Full-bodied Boro hope for stout performance against Burton

by Ian Gill, posted in Uncategorized

As Boro’s thirst for another three points hope to be quenched, Ian Gill has taken his seat in the Diasboro snug as he looks ahead to tomorrow night’s encounter at the Riverside…

Burton upon Trent is famous for it’s brewing industry hence Albion’s nickname of the Brewers. Marston’s Pedigree is my favourite brew but the aficionados swear by Bass which they like without the Mr Whippy much loved on Teesside.

Burton Albion are a bit of a fairy story, there were three teams in Burton but they all disappeared pre-1939, the current club came in to being in 1950 playing in the Birmingham League. They worked their way up the pyramid only getting in to the Conference in 2002. They moved to the purpose built Pirelli in 2005 and were promoted to the football league in 2009 and are in in the Championship.

They have had some famous managers, Neil Warnock in the early 80’s, Nigel Clough who oversaw their promotion to the league and is back there again, Gary Rowatt – now at Derby, Paul Pescisolido and of course our own Jimmy Floyd.

It is only a town of 72,000 people and historically the fans supported Derby and Burton, over recent years newer fans now treat Derby as rivals to the mild irritation of Rams fans. Within an hour’s drive are the two Sheffield clubs, Barnsley, Derby, Forest, Villa, Brum and Wolves. It is a great time to be a Burton fan.

But not on Saturday when they were thumped 4-1 at Hull though they were level at 1-1 with Irvine, their most influential player, equalising. Within five minutes he was sent off for a second bookable offence. Up until then the hosts had edged it but the Brewers had given a good account of themselves despite losing Warnock with an early injury (both Warnock and Irvine won’t be available for Tuesday) but after that they took a bit of a pasting.

They will be looking for a response at the Riverside but the best you can say is that they are workmanlike. Buxton is solid, Dyer has a bit about him but they are a typical Nigel Clough side. They regularly line up in 3-5-2 formation.

This will be their first trip to the Riverside with both our previous meetings being in cup competitions. The first match under Mogga in the third round of the FA Cup was probably one of the most one sided matches I have ever seen as we lost 2-1 to late, late goals. The other game saw us come from behind thanks to a Stuani braces with the winner coming in extra time.

Anyway, it takes two to tango so what about us? I suppose you could say we were workmanlike on Saturday, it certainly wasn’t a classic but even that level should see off Burton with the quality of players we have at the club. So let’s have a look at what we may expect to see from Boro tomorrow:

Same again defensively unless Ayala rises Lazarus like from the treatment table. It all depends whether his ankle/calf/knee/back/shoulder/hip/ribs/head (delete as appropriate) heal in time. Other injuries and illnesses are available.

Let’s look up front. Braithwaite looks to be out of contention for some while so you would assume same again. Bamford certainly looked happy as the link man of the three, Assombalonga looks to be able to bully most defenders in this division, Gestede is, well, Gestede. The one concern would be the fitness of Bamford, let’s hope it was just tiredness.

I don’t want us to go route one but repeating the throw in routine between Christie and Forshaw where we ended up retreating the length of the pitch to Randolph when you have three people in the box is tantamount to negligence. Play football by all mean but don’t ignore the assets we have.

We need to lift the tempo and play further up the pitch so it is the middle three that needs some thought. Clayton appears to be earmarked to sit deep and drop in between Gibson and Fry to make a three, giving free reign to Christie and Friend to bomb on. Who to play in front of him? We have Forshaw, Howson, Leadbitter and Baker. Forshaw and Leadbitter are known quantities, neither will regularly play the killer ball, their passing is more about continuity than creation.

Howson has disappointed so far but is only a couple of matches into his Boro career –  Baker we know little about though he didn’t come on a year’s loan to warm the bench. Against Burton you could play both Howson and Baker, it depends how risk averse Gary Monk will be. Also will Adama get a run out at some point? I suppose Monk will want to see him in a match situation, this may be the opportunity for a cameo late on.

As of this morning there are still away tickets available for the Burton fans!! I don’t think all police leave will need to be cancelled to control their fans.

So it should be a comfortable win, scoreline, if not the performance and the points should be there for the taking.

So will Boro claim all three pints or will it be a case of brewers droop after a flaccid performance on the pitch? As usual your predictions for score, scorers and attendance…

112 thoughts on “Full-bodied Boro hope for stout performance against Burton”

  2. That player on the Burton Albion badge, which I like, looks like he enjoys a bevy or two. It would have to be a straight pint of Bass for me and I haven’t seen Bass on a hand pump since I can’t remember when.
    I’m going for a 2 – 0 win for Boro, the side does seem to be taking shape so I am optimistic again although how long does the bedding in period take?
    A good piece above, as always an interesting read.
    UTB,
    John

    1. Bass on hand pump? I would be surprised if a few others don’t mention the legendary Bass at the Sun Inn, Stockton. I expect tomorrow there will be some coming up on a pilgrimage from Burton on Trent just to sup the real stuff…..

  3. Cheers, Ian. Good read and a nice bit of history.
    Typical Boro waiting to happen. What can go wrong if the visitors have not won yet, have a few injuries and are new to the division.
    So it should be a home banker. But nothing is sure. But this a ‘must-win’ game to get back to two points per game average.
    So I will go for a 2-1 home win with a brace scored by Britt. Up the Boro!

  4. Thanks for the comments, I thought Burton deserved a little bit history following their fairy tale rise since the Millenium.
    Now a question. With the luxury of the Wolves commentary on Talksport2 plus the live on TV game against the blades I have been trying to get commentary on the MFC website with no success.
    I know JP managed the Wolves game but talk half a dozen attempts to log in.
    Anyone else had any joy?

  5. Nice article Ian, with the added history lesson.
    No prediction as such. 24K crowd, being a Tuesday and Burton. Has to be a win as nothing else would be acceptable. Need to keep in touch already.

  7. Excellent effort, Mr Gill! More articles from your good self please.
    Little mention of the esteemed name of Clough arriving at the Riverside. I hope the crowd give the Burton manager and team a warm welcome. We then of course bypass the choked midfield and throw or hoof the ball onto our big lads head, whereupon the scutterling and swirving pair of Britt and Bamford latch on and thump in numerous goals to boost our goal difference stats.
    Happy days
    Hopefully
    🙂

  8. A nice read Ian, that wasn’t the hundredth starter piece was it Werdermouth 🙄
    It was interesting to learn a little of Burton’s history as well. They are the kind of team/club I always wish well for, unless they are playing us.
    Baker for Forshaw would be my only change tomorrow ( unless someone has picked up a strain or a niggle ). I expect us to capitalise on the good spell we had in the first half on Saturday, only hopefully with a better return to show for it and hopefully longer duration of it.
    If we are looking comfortable with 30 to go, I would be good to see how Traore can work when there are more options around up front. Maybe more options could lead to better end product (even if it is by accident!! )

    1. Very subtle, for a moment you got me checking there Powmill – though I suspect Ian would have also posted the 98th and 99th article to make sure 🙂 Though now you mention it, that was actually the 73rd article posted since we started seven-and-a-half months ago – quite a body of work behind us now. However, apologies in advance to the other contributors but I’m sure I can somehow contrive to knock in the 100th blog post in around three months time…

  10. BTW
    That phrase used in WW2 was used by RAF after The Burton ad showing guys standing at a bar with one empty space where someone should be
    Hence the phrase he’s gone for a Burton!
    Typical of the humour adopted by the British when facing death for it to be used as a remark for a fallen comrade
    Remember the few

    2. I was hoping to find an image of that ad to illustrate your post but unfortunately couldn’t find one. Though I did discover that there is some dispute that the aforementioned ad actually existed as no-one has yet found a copy – however, you are still right about the source of the phrase coming from the RAF as they claim it was chiefly used for pilots lost at sea (or in the drink) and it was tradition to leave a place at a table empty with a pint of Burton standing there.

  11. Never mind the players suffering exhaustion from the Championship grind, what about us lot having to read a great article plus comments every Saturday/Tuesday?
    Great piece Ian, though Notts County fans may not take too kindly to being ignored.
    Complacency will be the team’s greatest threat tomorrow. No tinkering from GM please, he must play the strongest possible team with least number of unforced changes from Saturday. If we have any pretence to promotion this is one of the games we need to make sure of.

    1. What do you mean comments Saturday Tuesday ?
      The way this blog is building we have comments every day of the week !
      Good job I’m retired I spend all day reading this !

  12. Many thanks to Ian for providing us with a good interesting match preview with the added benefit of his local knowledge to boot (I’m already penciling you in for the Derby game btw). They do sound like the kind of club that nobody would begrudge success and thanks also for reminding me about Marston’s Pedigree – a particular favourite of mine from my days when I lived down the road in Sheffield, when I appeared to have enjoyed more than my fair share of decent ale if I seem to remember.
    I hope Boro are not thinking like the fans in expecting the three points as I’m sure the players will need to work hard for it as is so often the case in the Championship – complacency has been the source of many a lost point or two and we will need to be up for this game more than our opponents, who I expect will certainly not be other than fully committed.
    At this stage I’m just hoping Boro can put together back-to-back victories and bank the points. I’ve got a feeling Leadbitter (sounds like a heavy ale) may get his first start in what could be a feisty contest – Howson may make way for Baker and if Adama doesn’t get on the pitch at some point then maybe he’s become a little peripheral to Monk’s plans. I can see no reason why Fry shouldn’t continue either even if Ayala is fit as he looked better in defence than the spaniard.
    If pushed then I’d go 2-0 to Boro with goals from Bamford and Baker – attendance 23,431.

  15. I think the modern managers want to make changes and rest some players of it is Tuesday Saturday every week. I hope you see what I mean.
    Remember how few injuries we had in the Championship during the Karanka era. We hardly ever played the same team from a match to the next. But AK knew his stuff and avoided injuries.
    So I will expect a few changes from Saturday. Most probably a couple have had a little knock and some are rested for Saturday.
    Up the Boro!

    1. Wish I’d had a little knock on Saturday !
      Ah well back into the fray tomorrow night another evening kick off it’s playing havoc with my sleeping pattern as I’m still kicking the ball at past midnight !
      I’ll probably get a red card amd sent into the other room !

  16. Ian
    Re your post at 4.36. I assume that your question relates to commentary of the Burton match? If so then log into the MFC website tomorrow evening and go to match day page which will allow you to click onto live commentary from Radio Tees just like the old Boro+ facility but free at present until MFC put the pay wall in place.
    There was full commentary of the blades game on Saturday.
    You can of course watch the match Via iFOLLOW if you register with iFOLLOW on the Burton site and purchase the match day pass. I have already paid for Burton and Forest on Saturday so will be watching and interesting to compare quality as against Wolves TV.
    Hope this is of help and that I have not misunderstood your question.
    Informative and interesting article thank you.
    Should have enough quality to see off Burton and going for 2-0 in front of 18,716.

  17. A great piece Ian. Informative as befits this blog.
    I was beaten to the Gone for Burton line and didn’t know the history either.
    I am making my first visit of the season with Boro Becky and her brother so hoping for a win and that Burton are left looking at the dregs with Boro proving to be too strong for them.
    I will be interested to see who plays and the subs used.
    Going for a 3 0 with 23983 attending and Bamford opening the score on 16 minutes!

  18. I tried logging in and it didn’t work. It wasn’t a problem as there was commentary and TV of our opening matches.
    Should be able to get commentary from local radio, takes me back to the Bosko Jankovic stand where, when suitable, I listened to local radio and fed in their comments. The highlight was half time scran for Vic and co.
    How things have moved on! Or in the case of the Gazette regressed.

    1. Ahhhh! Remember the speculation at half time? Would the journos get a top-notch scran of tomato+basil soup, samozas and choice of pulled pork buns or hot beef, with thrice-cooked chips, or a disappointing plate of curled-up ham sandwiches made with Mother’s Pride and (if lucky) some lukewarm tea or coffee? And the warning that the rest of us mustn’t swear, call each other names or carry out Chinese Burns on each other whilst Vic went downstairs to collect his plateful. Sometimes we were sadly informed, 10 minutes later, that the local journos had cleaned the table like a plague of locusts, so our correspondent had to make do with the emergency Mars Bar as he read the contributions added to the Virtual Bosko Jankovic Stand Blog whilst he had been away.
      Those little discussions during boring games (there were a few) when we were listening to Ali Brownlee and sending our thoughts to the Blog. Discussions about which flavour of Doritos would work best with which single Malt. And sometimes being “kicked off” the Blog because it could only permit a certain number of participants at any one time, and as someone new joined in, someone old dropped out. Until they joined again, knocking someone else out!
      Hey ho! But they were fun, those hazy crazy, lazy days when away matches were followed in the Virtual BJ Stand…..

  19. Ian
    Apologies a senior moment from me – living near Derby does not unfortunately qualify you as an overseas supporter and the iFOLLOW service.

      1. Pedro
        Yes he could but just needs to be aware that some payment systems match payment cards to addresses.
        Managed to purchase Wolves game using credit card registered at UK address but input my Spanish address.
        Friend who is Blackburn supporter had problems however so have since used debit card registered on Spanish address and all worked fine so far!

    2. I did not need to register on the new site mfc.co.uk – I just kept on using the old pass word I had for Boro+.
      Haven’t had any problems loggging in and seeing the videos, etc. Haven’t yet listened to radio commentary as seen matches via iFollow but then I am an overseas supporter.
      Tonight I will log in to Burton for a live TV stream. Happy days.
      Up the Boro!

  20. Ian Werder RR
    Just to let you know I post all these reports on twitter and Facebook
    I’ve noticed that quite a few people are now retweeting the articles !
    So whilst they may not be registered as lurkers on our site we do have a lot of readers now
    Keep up the good work!

  21. Doesn’t look like it will be a goal fest. Burton have had two shots on target in two league games and we have had four. Also the championship team with least shots on target last season were Leeds, average 3.2 on target per game.

  24. I expect us to win, but we know Burton will see it as a free shot – it’s not a game anyone will expect them to get anything from. They will fight relentlessly to close us down, but our quality should be too much for them.
    The game has to be seen as a further opportunity to develop our teamwork and understanding, we are not starting with an already effective and settled side as some other Championship teams are. We will need to be functioning at a higher level than so far for when we go to Forest at the weekend.

  25. (Cue rapid music – da,da,da, etc.,)
    Breaking Newts Sportsfans!
    EPL bigwigs to discuss nonsense of summer transfer window that goes beyond start of season thus leading to team disruption, in Sept.
    https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/14/premier-league-shorter-transfer-window-meeting-7-september
    This point was raised by one of Diasboro’s very own (no names mentioned) quite recently here on this very blog.
    Once again Diasboro contributors show themselves to be ahead of the rest.
    Diasboro – the place others get their ideas (free of charge of course).
    UTB

    1. Just hope we trouser a result against Burton and have a Zippy attack and button up the defence.
      If they win it would be a turn up for the book and does not seam impossible.
      Let’s hope we pocket 3 points

  26. It’s not looking too promising for me to be able to watch the game online tonight via the Burton site – it appears trying to pay with a credit card with a billing address that doesn’t match your IP location or a billing address that doesn’t match your credit card doesn’t get accepted.
    This is a problem as we ditched our German credit cards a few years ago as they charge a monthly fee to have one and we seldom used it since nearly all purchases over here can be done just as easily with direct online bank transfer or PayPal – plus we have a debit card system called VPay instead. Anyway, I retained my English bank account but with an English address for UK transactions, which the iFollow system doesn’t like – I expect it’s to prevent people using third party IP addresses to get round the living overseas requirement. It worked OK for Wolves but they are independent of iFollow and didn’t mind an English address.
    I guess my only option is to persuade my father-in-law to give me his credit card details…

    2. Werder, I had no problems. But then I am in Finland and have a Finnish credit card. You must buy a beer for your father-in-law to keep him happy. Talk about Burton.
      BTW, the Echo is reporting that Martin Braithwaite is set to return to the squad tonight. He missed Saturday’s game after suffering in a knock in training at the end of last week.
      Any news on Ayala? What was the matter he suffered from?
      Up the Boro!

    3. Werder
      Have you got a debit card? I paid for the burton game and the forest game using my Spanish debit card and all worked ok.
      I, like you, used an english credit card and spanish address for the Wolves game and it worked ok but I was aware that some pay walls check cards to addresses and it can be an issue. A friend in Spain is a Blackburn supporter and he had exactly the same problems as yourself. I have therefore switched to using my Spanish payment card.

      1. My German card uses the VPay debit system (run by Visa), which I think is designed for chip and pin authentication and can’t be used for online payments – so it’s not Visa, Mastercard or Amex as required by the Burton site

  27. Northern Echo report this morning that Braithwaite will be back in the squad tonight after a knock in training and have him in their starting eleven ????
    Middlesbrough (probable, 4-3-3): Randolph; Christie, Fry, Gibson, Friend; Howson, Clayton, Forshaw; Bamford, Assombalonga, Braithwaite.
    Come on BORO.

  28. With a match down by the Trent coming up I would prefer giving Braithwaite another few days, there again, if he is fully fit it gives a break to someone else.

      1. I think the biggest injury Ayala suffered in that first game at Wolves, was the grievous injury to his pride after that woeful attempted pass to Gibbo, across the field, which went straight to their striker!

  30. I would be very surprised to see Braithwaite back tonight but Ayala might be a possibility although based on Fry’s performance against the Blades my view is that it is now his shirt to lose. If someone comes in and does a good job then they should retain their position in the side, it keeps competition healthy and those knocking on the door hungry and optimistic.
    Fry was one of our best players on Saturday, he set up the goal with his headed clearance upfield to Bamford and perhaps of less notice was that he dribbled the ball out from defence, beating two Sheffield Players being brought down in the process but managed to play the ball forward to Christie (possibly Britt) who then pinged a cross to Gestede who flashed his header against the upright. Not bad for a rookie and remember in then opening minutes he managed to get a challenge in to put of a Sheffield player just before he was about to shoot from 8 yards out. The word “challenge” is crucial because a “tackle” like as not would have ended in a nailed on penalty against us. For me he should stay in the side, if you are good enough then you are old enough.
    Burton will like as not consider booking their bus in for a handbrake overhaul before coming up to the Riverside. They may however figure that they may as well go for it and see if the element of surprise and an early goal to cling to would work better.
    If Burton go behind early they have everything to gain and based upon Saturday’s game we didn’t have enough creativity to turn the tide in the second half and ended up clinging on. We can lose this game because of ourselves as much as by Burton’s ability. Much is needed to be done to ensure our Midfield is sorted because to date Wolves dominated the middle and apart from 20 minutes in the first half against Sheffield we were pretty much powerless. I suspect Grant will start to cut out the nonsense passing that lost us possession repeatedly.
    I wouldn’t be surprised if Bamford is rested, he ran himself into the ground and the last 10 to 15 minutes were a struggle for him with muscles cramping and tightening up. Gestede earned another start and if the bus is parked, high balls over them could disengage the locking mechanism. Fletcher has plenty of running so give Paddy a break, play Baker in the Bamford role (bye Gaston) with Gestede and Fletcher and then Britt on the bench. I know it will be seen as taking the opposition lightly but those two cost a combined £12m or so which is probably more than the entire Burton squad and their Plaxton! I’m going for 22,873 and a 3-0 Boro win.
    Going back to the shocking scenes at the Riverside Car park after Saturday’s game. I have read subsequent official statements which saddened me at the avoidance of the “Elephant in the room”. Not one journalist has challenged the Club or the Police as to why the game was deemed “high risk” (Police Statement), the likelihood of extended drinking times exacerbating rowdy behaviour plus the high level of visiting fans the fixture attracted was “Policed” so lightly and ineffectually.
    Why did the Police and or the Club deem the opening fixture last season against Stoke to be worthy of a major Police presence with dogs and officers respondent in their crowd control gear in huge numbers and their Helicopter circling for the entire afternoon yet this game had a far greater propensity to have rivalry boiling over which the ACC of Cleveland Police admitted by stating that it was classed as “High Risk”.
    Did the Club refuse to pay for the Policing or did the Police feel that they are an elite Premiership glamour force and the Championship was beneath them? I know thats a glib question and a cheap shot but the sheer incompetence at something that was predicted as “High Risk” previously had a response from those who made the decision for a token Police presence incomprehensible. I hope those who suffered personal injury see a damn good Solicitor to force those accountable to tell the truth as to why some games are grossly and ludicrously over Policed and another woefully under Policed. It appears that everyone is making all the right noises but without actually answering one big question Why? Condemn those who participated and glorified in the violence by all means but lets not avoid the big question that everyone has conveniently avoided.
    Before this game MFC had issued a warning about arriving early due to extra checks and delays regarding safety due to the recent Terror events. This was responsible, realistic reaction to current societal challenges yet those who had considered and thought that potential scenario through decided that they needed no more than a dozen Bobbies in a Stadia with 27,000 attendees yet against Stoke with 32,000 attendees (most of the extra then were local Boro fans not visitors that day and with a 3.00pm KO not 5.30pm). The opening Home fixture last season was literally more like a scene from Robocop than a football match. Who made those conflicting Policing decisions (Stoke and Sheffield United) and why? I’m wondering if we witness a Police overkill tonight in a low risk game in a horses and stable door management style.
    The Police and Stewards on Saturday who were there initially did their very best in an impossible, intimidating, frightening and overwhelming situation (despite many social media comments to the contrary). They faced a few hundred animals most of whom looked off their heads, intent on attacking innocent victims. There was of course the inevitable local idiots who then decided to goad them but it was 80/20 and the Stewards who are mainly teenagers, older men and women done their best as did the handful of Cops hopelessly outnumbered with their truncheons drawn trying to face down a mob spitting, punching, throwing stones, rocks, gravel and anything they could find to hand.
    My anger and disbelief is such that I deliberately stayed off the board yesterday because I would probably have posted something that I wouldn’t have regretted but it would probably have been less factual and far more emotive. The statements I have read to date are weak and pitiful sounding more like excuses and a marketing spun blame deflecting exercise.

    2. Paulista Park may know a good solicitor !
      I too was appalled at the violence and the lack of a police prescence. I only saw the incidents in the ground as I am over the west side and don’t park anywhere near the east.
      When you think we have a major police control centre in the south stand where was the local control to prevent supporters being attacked in their own seats.
      Apparently the away supporters concourse was trashed as well and this was done before they left the ground
      Not a very good state of affairs and I shudder to think what the reverse fixture is going to be like !
      Hopefully this is the only time we play them for a long time !
      On a football fronty my pal and I remarked how Fry played the Ball out from defence time after time and was prepared to move upfield . Very much like Pally did?
      He wouldn’t have been allowed to do that under Karanka and I like you think he’s deserving of his place in the team.
      Bamford might get a small run out later in the game but think Britt will start he can run and run his work rate on Saturday was phenomenal.
      George is still not back to his best and though Ben was a bit subdued we have to make allowances for him wearing a protective mask which must Imari his vision at times.
      Pity about Braithwaite I still believe he will not play tonight but we will see when the team is announced tonight
      One thing the Boro have changed is no issue of team sheets it’s all electronic and Mrs OFB was hurriedly checking the programme to see who was who with so many new players
      An interesting fact is of the team that finished 10 were British and one (GK) Irish so the Spanish experiment is dead.
      Looking forward to it and hopefully this is the last time we play them
      OFB

  32. The Gazette ‘understands’ that Braithwaite wont be available. Is that journo speak for cut and paste or is someone from the club actually talking to the Gazette?
    The Northern Echo having him featuring and out for a month are somewhat different stories.
    Someone on here said six weeks (OFB?). I will stick with that

    1. Guilty !
      ”Twas me that said 6 weeks but that was an initial assessment ”
      Hopefully he will return sooner
      Don’t expect to see him tonight
      One thing I’ve found out about this manager is he keeps his cards close to his chest and a lot of the leaks have been plugged rumour wise which is a good thing
      Don’t watch the Gazette videos now I am old enough to make my own assessments of how players are doing and how a match was played especially when we have excellent reports from our own Redcar Red

  33. Just back from my hols and playing catch up with Boro news.
    We certainly have a new look team post Karanka , I think the old boy (AK) would have had a major meltdown if it was suggested he played three strikers! Good to see a Boro team set up with attacking intent.
    Looking forward to tonights match of course, I sense a 3-0 Boro win coming our way (whe nwas the last time that happened in a league match?).
    I also note Boro/Gazette relations are still at a low ebb. That’s in no ones interest, least of all us the fans, it needs sorting and quickly.

    1. Nigel
      Funnily enough the majority of fans who use Twitter FB amd other social media seem not too bothered about the spat between Gazette and Boro and appear to be using the Boro web site more !

    2. Nigel, at one point in the first half Bamford and Assombalonga got in each others way in the opposition box as they both attempted to shoot. Poor AK would have needed CPR, not for the fact they got in each others way but because there were two Red shirts in the opposition box.

  34. Nigel
    I think AK thought a front three of Negredo supported by Ramirez plus Traore could do a job, backed up by Stuani and co. The problem was Gaston decided he didn’t want to play anymore and Traore didn’t have a thought between his ears and couldn’t decide one way or the other and so to a halt!

  35. I had a quick gander at Burton Mail, I say quick because it is from the same stable as the Gazette and even had a piece talking to Jonno in it.
    I have just about given up because when you try to read an article the advertising on the video starts up and by the time you have stopped that something else popped up to interfere.
    Like OFB I have come up with a solution to the problem, use the Gazette as little as possible.

    1. Ian downloading adblocker makes it more readable, without it you may as well give up or go make a cup of tea/coffee while it indulges itself downloading 10% of what you want to read covered by 90% dross. A bit ironic really as the advertising drives viewers (along with their revenue) away or at least to block. As in life, all things in balance.

      1. Interesting about news articles as I mentioned before the stories emanating from the Boro are closely monitored now and the journos are struggling for gossip!
        (Or making it up themselves !)

  37. I still read the Gazette website despite the frustration with videos loading and adverts etc. as for the Boro website, that is secondary for me, I’m not a big fan of organisations of any description self reporting.
    There are some excellent journo’s working for the Gazette reporting on the Boro, not least AV. If the Gazette website is not used then eventually it will go, we’ll then be left with Boro being the only source of news on the Boro, not a good place to be because then the clubs ‘truth’ won’t necessarily be the ‘truth’ as perceived by a third party.
    All the above said, that has nothing to do with the spat between Boro and Gazette.
    Just going back to the Boro website, does anyone really value a sanitized match report on the MFC website?
    As for reporting of all things on Boro via Twitter, Facebook etc, where does that reporting come from? The reliable stuff I would argue comes from the Gazette journalists, the rest is made up, inference, gossip, scare stories. ‘I have it on good authority’….
    We under value the work of the Gazette reporters at our peril.

  38. And now, from Belfast… it’s my Quote Of The Day!
    “People always said Wimbledon couldn’t play. That’s not true. The quality of the service to their front players was high, especially the crosses. Their set-piece delivery was terrific. They were not devoid of talent. What they did was use those talents as a weapon against weaker people. If you didn’t head the ball, you were dead. If you couldn’t handle set pieces you were dead. If you wanted to get into a 50–50 with them – no chance. They were hard to play against.”
    Sir Alex Ferguson, commendably not resorting to pot shots and football stereotyping.
    Which brings up an issue I didn’t want to raise again.
    How many, I sense, are stereotyping AKBoro as the root of all evils that had to be ironed out? Even his critics admitted that when they were good, they were good.
    RR, I feel, summed him up best. And feel free to correct me if I’ve got the opinion wrong. A problem was not that AK was useless or clueless, but that he was frustrating, and that he wasn’t allowing his teams to be as open and as inventive as they could be.
    I still watch that opening goal against Millwall, Bamford’s beautifully taken finishes against Ipswich, the delightful passing movement that led to Adomah’s goal in the same game, the unification of team and crowd at home to Brentford in the play-offs and Brighton last May, the destruction of the until-then unbeaten latter at their ground, the first half against Arsenal last October, and so on, with tremendous admiration and regret. Regret that they were never built upon when we – not just one man, but we, as a club – had the chance.
    Slate the bad all you like. Even I do. Because there’s a lot of it. But if you ignore the good, then you may as well admit those moments never happened.
    It’s why I wrote those Appreciations (which later became AV’s “On Reflection” pieces at the Gazette) – every maligned player or manager deserves a second, fairer look. It’s never as simple as Big Bad Manager vs Poor Ickle Players, or vice versa. You all know it.

  39. Right Bloggers
    Exclusive Interview this Evening with Gary Monk
    What a nice nice guy he said it is a fantastic club with fantastic fans and fantastic facilities
    He has already moved his wife and family up to a club house but obviously hasn’t had time to explore the area.
    He thinks that football is not just about results it has to be entertaining for the fans and attacking play is a major part of that
    Rudi Gestede walked passed as we were chatting and he said
    “How many from you tonight Rudi ?”
    So he is obviously in the team
    He seems to have settled in very easily and talking to the staff from receptionist to commercial team they say what a difference he is to the previous manager
    Long may it continue

  42. I’ve finally managed to buy a Match Pass after getting my father-in-law’s credit card details – though it still took several attempts and strong language before it went through. OK, now I’ve got the means I suppose I can also order some food online, I probably need a new laptop to be on the safe side too – plus Mrs Werder seems keen on a new washing machine…

  43. Back from Austria and have just watched a recording of Boro’s win over Sheffield United, and have to say what a disappointing display from Boro. Better attacking display but for me too much reliance on Christie and Friend, neither of whom cut the ice for me.
    If we are to rely on these two to cross an accurate ball we are unlikely to score more than 60 goals this season. They both seem adept at losing the ball either in the tackle, can’t shoot accurately, but maybe reasonable as defenders.If Boro are to supply passes for the talents of Assombalonga and Bamford from the wing, in my opinion we need proper wingers, and I would scrap the present formation and revert back to the old 442 system and employ wing-halves as attacking wingers.
    I would play Clayton and Baker in midfield with Fabio and Braithwaite as wing-halves. Assombalonga and Bamford would be my first choice forwards, Gestede and Fletcher as impact forwards if and when needed.Persisting with the current system will probably suffice against Burton Albion tonight and against some of the lesser teams, but to only average two shots on target so far is an absolute disgrace with the strikers we have.
    People keep on harping on about we are “a work in progress”, but I can’t see any progress yet in doing the thing that counts, and that is putting the ball in the net, and I feel that we have a long way to go to even reach the playoffs on the display on Saturday. I am quite stunned by the comments of the Sky commentators and Gazette reporters, as apart from Clayton, Bamford, Assombalonga, Gibson, Fry and Randolph, I thought the rest were pretty abysmal.
    I concede we were better than Sheffield United (it would have been hard not to have been), although there was definitely nothing wrong with their “goal”; no United player was offside when the ball was kicked (a terrible decision by the assistant referee) and I bet if it had been Boro having that one disallowed, there would have been an even bigger uproar.
    Here’s hoping for a vast improvement, especially in passing forward tonight! Surely it can’t be much worse.
    I was really disappointed.

  44. Ken
    When I first saw the flag I thought it was for pulling or pushing then realised it was offside because his flag was horizontal. Then I was baffled because I couldn’t see anything wrong.
    I dont know if you saw it but later, in the analysis, Sky did a split screen showing the gantry camera view alongside a view across the pitch showing what the linesman saw.
    The normal camera view showed nothing wrong, the view the linesman got was different.
    Once the ball was kicked the United player was in an offside position. Simple as that. Whether we agree that half a body makes you offside is a different matter, that is what the linesman saw, that is the law as it stands.
    There is almost an element it should have stood to punish the team for not playing well.

  45. Ian, yes I did see the split screen, but the lower one didn’t actually show the kicker. Taking the two views I am of the opinion that the assistant referee raised his flag BEFORE the ball was kicked in anticipation, but at the time the ball was kicked, the offending player had moved onside. I think the assistant was too quick and prejudged the situation.

    1. I thought the same thing Ken, that you couldn’t see the ball being kicked. But I watched it again and again and I decided that the images are in sync by watching all of the movement of everybody in both the shots. I would so expect that the technicians would have the digital recordings time lines absolutely in sync as well. So, lucky we were, but the right decision I think.
      We will have as many decisions go against us as for us over the next 8 or 9 months.

  48. I can’t tell you anything whatsoever about the first half as I’ve just endured the worst quality live stream of any football game that I’ve ever ‘viewed’ on the internet – a couple of seconds of video followed by a minute of buffering and frozen screen. Missed the goal and only saw the end of the celebration (briefly) – I’ve basically been conned out of €6 for something they can’t deliver – I’ll be demanding a full refund and an explanation. This is on top of spending at least an hour jumping through hoops to actually purchase a match pass in the first place – I’m extremely annoyed to put it mildly!

  49. Signed up and paid as an away supporter…… bloody travesty but then the things we do to support the Boro.
    Great first half really enjoying it despite no commentary. Too old to sync up with the radio so I’ll have another glass for half time..
    No clock either so will have to set my phone stop watch for the second half.
    This is the future for club football. Watch it live on the net. If they set the price to say 20 quid then they could show it in uk too without affecting the gate.
    Anyhow another 3 goals in the 2nd half plus a great show from the flash if he comes on.
    UTB.. .!!

  50. Ken
    They will have been synchronised by time as Powmill rightly says.
    Anyway it is better than the commentary from MFC that stubbornly refuses to link. Yes, I can log in, yes I can all the video content but it just wont come through. That is on laptop and desktop.
    Bugger!

  51. Stream was a bit better here in Oz although it did freeze two or three times but then recovered. Team looks solid without any real forward cutthrough. I’d like to see If Baker can make a difference.
    Assombalonga took the goal really well and Bamford should have added a second with a free header from around the penalty spot.
    Am I the only one frustrated that they won’t put a free kick into the box from the middle of the opponents half.
    Fingers crossed for a few more goals.
    UTB

  52. May have found a clue to the commentary problem, When I go to press the play button there is a date and time above the ‘box’ and the time is 6.07pm.
    Clutching at straws.

  53. Crappy stream in the second half but was able to follow the game. By the end Assombalonga could have had four. My feeling is that Boro’s strength in depth may be a major factor, particularly when we want to keep on attacking a tired defence.
    The back three with Clayton in the middle is working well. Christie looks lively and Friend started to look more like his old self in the second half.
    The midfield was workmanlike rather than overly creative but we never looked in danger.
    There’s a sense that they are now starting to get to know each other and that the team should only get better.
    Onwards and upwards.
    UTB

  54. Shortly before the second half kicked off the ‘live’ stream made a few buzzing noises a trailer ad kicked in at reasonably quality and then a full HD smooth stream of the players running out suddenly materialised – maybe someone turned it off and on again, who knows but I got €3 worth of my €6 at least!
    A few good moves and a well worked second goal for Assombalonga after he should have scored a bit earlier when put through. Bamford looked classy again and has found his feet – I think I almost witnessed an Adama assist and actually seemed to make a few passes before getting his head down and running again.
    Onwards and upwards we go…

    1. I saw the match through the Burton site. Also I tested the radio stream from mfc.co.uk and both worked well. Especilly so the radio commentary and interviews after the match.
      Up the Boro!

  56. Great match – I am sorry I was all doom and gloom after Wolves but then I am a Boro fan after all. Much better this time and Flash T looked like he might be useful at some point….. anyhow for the tech bit.
    The quality wasn’t too good but there were no glitches so tried on settings and st to HD. Great picture but kept stalling so down graded the quality to 500 whaterveter that was and very goo picture and no glitches.
    Didn’t really miss the commentary – Led zeppelin in the background helped the party atmosphere but the absence of any replays certainly keeps you focused on the game itself.
    So I wait eagerly for the professionals view of the game – which I might add I thoroughly enjoyed, and now we are back to 2 points per game [although my spread sheet is still showing we are 1 point short of the season target.]
    Its nice to see us wanting to attack for a change….
    UTB

  62. Werder,
    Good thinking. Maybe there’s only so much stream to go round. I have to admit that supporting Boro over nearly 60 years has felt at times like a bit of an endless uphill trudge. Hence onwards and upwards but I’m still enjoying it.
    Smoggy in Leicester
    We farflung foreigners can get most of the games on iFollow, the EFL streaming site that is only available outside out of the UK (unless you happen to be a whizz with the old VPN and PayPal trick).
    UTB

  64. They have refused to sign up for the deal but most of their opponents will have the stream. We can register for IFollow at zero cost and then buy match day passes from whichever club Boro are playing.
    Good luck

  65. Christie had a good game tonight and had a few comments to make
    They all know they are a work in progress and that each time they train together and play together their understanding of how each other plays develops
    The problem is that because the games come thick and fast In tje championship there is little time to spend on the training ground before a match comes around
    He likes Boro and joined for two reasons
    One he tbinks they are a big club and going places
    Two he had long chats with our manager before signing and was impressed with his ideas
    Seems a nice lad bit all these new players are big which is what we need to be able to muscle our way out of this attritional division

  66. Pally thought Britt was mom followed by Bamford
    He also said that Fry seemed to have beefed up the last few months and was more muscular and not easy pushed off the ball amd showed real promise
    I said that Fry reminded me of Pally as a youngster but said he couldn’t remember that far back

  68. Great to win for a second time in 72 hours. Last time we did it, it took us 72 weeks!
    And two points per match. And above Sunderland – at least temporarely. Up the Boro!

  70. Quick reply before I head off to work after a late night getting home after seeing my first viewing of Monks Smashers!
    Pleased with 3 points although felt that should have had a couple of goals although I think that I have already seen more than I saw altogether last year. Clearly MMP has lost the goal celebration music through last of use last season.
    First half I thought that at times we were a bit disjointed and some of the AK tactics were in play. BUrton gave us a few mini scares though our own sloppy passing in dangerous places and the goal was almost from nothing.
    Asabalonga looked a class player and battles well for his size, stood next to Gestede he looked tiny! Took the first very well and still not sure how he missed in the second half when he was put through by a great ball from Bamford.
    Bamford contrived to miss a great chance in the first half but I was impressed with our ability to get players forward.
    Burton were packing midfield and we didn’t seem to want to try to go wide – some pace down the flanks, would have undone them earlier I think.
    Adama came on for a while and was still looking at the fairground lights a bit although managed to get a couple of passes in. There may be hope for him yet!
    Fry played well and for me MOTM was Bamford
    I am sure RR will be along with his far better report but for now, I feel that we can on,y get better.

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