusted the graphic accordingly.
I read the match report in Guardian/Observer this morning but they seemed to suggest it was mainly down to Valdes – he made some important saves but not really the full picture for me.
Though by far the most amusing was the opening line in their match report: “This was another game in which Middlesbrough equipped themselves relatively well but could not find the telling breakthrough.” – whilst I’m sure that the Boro lads didn’t tool up for this one, I thought instead they ‘acquitted themselves well’ and without the help of any specialist equipment…
Sorry used different IPad for last one, and Spell check got it wrong so please ignore the Bore bit!!!
Here it is
As usual a great report from RR and the others who were at the game. Makes us for us poor souls who have to wait up for 5 seconds at the end of MOTD!
There certainly appear to be some positive signs coming through although I guess we will have to suck it and see whether they can be maintained.
What I saw and from the reports was a solid defence that kept Everton at bay although we need the attacking intent. The three in midfield do not push on the the graphics demonstrated it on MOTD. Foresaw had a good opportunity and wasted it, probably thinking that he was out of position.
Only the great save denied us at the end and shows what can be done, was it Chambers who put the cross in?
Maybe the new guy from Watford will help and if Gaston can keep his cool, then with George back on the left and Fabio on the right, then maybe, just maybe, we can press more to create chances and goals.
I feel more confident after that although Palace will test the nerves and as the risk of stating the bleeding obvious, we need 3 points………., just hope that AK can see that.
UTB
🔴 Just noticed your earlier version got held for approval because the unintentional typo gave you a new posting name – I guess I’ll just delete it – Werdermouth
Like
Thanks Weder
Beckys Dad……there are always links on the internet showing ALL the EPL matches. Firstrow always has a strong stream, VIPLeague is also normally OK.
Great report RR, ta.
Good to read we put in a strong performance, hopefully that will be a confidence booster.
A couple of other results went our way yesterday, so despite a win not being forthcoming just yet not a bad day overall.
AK, I think, has shown himself to be more of fixer than an improver. More famed for righting (self-created?) wrongs rather than improving on the rights.
Like Mourinho, he needs the pressure to be really turned on or an unsurmountable obstacle thrown in his place before his teams *really* show what they can do. I’ll be happy to illustrate the numerous examples for both some other time.
Jarsue re Burnley
With points on the board they have started playing with a little more freedom.
Ian, I think they have just equalised against Chelsea. John
Football is a funny game, last season in the cup, and earlier this season, Delefaeru tore Friend a new one, not here yesterday,
I think Deulofeu made a mockery of Amorebieta, who (oddly) started at LB that night.
Let me check…
Yes he did. The Boro XI that night was: Mejias, Nsue, Ayala, Gibson, Amorebieta, Leadbitter, Clayton, Stuani, Downing, De Pena, Kike.
De Pena was so awful that night he was hauled off for Forshaw at half-time. Friend came on for Gibson and (earlier) Adomah for Clayton.
Nugent, George, Dimi and Albert came back that weekend at Ipswich and we won 2-0 in one of AKBoro’s best showings.
Despite his clangers (Rotherham?) and perceived superfluousness (*another* CB) I did like ‘Nando. His ball for Downing v MK Dons and last minute finish at Brentford, I still remember fondly.
I stand corrected Simon, must have been earlier this season then,
On another note I’ve noticed some of the people calling into tees after games ,are not, based , on acccents , from the area, a guy called in the other week after a home game was on his way back to Chesterfield, very impressive ,back on the map again.
Swansea’s renaissance under Clement continues, fair play to them. Their squad always looked far better than their league position but that also applies to the Foxes and the Eagles.
Leicester today looked as though they had few answers and very little belief amongst themselves, something certainly looks wrong in that camp. Could they slip from Champions to Championship in 12 months? Looking back our dropped points against them look even more annoying.
It now looks like Hull, Sunderland, Palace and Leicester will be our main rivals for the drop (Bournemouth?). If we can get a positive result at Palace that would certainly boost Boro confidence and really flatten hopes in South London.
For me 37 pts are the aim,looking at it we need 15 pts,
Remarkably Burnley need 7 pts,,
It’s over
More annoying to be a rash tackle (De Roon) or a missed chance (Stuani, Ramirez) away from turning two points into six, but it is the limited creative options inherent in AKBoro that leave so many of our games hanging on a knife-edge.
Swansea have a great run of fixtures coming up as well after Chelsea next week. The following 4 are Burnley h, Hull a, Bournemouth a and us h. If they keep their current run up they could be safe very soon.
I think Bournemouth are right in it, and trying to be objective, Sunderland and Hull look most at risk with one from us, Bournemouth, Palace and Leicester to join them. The only concern with that is we probably have the weakest squad on paper of the 4 but if we show the fight we did yesterday then that might be enough to make up the difference.
The first week in April is looking tasty – Swansea and Hull away followed by Burnley at home, all in the space of 8 days.
All the comments on ‘the Watford lad’ miss the obvious, he is big and strong and fearless plus playing for Watford trains you to take no prisoners.
Watched match of the day, yes I know, but seriously, none of them had watched the match, they nominated one of their number to say a little piece about the match, as you would expect, the result was you or I attempting a speech at a wedding extempore. Not wise and not good. The victim thought the match had been a very boring draw, we had been lucky, and clueless, his explanation of Everton not getting six was simple, it must have been one of those inexplicable happenings which do occur every twenty years or so.
Plato
If you think MOTD was bad apparently Charlie Nicholas was covering the game for Sky in the studio and reported that the Boro fans where chanting for Bamford to come on which was strange as I didn’t hear any such chants and Paddy wasn’t even named for the bench.
Money for old rope comes to mind!
Well done to Burnley, that doesn’t stretch to Barton and Dyche.
They gained praise for their organisation, defending and shape.
Against Chelsea, Burnley had 29% possession, 6 shots with 4 on target.
At home we played Chelsea and had 42% possession, 12 shots with 1 on target.
Burnley drew and we lost. They launch it and we pass.
Come out of the woodwork, pass and play or launch? You are not allowed to sit on the fence and mutter about Mogga or Rhodes or Reach or Yannick.
🙂
All this talk of the Watford lad reminds me of the Everton song about Diniyar Bilyaletdinov:
‘He’s fast, he’s game, we can’t pronounce his name, Russian lad, Russian lad.’
I can’t fault attacking intent, watching MOTD I was impressed with the flying header.
The Swans seem to be flying clear. If they take points off those around us, it will benefit us as well as them.
The Palace game is assuming ever greater importance. Having lived in that manor for a few years, their being my son’s second club, and having colleagues who support them, I’d be loathe to see them go down.
Mind you, any opportunity to stick the boot into Fat Sam must not be resisted. Beating them and seeing us and them stay up would be favourite.
Our needs are the greater of course.
Ian.
Launch.
Fortune favours the bold etc etc.
I don’t think any of Boro, Swansea or Leicester should be in this position. If I am right, it’s bad news for Hull (despite recent improvement), Sunderland and Palace. Of course Bournemouth could still come into it, but they have this annoying habit of scoring goals (what are they??).
Goals? I think, but I’m not sure, that they are something to do with hitting your targets… When I see one, or even two, I’ll let you know. Three would be science fiction.
UTB,
John
We are running out of games now and with some tough fixtures coming up during the run in. We need to start winning games now, keeping things tight and hoping for a lucky break or a fortuitous set piece off someone’s backside hasn’t yielded the point a game target and as a consequence beads of sweat are now starting to appear.
Losing to a Liverpool, Chelsea or an Arsenal during the run in won’t be a huge shock but those points that they may pick up will not do us any harm. Losing to the likes of Palace, Sunderland or Hull and in doing so handing them the points is now suicidal.
Yesterday I hope was an indication of a slight change in mindset.
A few posts ago I mentioned the likelihood Bamford may not feature a great deal yet.
His last goal was 11th April 2015 in our 2-0 win over Rotherham, since Norwich at Wembley in May 2015 he has made 19 appearances, the vast majority of which were cameos, with no goals before re-joining us in January.
A start in the cup and some substitute appearances have followed.
He may well feature against Oxford but getting back up to speed will take time.
A few words about Gestede, watching the highlights it was good control and a nice lay off in the build up to his hearer. If it was Andy Carroll MOTD the day would have been showing it from every angle.
If it was Andy Carroll he probably would have played the one two with Traore who was clean through, just sayin like! 😉
I’m not sure about BoroPhil’s relegation assessment. Hull look to be resurgent, and have enough in them going forward to trouble a lot of teams in the run-in. As Swansea have shown, you only need to win a 2-3 in a row and you can climb right out.
I would say Swansea are now favourites to be safe, with Hull looking lively, the escape could be on. Sunderland are my favourites for the drop, as they look to swing wildly between different extremes, which is not good (although let’s note that in the last 2 matches they’ve gained 2 more points than us – which goes to show that wins are very important).
After Sunderland, I’d say Leicester – despite having quality they are playing like a team of strangers and look haunted to say the least. They do have a numerical advantage at the moment, although I expect them to be caught and bottom by mid-March. Then it’s a 4 way between Boro, Bournemouth, Palace and Hull for the final spot.
Which makes our away game to Palace quite possibly the MOST HUGEST GAME of the season to date. If there is a winner in that game you’d have to say the confidence of the losing side would be hugely damaged. Conversely, the winner would be looking at a little more daylight and starting to believe that the escape is on. A draw would be a worse result for them than us, so I expect them to give it a go. Hopefully we set up with enough pace on the pitch to counter-attack them effectively. Although, as Sunderland showed, they are extremely brittle if you get into them and pressure them. The “worst” approach would probably be to sit back and defend, as it’s always a good atmosphere there and we don’t need to hand them the initiative.
I’d love us to kill it off in the first half, as Sunderland did, but this being Boro you know that probably 1 goal will settle it. It won’t settle our nerves mind you, but AK probably has a personal sponsorship from the leading beta-blockers manufacturer.
I don’t think Hull have enough quality. They’ve had a bit of a bounce from their new manager but they’ve lost possibly their best player (Snodgrass), Hernandez is out injured for a few weeks (as is Dawson) and the players they have brought in are punts at best. We’ll find out a lot in the next few games though, they have three very winnable fixtures against Burnley (h), Leicester (a) and Swansea (h).
Hope you are right BP but sometimes in a scrap star players are not the best type to have in terms of mental attitude. Hull’s recent performances seem to be immeasurably better under their new manager and with those punts in place of their bigger named players. Against Arsenal they were robbed literally by a Lino who couldn’t see a blatant handball (ironic considering the same offence was spotted for the Arsenal penalty) for the first and a clear last man sending off for Gibbs was just a yellow card. Another set of Officials and Hull could and probably should have got something from that game.
Sunderland look to be splashing around drowning whilst Leicester have massive psychological hurdles to overcome. I think Swansea will continue to build and pull clear and I now wouldn’t be surprised if Hull pulled off the great escape as well. That leaves Palace as one that we have to inflict severe damage upon. AK has to go for three points if we can attack and defend against Everton then Palace needs to be more of the same with an emphasis on getting at them early to rattle fragile beliefs and the home fan patience.
BoroPhil,….I don´t think Burnley have won away yet, Leicester, well who knows and Swansea could probably get a result against anyone at the moment.
All those dropped points and now we are looking for help from the other teams around us.
Borophil
Hull also lost Livermore in the window and Cleucas is suspended for the game against Burnley.
It is about time Dyche did us a favour and Burnley win their first away match of the season.
I’m sure we have discussed it before, but there is always the danger in these situations of talking up the chances of other teams and talking ourselves down. Hull are a poor side. If we finish below them, then I’d be amazed if we aren’t in the Championship next season.
I don’t think we are looking for help from the teams around us. We have to get to somewhere near 38 points (probably less). It’s stating the obvious, but it’s all in our own hands. The week of destiny approaches…
The performance is a welcome improvement. However, it is still a 0-0 draw at home and in the words of Danny Murphy, we played with ten men behind the ball against a team that are ‘hardly Barcelona’. I view the failure to take 3 points as a missed opportunity given that we are fast running out of games and in the context of a run of 8 games without a win and another failure to score. To be frank, I don’t understand why some fans (and certain local journalists) are wetting themselves over Saturday. We haven’t learnt anything that we didn’t already know. There is plenty of perspiration in this Boro team, but the lack of inspiration could be deadly. With the current team set up, I can not see us scoring the goals and therefore winning the points necessary for survival.
Some sections hail our goal difference as though this will be our saviour. But the 4 teams directly above us have an inferior GD. I’d rather take a thrashing one week and eak out a 1-0 win the following week and take the extra points. Points mean prizes, you get nowt for finishing the season on -12 GD.
Given that we have not won away since defeating Sunderland (back in August?), we need some wins at home if we are to survive. We now have 6 fixtures left:
Sunderland
Manchester United
Burnley
Arsenal
Manchester City
Southampton
How many points do my fellow bloggers think that we’ll take from these 6 games? Given that United, Arsenal & City can be written off, to have any hope of survival, we need 9 points from the other 3 fixtures, to take us to 31 points. In my wildest dreams, I can not see us doing that on present form. We may beat Sunderland, but given that Burnley & Saints will likely come for a draw, I doubt that we’ll be able to break them down. If I’m being kind, we take 5 points to move us to 27 in total.
Our away games are:
Crystal Palace
Stoke
Swansea City
Hull City
Bournemouth
Chelsea
Liverpool
Now form to date suggests that we will struggle to win a single one of these games. Write off Chelsea and Liverpool. I can’t see us getting anything at Stoke either. Hull and Swansea I do not fancy on current form, but I suspect Karanka will play for the 0-0 in each. Ditto Palace. I’ll be generous and say that we smash and grab Bournemouth. That’s 6 points, say 8 if we manage to beat one of our fellow strugglers. A grand total of 35, which means likely relegation with a fantastic goal difference.
Given the backing he has had, Karanka is woefully underperforming IMO. He has his own coaching set-up, scouting team and has been backed in the TM, not just in terms of fees, but big salaries for the likes of Valdes, Chambers, Ramirez and Negredo. My biggest frustration is that the team is better than what we see at the minute, as a result of this handbrake on unambitious approach. I fear that we will pay the ultimate price come May.
PS – Apologies to Exmill if I’ve stolen his challenge thunder!
“Given that United, Arsenal & City can be written off”
No, they can’t. And which is probably one of the reasons people are ‘wetting themselves’ about Saturday’s game.
Your post seems to be an incredibly negative analysis of the current situation (the continuing irony being you no doubt criticise the manager for being too negative).
“Write off Chelsea and Liverpool”
Why? We drew at Arsenal and Man City.
“I can’t see us getting anything at Stoke either.”
Why? We drew at similarly placed Watford recently.
“Hull and Swansea I do not fancy on current form, but I suspect Karanka will play for the 0-0 in each.”
They might be in decent form now, but we play them in 2 months time. Our record is 4-2-1 against the bottom teams this season (including a win away at Sunderland), why do you think he will play for a 0-0?
Phil, my negativity (or realism) is based on the anameic football that I witness from Boro on an almost weekly basis.
No league wins in 2017, none in the last 8, lowest no. of goals scored in the division. We are on a slide. If we were fans of one of the other clubs you would be saying how Boro look like the team that are plummeting.
Based on how we are playing, I can’t see how we will score the goals, and therefore gain the points to survive. Failing to win when you are playing well is a horrendous sign of. How much trouble we are in. Perhaps that you can kindly explain where you get your blind faith from (or positivity)?
I think you have to take it one game at a time. You don’t know where points will come from, you cannot just write off games because we got points at Citeh and Arsenal and were very close to winning at ManU.
We will gain unexpected points and drop some as well.
As it stands there are 13 games to go, all to play for.
Indeed. Who would have thought Hull and Swansea would have beaten Liverpool? We play them last game of the season, they could be on the beach then.
Definitely feels like time for the Exmil Challenge.
Come in Exmil – it’s your time!
GHW visited the Untypical blog on Friday to have a last look round. I am surprised he hasn’t made an appearance on here because the links were on the old blog but I left an invite anyway.
I’ve got this image in my mind of GHW wandering along Park Road South up to Linthorpe Road then drifting along to where Ayresome Park used to be. Or maybe he goes into the Park Hotel, if it’s still there.
Come on GHW!
UTB,
John
There are 13 matches remaining, therefore the “exmil challenge 2017” will be in two halves but I will not post the first half until just before the Crystal Palace game.
I am leaving it until, hopefully after beating Oxford Utd, we will know the date of the rearranged Sunderland match because the quarter finals of the FA cup are on the weekend of 11/12 March.
Come on BORO.
Talking of which, I mailed you earlier about the very subject…
Jarsue
I wonder if he popped in to the foreverdormo museum, maybe he gazed longingly at where the old Rea’s café used to be.
Then mooched off through the Albert park, past the fountain to the lake…
I have heard about the Rea’s cafe. I cannot remember where I had tea with Terry Cochrane in the early 1980’s.
Can anyone give me the address of the old cafe, please?
Up the Boro!
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=uk&entry=s&sa=X&ftid=0x487eed1933888c25:0x584b29a4a4c0f079&gmm=CgIgAQ%3D%3D
It’s now called Central Park restaurant opposite the gates to Albert park
All the Boro footballers used to go in there and that is where Brian Clough met his wife when she worked there
It’s a pity that the debate on this blog since yesterday evening has been mainly about relegation and the other candidates to go down. If a bit more intent had been shown during the season so far in support of the “give it a go” promise we might have been talking about whether the Boro could squeeze into the top half of the league. If only…………
I still find it amazing that people think when Steve Gibson said we’ll give it a go, he was talking tactics.
Why are you amazed? What else did he mean? Do you know?
Because it’s ridiculous, surely? When has Steve Gibson ever tried to dictate the style of play or tactics his manager should use?
He was talking about spending a bit of money, having a go at staying up and not doing what Burnley did a few years ago when they basically signed no-one.
The fee spent on de Roon and the wages spent on Negredo, Valdes and others are what he was saying we/he would do – give it (survival) a go by putting some money in.
I can’t believe for a second he was talking about changing the way we play. I don’t believe he would ever do that to his manager and I’m amazed that that’s how people interpret his words.
Boroexile
If only… If only we hadn’t tightened up our defence we could have been well clear of where we are now. Just like Derby were in their last visit to the top flight.
We all assume the reasons for where we are in the table.
If only de Roon hadn’t lunged at Morgan away at the King Power, if only Valdes hadn’t let the shot squirm in at Burnley, if only we could have held out for a bit longer at Old Trafford.
Add those if only’s together and there is another six points to the total. We do not know what effect that had on the players or the manager.
That is why I am loathe to be dogmatic about what takes place, I am loathe to say it is all his fault whoever he or she is.
Lets deal with Oxford and move on from there.
Elsewhere local authorities are keen to encourage grass roots football with a root and branch reform.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-38955586
In response to Ian and Boro Exile:
‘If I’d just done the Spurs game the week before’, ‘If I hadn’t broken my foot’, ‘If I hadn’t gone to Dubai (when I was supposed to cover the Spurs game)’, ‘If United had beaten Middlesbrough.’
Ifs and ands, pots and pans.
— Roy Keane, The Second Half. (You know what happened to him after we beat United 4-1)
Talking of defensive set ups, 5 shots at home with only 1 on target, 38% possession. Sack the manager!
Ooh, no, can’t do that because it is Eddie Howe.
It must have been the fact there was another team on the pitch, damn the other team!
Yes some definite second season wobbles going on there.
I don’t think Bournemouth have recruited particularly well this season and perhaps now that they’re shopping in far higher bracket, they’re struggling to identify the right players. I was surprised that Newcastle were able to pick Matt Ritchie off them in the summer and £15m for Jordan I’ve was eye-watering.
I once argued that sometimes it’s harder when a manager actually has a lot of money to spend – the more toys he has to play with, the more spoiled he is, and the more unnecessary money is frittered away.
Necessity can bring out creativity. You only have to watch Monty Python And The Holy Grail again to understand this.
Simon
We tend to look within our own bubble, everything through a Boro tinted lens. that is why I have made a few comments about other teams stats.
We have a squad to battle at this end of the table and it has been recruited to play the AK way. The difficulty is that if you bring someone else in the squad is still the same.
The key is encouraging them to get forward but as has been commented we seem to be getting closer to that aim. Unless the radio Tees pitch side summariser is being paid to make up comments, AK is telling his players to push up the pitch.
Certain things are becoming apparent, Forshaw is not a number 10, he is a neat and tidy continuity player. We don’t have a Fabregas tucked away anywhere.
Traore is becoming more effective and we will need that over the coming weeks, Gaston is back in the fold, he was central to getting a fair share of our points.
De Roon may prove to be very important over the closing weeks, his athleticism and increasing willingness to get forward could prove valuable.
Time will tell, I still cant fathom some of AK’s selections, to me the squad is still a little unbalanced but we cant do anything about it.
It will be a tense end to the season.
OFB
I have a memory of Rea’s being a few doors further along on the corner of Ayresome Street. Am I dreaming? I can still remember having a knickerbocker glory in there.
UTB
Yea I’ve been looking at that map and think I’m wrong it should be further down where Fellaini’s restaurant is now on the corner.
You can see it on the map also
I seem to remember they had two doors one leading from linthorpe road and a side door leading from ayresome side
Selwyn
My memory of it was a summer job with the parks department. Our hut was to the right of the Albert park gates. We went in to Rea’s every morning at 9 am for snap.
I was sure it was further across, a couple of doors to the left of Kensington Road but OFB’s google map shows it between Kensington Road and Ayresome street.
Bob, thanks. My wife loves the café at the Dormon’s. Must pop in and see the old Ria’s next.
BTW, no surprise the statue of Cloghie is looking to old Ria’s now.
Up rhe Boro!
Do pop in to Central Park they do one of the best Parmos in Middlesbrough
I watched the Bournemouth game last night and the way they set up reminded me of Boro, the difference been they conceded two goals and could have conceded four bar the wood work.
There is nearly always one team that looks safe at Christmas but then implodes, I thought that was going to be Watford, but at the moment its looking like Bournemouth.
Leicester also look shot to pieces, Palace, Sunderland and Hull are all still struggling and I wouldn’t bet on Swansea maintaining their form, its all to play for.
Its going to be a nail bitter though!
I’d very much like to see Stuani out of the team and Stewie in though, I just cant see the logic of Stuani playing ahead of Downing. Downing, Ramirez and Traore looks like a decent attacking three to me.
Nigel, I agree in part regarding your attacking three but I am still not convinced about Downing doing the job he should be doing ie crosses and free kicks etc. He has had a season and a half to prove his worth but in my view has failed to do so, by that I mean produce displays which guarantee him starting. I would prefer Ramirez on the left side the new boy from Watford central and Traore on the right. We also need George back on the left and Fabio on the right.
Even AK had his five wins in six not long after arriving at Boro. Then the trouble started.
Logic suggests that Paul Clement’s honeymoon will end sooner than he thinks. The test of his character will be how well he deals with it.
KP – I agree with you regarding Downing’s ‘underperformance’ with Boro to date, I’m not sure about our new man from Watford, but I’m certain Stuani on the left or right is not the way forward.
I suspect that our good friend GHW has moved on, said his goodbyes.
Time to remember Ali.
Seems Stuani doesn’t have many friends on the terraces, but the one thing about him that none of his contemporaries, do in the team, is he gets in the box more than the rest of them, he does seem to ghost in ,
Any team needs a bit of luck now and again,I don’t think we’ve had alot this season,let’s hope it changes soon.
COB
Now here’s a dillema!
Just hypothetical like!
Say your grandson aged 16 is leaving school in the summer and has the choice of two jobs before going to university
One is as an engineering apprentice to train with a large company and become an instrument engineer like his dad
The other opportunity is to have an offer of a place at a football academy to learn and to play with the professional u 19 team
What would you say to your grandson ? Bearing in mind you’ve been told to stay out of it nicely of course by your son???
Oh one other thing the professional club is SUNDERLAND AFC
OFB, I thought you liked your grandson why send him to a second rate academy lol
Come on BORO.
Exmil
Because although
He has played
Footboard
Football at a high standard only Sunderland amd Newcastle have been closely watching although Boro scouts have been talking for past few years
It breaks my heart
OFB – that’s easy, tell him to chase his dream and have a punt at the footie, if that doesn’t work out he can fall back on an engineering career at a later date.
That’s what I hoped everyone would say amd what I would say
But I’m only his grandfather
Is there anyone else on here who can confess to never having tasted (yet alone eaten) a Parmo?
Just askin’, like.
Count me out I’ve got the girth to prove it
I had my first a couple of weeks ago. I’m not sure it counts though, because it was in the Cod & Lobster at Staithes.
I’ve been exiled away from the Boro since the mid-80s – I’m pretty sure Parmos weren’t a thing when I left.
Martin
Oh yes they have!
Been around since the sixties and the old Paradise Restaurant on Linthorpe Road then taken up by the Restaurant on Newport Road which has just closed last year
While we are at it…… Will there be a large demographic for those in this area who can admit to all of the following:
1. never having had a Parmo,
2. never having played pinball,
3. never having smoked a cigarette (or any other tobacco products),
4. never having used a “hole in the wall” or ATM,
5. never having been to a pop festival.
….or am I unique?
Forever Dormouse:
1. Had a Parma
2. Played pinball
3. Smoked a cigarette
4. Used an ATM
5. Seen Phil Collins and Meatloaf live so does that count as a festival otherwise No.
Guilty on at least 4 possibly 5 accounts, send him down your Honour.
Come on BORO.
PS: On the other hand you have not lived, put them on your bucket list (except smoking) lol
Come on BORO.
Forever Dormo
Come on BORO.
OFB, seriously has anyone asked your grandson what he would like to do, after all it is his life. I say that with a 17 year old son at college in his second year of his A levels, while being No 11 in England at Table Tennis in the under 18 category, No 26 in the under 21 and No 53 in the Adult world where there is over 850 registered players.
He is hoping to become a Physiotherapist and also to represent England at some stage, at the moment it is hard to do both and at the end of the day he may have to sacrifice a bit (if not all) of one for the other. I have told him it is his choice but for him to think which would give him the best chance of supporting a wife and children in the future.
With the best will in the world how hard is it to make your way in football, think of how many Academy players we all thought had a future, then to fall by the wayside and never heard of again. Although your son has asked you not to interfere, maybe you could both watch him and have a frank and honest discussion about whether he has that special talent to make it as a footballer and is your grandson willing to give up all his mates and have the dedication to devote his next 5/6 years to purely football with the possibility of being rejected.
OFB you have always gave a honest opinion of BORO players at various ages, it is time to do the same about your grandson for him to be a professional footballer, not what you would like him to be. I hope I have not been too hard but it has been with best intent.
Come on BORO.
It’s time I entered the fray instead of just watching from afar. My first post to the new blog and congratulations to Werdermouth on setting up this alternative venue, where the inhabitants and drop ins to the old Untypical Boro now hang out.
What a fantastic blog and I never thought it possible, but it might even be better than the old one, although AV did wonders to get us started.
It’s clear that a lot of effort has been put into the boiler room and I hope that the daily (hourly??) attention by Werdermouth has been reduced, as things click into place. Thanks also to OFB, who corralled all the punters into making the move and sending out reminders.
RR deserves special mention for his regular match reports and not to forget the other headline contributors too.
…. and then of course, there are the posters; yes, the posters; those whose stories and opinions we come here to read, hoping to glean some further insight into the workings of Boro. Some are really well balanced and others, ……. well not so much.
I have enjoyed this season so far, if for no other reason that I have been able to watch almost every game on TV and that is something I value. The last time I actually attended a match was at Ayresome Park in 1968 and I sat in the South Stand with my wife who was heavily pregnant at the time, so I had to forego the pleasure of standing in the Holgate End. We lost.
Johnny
Move to hear from you and many thanks for the mention.
You are not alone in thinking that this blog has moved on a pace to reach new heights
The posts are well informed and features by Simon Fahalla and The Old Codgers have added to it.
Long may it continue
OFB.
The only answer is for your grandson himself to decide. He is the one that has to live himself for the rest of his life. If he has an opportunity to do something he loves and a possibility of being paid to do it, how fortunate is that. It is not the role of a parent to destroy their children’s dreams, it is the role of a parent to support their children in their dreams. There is no right and wrong choice, only a right and wrong person making that choice.
Meant to type ,”live with himself”
You are right of course that’s why I’m staying out of it and just supporting anything he wants to do
If you would accept unsolicited advice from someone who isn’t old enough to have his own grandchildren I would say this:
If it is your dream, then you owe it to yourself to chase it. You regret the chances and opportunities you didn’t take far more than those you did. Don’t leave a “what-if”. Football is also a unique profession in that you can follow that dream whilst pursuing other avenues, and not closing down those avenues completely.
Almost all of the Diasboro are where they are because they took an opportunity. We may not all have followed our dreams, but most of us took a chance that arose to do something different. I, for one, will never regret leaving the UK less than 12 months after buying a house and getting married to start a life in another country. Would I have regretted not doing it, had I turned down that chance? Absolutely.
Never had a parmo or smoked a cigarette.
As for giving grandchildren advice not got any yet so difficult to know what to say.
One thought is that if he isn’t in an academy already is he a late developer? Has he actually been offered a place, I would have thought good academies along with flexibility from where he is studying could allow him to do both.
If not, could he do both with a good career in semi professional and get in to the professional game in that way.
He isn’t in an academy at the moment but is a county player and captain of a northern league junior u17 team.
He could play northern league as he is good enough and has been offered an academy place at Sunderland
It’s so difficult for kids to make the grade though
Dormo,
1. Never had a Parmo
2. Never played pinball
3. Never touched any tobacco substances of any kind
4. In my line of work and travelling abroad I have to use ATM’s I’m afraid
5. Never been to a pop festival
Four out of five isn’t too bad is it?
On the fag front, when I met my missus 45 years ago she dabbled with tabs to be part of the “in crowd” with her mates, hating cigarettes as I do, I said that it was the cancer sticks or me. Stupidly, for her that is, she chose me and packed the fags in, by, am I ever grateful that she did.
OFB, can’t your grandson do both, as in join the academy and study at the same time, lots do it. George Friend is a great example from what I’m assuming is your grandson’s home town team, he’s got a degree in journalism if I’m not mistaken.
The only problem of doing both is he lives in Teesside not Sunderland
Open University? I’m running out of options here OFB
Four out of five – might even qualify for the Champions League
As long as I don’t do a Leicester City the following season I’ll be happy with that.
OFB
Sunderland! That blows my idea out of the water. same as Pease.
OFB
Has he contacted the club to see if he can worm his way in?
It’s a thought thanks
Smoggyinexile, I’ve taken a few chances and opportunities, three of them finished up being our sons. Regrets? no, definitely not during conception any way, regrets since? not a single one of them. I was once told by a couple that had no intention of having kids that, “none to bring you pleasure, none to bring you pain”, we can take what extremely little pain they’ve given us, but you can’t replace the pleasure, though.
One thing, grandbairns are totally out of our hands in whether you get some or not, but I can highly recommend them.
OFB, you didn’t mention what your grandson wanted to study at Uni?
Instrumentation Engineering
Hmm, I don’t think that there’s a better institution in the UK than Teesside Uni for both Instrumentation and Process Engineering. Can’t really do that through the Open Uni either, tough one OFB.
Just let you know I’ve just put up a longish piece that looks at Aitor Karanka’s relegation rival managers and gives a summary of their careers and how they got to where they are now.
https://diasboro.club/2017/02/15/a-brief-history-in-time/
I should also flag up that the Exmil Challenge will be starting up next week once the fixture fallout from the FA Cup becomes clearer.
I suspect part of the problem for OFB’s grandson is that travelling to that place up the A19 will interfere with his studies so he cant give it a go, study and then decide at age 18.
One thing I would advise his dad is that the lad may hold it against him in later life. His lad musn’t live with regrets over what might have been, that is not a legacy I would want for my kids. My son took a year out before university, could the lad give it a go and go back to college in a year’s time.
Easy for me to say, as the saying goes they have to fall off the bike if they are going to learn to ride.
Tricky one OFB.
About the threat of relegation, the one great comfort is that four or five are below us and for sure their supporters will be saying, ‘ we have no chance of getting more points than boro, because they are steady eddies who don’t concede many goals’. Think about it.
Hi Plato. The thing is, they will also observe that we don’t score many either and given our run in, they might be confident we will lose more than a few by the odd goal and us just drawing the others won’t be enough…
Powmill
They wont want to play us prior to the run in.
I was talking to a Leicester fan today who thinks they have gone, he said not to worry because you will click and be gone into the distance. He had been happy because there were three worse teams, now they are one of the three worse teams.
Everyone is having the same sort of doubts, me included. The teams that hold their nerves will stay up.
OFB
if you use anyone’s advice from here and it is gratefully received please put the virtual cheque in the post.
If it goes belly up we are all called Spartak Boro and live in the White Carpathians.
Just delegating like.
🙂
Ian
So many different people from all walks of life.
All ages and differing nationalities living all over the world and united by a common bond. We all love the Boro!!
PS
Where’s Jarkko lately ???