Garry Monk's major reshuffle ready for Riverside unveiling

by werdermouth, posted in Uncategorized

Garry Monk has embarked upon a radical overhaul of the Boro squad that got relegated from the Premier League last season and I suspect he’s not finished yet – as I type this sentence Boro have currently made 17 changes to the first team squad, with ten leaving and seven arriving and two looking close to a Boro exit (Downing and Ripley) – as well as the future of at least a further seven players looking uncertain, including the £3.5m panic buy Guedioura who has been limited to training with the under-23’s. This doesn’t seem on the face of it the usual manner in which newly relegated teams plot their return back to the top-flight – it’s actually more akin to a club that’s just been taken over and had an injection of cash and looks to build a new improved team.

Of the new recruits only Assombalonga, Howson and Christie are proven in the Championship to add to the ones from our own promotion-winning team that still remain (Dimi, George, Ayala, Ben, Leadbitter, Clayton and Forshaw) – we could probably also add Bamford and Fabio to that list of experience to give us a dozen who’ve been there and worn the T-shirt and have now washed and ironed it and checked if it still fits over their slightly swollen Premier League heads.

To highlight the extent of the changes from last year I’ve produced a table to show the In’s (green) and Out’s (red) and those who are still waiting to shake it all about (yellow) – those who are simply excited to stay put are shown in grey – the colour of choice for dynamic players, though three shades are more than enough for those who have been tied, gagged and bound by the club.

Status Player Nationality Notes
GOALKEEPERS
OUT Víctor Valdés Spain contract terminated
OUT Brad Guzan USA to Atlanta (MSL) – free
Dimi Konstantopoulos Greece new 12 month contract
OUT ? Connor Ripley England club will consider offers
OUT ? Tomas Mejias Spain future uncertain
IN Darren Randolph Rep. Ireland from West Ham – £5m
DEFENDERS
George Friend (LB) England
OUT James Husband (LB) England to Norwich – undisclosed fee
Daniel Ayala (CB) Spain
OUT Bernardo Espinosa (CB) Colombia to Girona (Spain) – £4m
OUT ? Ben Gibson (CB) England move to top six club muted
Dael Fry (CB) England
OUT Calum Chambers (CB/RB) England loan from Arsenal ended
OUT Antonio Barragán (RB) Spain to Real Betis (Spain) – initial loan
OUT ? Fábio (LB/RB) Brazil possible return to Brazil
OUT ? Alex Baptiste (CB/RB/LB) England future uncertain
IN Cyrus Christie (RB) Rep. Ireland from Derby – undisclosed fee
IN Connor Roberts (RB) Wales from Swansea – loan
MIDFIELDERS
Grant Leadbitter England
Adam Clayton England
OUT ? Marten de Roon Netherlands wants top-flight football
Adam Forshaw England
OUT ? Adlène Guedioura Algeria likely surplus to requirement
IN Jonny Howson England from Norwich – undisclosed fee
FORWARDS
OUT ? Stewart Downing England in talks with Birmingham
OUT ? Gastón Ramírez Uruguay club will consider offers
OUT Viktor Fischer Denmark to Mainz (Germany) – £3-4m
Adama Traoré Spain
OUT Cristhian Stuani Uruguay to Girona (Spain) – undisclosed fee
OUT Carlos de Pena Uruguay released
Patrick Bamford England
IN Martin Braithwaite Denmark from Toulouse – £9m
IN Ashley Fletcher England from West Ham – £6.5m
OUT Álvaro Negredo (CF) Spain loan from Valencia ended
OUT ? Rudy Gestede (CF) Benin may be surplus to requirement
IN Britt Assombalonga (CF) DR Congo from Forest – £15m

With a month of the transfer window still yet to go, the market is yet to enter its desperate phase and once Adama makes the first bona fide assist of his Boro career I’m sure we’ll see top-flight clubs throwing what’s left of their wad in his direction. Indeed, many are hoping the apparently reformed Gaston Ramirez remembers not to lunge mindlessly at any of the Championship’s defensive mannequins whilst he spends the next three weeks in the shop window – a lot will depend on how much gaffer tape he’s opted to wrap round his agent’s mouth. Though hopefully he doesn’t take any inspiration from fellow South American Alexis Sanchez who is so weak apparently that he’s only able to post Instagram photos of himself from his death-bed as he waits patiently for his beloved Arsenal, who’s badge he no longer wishes to kiss, accepts an offer from Manchester City or PSG to make him even richer – let’s pray he recovers in time for the medical. Whether our Uruguayan playmaker still has a future at Boro has split the supporters – many are wishing a suitable club will make contact with Ramirez soon, some are even hoping it’s Grant Leadbitter’s three wood on a team-bonding afternoon at Rockliffe.

The goalkeeping situation has looked a bit chaotic at Boro since Dimi played every 46 games of our promotion-winning season and at this rate I wouldn’t be surprised to see the big Greek being handed the gloves back on a plate as those who’ve superseded him fall by the wayside – though I seem to recall there’s something about Greeks and plates that don’t always end well, which may be a different interpretation of smashing the league. Connor Ripley appears to have decided that the signing of Randolph is not a good career move from his perspective and looks like opting to continue his progress elsewhere – whether he was ready to be Boro’s number one this season must have been a borderline decision given his excellent season on loan last term, but the problem of being cash-rich probably prevents the manager from taking a risk he doesn’t need to.

It’s at the sharp end of the pitch where much of Boro’s windfall wedge has been concentrated and we can only hope that the amount spent is in direct proportion to the quality we have gained. Spending £30m on three forwards sounds like the stuff of dreams for most clubs in the Championship – though as Boro supporters we are naturally busy looking at all the possible negatives in order to cover our backs – one is injury prone, one hasn’t played in England and the other is inexperienced. Are we ready for Boro to become an attacking force? Many of us have only just finished our education from the last few seasons to understand that football is not about scoring goals it’s about stopping the opposition from scoring that is the real entertainment. What are the supporters supposed to do if Boro are leading by two goal and they continue to press for the third? I’m expecting the Riverside faithful to dutifully chant Defend! Defend! Defend! OK it may upset some of our young players on the pitch and we may get some harsh words from Garry Monk in the post-match press conference  – but he must know we’ve now been educated by one of the finest footballing brains ever to speak to that special bloke from Portugal.

So today Boro have their last pre-season game before the real thing against German opposition of all things – Augsburg are a lower-middling Bundesliga outfit and will be a decent test for our newly constructed team. We probably shouldn’t expect too much from a set of players who haven’t really had the chance to get to know each other yet and it may well be some of the older faces will be at the centre of attention. The game is available to be streamed live from the MFC website if you live outside the UK and register – I know a certain Mr W Mouth who has already signed up and is eagerly waiting to see how this smashing group of players is shaping up!

258 thoughts on “Garry Monk's major reshuffle ready for Riverside unveiling”

  1. Nice piece Werder as we are now only a week away from reality.
    Like a few others on here I am a little, no, I would say a lot, concerned as to the wholesale changes and the monies spent and whether they will ultimately give value for money.
    As others have said, it does seem a little strange that we did not spend this type of money last season? But then what do you get in the EPL for 20mil these days, plus inflated wages.
    As Werder points out….up front we have splashed the cash arguably an injury prone signing who has lost half a yard according to comments, a high risk number 10 or is he a CF or may be a wide player, and then one who has not scored many goals and has little experience. Can we really afford to get rid of Paddy??
    At the back, we could be light at LB unless Fabio stays, and at RB we have a plethora including Baptiste who can also play at CH, where we certainly look light, given that Ben will probably leave and Ayala is prone to at least two spells of holidays.
    As Jarkko said I think, we may play 433 and dispense with a normal No10. But we do still need some more creativity and they do not come cheap. So will it be Gaston out and somebody they have lined up in?
    It was inevitable that there were going to be lots of changes, given the loan players and bad signing for the EPL. Have we signed too many, possibly, but then we did need a overhaul.
    I am concerned though that the settling in period and team gelling will take longer than many anticipate. A defeat at Wolves, which is very much on the cards, will give an early start to it not going as Mr Gibson planned.

  2. Werdermouth,
    Great article, as always, le t’s hope the Boro set the bar and standards as high.
    Loved the bit about Grant leadbitter’s three wood, made me laugh out loud.
    Now we just sit wringing our hands and praying it all works out fine.
    UTB,
    John

  3. With all the forwards we have bought, maybe Monk had been watching Leeds Rhinos whilst he was manager of Leeds United and assumed, as in Rugby League, he will be allowed to make several interchanges during a football match.

  6. Anyone having any problems receiving the live stream of today’s match? Clicked on the link which takes me to a page with the Boro crest and “Link for live stream” but nothing has appeared. Email the club but not response and now 20 mins in.

  13. Promising first half
    Ayala and Gibson solid and we have a right back that knows how to take a throw in!
    Howson De Roon and Clayton midfield three and De Roon seems to be playing in a more withdrawn position than he did last season
    Impressed with Braithwaite

  15. Club have confirmed streaming issues but have put in place (after 30 mins) a You Tube link to watch the match live as it is being shown live in Germany.
    Good to know they had a contingency plan but I stumbled across it on the matchday page rather than it having been prominently displayed.
    Having seen 15 mins of the match with the German commentary turned down I can confirm that the picture quality was excellent and I would certainly pay to see all Boro games live. It remains to be seen if the club will reconsider!

  16. Well after wasting nearly ten minutes getting the MFC live stream to work I gave up and reverted to the usual unofficial sources – if they’re going to opt out of the EFL package then they should at least be able to provide what they’re advertising.
    Anyway, missed their goal but have been reasonably impressed with the new signings – especially Braithwaite and Assombalonga who both provide some physical power up front and are looking sharp and trying to link together – in fact it’s pleasant to see Boro attack in numbers with Bamford also looking to get in the mix.
    I think Phil T said it looked like 4-1-2-3 – which I guess is 4-3-3 in all but name (or number). I noticed a lot from the back is still coming through Friend and perhaps we need a bit more variation – good to see Ben playing with his scuba mask on!
    Not a bad performance overall – fairly comfortable in general with chances being created

    1. Weder
      I think that is the point they don’t want to provide it. They don’t want the associated costs and work for something which they believe will only be in place for one season if we get promoted.
      I bet they facility will not be available for next week when the season starts. They will again use the cost argument coupled with the need at such a late stage to overcome technical difficulties!

  17. Ben (Phantom of the Opera) Gibson having another solid game and we really cannot afford to let him go without at least recruiting a good quality replacement. Likewise De Roon.
    Still finding it difficult to break them down and create clear cut chances but hopefully as the players get matches under their belts together that will improve. Still need a quality playmaker in my view.

  20. Mein Gott! Ein grosse kopfschmertzen.
    Who is Monk going to start with upfront next week? A plethora of permutations, enough to make the strongest head dizzy.
    Suggests Wolves are going to be busy keepin the ball outta their net if the Boro lads click.

  22. “It does seem a little strange that we did not spend this type of money last season.”
    Doesn’t it just, Pedro… at least on the surface. To be frank, I’m not surprised by it at all. I think I previously used the instance of, in 2010, Ipswich’s owner telling Roy Keane to go with the young players and keep wages down – while not offering deals to good pros like Shaun Derry, Lee Carsley and Kevin Kilbane, at least one of whom explicitly said he wanted to play for Keane despite wages. Then, not long after Keane departs, Paul Jewell comes in and he’s able to bring in Jimmy Bullard, who’s on 20k or 30k a week, until the end of the season.
    Go figure? Not really.
    “It happens… there’s trust in the new manager. For a while.”

  23. I have followed this blog and UTB for years and never made a comment.
    I have lived in Australia for 22 years and follow Boro anyway I can.
    I was exited about MFC websites live stream tonight but it didn’t appear. I listened to the audio for a few minutes but it cut out. Frustrated, I logged into diasboro as I wondered if others were experiencing the same let down.
    Step up OFB with a stream from Germany, don’t know the lingo but it was great to see Boro live.
    Not much creativity and few chances we will need to improve.
    We were spoilt last year in Australia as we got all Boro games live.
    Who knows how we will see Boro this season.
    I will be home for a three weeks at Christmas to take in a few games.
    Thanks again OFB you have inspired me to post after many years watching from afar

    1. Hope we’ve inspired you to contribute and post again I think people must get sick of me spouting off all the time !!
      Everyone has a view and the more disparate views there are make the blog that more interesting
      I enjoyed watching the game today as I didn’t go down to the Riverside but I shall be there two weeks today
      Hope when you come home to see the Boro we are top of the league
      UTD
      Up The Diasboro

  24. So One Of Our Own (TM, literally) sold one of our own (JS) and the latter leaks five on his debut.
    If even Mogga sold Steele it must mean that Aitor was right after all. Right?
    Actually… no.
    The consensus about Steele seemed to be that he was a showman of a shot-stopper with enough worldies to win fans and delight YouTubers, but that he was also prone to untimely and devastating howlers. And that he wasn’t a reliable presence either.
    But, as RR pointed out, you could say the same about Victor Valdes. And, to a lesser extent, Tomas Mejias.
    Even then, the problem was never Steele’s dropping or eventual sale, but the manner of it. Aitor did what many managers looking to stamp their authority or make an immediate name for themselves do – drop a previously popular player for a solitary misdemeanour, a public statement that “I’m in charge now, and you must up your game.”
    Not that it doesn’t work to a point (see also: Mourinho) but it’ll eventually backfire massively.
    I would hope that this method – discussed negatively by the Secret Footballer – isn’t part of the Monk managerial methodology.

  27. originalfatbob a big thank you for the link, as I am on holiday in Cyprus I thought I might get the MFC live stream but I was only able to get the commentary on MFC from radio Tees. Whilst listening to the match (shock start) I decided to do my daily catch up with Diasboro and came across the link supplied by OFB, to my delight it worked perfectly and it has made my holiday complete.
    I was impressed with our new signings, especially Braithwaite and the cameo by Fletcher. Good performances by Assombalonga and Bamford, apart from the first minute we were reasonably solid at the back and the midfield worked very hard, I don’t think there was a bad performance from any player today and although there sounded like “booing” when Ramirez came on I was really impressed when another player made an open show of welcoming him onto the pitch.
    I have real hope for this season although we may have a slow start with so many new players in the team, as long as supporters stay a bit patient until the team settles.
    Come on BORO.

  28. Just catching up. Great leader, as ever, Werder. Still chuckling at the “defend, defend, defend” line.
    A bit worried at the extent of the overhaul but assume GM knows what he’s doing.
    Time will tell.

  29. We set up in what appeared to be a 433 formation to me. De Roon surprisingly made an appearance in the starting line up alongside Clayts and Howson in the middle three. I’m not so naive as to think that that means he’s set his heart on staying but he clearly fits in with Monks plans if he doesn’t depart.
    Up front we had the 3B’s, Bamford Britt and Braithwaite. I was impressed by all of them to one extent or another especially the B to B transactions. At the back was probably our best 4 Christie, Ayala, Gibson and Friend with Randolph making his debut between the sticks. Christie looked good going forward but made some indecisive errors when pressed and defensively he needs to up his game.
    In what was a disappointing start we went behind almost immediately after a cheaply conceded corner seen a low Stafylidis follow on shot from outside the 18 box slither embarrassingly under Randolph. It took a little wind out of our sails but after a few minutes Boro seemed to clear their heads and showed a bit of intent which led to a Bamford header going over.
    As the half wore on Bamford seemed very lively, chasing and challenging for everything. Perhaps his early return to training has paid dividends. He appears to have bulked up a bit looking physically stronger. Any talk of selling him must surely be nonsense, we know what he can do at this level and today he put in a fine performance. It would be a very dangerous and negative step by MFC if they did jettison him without being given a chance.
    A Christie cross had Assombalonga clattering into the Augsburg defence leaving Braithwaite clear at the back post to hit an unstoppable left foot shot into the Augsburg goal. The sheer physical presence of Britt caused consternation and the coolness of Braithwaite for his finish was impressive.
    It was very clearly a pre season friendly in the Riverside sunshine and the tempo was somewhat chilled and relaxed at times with only a few moments of trepidation but we were opened up at times and too easily. As the afternoon wore on Boro chances like the shadow from the West Stand started to grow with both Assombalonga and Bamford having a few opportunities.
    A late flurry of substitutions included Gestede, Forshaw and Fletcher getting game time. The latter two linked up well for the winner minutes from the end when the Augsburg RB dillied instead of dallied and Fletcher pounced on the opportunity broke free and drove into the box from wide left looking up to play in Forshaw to slot home from 10 yards out.
    Some work to do but it was good to see intent and a willingness to feed the harmonious Bee Threes up front!
    Augsburg augured well.

  30. RR
    Thanks. A nice little personal pre-season run-out and warm-up. Hope you’re able to continue with your irreplaceable reports this coming season. They are universally appreciated.

    1. They certainly are, Len. Many thanks, RR. And a big thank you too to OFB for the link. I didn’t watch the game live but the link has allowed me to catch up on the highlights this evening. I hope we play with this level of freedom and fluency up front all season!
      Oh, and what a shame. Mackems lost 5-0 at home to Celtic, and Toon lost to a Viktor Fischer goal at Mainz. Happy days!

  31. Thanks again OFB for posting the link to FCA’s stream.
    Welcome Old Billy to the Oz Diasboro. I’m in Sydney and came here 24 years ago. As you said, last year was magic with every game live.
    To me the big difference yesterday was the desire to get more players forward and, therefore, have more chance of scoring. With B3 plus the fullbacks plus Howson and De Roon, it was a very different balance and even if that did leave some space for Augsburg to counter attack, I sense that Monk is reasonably happy to make that trade off. 2-1 wins rather than 1-0 or 0-0?
    It looked like a midfield diamond with Braithwaite at the head and he looks really lively. Other than that, it’s early days to draw too many conclusions but it’s good to see the strength in depth on the bench, particularly when we need fresh attacking legs.
    It’s hard to know what to make of Ramirez and the crowd was clearly in two minds. I’m certainly no big fan of the way he behaved last year but am prepared to leave it to Monk and see how it turns out.
    All in all, a good workout and a positive feeling for Wolves. I just hope that I won’t need to join their fan club to watch the game.
    UTB

  32. Let’s be honest , it was a typical friendly I don’t think the opposition , were really at it.
    However there was signs of what Monk wants to do very Swansea like.
    But I don’t think the squad is quite ready yet, as far as gelling 100%.
    The thing that might help is our forwards are dangerous, and they might get us through the early games,
    He wants to use a Macherano type midfielder come centre back with Clayton, I hope he can handle the long balls that will come in, it is the championship after all.
    We need a left back , love George’s endeavor, but the attack ends up knowere or breaks down from him.
    Big season from a very competitive division.
    UTB?

  34. Just a quick thank you to Pedro, Jarsue and Steely for their comments and thanks to OFB for the match link – I switched at half-time to that one and the quality was far better and had commentary too in a language I could understand. Also a pleasant surprise to see RR is looking match fit with his Riverside report.
    So everyone on and off the pitch (bar the MFC server) is looking ready for the big kick-off – though still another month of transfer speculation to deal with so I guess we’re going to be busy!
    I’m off to Hannover Zoo shortly so I may check out how the wolves are doing…

    2. Ken
      As far as I am concerned the jury is still out. Yesterday’s fiasco when the streaming did not work has clouded my judgement.
      What made it worse was the club did not put a statement on the home page about the problem and that there was a You Tube link to the German transmission, I happened to stumble across the link which was on the match day page and only 30 mins after kick off!
      I have also had login problems and the club confirmed that there is an issue which the technical guys are still trying to resolve. Each time I cannot login I have to go through the password re-set scenario. Not a great start to the new service. Still don’t know if the streaming facility or the radio commentary will be up and running for next week as the club have not provided any details or how we pay for which ever service(s) they decide upon!
      Could only happen at good old typical Boro but I suppose after all these years I should have expected it.
      I am still hoping against all the odds that they will relent and provide the streaming service which I will quite happily pay for as I want to watch the team I have supported since boyhood.
      CoB do the right thing for the supporters across the globe.
      Apologies about the rant but if you haven’t guessed I love my team.😎

        1. AH my secret is out you’ve spotted me !!!
          Er no it’s not me and talking to him and his missus two weeks ago at a MFC do at Rockliffe he said he doesn’t have time to do anything other than his pieces for the Gazette which are really quite demanding these days
          Mrs AV is pleased he doesn’t do the blog now as it took up a lot of his spare time
          OFB

  36. Redcar Red’s reports have become my new, electronic Sports Gazette. Keep it up RR, they are much anticipated have the human and spectators touch.
    A bit like the blog really, a virtual terrace or bar, just depends how you feel.
    UTB,
    John

  37. Okay everyone, so the news is, I’ve got some temporary work. The fiscal realities of Belfast city life are dawning on me after a matter of weeks in the big smoke, as we call it here, so it will help to have some more money in the bank while I continue to build my freelance businesses. There will still be Talking Points, of course, though. They won’t stop. I enjoy doing them too much.
    For now I’ll post a mini Talking Point that I also posted on Twitter. OFB knows about it but I’ll share it with you anyway.
    Reminiscing about Emerson’s trip to Rio, Higgygate, Albertgate, Charltongate, Watfordgate, Gestedegate and Gastongate, I found myself thinking: can a player/manager be redeemed if he recovers from past discretions at or associated with a club to make up for it on the pitch?
    I bring this up because Emerson, despite his no show for weeks and series of moody, disinterested displays throughout most of 1996-97, was a key figure in Boro’s return to the top flight in 1997-98 before he left for Tenerife. Of course his performances were a double-edged sword, but he left on a high and we got a reasonable fee out of him. I think.
    AK, as we know, was king of doing thoughtless, terrible things and then “making up for it” with a giant sentimental gesture. A Vossen hat-trick, then the fist pump from the stands vs Derby, days after Higgygate… Three wins in a row without Albert… Six wins in a row following the hissy fit to rule them all… Terrifying Arsenal on their own pitch a week after limply surrendering to Watford.
    All wonderful memories, but do they really obliterate the (self-inflicted) damage that came before? And with Gaston, would accepting him – reluctantly – be a risk worth taking?
    I try to be a genuinely forgiving sort. I know that managers and players are only human, and if the positives outweigh the negatives by far (in Aitor’s case, all those statistics from 2014-16) I’m tempted to just “go with it”. This time, though, I’m really not so sure. We have, after all, been burnt before.

  38. Werdermouth
    I don’t know if you can help?
    Every time I try to like a comment I am taken to a new WordPress.com page where I am asked to login but it does not recognise either my email address/user name and or password.
    Not sure if it is me or if there is something amiss with my site registration – any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.

    1. It’s not a problem that has been reported before so I’m inclined to think it may be something at your end to do with your browser settings or what device you are using. WordPress states that users need to be logged in to use the Like Button so it sounds as if when you log-in your browser does not keep the the WordPress cookie.
      You may have a setting that does not allow cookies – if so you could make an exception to allow cookies for Diasboro (Google how to allow cookies for the browser you are using if you don’t know where to find it).
      Also, next time you log-in you could try clicking the tick-box ‘Remember Me’ to see if that prevents WordPress asking for your details when you click on the ‘Like’ button.

  39. So do I, Ken. But it needs to be as amicable as possible.
    I’m reminded of the time that (yes) Roy Keane had a bust up with Jon Walters when it was pretty clear the latter was trying to force through a PL move, which Walters got.
    Things came to a head when RK announced at a press conference that JW would never play for Ipswich again. A big no no… JW’s value was down already.
    My point? Let’s move on, yes. Both of us. But let’s get what we can out of it.

  41. Werder, RR, Thanks for your reports, great reading.
    I enjoyed the Ausburg match. I agree about Bamford, he looked at home and quite a threat, he has to stay, he will a good season. Last Season I would have picked him ahead of Negredo, Bamford has a much better first touch, in my opinion.
    Where do we stand with the FFP? or has that been relaxed?
    Can’t wait for the season to start.
    UTB.

    1. WE have been selling as well as buying amd are well within FFP limits
      It’s one of the advantages of being a relegated Premiership football team

  42. I think if De Roon or Gibson went, there should be a 12 and 25 million offers coming respectably before the club sell.
    And they need to come from the PL as elwere the salaries do not match.
    I think the Boro line-up was like I predected – except that I thought Gibson to rest after Monday’s operation and Fry to start.
    BTW, when shall we know the short numbers for the Up-coming season?
    Up the Boro!

      1. I think they have had numbers on the back of the shirts for a decade at least. The played here in an European Cup tie a few years ago and I didn’t notice that they were missing.
        But remember well the old days when they had numbers on the shorts. That was classic and very, very distinctive Celtic. I like the, especially after yesterday, mind 🙂
        Up the Boro!

  44. de Roon has agreed to pen a four-year deal at #Atalanta – but the Serie A side are yet to reach an agreement with Boro #boro [@GazzaMercato]

  49. Thanks Acklam Exile – I think I wrote something a while back on the new rules of FFP when Boro were looking all but relegated, but just to refresh…
    FFP is now spread over three years with a maximum permitted loss of £13m each year (if the owner injects £8m) in the Championship and £39m for each year in the PL. That means Boro can post a £65m loss (£13m + £39m + £13m) for the previous three years at the end of this season.
    In terms of income Boro will have around £45m in parachute payments, plus they will have banked the £10m from the Rhodes deal, along with £4m for Espinosa, £3-4 for Fischer and the undisclosed fees for Stuani and Husband – So we’re looking at probably a further £10-12m on top of that.
    If you also take into account that Boro made around £20-30m in profit last season (based on a Gazette piece that AV did on Boro’s spending last season – he estimated all in we spent £100m, which is roughly the same as our PL prize money so our matchday income plus sponsorship money should have been profit)
    So if we think Boro maxed-out on the £13m in their last promotion year and other revenue this year comes in at £20m, then I make our possible spend before exceeding the FFP barrier to be around £160m
    Available loss: £39m + £13m = £52m
    Parachute payments: £45m
    Player sales: £21m
    Profit carried forward: £20-30m
    Revenue streams: £20m
    The great unknown will be the wage bill but it’s probably not possible for Boro to spend the amount of money that will make us exceed FFP – the same would probably also apply next season if we failed to go up. But after that, the parachute payments are gone (we don’t get a third year payment as we only spent one season in the PL) and the PL loss offset of £39m will also be out of the equation. We’ll essentially be back to living off normal revenue and Steve Gibson’s pocket to the £13m maximum loss. So Boro have two years to get back up – hopefully they’ll only need one!

    1. Yea as I said I saw him on Friday he lives near me and he was driving and still wearing a Boro training top
      The problem is that Birmingham want us to pay the majority of his wages for the next two years and quite understandably he is unwilling to take a pay cut.
      He didn’t ask for a transfer
      I believe he is unwilling to go abroad as jos partner is due to have a baby
      So either Boro pay up jos contract or he stays …..

    2. Interesting report from the Gazette:
      Middlesbrough FC press box ban for two Gazette reporters
      ‘We hope the matter can be resolved as soon as possible and will continue to provide news, comment and analysis on the club’
      Ahead of Middlesbrough’s friendly against Augsburg, reporting restrictions were placed on The Gazette.
      We were informed by the club our journalist Dominic Shaw had been denied media accreditation for the game. This meant he was not welcome to use the media room or press box at The Riverside.
      The Gazette therefore declined an invitation for another reporter who was given permission to cover the game from the club ‘s press facilities.
      The club has now made it clear Shaw and Jonathon Taylor are effectively denied media access to home first team and under-23 fixtures, along with press conferences at Rockliffe Park.

  53. This is a bloody shambles. Pathetic squabbling like a couple of kids. I have no idea why Shaw and Taylor have been banned – something about ‘fake news’ and stories about inflated transfer fees and player wages is all I’ve been able to glean from the EG and comments on here. The wall of silence from MFC is appalling. Where is the transparency we were promised a short while ago?
    For those of us – the many thousands- who live away from Teesside, this current stand-off is a disaster. We rely on the EG site more than anything else to get our objective news of Boro. To have this curtailed in this peremptory fashion with no explanation is unacceptable. I want EG reporters to report on the team, to interview players and the manager and to give me match reports. I want to read AV’s informed comments on Boro matters, as he has been doing so effectively for years.
    Frankly, this situation is rubbish. I’m going to write today to Steve Gibson and Neil Bausor to express my disappointment. Perhaps we should all do the same. Get it sorted Boro.

    1. It seems all pretty vague but the only snip of information that gives the ban any connection to an actual event is that it appears to be related to an incident in June. I’m sure if the Gazette could find an investigative journalist with a few spare hours then they may be able to pin down the actual event – if the club haven’t it seems given them any more clues.
      But whilst the club may not wish to go public I would say they either should put a condition on lifting the ban – i.e. apology or time frame – or give a particular reason without giving too many details. To the outside the issue appears to be a restriction of press freedom by the club and that can never be welcome PR for any organisation – maybe they should call the Gazette’s bluff and say they will make a fuller statement if the paper continues to plead innocence. Though much better to sort it out behind closed doors and resume normal relations before the season starts – do we need this soap opera?

  54. I think Clive is right and it’s time to write to the club and ask why they are doing this to Dom and Jono. If there is a good and proper reason, then surely it makes sense to simply explain what the reason is. At the moment it is creating bad publicity and a bad image for the club, and preventing full coverage of the Boro by the main local paper for the town, so everyone loses – the club, the newspaper, and the fans.

  55. Re the Gazette v Shaw/Taylor spat,the Gazette need the club more than the club need the Gazette so I suggest the Gazette sift through everything these two have done since AK left if the club won’t give a reason apologise and get on with it. The club obviously doesn’t have a problem with the Gazette as a whole just these two otherwise the whole lot of them would be banned.

  56. Regarding Celtic, Jarkko, I think the original reason why they didn’t have numbers on their shirts was because they were difficult to read on stripes and they didn’t want to spoil the appearance of their famous green and white hoops.
    However I think the Scottish League brought in compulsory numbering in the late 1990s so Celtic had to conform. Numbering of shirts was always a problem for teams wearing stripes, and some had a rectangular white square with the number inside to help spectators distinguish them easier, but not all teams did; some just had a black number over the stripes which made it difficult.
    Of course numbering of shirts didn’t appear until the late 1920s, and in fact was not compulsory until 1939. When I first started watching football all teams were numbered 1-11 in the old 235 system although few goalkeepers had a number. It was all very stereotyped with fullbacks 2&3, halfbacks 4,5&6, wingers 7&11, inside forwards 8&10 and centre forwards 9. Every team used the same system and numbering and it was very rare for a defender to score in open play. In fact I cannot ever recall a fullback or centrehalf doing so.
    The first centrehalf I can actually remember going upfield was Jackie Charlton, and coincidentally it was when he became manager of Boro in 1973 that all clubs introduced squad numbers, with players names not appearing on shirts until 1993.I is interesting to recall that although teams could have sponsors names on their shirts, they weren’t allowed to if the match was televised on the BBC.
    Also when I first started watching football teams always had to play in their first team colours even when playing away unless there was a clash, and usually most teams used white shirts as their second colour, unless of course it was their normal strip. Goalkeepers always seemed to have green shirts, and yellow was the colour for most international teams.
    Strangely in FA Cup matches both teams usually didn’t play in their normal colours but I’m not sure if that was mandatory or not.
    Replica shirts are of course a fairly recent innovation, and at first most clubs didn’t change them every season. In fact there was often a great concern from fans when they first started to introduce them every year, as they perceived it to be a ripoff.
    Strange how things have changed, isn’t it?

  57. Remind me all if I’m wrong!
    The EG & MFC worked hand in glove to gloss over all the cracks and the crevecives that were seathing during the reign of AK the Emotive. The fans were, to put it politely, misinformed.
    As far as I’m concerned they both can get on with the issue and I’ll enjoy the football.
    Just sayin like.

  58. Football is an art. Especially at Riverside. And here is the best poet so far:
    First goal,
    first win..
    Let the games begin
    Written by a Danish striker, Martin Braithwaite ✔ @MartinBraith
    OK, a lot shorter than some in here but a good try.
    Up the Boro!

  59. I would think that Boro owe it to the Gazette – like the FA owed it to Jack Charlton in 1977 and the PL owed it to Boro in December 1996 – to give a fair, dutiful, proper, concrete and explicit explanation for why they acted in the manner they did.
    It never happened in the past cases though, so it won’t happen this time will it? And is it lack of courage on the authorities’ behalf?
    Someone should tell them that people in as high a position as theirs should have the guts to say “No” or “No – and here’s why”, instead of leaving the questions that need to be answered unanswered.

  60. Jon: So welcome to Premium Boro on this very early Friday morning as I’m joined by Dominic Shaw in a bid to resolve the long-running dispute between the Gazette and Middlesbrough Football Club.
    Dom: Well Jonno, some may regard pistols at dawn as a bit old school but the club have accepted our offer of reaching a gentleman’s agreement on the matter and you have given me the honour of taking the actual shot.
    Jon: Yes, I’ll be acting as Dom’s second to ensure everything is done correctly and having googled dueling yesterday evening it doesn’t look too complicated according to the artofmanliness.com. The club will be represented by Neil Bausor with Steve Agnew acting as his second.
    Dom: Were you surprised to see Aggers acting as Bausor’s second?
    Jon: Not really, he’s always been a good number two and the club have been looking to find a role within the Boro setup for him since Monk was appointed – plus with Neil Bausor being a member of Rockliffe shooting club he was the obvious choice to be given the pistol.
    Dom: He’s what… You never mentioned that about Bausor when you persuaded me to do the duel.
    Jon: Sorry Dom I thought everyone knew about dead-eye Bausor.
    Dom: You said he was short-sighted!
    Jon: That was about Boro’s transfer policy last season – Anyway, the suns coming up now Dom, better get into place.
    [As the Gazette video focuses in on the action Neil Bausor and Dominic Shaw stand back-to-back and start the first of their ten paces but then unfortunately for the Boro Premium subscribers it cuts out after eight paces…]
    Jon: Well I’m joined once again by Dominic Shaw and Anthony Vickers as we look back at the duel with Middlesbrough Football Club that happened this morning. So Vic you think the Gazette’s honour has been restored?
    Vic: Er Possibly, but with a few caveats.
    Jon: What do mean Vic?
    Vic: Well it’s not ideal that the Boro Chief Executive is still in intensive care, though thankfully his condition is no longer life threatening.
    Jon: Yes the club have just issued a new statement saying they are giving all Gazette employees a life-time ban from the Riverside, along with their family members and friends – do you find that a little harsh?
    Dom: Well I’m a bit surprised by that as they haven’t really given us a reason why they’ve done that.
    Vic: Possibly, I think the club are a little upset that Neil Bausor was shot in the back on the count of nine.
    Dom: Naturally, I’m a bit shocked to hear that is what they are saying.
    Vic: I don’t think you’re completely to blame Dom as Aggers is claiming Jonno shouted ‘Shoot him Dom’ just after the count of eight.
    Jon: I didn’t actually mean he should turn and shoot, I just got a little excited by the tension of it all. Anyway, why do you think they’ve also banned family and friends.
    Vic: Well from what I understand, Dom’s ‘Get in’ Facebook post got quite a lot of Likes by his friends – which the club thought was inappropiate given the circumstances.
    Jon: OK thanks guys, well there you have it, Gazette honour somewhat restored but we still won’t be able to visit the club for interviews – however here at Boro Premium we’ll continue to provide you with all the top analysis on all things Boro!

    1. I’m a big fan of Oscar Wilde and I’m sure he would have been pleased to have written that little cameo, Werdermouth.
      The whole MFC/Gazette feud could have been staged at the Whitehall Theatre years ago as one of the Brian Rix farces.
      If the feud was against supporters maybe booing the team perhaps after a poor performance, would MFC ban all the fans attending matches?
      No, thought not!
      Barmy, ennit?

      1. Many thanks Ken, I think I’ll take that as my biggest compliment yet! I’m sure the great man would have told the Gazette boys ‘There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about’

      2. A true Oscar Wilde quotation. I particularly liked his quip when visiting America for the first time and being asked at Customs if he had anything to declare. “Only my genius” was his retort.

  64. Ian’s on his hols in Skeggy, coz he’s not a traitor 😉
    Derby look good for their first away win of the season coz one of the Mackems own, off his head with drink, says his fellow team mates couldn’t give a Hartlepool monkey’s.
    You couldn’t make it up.
    Love binary numbers me like!

    1. Interesting Spartak.
      More out and more in?
      Looks like Boro are managing, or are going to manage, the dissemination of their own news. Will anybody else be granted an exclusive interview?
      UTB,
      John

  66. Who writes the MFC articles on the new website? I can’t recall seeing a name attached to any of the pieces which are supposedly “Transparent” and now “Free” no less. Seems a bit odd to me at least.
    The problem with banning people is that injustices don’t go away in fact they usually build up a pressure that inevitably bursts. History has a long list of peoples who were banned and from that the likes of Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela became renowned for their response to repression. Now MFC isn’t North Korea and Steve Gibson isn’t Kim Jong Un but however great or small injustices may be people doggedly defend their rights for free speech. Of course it may be that MFC are the party fighting for their right to free speech but it uncomfortably doesn’t feel that way. In the absence of information all we do is speculate.
    Comparing the above examples to a local spat between a club and two reporters is of course ridiculous but the point is that covering up, telling half a story or drip feeding information doesn’t help in terms of believability or credibility. I have no idea who is in the right or who is in the wrong. By the sounds of it the Gazette claim to be in the dark over the exact reason, now I’m sure they have an idea but I have to say that over recent months I haven’t read anything from the “Teesside Two” that sticks out in my mind.
    There has been a lot of discussions prior to AK departing the club about what happened or didn’t happen and who allegedly said what to who but nothing that the average Joe on Teesside didn’t know, think or conclude anyway. Treating the Teesside public like mushrooms is not the way forward and if the Club think that by having control over the “Official” mouthpiece gives it not only credibility but most importantly control then they are seriously deluded. They are setting themselves up for a huge fall. Never burn your bridges and the higher the top the longer the drop and all that stuff.
    I don’t particularly have fond views (to put it mildly) on the present incarnation of the Gazette but that is irrelevant. There are many ways to find stories and uncover what goes on without direct access to sources, in fact the lack of direct access may lead to more digging than normally is necessary and with that undoubtedly a few trinkets will be unearthed. The question then is do they publish or not? If the club is on a pedestal and everything genuinely transparent then great but we all know as in all walks of life not many of us walk around in sandals preaching forgiveness, truth and the light. There have been a few less than “transparent” stories since that statement not least of all he who cannot be spoken of, throw in the fiasco of the live video coverage on Saturday and glass houses and stones come to mind.
    The lack of anything at all about he who shall not be mentioned and Leo is absurd and quite frankly embarrassing now. No doubt non disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses will abound in many cases lately but there is that gut instinct and underlying feeling that the truth may hurt otherwise why not come clean and state exactly what and why?
    Looking at MFC v. the Teesside Two from the outside it all seems to be a bit of a drip fed smear campaign which does neither party any credit but especially the apparent petty nature of it. I’m a great believer of old proverbs and sayings and the one that comes to mind is “he who laughs last, laughs longest”. I get the feeling that MFC think that they have laughed last yet the distinct impression I get is that even on the more basic media forums this hasn’t been comfortably received at all.
    In the absence of factual information, rumour and hearsay are filling gaps and not for the first time MFC’s PR department are not winning many plaudits. The air needs to be cleared and issues resolved for the benefit of all. An embarrassing half hearted Premiership campaign allied to poor recruitment, eccentric management and ultimate relegation is not covered over by £40m worth of spending and white noise.
    A united Teesside is crucial going forwards, this side show is untimely, ill advised and totally unnecessary. The Teesside area in particular and the club in general need strong determined focussed leadership right now. Both parties need to take a long hard look at themselves and stop acting like children. If there was a Father of all things Teesside he would give them both and almighty slap across the back of the head and tell them to sort things or else there’s no supper.
    “And I don’t care whose ball it is!”

    1. Yes it’s a bit odd that MFC have decided to become their own ‘unbiased’ reporters – though they’ve probably decided like us that what’s to stop them writing their own stuff – online news is not really a money making activity anymore and in reality anyone can do it.
      Part of me secretly hopes that all the anonymous articles are been written by Steve Gibson himself when he gets home and pours himself a glass of wine – I think that’s what I’d do if I owned a football club and had appointed lots of people to run it.
      Though in my surreal world of conspiracy theories maybe they’re actually being secretly written by Dom and Jon now that they’ve more time on their hands after being ‘banned’ by the club – that’s why they are anonymous! – sounds like that club appointment of Baldrick is paying dividends…

  67. One thing I would question though is whether “free speech” is the same as “freedom of speech”, because since political correctness came about I’m not sure whether one or both terms are legal today. Everyone is entitled to their thoughts, but some thoughts can neither be spoken nor written.
    Just saying like!

  68. Thanks for link RR. I picked up that SG was making a point about providing the Boro news for free. Could it be that it is the Premium Service of the Gazette that is at the heart of the problem …

      1. Apologies… I had just read his thoughtful post when i typed that ….
        Thanks for the link Spartak 🙄, I find you are not so bad with the yourself sometimes…
        My comments are the same though !

      2. If it was the Premium service then why single out two Journalists? Surely it would have been a Gazette wide ban. Presumably its something that they (the Teesside Two) have either said or reported that the club took umbrage over .
        Middlesbrough is a small town and fans have reasonable access to players, their families and friends. Whether its a Restaurant in Yarm, a Pub in the Boro or as has been mentioned on here numerous times employees of MFC inevitably live near somebody or their Kids go to schools with other kids. Stories will leak, will there now be a blacklist at Rockliffe Hall, will Wives and Head Teachers have to sign NDA’s? Paranoia will reign supreme?

  69. Are these two writers really important like?
    Did anyone else hear Simon Jordan the other day mention Man City paying £ 250,000 for a thirteen years old kid ,from one of his acedemy teams?
    Unbelievable Jeff!

  70. When did Newcastle United last win the FA Cup? No, this is not a trick question, but it was in 1955 and it was noteworthy because three of the teams in the semifinals were Northeastern teams.
    Have I gone mad? No, the magpies beat Manchester City (who had beaten Sunderland in the semifinal) 3-1 at Wembley. I know because I remember seeing it on television at the time. But sadly the other semifinalist was not the Boro, but York City from the old 3rd Division North who had been the giant killers that season. It is the only time that three northeast teams had reached the FA Cup semifinal in the same year, and I very much doubt it will occur again.
    Now I have two reasons for mentioning this now. Firstly York City will now start the new season along with Darlington in the Conference North this coming weekend, and as a lover of north east football I’m hoping that both clubs will be promoted this season, along with Hartlepool in their division. Indeed, I should also like to see Newcastle remain in the Premier League to be joined by Boro AND Sunderland the following season. I know my sentiments regarding the Magpies and Mackems will not be appreciated by most Boro fans, but isn’t it time that the region reasserted itself as the late Arthur Appleton described in his book “The Hotbed of Soccer”?
    My second reason for bringing this up now is York City Knights Rugby League FC. I know very few on this forum have any interest in Rugby League, but please bear with me. This club almost went out of existence before the season started; in fact when the fixture list was compiled for the current season they were excluded. However they were saved at the eleventh hour (as Boro fans we know something about that) and yesterday caused the biggest shock of the season by beating the Toronto Wolfpacks 26-16.
    This Canadian team (which included ex-seasoned Australian and British players) had won all their 15 fixtures this season with a scoring record of 916 points against 157, and are expected to gain two promotions into Super League by 2019. It is regarded in the sport as on a par with Bradford City’s win at Chelsea in the FA Cup a couple of years ago, and by the good people of York as the citiy’s most outstanding sporting achievement since that FA Cup run in 1955.
    As a proud Yorkshireman I just thought the feat was worth mentioning, even that some folk would not class the city of York being in the northeast, but there again (AV included) some folk don’t accept that Middlesbrough is in Yorkshire. My birth certificate states otherwise.

    1. Mine too Ken. Thanks for post, I didn’t realise York City had ever reached the semi final of the FA Cup. I too like to see a the region’s teams do well, with SAFC and NUFC in the premiership, if only to see that Boro beat them both 😉

  71. Ken
    My recollection of the introduction is somewhat different to yours.
    I remember them as being a product of the increase in the number of subs allowed.
    With the exception of goalkeepers, this occurred from the early ’80’s onwards as the TV money went large.
    The exponential increase in revenue lead to the big clubs ‘encouraging’ the enlarging of the bench, so they could benefit from their strength in depth.
    I don’t recall squad numbers proper until the 1990’s, when the Americanisation of our national sport began in earnest.
    One cannot underestimate the importance of being earnest.
    I’m happy to be corrected on any of the above.
    As to the Teesside Two, it seems like handbags. Or possibly just a handbag.
    I can only assume there has been a compromise of confidence, probably stemming from a breakdown in communication. As the Club seems to have been in an increasingly chaotic state since the turn of the year, it’s not inconceivable a memo regarding an off the record status was lost in translation.
    I could be barking up the wrong tree entirely. Or possibly only barking, like.

    1. Oh dear. You’re quite correct. I was inadvertently assuming that because the old stereotyped system of 235 formation was abandoned during the 1966 World Cup by Alf Ramsey that squad numbering soon followed.
      I was writing from memory and should have researched the facts. Squad numbers for World Cup Competitions had been used by some international teams certainly before 1966, but was obligatory in 1966. In English club football, many decided to abandon the old 235 formation (probably because of England’s success) and adopted new formations, and indeed Jack Charlton did so in 1973.
      Stuart Boam wore the number 4 shirt and Willie Maddren the number 6 which under the old 235 system would have made them wing halves which they clearly weren’t, and I wrongly assumed that was the introduction of squad numbers. In fact your recollection of the introduction of squad numbers is quite correct, and I apologise for my error.I have sinced discovered that they were introduced in 1993 and made compulsory in 1999.

  72. The Teesside 2 seem to be attracting all the comments lately. What about Monks comment on Downing not being involved at the weekend, “It’s a situation with Stewy and some of the other guys”.
    Anyone now what he means by this?
    I had assumed Downings beef was with AK and he was the mouthpiece for his team mates

    1. I simply read it to mean that Stewart Downing, along with some of the other guys (e.g. Guedioura) would not be included at the weekend – and not that Downing had a problem with some of the other guys. Since he also went on to say he’d keep the conversations between them private – but I presume they’ve been told they’re not in any way part of his plans.

  73. Any truth Trumps ex- media director Mike Dubke is stepping into the role at MFC ?
    He would be a perfect fit in the current transparent regime or is it all fake news !

  74. Just to add a thought on the club’s stance regarding Gazette-Gate (yes it’s reached the ‘gate’ stage). In such situations, there may be valid reasons on why they are not providing further clarification as it’s possible to do so would breach the confidence of a club employee who raised the issue – the other possibility is that if they make a public claim that they can’t necessarily back up with evidence then there could be legal consequences.
    Therefore giving access to the club is something they have the right to grant or not without the need to give a reason publicly – though by banning known local reporters it has become a high profile story and the Gazette have upped the ante by boycotting the club. The problem for the club is that speculation will always fill the void and probably at least half of it will place them in a bad light as restriction of the press is becoming more prevalent in world increasingly controlled by powerful individuals.

    1. I’ve thought that all through the summer
      When SG says he is still going to make important signings then I think Ben will be one of them

  76. I suspect Bob’s short and to the point reply to things above is the causation of the “disagreement”. I have signed NDA’s in the past and some can be sharp, precise, specific with very clear boundaries and others are a bit vague to say the least with peripheral shades of grey.
    If it is something that is blindingly obvious that should have been kept sacrosanct then no wonder MFC are fuming. I suspect (or at least would hope) that it falls within the grey areas (depending upon perception and interpretation of course) and therein lies the problem of what was grey and what was black and white. Taking a step back from it I would doubt that what may (or may not) have been done was done with deliberate intent or with malice aforethought despite the hurt clearly felt.
    It resembles a scene from the Red household when I’m very clearly in the doghouse and knowing that if I ask what I’ve done (actually or supposedly) the response at full volume will be “you know what you’ve done” (when I don’t) and nothing is any clearer.

    1. Someone on the Gazette forum made a comment that too many Gazette reporters were chasing too little news, and I go along with that. Like most people I don’t know the reason for the expulsion of Dom and Jon, but they were the two who speculated on which clubs were likely to make a bid for Ben Gibson.
      OK, they were maybe only recycling views from the national press, but probably MFC, or even Steve Gibson himself, didn’t take kindly to what might be construed as undermining the clubs attempts to stave off unwanted speculation. A lot of transfer news is based on speculation instead of fact, and with little to report on transfer activity at that time perhaps the two reporters were under pressure to write something.

  77. On a footballing front the Shotton, Flint and Dyer links are still simmering. It could just be agents of course trying to link their players to the biggest spenders hoping to get their clients a few extra grand but those three seem at odds with the calibre arrived to date.
    Personally I would prefer Bartley to Flint or Shotton. There was an article about Shotton yesterday proclaiming he is Premier League standard which at 28 seemed a bit of an exaggeration. On Dyer well that one seems very strange and I can sense burnt fingers if we go there. The only caveat would be that Monk would clearly know exactly what to expect and what comes with the lad so if he figures its a gamble worth taking then fair enough.

    1. In his interview Sir Steve said the players signed so far have been on the top of the wish list. Which is unusual he said. Let’s see what level are the next two to three players arriving. A centre back is a must.
      He also mentioned that the squad cannot be too large as that means there are unhappy players and that affect the morale as this is a squad game.
      So perhaps we need to look some players who could be more “happy” than others to be just squad players. And I meant their role is as important as the ones on the starting eleven. Just the role is different.
      Just me thinking alone, like. Nice to have this blog. Up the Boro!

      1. If there’s one thing that has been shown with the fallout between MFC and Gazette is how this blog has not succumbed to ranting and raving but instead has made measured and thoughtful views and provided a welcome daily read
        Thanks to Werder RR and Si for their posts
        Long may it continue
        OFB

  78. RE Middlesbrough FC press box ban for two Gazette reporters in Dom and Jon
    I think the two chaps must have contacted some players or personnel without a permission from the club. In my opinion they must have stretched some rules.
    I have read more or less every article published by the Gazette on line duding the past few years. And I cannot remember there to be anything really sensitive the duo have written about the club.
    Most of the transfer speculation is relayed from elsewhere – other newspapers or twitter and social media rumours. But they have usually told us that.
    If Boro has been about to sign a players, reporting hasn’t been to deep before hand. The Gazette have usually held back detailed stories about a player until he has been confirmed.
    And speculating the transfer fee, is not been that either. Usually just rumours from elsewhere.
    So I would imagine they have entered the grey area to contact somebody inside the club for rumours. As they should do – but the young duo perhaps don’t have the experience of Philip Tallentire or our AV. I think the line who to contact and when can be a fine indeed. But the reporters need their stories and do some investigation to earn their salary.
    I think the club needs the total support of the local newspaper. The sooner the matter solved the better for all. Perhaps the boys needed to be naughty stepped for a while. I hope it is over by the Wolves match.
    Up the Boro!

  80. I hope that not too much will be made of Boro’s result be it win, lose or draw against Wolves this Saturday. Apparently Wolves were very impressive last weekend, and to a certain extent, so were Boro.
    What will define our season is performance, and a win will be most welcome, but a defeat will not be a disaster as long as the performance is satisfactory. Wolves, like ourselves, will be in the mix for promotion and we should not overreact to the result of this match.
    Bournemouth had a mediocre start to their season when they were promoted, and last season most of us rejoiced when Newcastle lost their first two matches last season. But both clubs were fairly easily promoted, and I recall our first two matches in the 1958/59 season (a 9-0 home win against Brighton followed by a 1-0 away in against Sheffield United) and in 1963/64 when we won our first three matches which included 4-2 win at Charlton. We never won another away match all season and we finished 13th and 10th in those two seasons.

    1. Totally agree Ken. Wolves away will be one of the toughest fixtures (on paper at least) this season and we will drop points somewhere including unexpected ones. Should we win 0-4 however the same applies about not getting too carried away (although its inevitable that we will of course), its going to be a long hard slog of attrition.
      On a separate note I see Stan Kroenke the Arsenal owner has probably sunk about as low as humanly possible (in my eyes anyway) after launching a television channel that documents and glorifies the trophy killings of endangered animals. Former England Cricketer (probably the only time I will mention the “C” word on here) Kevin Pietersen said that the “Arsenal owner is scum and should be ‘driven out” for launching the bloodsports channel.
      I personally find the practice, cowardly and ignorant on an incredible scale for a supposedly educated individual. Farming, hunting or fishing for food is one thing but any trophy hunting activities should be confined to the Premiership. Despite my respect for Wenger I would be delighted to see Arsenal fall from grace spectacularly this season. I would however happily pay to watch a Channel with “Big Game” hunters put in an arena with other “Big Game” hunters (Paint Ball with live ammo!) to hunt one another to extinction with the “winner” receiving the opportunity to an unarmed grapple face to face with a Lion in the ultimate reality show finale.
      SG like most of us sometimes puts his foot in things but thankfully we don’t have to bear the shame and embarrassment that other club owners bestow upon their clubs.

      1. RR
        I can understand your stance on the issue of ‘trophy’ hunting. To many it can seem barbaric. However, as with many emotive issues I think in the greater scheme of things it’s real impact is minimal.
        Yes, of course, on individual animals the impact is indeed great if not terminal. However, pride lions are known to kill each other on a regular basis due to natural competition. Elephants can become a danger to local human habitation. Lions can become a danger to elephants, so on and so forth.
        I think the core issue is the amount we consider life itself to have value. And this is where a misplaced over emphasis on criticising hunting comes into place. To cut the post short, consider the life of a battery hen or any other domestic animal eaten for food. Do they not deserve a better quality of life. If the answer is yes, then why is it legal to keep them in such appauling conditions? How many who read or write on this blog had chicken for Sunday? Is it okay bcoz we didn’t chase it around our backyard trying to shoot it with a gun? Would it be okay because when we caught it and killed it we didn’t enjoy the experience?
        So, putting trophy hunting on tv – will we see animal killing animal, ripping each other apart on screen? No, as I believe it’s illegal to do so. Will I watch any form of it? No, I prefer football. Therefore, I do sincerely believe that given millions die of starvation decade after decade, the emotional outrage given out when a lion gets a bullet is out of proportion to the really serious issues that face our species and planet.
        If anyone feels so unhappy then boycott the Emirate Stadium. Stand outside with a banner and leaflets. Then, maybe consider that at this moment foodbanks are running out of supplies in the UK and poor families kids are going hungry to bed tonight.
        Just sayin like.

        1. I suppose if we had to kill every animal we ate then there would probably be a lot of vegetarians. Though if these so called ‘trophy hunters’ who are just there to do the kill – basically it’s a bit like playing a round of golf where Rory McIlroy plays every shot then lets you tap in the 12 inch putt on the 18th – had to eat the whole Lion live on TV once he’d killed it then maybe it would have some relevance.
          While I agree with most of your points, should we ignore something because something worse is happening elsewhere? it may add context but ultimately it’s always going to be an excuse just to do nothing – or even accept something because it could be a lot worse.

      2. Spartak
        I’m no Vegan and enjoy a Steak or a Chicken but do try and buy from responsibly sourced suppliers (not that I particularly trust many of our Supermarkets claims) in the hope that the eggs really are Free Range and that the Chickens etc. have had a decent life and on that principle refuse to eat Veal etc.
        My issue is the trophy killings of endangered animals. Its not to feed the poor and hungry or to protect village children from a rogue Tiger/Lion/Alligator/Bear etc. it is pure sadistic enjoyment nothing else. There are people devoting their life’s work trying to save endangered species whilst some privileged pampered millionaires pay to slaughter those same animals. I know that there are arguments about the money they pay goes back into preservation schemes allegedly but I have a slightly sceptical viewpoint of that.
        If its out of necessity and for food then fair enough but killing endangered species has no place in civilised society, killing for “fun” is just reprehensible. Same goes for Fox hunting, they can be a menace to Farmers and I accept and agree that they need to be culled however its the sadistic manner (ditto Seals) in which it is done that I find a concern. People who get off on that are just one step away from doing it to another human being and given the opportunity I suspect would. The recent history of certain parts of the US (and Europe) would suggest that its not that far under the surface.
        Hunter gatherers good, Trophy hunters sick.

  82. When Werdermouth his blog did write
    About weights in metric system
    I answered that when kilos came
    That I must just have missed them.
    He then explained he meant to quote
    In cubits, minas too;
    He must have thought that I was born
    In 1822.
    So I complained I’m not that old
    And replied I thought in jest
    That inches, stones and gallons
    Were the systems I knew best.
    He soon replied that he could sense
    Another poem I’d write.
    “Afraid not” I responded
    ” I’m a frayed knot” I did recite.
    But I wonder now as July has passed
    Whether t’was a challenge or a dare,
    So now I post another poem
    Cos I think that’s only fair.
    For this I hope will right a wrong
    To Mr. Hunneycott (that’s Chris).
    He questioned when squad numbers came
    For my dates, they were amiss.
    I apologised for my mistake
    Can’t claim some mitigation.
    I only hope my big mistake
    Won’t result in litigation!
    And to appease omitted ones
    In my first poem, now I will
    Give thanks to two more bloggers-
    Powmill and Ian Gill.

    1. Well done Ken for rising to the challenge – I particularly liked the metre you chose for the poem and when it comes to finding a good rhyme you’re in a league of your own, though I hope you can eventually fathom the metric system. BTW I think a frayed knot is probably just under 1.85 km/h

  83. Thank you for my mention Ken
    I was thinking back to Jack Charlton’s Boro team numbers and think that it was number 5 that Stuart Boam played. Here’s my recollection of that brilliant team…
    1 Platt
    2 Craggs
    3 Spraggon
    4 Souness
    5 Boam
    6 Maddren
    7 Murdoch
    8 Mills
    9 Hickton
    10 Foggon
    11 Armstrong

    1. According to “Who’s that team they called the Boro “, Brian Taylor wore the number 5 shirt for the first three matches before being injured with Stuart Boam number 4.
      Thereafter, as you say Boam donned the number 5 for the rest of his career, whilst Taylor and Maddren alternated between 4 and 6, and of course 12 when being the substitute.Strangely Malcolm Smith wore both the number 3 and 8 shirts. The rest of the numbers were as you stated.
      Glad you were pleased for the mention in the poem. I understand that Ian Gill is away on holiday so won’t be aware of his mention. From the weekend I too will be away for a week touring Austria so probably won’t have time to blog.

      1. Paul Stephenson has been appointed as Boro u23 coach so that’s one position Agnew won’t be taking
        PS worked with James Beattie at Accrington Stanley as assistant manager and was also at Huddersfield and Blackpool with Lee Clerk
        A lad from the north east let’s hope he can bring on the lads to make a break through into the first team

    1. I was spitting feathers when I read that article – though I found the last para somewhat amusing…
      “Tyson Foods is focused on continuous improvement. We are constantly looking to improve and lead the industry, so that we can deliver sustainable food to people every day at a scale that matters to the world.”
      Sounds like they’re aiming to supply 6 billion chickens a week!

      1. Werder
        American multinationals are polluting the planet with toxins on an unimaginable scale.
        Tobacco companies kill off hundreds of thousands a year selling highly addictive cigarettes that cause cancer and cost billions in health care costs.
        Oil companies evade responsibility for spillages in poor african countries because of corruption and because they refuse to pay.
        Multiple millions of life forms in the shape of the humerous chicken are slaughtered every year. The raising of the same causing millions of tons of manure that seeps into water reserves.
        The corn feed for the above humerous chickens requires substantial amounts of nitrate fertilsers, much of which washes off the land into the human water supply poisoning the people.
        Its no yoke!
        And Leo gets a bullet!

        2. Aden Flint looks set to join Birmingham this week. £4.5m bid has been accepted today. Redknapp looking to add a LB, CM and FW to. #bcfc
          So that’s another one off BOROS list but we may be signing the Birmingham ch

        3. Sadly it’s not funny and it’s way above the ability of a football blog to deal with in any meaningful way.
          It is what it’s always been – those who make money normally ignore the consequences. The subject is actually well known to me – my first job in London 30 years ago was with UNEP, I spent my last ten years in England before moving to Germany working for an Environmental journal and my previous partner before Mrs Werder was a marine biologist who specialised in marine pollution – I even helped on a few of her papers.
          All that’s really changed for many multinationals is the PR – BP got a flower for a logo, the motor industry faked the emissions tests and the tobacco industry just factored in the fines and legal bills as part of the business running costs. The US have elected a climate change denier as president without it being a major voting issue and the UK government have no qualms in signing up to a trade deal with the US and are ready to import and eat their chlorinated chicken. You needn’t ask why does it need to be chlorinated given the scale of the intensive industry.
          Global population continues to increase and along with it so does pollution of the environment – most of the world is relatively poor and is intent on developing to enjoy the dream of western lifestyles, which means increased use of resources and further strain on the natural resources – multinationals want to exploit these new markets and sell goods to all the potential consumers.
          Consuming is the name of the game – not sustainable development. I’ve got no viable answers and the political will is to do only that which doesn’t effect ‘growth’ or cost jobs or restrict the consumers ability to consume. Something will give eventually but not sure what or when.
          OK, better leave saving the planet for another day – the football season is starting soon…

  85. Think I’d rather have Flint than Shotton but in all honesty not sure on either of them and would hope we could and should do better.
    Moving on I’m surprised at Bernie’s piece tonight in the Gazette where he is saying that the Middlesbrough fans who booed Gaston Ramirez are guilty of double standards and contrasts with TLF, Coops and Pallister who left and returned. Bernie clearly didn’t get the fact that those players who left and came back left trying and doing their best irrelevant of whether their best was good enough. The only bit I did agree with was that one player can’t get a team relegated.
    Gaston’s career was rejuvenated and rescued by Middlesbrough. He was hero worshipped by fans spending their hard earned cash and he and his agent disrespected both and dumped on them simultaneously. If there is a remote chance that Ramirez stays he needs to ditch his agent (who is at it yet again) and issue some sort of olive branch statement but I won’t hold my breath on that. I’m surprised Bernie can’t differentiate between TLF and Gaston.
    I think if any section of Boro fans were guilty of double standards it was as much the ones who didn’t boo as those who did. Ramirez is a divisive character who clearly has had massive commitment issues throughout his entire career (and lets be realistic he would never have been here had he not) with an agent who has manipulated, leveraged and profited from those very same vulnerabilities and continues to do so.

    1. RR, I couldn’t agree more with what you say about Bernie Slaven’s piece on Ramirez and your assessment of Ramirez himself and his agent. Bernie’s argument is arrant nonsense and he should know better. Maybe it was just another cog in the wheel being spun by the EG suggesting rehabilitation for Ramirez.
      I hope that the report referenced by Bob below that claims he is going to Sampdoria is right and the sooner the better.

  86. I’m utterly flattered to be included in one of Ken’s poems. Although there is no need for him to apologise to me, his willingness to do so would be a marvellous lesson in humility which persons at the Club would do well to heed.
    Ken – thanks again.

    1. Thanks for your kind remarks. We all make mistakes, as my long departed wife would have confirmed (bless her), and mine was to rely on my memory of what I thought I had read.
      I won’t be doing that again, and realise as I get older that my memory is not what I thought it was.

  87. Well, as expected there is still no news about a streaming service from Boro TV and exactly as I anticipated a few weeks ago, the easiest way to watch the game is to sign up for Wolves TV and pay them Pds5 for a broadcast of Saturday’s game. With all the new players and the air of excitement that comes with a new season, i would suggest that a great any non-UK Boro fans will be doing exactly this. Just how much money will go straight to Wolves, I couldn’t guess.
    Anyway, I have written to MFC Supporter Services pointing out this absurdity and asking for an update. I will advise if I get a reply.
    UTB

    2. Selwynoz
      Thanks for the information. I did not know that I could buy a daily match ticket for the iFOLLOW service from other clubs which means that at least I will be able to see the games.
      As you say this is absurd as the money is going into other clubs pockets.
      At the moment we also do not know if radio commentary will be available as it cannot be provided free as MFC intended to do but failed to establish the ground rules when deciding to take the website in-house.

    1. Allan
      You need to go to the Wolves TV part of the site and the packages are there. Managed to register and pay with my UK credit card albeit inputting my Spanish address details. Good luck. 😎

  89. Ken, thanks for the mention. The internet here makes all sites as bad as the gazette back home.
    Small world, been for a couple of meals in a nice eatery overlooking the harbour in the old part of town. Served by a young lady from Thirsk missing her lemon tops.

  91. More and more people are turning to Kodi as their main source for streaming sport, movies and TV shows. But is it legal?
    Kodi is an open-source platform allowing users to download a range of program and video add-ons, but some of the most popular sources fall into that grey area between legal and illegal. 
    Android enabled devices are the most common source of the Kodi platform due to their low costs and easy retail accessibility. The devices are especially popular with viewers wanting to watch Pay Per View (PPV) events, newly released movies and top-flight football matches. 
    http://www.alphr.com/software/1001693/best-kodi-addons-2017-uk-the-5-best-working-kodi-addons-in-july

    1. My understanding is that Kodi itself is perfectly legal it is the “add ons” which provide access to events or programming which is chargeable in its original state which is “illegal” thereby depriving the owner/originator of income.
      Next they will have to ban VPN’s but I think I read this week somewhere about a bloke living in a remote area of Wales (?) who pays £500 a year for satellite Broadband supplied from Africa as there is no local provision. It doesn’t take a genius to work out ways to get around, over and under just about everything and anything IT.
      King Canute comes to mind and I mean that directed at Sky and Virgin etc. not SG just for clarity. Sky I understand are losing sales with subscribers quitting as I did once they loaded my sports package with F1 and International Origami live from Timbuktu (OK slight exaggeration) and hiked up my monthly subscription for the pleasure of something I didn’t want nor ask for (add in the “C” word as well). They apparently have now “realigned” their channels to offer fans more specific choices in a classic stable door and horses scenario.
      I scrapped all my Channels and now just pay £20 for a basic Sky package (just a little more offering than Freeview) and also subscribed to a NOW TV box at about £8 a month which allows me to subscribe to Sky sports and movies at slightly inflated one off prices but on an as and when it suits me basis. Far cheaper and although only in SD and not HD or 3D its good enough and a lot healthier on the wallet. Ironically Sky own NOW TV and the future is staring them in the face but the trees are getting in the way of the wood.
      Say Man U v. Chelsea is on Sky should they charge more than say Burnley v. Brighton because its less popular or less because they will have greater subscribers therefore bringing more money in? Their choice, its arguable either way. At present on NOW TV I pay around a tenner I think (don’t precisely know so that in itself tells a story) for a 24 hour pass to watch an event which also means I can watch subsequent events (i.e. any more following live games say on a Sunday afternoon) within that 24 hour period.
      Personally I would happily pay £20 to watch a Boro game that I couldn’t attend possibly even £30 if I knew some of the proceeds went to the club or better still if I could get a season type pass. The stumbling block is live versus recorded/delayed of course but I think even that is diminishing as we have become used to seeing live games in front of packed out arenas. Being there is always better than remote watching in my opinion. Instead of having discussions on standing maybe Football needs to take a long hard look at how it makes its product available to as many customers as possible in whatever guise and accept that the potential of lower gate receipts (and in all likelihood probably only very slightly lower) can be more than mitigated by increased media subscriptions priced correctly.
      I would still go to the Riverside even if I could watch it live on the box for a multitude of reasons, the atmosphere, the communal excitement/despair, being up close to the action, the adrenalin and getting out of the house (or getting out of household chores perhaps is nearer the truth). Football and the Media need to wake up to reality like squads, the number of subs and shirt numbers times change, what next females officiating?

      1. We’re lucky that we can go to live games
        The lads (and lasses) that live overseas can’t do that and after many years of working overseas myself know the frustration of listening to crackly radio broadcasts or 2 minute highlights graciously allowed by MOTD
        I too love the craic and the chatter amd of course a pint or two

      2. I watch Sky Sports through Virgin Media. I never watch any programmes live, even sport. I use a Tivo box, watch all sports I am interested in not knowing the score, miss all the adverts which I fast forward through, and also fast forward sometimes the inane comments of the summarisers. It is fairly expensive, but I cancel my subscription January to end of March whilst in Portugal where I have free WiFi and Sky Sports 1 in my rented accommodation which also has a DVD player. I’m not sure how the new Sky Sports channels will affect that, but I can easily walk into the village to watch Boro and Cas when I want.
        When I return home I’m sometimes able to negotiate a cheaper Sports package with Virgin Media.

  92. The Club made an announcement on live coverage about an hour ago:
    https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/efl-live-commentary-and-match-footage-latest
    I struggle to see why radio commentary requires a fee in 2017 when the locals listen for free, in fact I struggle to see why in 2017 (especially after Augsburg) why broadcasting games overseas is not viable. I understand concerns about UK watchers but that can surely be mitigated possibly by beambacks to the stadium or charging Season Card holders an additional fee.
    My conclusion is that like newspapers the genie is out of the bottle and embracing ways to make money out of it rather than trying to shove the cork back in makes more sense long term. When Governments and Military cannot be assured their IT systems are secure how on earth do TV companies and Football Clubs think they can keep ahead of 14 year olds?

  93. Hey, Werdermouth, what’s this “league” thing? How many miles is that? And should you be using the word “fathom”? 1.8 metres to you matey! See, I’m learning!
    I love the wit and repartee on this forum; reckon we could give those Tony Hancock (ask your parents) writers Galton and Simpson a run for their money, probably Croft and Perry too.
    Anyhow, a couple of Oscar Wilde witticisms:-
    The well-bred contradict other people; the wise contradict themselves.
    If one tells the truth, one is sure, sooner of later, to be found out.
    I’m away touring Austria from the weekend so might miss Boro’s first two matches. Here’s hoping for a couple of wins, for as Lady Bracknell might have said “To lose one match might be unfortunate, but to lose two sounds like carelessness”.

    1. HITC Sport understands Middlesbrough battle Premier League clubs for defender.
      Ingolstadt´s defender Marcel Tisserand (L) and Cologne’s Latvian striker Artjoms Rudnevs vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Cologne and…
      Middlesbrough are lining up a move for Ingolstadt defender Marcel Tisserand as a possible replacement for Ben Gibson, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
      Tisserand is expected to leave Ingolstadt this summer following their relegation from the Bundesliga.
      The 24-year-old impressed for Ingolstadt despite their relegation and a number of clubs across Europe have been monitoring his situation.
      A number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in former Monaco defender Tisserand, but now big-spending Middlesbrough are also weighing up a move for the DR Congo international.

  94. Amazon firestick can apparently be loaded with additional software
    Now I’m not recommending this you understand but if I was living overseas you can see why people would try and do it to get a free streaming service of live football of their favourite team

  96. Gaston apparently due in Sampdoria tomorrow for 9m Euros plus 2m Euros in add ons. Now is this true or just more hot air leaking from his agent?

  98. Allan in Bahrain
    If you go to the Wolves website and hit the menu icon, there is a link to Wolves TV. I haven’t gone through the sign-on process yet but it seems pretty simple.
    WOlves admit that they haven’t signed a season deal yet but are offering this match as a one-off. I have to admit to not understanding why Boro TV can’t do the same.
    UTB

  99. I read that Downing is training with the U23’s, hopefully its just a temporary foot out of the door remedy whilst terms with Brum are sorted. If it continues longer term gossip and rumour will fill the void and of course any connection with “other” possible ongoing “transgressions”. Meanwhile has anybody spotted he who shall not be spoken of?

  100. I have signed for wolves.
    Now a fully paid up member of wolves tv.
    Cost me a fiver but I don’t need a gold scarf.
    Next week I my ask for a transfer to Sheffield united

  101. I understand why downing won’t take a pay cut to go to brum.
    Why should he. What I don’t understand is why his wage was not reduced after relegation.
    I thought this was standard contract procedure. Or are our championship wages that much higher than other teams.
    Anyone now if the players took a wage cut
    Cut the Boro

  102. It is my understanding that Downing took a pay cut to join and started on 35k a week. This would double to 70k on promotion. So is he back to 35k.
    If this is correct then the gap to brums offer may not be that much
    UTB

  103. Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez appears to be on the verge of a move to Serie A side Sampdoria.
    According to Sky Sport Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio), a fee of €9m plus €2m in performance based add-ons will see the Uruguyan make the move back to Italy.
    The former Bologna man first made the move to England back in 2012 when he signed for Southampton for around £12m. After an indifferent spell, which also took in a disappointing loan spell with Hull, he joined Middlesbrough on a six month loan deal in January 2016 which saw out the rest of his Saints contract.
    Despite making a huge impact on Teesside, where he was arguably the catalyst for the North-East club’s charge to promotion in the 2015/16 season, the 26-year-olds relationship with the club and its fans has soured somewhat after a transfer request was rejected by the club during the January Transfer Window last season.
    Reports of a £15m bid from then Premier League champions Leicester City appeared to have turned his head, however then the club were reluctant to let him leave believing he could help turn their season around. As it happened the then Boro boss Aitor Karanka, who had been keen to see Ramirez stay, subsequently parted company with the club as they drifted slowly towards relegation. It was Ramirez’s below par showings during the second half of the season, the worst of which came at Bournemouth where he was red-carded after just 20 minutes that irked the clubs supporters. In fact that was the last league game that Ramirez appeared in that season.
    He’s featured regularly throughout pre-season, however the understanding is that he would be allowed to leave should a suitable offer come in. It would seem that Sampdoria have submitted such an offer, with the decision now down to Ramirez and whether he can agree personal terms. Real Betis tried and seemingly failed to convince him of a move there after an agreement on salary couldn’t be reached.
    Nantes have also been credited with an interest. Claudio Ranieri, who was boss at Leicester when they tried to sign him, appears to still hold a keen interest in the player; however it now looks like he’ll be set to miss out on his man once more.

  104. Some random observations from the Augsburg game;
    Cyrus Christie looked quick and adventurous but also had a few dodgy moments, however he’s our youngest 1st choice RB since Tony McMahon so should get more consistent with age and gametime.
    George got caught out of position a few times and didn’t offer as much as he can going forward, hopefully he’s just a bit rusty and not past his best years now.
    Howson looked for the positive forward pass rather than sideways which was refreshing, but he did fade in the 2nd half and was replaced.
    Clayton sat deep and swept the midfield well, he also slipped between the CB’s when we were bringing the ball out of defence. This was the role Valdes often occupied as the sweeper keeper last season and allows the FB’s to spread and hug the touchline to offer width in possession. No sweeper keeper this year though, Randolph stayed firmly at home and offered a smart reflex save from a close header when called upon.
    DeRoon hardly featured at all, nowhere near as dynamic as usual, probably in the knowledge that he’s leaving.
    The front 3 played narrow within the width of the box and swapped positions regularly and effectively, as a result no-one was ever isolated and some neat interplay was apparent. Braithwaite in particular showed quick feet, neat touch and all round positivity.
    Our 4-3-3 system used the FB’s as width, or one of the mobile front three peeling wide, so no requirement for rigid out and out wingers hugging the touchline hence Downing redundant and no run-out for Adama. When Gaston came on we changed to a 4-4-2 with him at the tip of a midfield diamond, both systems are a fair way removed from latter AK Boro so a period of adjustment as stated by Monk is understandable.

  105. To my fellow overseas brethren and the rest of my Diasboro colleagues who may be interested, please see below a copy of the email I have just submitted to the MFC website:
    I am extremely disappointed with today’s announcement that the club will not be streaming matches to fans like myself who are based overseas. You talk about costs to both club and fans yet do not provide any details. This does not sound like a club where the chairman talks about keeping fans informed and about open communication. You offered a streaming service last week which failed and one has to question is this more about a failure on MFC’s part to have things running properly? I have had both sign in and video issues with the website in recent days. You are offering a match day commentary service which I have subscribed to in the past but will not do so this season as I wish to watch my team. It is ludicrous that I can sign up to the Wolves website pay them £5 and have the match streamed to me. Money I am gladly paying to watch my team but which is not going to MFC but to Wolves. You talk about the provision of a high quality service, clearly you failed on that account last week. The stream provided via You Tube was of good quality and one which I will gladly pay for. I believe your decision not to stream matches is driven more by the fact that the intention is to return to the EPL immediately and that you do not wish to invest in the time, cost and effort involved in putting in place a facility which will only be available for one year. It indicates to me that supporters are not at the forefront of your considerations and I am embarrassed and annoyed that a club of MFC’s standing will not offer such a facility when much smaller clubs and those in lower leagues are prepared to do so. This coupled with the recent dispute with local supporters shows MFC in a poor light. You need to up your game considerably in my view if you truly wish to be a club which is at the front of technological developments. A bitterly dissatisfied Kevin Peters.

    1. I would suggest that all those affected either copy and paste this or write on similar vein to MFC
      Hopefully this will get a result that everyone wants
      OFB

    2. I can’t say I see where the club is coming from on this one – surely questionable quality is far better than nothing at all – it essentially means overseas Boro supporters will only be able to watch their club when they play away on other clubs platforms. I must admit the statement on the club website is somewhat vague:
      As a non-EFL Digital club, to supply a live match stream comes at a substantial cost to both ourselves and our fans, and while we are continuing to pursue this goal, we are only prepared to make such a commitment when we believe we can offer the high quality standard of coverage that paying subscribers would expect.
      So what is the ballpark figure of both the cost to the club and the charge to the fans? Is it not worth providing the best service possible rather than no service?
      My hunch is that by providing any live stream from the Riverside it will then essential find its way onto unofficial pirate websites who provide streams free of charge, which are then available to UK residents and those who may decide to watch that rather than pay to go to the game.
      I agree with KP that the majority of overseas Boro fans would happily pay the club to watch games – I admire your stance in contacting the club to make your view known – the statement put out by the club is surely from their point of view and not from our preferred option.

      1. Werdermouth
        Unless I have misunderstood. The ludicrous thing about all this is that it appears that MFC overseas supporters will be able to register on other clubs websites and watch games being streamed from the Riverside.
        If I am correct then this negates your comments about MFC being concerned about content finding its way onto pirate sites. My view is “we are going to smash this league” so why bother with something that we won’t use in season 2018/19.
        My understanding is that all EFL games will be available for streaming overseas (provided your club has signed up to the facility) unless it is being shown by the EFL preferred broadcaster ie SKY.
        As Victor Meldrew would say I don’t believe it!

        1. I may have misunderstood (it wouldn’t be the first time) but I thought the cost to the club was actually providing the live feed itself – and if they’ve opted out of the EFL package does it still mean live feeds of their games are being provided to other clubs? If so then it’s a bit of a nonsense that they can’t provide the service to their own fans. Then again a german TV company was able to provide a live feed with commentary so you may be right.
          Where’s an expert when you need one?

  106. Thanks for the links – I shall be transferring to Wolves FC on saturday for the day and having one less beer to pay for it. Actually 5 pounds is split 6 ways so really it is nothing.
    I am waiting for saturday as very often there is a last minute unnanounced championship game on TV at the sam time as all the PL games. But then again I suppose mustnt be stingy so will sign tonight instead.
    UTB

  108. Billog’s interesting comments on the Augsburg kick-about provoke a few further thoughts.
    What is it about Boro managers and goalkeepers?
    I thought Randolph had a bit of a shocker. Glued to his line at corners. Dallying on the ball so that he was easily closed down. Forced to kick the ball limply into touch on at least three occasions. Worst of all attempting to pass to his own marked defenders in front of his own goal. Championship forwards will soon cotton on to this kind of nonsense. It will cost us big-time if it persists. Five million quid for a keeper who makes you nervous when he has the ball at his feet. And all of this, when we have two of our own who have done everything- and a lot more – that has ever been asked of them.
    The three up-front looked like what they were: reasonably talented players who had just been introduced to one another. Playing largely off- the- cuff, but too narrow to pose much of a threat. The full-backs ostensibly offering width principally succeeded in leaving enormous gaps at the back which we were slow to cover. Not a tactic to take into away games, I would have thought , unless we go behind, which to be fair, we may frequently do.
    So I was less impressed than most by what I saw. We looked like a team of strangers seeking some kind of identity. I hope it emerges reasonably quickly, but young Mr Monk has given himself one helluva task.
    I wouldn’t be either too optimistic or too critical for the first couple of months.
    Interesting times nevertheless.

    1. Len
      I agree with you having watched 60 mins of the match that this is very much “work in progress”. Let us just hope that by the time it turns into “finished goods” that it is not too late!

  111. I am somewhat confused by the Downing situation. Before I continue I will pin my colours to the mast as a fan of Stewie and this may be in some small part to being at Portman Road when he made his first team debut. I have no idea about the politics of football and despite all of the talk about it in various places, I have no idea what he is alleged to have done to upset AK so much. I confess I would love to know but as I have said on here previously he strikes me as something of a mild-mannered chap and this makes it even more difficult to piece together the disparate scraps into anything approaching a realistic or likely situation. Given the new open and honest policy of the club I had hoped that it might become more clear but after today’s somewhat vindictive act, that seems unlikely.
    So what I really don’t understand is why he will now train with the under 23s because a move to Birmingham, that he didn’t ask for, fell through. At the start of Monk’s tenure there was a report that he made the decision, without giving Downing any opportunity to play, that Downing could leave and that his contract would be paid up (or words to that effect). At the time this reminded me of the stories (quite possibly an urban legend) of a film director that was alleged to have fired somebody on the first day of all of his movies to put all the other staff in fear of a similar outcome. I continue to wonder why Downing was picked for this role. This is against the backdrop of Gaston Ramirez who, unlike Stewie, clearly downed tools for part of last season but nonetheless was seemingly welcomed back to the first team. As is possibly true, given other information on this consistently excellent blog, this may merely have been to get him in the shop window for the next move. I am not an idealist but I do prize loyalty as a quality and this type of treatment just makes me realise more and more that loyalty is long gone in professional football which saddens me, particularly when the club I support is just as complicit as others.
    I know that there are others on this blog and elsewhere who take a very different view of Downing and perhaps actually understand what the situations were and are behind all of this but to me it just shows the club as more opaque than ever. If there is anybody out there who can enlighten me I will be very grateful.

    1. There are so many stories about Downing, some can’t be repeated on here but he WAS responsible for the rift with Karanka by throwing a chair at him also his support for Agnew did not go down too well with supporters. He supported Agnew because he was practically guaranteed a place in the team. It is one of the worst pieces of business from the club by bringing him back. He has been very poor, to say the least. GM recognized this and Downing was the first player he told that he doesn’t have a future at the club. I don’t buy this crap about Downing being one of our own. He could not give a toss as long as his high wages keep going into his already bulging bank account. The sooner he is out the door the better for everybody. Now, take Ben Gibson for example, I would class him as one of our own.
      On another note…. Steve Agnew’ s disappearance is to be featured on Crimewatch

      1. Big sack of assumptions there, Braveheart!
        Wonderin if you have any hard evidence to back them up, like photo’s of chair sailin through the air with Downing arms aloft and anger etched on his face? Any affidavit from witnesses who saw said chair in the air at the time it flew? Did Leo leap to AK’s defence and take a hit on the bounce for the great leader? Why didn’t the great leader take a step back and sideways to avoid said chair? Then, of course he could make a tactical retreat to his office and call in said miscreant next day and suspend him or simply transfer him out immediately?
        So many questions, so few answers. Still plenty of assumptions!
        Like, like!

  112. Yesterday, we quickly looked at the latest Marten De Roon rumours, and the news was good for Middlesbrough fans, with Gazzetta dello Sport saying Atalanta could look elsewhere after the Championship side’s demands rose to €20m.
    Well, on Wednesday, the news is even better, with the same newspaper providing yet another update, this time claiming the Serie A side have pulled out altogether.

  114. Werder
    Given that extracts from all EFL games are available for the highlights shows, I’ve been working on the assumption that a single camera stream already exists and, therefore, all Riverside games will be available via the away side provided that the other club has signed up.
    Looking at Sheffield United, they have signed up to IFollow but our game may be blacked out from the service due to it being available to international broadcast partners. However, that does mean that international fans, like myself, should be able to find it somewhere.
    The real test may be the Burton Albion game.
    UTB

    1. I agree with your take on this and the Burton game will reveal all.
      I have always held the view that all games will be broadcast having picked up on an announcement about iFOLLOW on the EFL website back on the 03/05/17.
      Clearly there was a camera at the Riverside for the Augsburg friendly as the match was broadcast via You Tube. MFC however failed to get its act together and did not stream it as promised – typical Boro,

  115. Sheffield United are offering a pay as you go for a fiver so I hope the game is not blocked.
    Although sky have pick the game for live broadcast, it may not be featured in Australia as Bein Sport will show other European leagues that are scheduled at the same time.
    I could be registered to 24 championship websites by the end of the season. 23 would have been sufficient but I have already registered with MFC
    UTB

  116. I checked the BeIn schedule and they do have an unnamed live game showing in the Boro v Sheff U time slot. I might wait on that one as it is an unusual time (5.30pm UK time).
    Talking of strange registrations, my daughter and my son and I are already registered as Watford Supporters from the game last January when I was back in the UK, as that was the only way to buy tickets. Its a laugh.
    UTB

  117. Been watching these international pre season tournaments with the big clubs involved ,and I have to say ,some of the football as been absolutely outstanding ,the speed of movement and one touch stuff , just makes you realise how good the top players are.
    The Man City v Barcelona game in the first half, was end to end that just never stopped.
    It was along way from the game Stockton v Boro reserves in the North Riding cup at the old Victoria Ground many moons ago.

  118. Stewy does not fit the profile of dynamic players which GM wants, and it seems perfectly reasonable to allow the player to leave on that basis.
    One interpretation of what happened with Birmingham would be that Boro have the option of paying a part of Stewy’s wages to the point where another team would take him, but they don’t want to do that, so they are putting him in the U23’s and hoping he will be so fed up that he will accept reduced wages to move.
    If that’s what’s happening, it doesn’t seem so reasonable.

    1. I agree, Mark. Monk is saying he wants a young, hungry and dynamic squad. So not one for Stewie, even he is one of our own.
      BTW, the manager at Hartlepool is saying exactly the same. Aren’t they good buddies?
      Up the Boro!

  119. Len, I agree, we’re definitely a “work in progress” with lots for Monk especially to work on. I read an interesting article a few weeks ago alluding to the possibility that GM may struggle without his faithful assistant Pep Clotet. Clotet has 10 years more coaching experience that GM, and it’s around the globe in different cultures with different systems . . an ideal, invaluable number two. I suppose like AK he was bound to want to go solo at some point but having addressed most other things in this brave new direction I do worry that SG may have naively overlooked the assistant position. We have a habit of nearly getting things right, but not quite, and it’s always burned us.

    1. Hate the use of ‘always’ inba sentence to justify an arguement or psuedo-statistical conclusion.
      You could say ‘Always never happens!’
      Like 🙂

  120. My opinion on the Downing situation is that if MFC are not prepared to fund part of his wages by transferring him to another club, then he will see out the remainder of his contract with Boro because no Premier League team will wish to buy him and no Championship club could afford his wages.
    I can understand Downing’s position as MFC agreed the terms of his contract when buying him, and one can’t expect a player to take a cut in his wages until his contract expires.
    It is irrelevant that he underperformed last season; Boro took a gamble on buying him, as they have done in the past with other players such as Alves, and probably the gamble failed.
    In my opinion it makes sense to sell him on a free transfer to Birmingham and negotiate how much Boro will fund his wages, than continue to pay him his full wage for the remainder of his contract, unless he is playing for us, and in the manager’s opinion he is not worth a place in the system he wishes to adopt.
    Also, what would be the point in his training with the first team if he is not going to be selected? I don’t think it unreasonable then for him to keep fit by training wth the Under 23s. Surely that would also benefit the player, and I don’t see that as a punishment or humiliation. It happens in the real world; in fact I have experience of it when, after an internal reorganisation, my post was deleted and I was transferred to another section with a protected salary.
    There has been some suggestion that Downing was a troublemaker. We don’t know that; he may have had a disagreement with Karanka over tactics and voiced his concern. As long as that was done in a respectful manner, that shouldn’t have been a problem, but Karanka didn’t like players to question his tactics.
    The only other alternative to end this impasse would be for MFC to pay off his contract, but that would be less beneficial than subsidising part of his wage with Birmingham. I feel it is up to MFC to settle this problem, not Downing.

    1. Ken spot on. Its no good us debating ad infinitum if SD was a troublemaker or not as we will never know the full story or the true version of events as in my experience there are invariably three sides (Clubs, SD’s and the truth somewhere in the middle).
      What is not in doubt is that SD has not performed as any of us would wish either in the Championship or the PL.
      GM has decided that he does not meet his criteria for being a 1st team player and as such the club have gone some way to resolving this by agreeing that they will not seek a transfer fee and allowed SD to find alternate employment albeit easier said than done given his current level of remuneration.
      I don’t think any of us would be happy to take a pay cut in circumstances which we feel have come about through no fault of our own. The sensible thing is for MFC to find a solution and this may mean having to stump up part of his wages if he finds another club. I do not think to keep him on the books unutilised is an option.
      I can understand the club/GM wanting him to train with the Under 23s and this may act as a catalyst to him finding a club with whom a deal can be struck.
      This may go down to the wire of the window before it is resolved but resolved it must be if MFC are not to make an even bigger loss on what has already been a poor investment.

  123. Downing wages if we believe what’s out there, is near to £6m over two years, Birmingham could re structure that amount over a longer period irrelevent whether he stays with them past the two years or not,they do it in the States all the time.
    It’s probably better tax wise anyway.

  124. Please find below the announcement made by the EFL on the 3 May 2017 regarding the iFOLLOW service.
    “iFollow: Live streaming platform unveiled for global EFL fans. 3
    The innovative new service will enable overseas EFL fans to follow their team’s entire 2017/18 season
    The EFL has today unveiled iFollow, an innovative digital live streaming and content platform that will revolutionise the way football fans overseas can follow their EFL teams.
    iFollow will, for the first time in English football, enable EFL fans based outside the UK and Ireland to watch their team during the regular EFL season.
    With an estimated 270,000 EFL fans based outside the UK, iFollow will allow clubs to enable their supporters to follow the action wherever they are in the world.
    Kicking off at the start of the 2017/18 EFL season, overseas subscribers will pay the equivalent of £110 per season for the service which will provide coverage of up to 46 live games per club.
    More than 1,500 matches will be available in HD quality, with iFollow showing every EFL league match live unless that match has been selected by the EFL’s overseas broadcast partners.
    Fans based in the UK and Ireland will still also have access to live audio commentary, highlights packages and exclusive content as part of the new offering, rebranded to replace the EFL’s existing PlayerHD platform.
    At launch, the vast majority of EFL clubs have opted in to utilise the iFollow platform and those who have not will have access to the same live streaming opportunity and will provide their fans with access through their own club digital services.
    Research commissioned by the EFL suggests that there is significant demand for a service like iFollow amongst fans based overseas. A survey of over 1,600 such fans showed that 73% would be very likely or quite likely to subscribe to a live match streaming service and almost half would be happy to pay an annual subscription fee to do so.
    The findings suggest over 55% of the EFL’s fans are located in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand where the potential audience for the iFollow platform could reach into the hundreds of thousands.
    EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey commented: “The launch of iFollow is a notable development and will revolutionise the access thousands of overseas fans enjoy when following their EFL team.
    “The new iFollow platform represents a potentially significant new revenue stream for clubs, while enabling enhanced engagement with existing fans now living abroad.
    “iFollow will also present the EFL with an important opportunity to stimulate the interest of new groups of supporters who follow our clubs overseas, which in turn will help support the growth of our competitions on the international stage.”
    The live streaming of matches will be available from the start of the 2017/18 season in conjunction with a brand new digital presence for clubs via official websites and apps, together creating the largest sporting digital network in the world.
    US-based company NeuLion, a market leader in online video delivery, whose clients include the NFL, NBA and the Premier League, have developed the integrated streaming service alongside UK company Realise who have built the club websites.
    The two suppliers were appointed by the EFL in July 2016 following a competitive procurement process. ”
    Based upon this information we can watch all Boro matches home and away (except those broadcast on Sky) but as MFC are not providing the service to its own supporters it will be necessary to sign up to every other club’s website and purchase a day subscription to watch the match.
    Typical Boro comes to mind as does ” I don’t believe it”! ☹️👎

  125. For me Stewie’s case that he was unfairly treated by Aitor was fatally undermined by the fact that he consistently underperformed during the last two seasons in whichever position he played.
    Literally coming down to us as an established Premier League player he carried around with him a sense of entitlement that was rarely justified by his performances.
    He compounded his problems by confronting his manager for which he was given short shrift. But in the end he achieved a kind of victory since Aitor did leave largely as a result of his man-management problems. I have it on good authority that Aitor intended to go public with a further personal attack against Stewie, at which point the powers-that-be decided that enough was enough, and Aitor was asked to resign.
    Stewie’s future then became largely dependant upon the success of Aggers, who saw him as central to the team’s future development. At which point the player overplayed his hand with a self-serving PR campaign aimed at keeping Aggers at the helm. When this failed, Stewie was clearly going to be damaged goods, whoever else the new manager turned out to be, and his treatment by Monk has been the logical outcome of the preceding events.
    The disparity between what Stewie was being paid and his levels of performance and general attitude will have spoken volumes to the vast majority of Boro supporters, and I suspect that there will be few sympathisers with his present self-inflicted and lucrative predicament.

  126. With impeccable timing I see that I posted at precisely the time that Stewie has been called a genuine Boro hero by Steve Gibson for his football, his exceptional work for charity, and his emotional and financial commitment to the area.
    It goes without saying that I absolutely endorse all of his good works.

      1. I think Stewy came back at the wrong time. The style and manner of play and Coaching wasn’t a good fit and consequently there wasn’t a position in the team for him. That meant he was shoehorned into a system rather than bought for a specific role and there again who “bought” him is open to much speculation.
        He is a better player than we seen and suspect he will do well under Harry if he does go there as he will look to utilise his skills rather than making him conform like one of the ugly sisters trying to force their foot into the glass slipper. The old double edged Teesside curse of being one of our own but flash rich git who never worked a day in his life was always going to be a hurdle just waiting for him to stumble over.
        At least he had the wotsits to speak his mind and say to AK what a large proportion of the fans were thinking. It didn’t work out but I think upwards of 60 to 70 per cent of it was not of his making nor was the fee or the contract offered to him.

  127. Len,
    Thanks for filling me in on Randolph. Of course I want him to succeed – he’s Irish! But your concerns are legit. My own memories are of the long ball assist for Shane Long in the 1-0 win over Germany, and commendable Given-esque positional sense at the Euros. Those, however, are irrelevant if he can’t do the business for Boro.
    What I do hope for this time is no writing off of players before they’ve even kicked a competitive ball. I expect more from the club in helping them to “click”. Of course recruitment in 2016-17 was, to be frank, poor – it wasn’t too much cop in 2015-16 either – but a lack of helping the new arrivals to feel more at home didn’t help.
    I believe it was RR who once said that to move forward we had to embrace change and shake free limiting beliefs. Then we, too, as fans, must deal with transition. It happens.
    Think, as I said before, of how well Burnley have bought, sold and prospered by comparison. As a fan was quick to rub in around the time of Paul Clement’s sacking from Derby: “What annoys Derby and Boro fans is we’ve spent money we’ve earned on players who have worked out for a manager who’s been given time and security to build. It shows up their clubs.”
    One can’t go forward by forever looking back.

    1. In the 1950s Burnley had a good reputation for recruitment, and indeed won their only First Division Championship with a team of many players from County Durham. Their recruitment at that time put Sunderland to shame, the latter spending so extravagantly without much success and being dubbed “the millionaire team at that time”.

  128. Research of other club websites has so far revealed that Sunderland and Hull City have also not signed up to iFOLLOW.
    Ipswich have but only appear to be offering a season ticket as opposed to a match by match basis.
    When Boro play these teams, unless the match is on Sky, we will not have the opportunity to watch.
    I am still reluctant to pay for the radio commentary (have been doing so for 6/7 years) not because I cannot afford it but because I am still annoyed with MFC’s stance. That being said, if I find a significant number of clubs have not signed up to iFOLLOW (unlikely) I may relent as I need my weekly Boro fix! 😎

  129. Ramirez for me is the guy who came on , on Saturday and within one minute picked the ball up and almost threaded a perfect ball to Fletcher, that was just cut out with a fully stretched leg by a defender, it would have been a perfect opportunity to score.
    OH Well?
    What might have been?

      1. No need to apologise Ken in our virtual pub we just say what we like and don’t offend anyone that’s why I love this blog !!
        Hope you enjoy your holiday my wife and I love Austria and Germany and Switzerland and have toured by car many times
        OFB

  132. Just attempted to listen to GM’s press conference (EG declined to attend) which is posted on the club website. MFC have apologised for the sound quality – it’s so bad I give up listening!
    Club have still not responded to me regarding problems I have whenever I want to see videos full screen, which results in my screen going very dark and unable to view. Perhaps I am better off without the MFC version of iFOLLOW !

  133. Monk may be like Aitor in that he will only accommodate one out-of-shape/erratic/unpredictable/game-changing/invisible (take your pick, depending on the day) “magic man” in the team. Tomlin, Fabbrini, Gaston – you name it. But you can’t fill the whole team with or turn the entire side into reliable, synchronised workaholics. Yes, it made Spain 2008-12 effective, efficient, but ultimately boring.

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