A warm, muggy but overcast summer evening in August ensured the evening had a shirt sleeved relaxed atmosphere as the crowd made their way into the Riverside anticipating a much changed Boro side and they were not disappointed. Only two starters remained from the robbery at Nottingham, Fry and Forshaw with Roberts and Tavernier making their first team bows with Dimi, Grant, Ayala, Fabio, Traore, Fletcher and Baker making up the eleven. Scunthorpe on the other hand had made only two changes from their side that beat Oxford on Saturday.
The big shuffling of the pack could bite Monk’s men on the backside if the “bedding in” process became protracted as the green shirted Irons had nothing to lose. Whatever the outcome the game would be decided on the night with no opportunity for a replay. Interestingly there were some cautionary “reinforcements” on the bench in the form of Assombalonga, Gestede, Friend, Gibson and none other than Downing!
The game started with Boro looking sloppy which is becoming a trademark this season with the Iron having most of the early possession. Boro’s first attempt of note was a bit of a half-hearted build up involving Baker at the end of it before the Ref blew for an infringement in Scunthorpe’s favour. Early impression was that Traore, Fletcher, Tavernier and Baker were relative strangers. Traore darted through the Scunthorpe defence, got to the by-line playing in an enticing ball into the 6 yard box but nobody in Red had anticipated and made a run to meet it.
The game saw Boro playing the ball around and invariably back to Dimi in a sort of keep it safe not going to bust a gut sort of way. Fabio made a run but like Traore minutes before there was nobody there and then the Iron got down our right and in behind Roberts and put a ball in to the edge of our 18 yard box and the attempt flew over. If ever a warning was needed that was it and so we promptly went down the right hand side with Traore flying and putting a cross over into the far side of the box for Fabio to ghost in unmarked and score with a header. It was almost an apologetic “if we have to I suppose we may as well” sort of goal. Just as he had finished celebrating he linked up well again with Tavernier but when he received the ball back again a hefty challenge left him prostrate on the floor and looking a bit tender.
Tavernier himself looked very comfortable and seemed confident in all he was involved in whilst Traore started to have the opposite flank in disarray in fear of his speed and directness. Boro were keeping possession now and including Dimi in that as they passed the ball around looking to entice the Iron out and use the pace of our front line to get in behind them. The atmosphere was a little like a working men’s club when the warm up act is on, everyone talking amongst themselves pausing only for the good bits as Boro started to take a stranglehold on the game.
The inevitable second came when Traore played in Grant who slotted it across to Baker in who lost his marker in the D and fired it into the bottom corner leaving Matt Gilks no chance whatsoever to make it 2-0. Almost immediately and in desperation Scunthorpe went on the offensive and forced Ayala to deflect the ball back to Dimi who collected and then seconds later another Scunthorpe attempt fizzed over the bar. The brief response subsided and normal service was resumed with Grant strutting his stuff in his rightful position in the middle of the park.
A brilliant ball out from Grant set Tavernier off and running aided by Baker only to see his effort smothered by Gilks. Baker was running everywhere, Tavernier composed, Fabio dangerous, Traore tearing them apart but Grant was pulling all the strings to the point where Monk surely has to be thinking about starting him. Just before the half time whistle Boro were passing confidently and Tavernier had another couple of chances. No fear of the settling in period after all after the relatively sloppy opening minutes as all the players now looked the part and indeed gelled far better than the first eleven have at times even allowing for the opposition.
No changes as the teams came out for the second half in front of about 12,500 Boro fans and 250 or so from North Lincolnshire. Scunthorpe had switched to a 442 in the second half, smothered the midfield more and Boro were content to sit deeper in their own half but Fletcher got on the end of an Ayala break out, Dani winning his tackle that broke to Fletcher who played it out to Tavernier who pinged it into the box with Ayala continuing his run competing with Fletcher who managed to win his race with Ayala to make it 3-0.
Fabio was looking a little stiff presumably from a lack of match practice not helped by the challenge he received in the first half. Downing and Friend were warming up in preparation just in case with Downing likely getting the nod presumably due to George having a busy last 24 hours having become a dad again. Meanwhile Dael had given away a corner as Roberts was berating Traore for not getting back. Surprisingly though it was Tavernier who was taken off for Downing to enter the fray in his place.
The game entered a quiet phase as the three goal advantage had sapped the enthusiasm out of Scunthorpe and even Boro looked a little less aggressive. The best of the remaining entertainment was a little cameo between Roberts and Traore who was being berated by the Swansea defender for not tracking back. Adama had gone quiet with little involvement for a while then suddenly erupted on a great run, playing in Fletcher. Then Stewy had a curling cross come shot in the next phase of play. Traore then took the ball from his own 18 yard box and stormed up the pitch to the edge of the opposition 18 yard box as he sprung back to life.
Apart from the first ten minutes of the first half it had been a solid and controlled Boro performance but Grant was looking a bit stiff. A Downing/Fabio combi seen the ball go over to the opposite flank to Traore but the ball eventually went over the bar. Grants number went up to be replaced by Lewis Wing to make his debut and Fletcher went off for Gestede with ten minutes to go. Wing went close and claims for a penalty went up. Seconds later he was involved again with Baker in putting a cross in for Gestede which led to a corner. Downing took it which led to him complaining that everyone ran to the near post as it went out for a goal kick.
In terms of MOM Grant ran the show up until he went off, Fry and Ayala looked very solid and tight, Fabio was a constant threat, Traore menaced and Baker pulled strings. Roberts grew into the game and grew in confidence, Forshaw was tidy and Dimi had little to do, Tavernier looked the part so picking someone wasn’t easy but for me Grant’s efforts just edged it from Baker and Fry, probably helped by having nostalgia on his side. Garry Monk now has a few more players seriously staking a claim for his starting eleven. Those currently in possession of the shirt sitting looking on from the West Stand know they have a fight on their hands.
What, no replies???
Wakey, wakey!!!
Excellent result, excellent report, RR.
Leaving the ‘professionals’ in your wake, me thinks.
Selection headache for GM. I’d swap Forshaw for Leadbiter and shock horror, George benched Fabio on.
Too much choice now & Braithwaite ain’t back from injury yet.
UTB
Thanks for the report RR, appreciated.
A sound win with some decent performances, to echo Spartak, it sounds like there is a strong case for Grant to replace Forshaw on Saturday.
The squad has changed so much this season I’m still getting used to who everyone is!
Very useful that Ashley Fletcher and Lewis Baker got a good length of time on the pitch and also both scored,thus helping their confidence and fitness.
We also learnt that Fletcher is fearless, with nerves of steel and an insatiable thirst for goals when he rushed across to nip the ball off Dani’s toes and score, laying himself open to the trademark brutal Spanish body-check or worse.
The Red Cross guys were already reaching for the stretcher as retribution looked inevitable, but evidently Dani was in a good mood and allowed the youngster to leave the field later under his own steam. Probably nutted him in the dressing room afterwards.
Great report as always RR, thank you. We won, players were bedded in but the midfield must change and we appear to have the assets to change it too. Interesting times and selections to come.
Grant to start the next game?
UTB,
John
As much as I (and surely all of us) love Grant, I initially admired how Boro tried to “move on” from him last season by ingratiating De Roon, and later Forshaw. The arguments in favour of that were numerous – Grant was now the wrong side of his thirties, we couldn’t rely on him forever, and it was wise to bring in new blood. But with no way to get inside the mind of the manager, how could we prove that was why we dropped him? The alternative theory, which the cynics among us would surely embrace, is that AK likes to get his own way, which is always more likely with an eager, willing newcomer, or fellow countryman, than someone more his own man.
You might say the above paragraph applies to Dimi (and Valdes, and Guzan) too.
Last night’s starting line-up already indicates a greater open-mindedness to Monk, a manager who is willing to embrace the still useful gifts of the “veterans” while blooding new talent. We need to see more of this. My concerns are threefold: (a) three wins out of three at home, not a solitary point away; (b) the opposition at home haven’t exactly been the most challenging; and (c) I’m still not sure Monk knows what his best team is. All things to consider.
I’m just amazed how quickly Redcar Red recollects every minute of the game. His typing/writing, whatever is faster than my reading of his reports. I’ve said it before, but his reports are on a par with those of Cliff Mitchell, and better than any of today’s professional reporters.
Thanks very much, Redcar, we are so lucky to have you on this forum!
A generally comfortable and entertaining victory, no major injuries, confidence-boosting first goals for a couple of the new arrivals, game time for squad players and a taste of the first-team action for a few youngsters. A lot of boxes were ticked last night.
Well played Garry Monk. Well played Boro.
Based on last night, I would no qualms with a reversion to 4231 with Leadbitter and Baker coming into the side against Preston. Good options.
Well done Redcar, good report that matched the commentary though listening to Maddo, he was so effusive you would have thought we had just beaten Citeh to reach the final.
Still, nothing wrong with being enthusiastic.
Looking forward to getting up tomorrow morning with Werders run down on the draw and our opponents already posted. What time is the draw again? Maybe not!
Great report as usual RR
My own views are that Forshaw has not changed his style from last season and still plays windscreen wiper football side to side
It’s a pity because when he first came to Boro he used to make darting runs forward
I suppose he is playing to the managers instructions and not causing too many gaps to appear in midfield. I did notice that Grant gave Forshaw the captains armband when he left the field.
I personally thought Traore was man of the match with Dael Fry second closely followed by Baker.
Fry seems to be getting better game by game and although Ayala was playing on the left hand side of the centre back pairing he produced a steady performance..
Traore is a crowd pleaser and that’s why we pay to sea football matches
Although he produced one assist and cross for Fabio who scored he did supply other crosses that Boro should have capitalised on
It looks like our coaches have been working on him because his crossing and final delivery was vastly improved last night
I don’t think Grant will start Saturday two games a week is not for him really
Interesting to see the statement made by Monk
No one is leaving the club now
Downing on the bench Saturday ?
Baker improved as the game went on and apart from a few showboating backheels and flicks which went nowhere and needs to be eradicated from his game until we are a great side then he had a great game
He took his goal well and his free kicks were promising
He needs game time and should be nailed on for a start on Saturday
Fletcher missed another one on one last night and I was pleased he robbed Ayala for the goal it’s a strikers prerogative !
I quite liked their no 16 last night whose name is quite unpronounceable
Hakeed Adelekum
Brentford have rejected a £4m bid from Boro for Jota, but Garry Monk is willing to up the offer to £6m #boro [Sun]
Great Report once again RR. Looks like Downing won’t take a wage cut and we are stuck with him Grrr
Grrrr softly, Braveheart – still 42 matches to go not including a Cocobaoo EFL Cup/FA Cup runs. Downing might come in handy now the Torquemada act-a-like has vacated the premises and players can breathe and smile again.
Not sayin they should actually enjoy playing like!
UTB
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
Don’t mention the Spanish Inquisition.
UTB,
John
Thanks RR. Excellent report. Good one from AV too over on the Gazette site.
We don’t really know what went on with Downing off the pitch but its suspected that he had an opinion which perhaps differed from AK. My gut feeling is that he probably said what many were thinking but said it to his face.
Subsequent revelations from departed personnel supports what many on here and elsewhere thought at the time that camaraderie wasn’t all that it was hyped up to be. Whatever happened I believe that Downing acted from the heart rightly or wrongly.
The debate about his playing ability and reported salary is another subject but when I sign a contract I honour it and courteously expect the other party to do likewise. Maybe its clear that an acceptable offer isnt going to be forthcoming and if Downing is perhaps going to be around longer term then it seems pointless to cut off your nose to spite your face.
I suspect that Monk’s style of management is inclusive and supportive and more chilled. He hasn’t any personal axe to grind and if Downing is going to be around and getting paid for the privilege then it makes sense to integrate him.
Who knows if Stewy is around come September but if he is I suspect he will be a better player under Monk’s management style than under Karanka.
What was interesting
Last night listening to Dave Allen who was the former MFC press officer and his views on Downing
Disappointed that there were a few boos from morons in the crowd when Downing came on which I concur with his views on this
He also said that in all his time working for Boro that there is not a nicer lad in football
He also said that he knew that the rumours amd bad reports about Downing were unfounded and that Downing was innocent of any wrongdoing and deserved his chance
Listening to someone who knows Downing well and seeing Stewy trying like hell to score last night makes you realise that you should never listen to the doom and gloom merchants and be prepared to make your own mind up
OFB
I was busy typing my post below when you posted this OFB, Any player in a Boro shirt deserves our support.
Thanks for the report RR. Like Ken and others, I too recall Cliff Mitchell’s match reports in the Pink and a comparison with him is difficult as your style is very different. As I recall, Cliff went into minute by minute detail of what actually happened, quite turgid and with no real space for painting the wider imagery of the whole event as you do. His journalistic pieces were far better writing than his match reports.
Different times and different people. I appreciated his reports then and I appreciate your reports now. How lucky we are in here.
I’m not fit to lace Cliff’s boots but to mentioned in the same sentence is indeed a privilege.
“Avoid consensus opinions, folks – make your own mind up.”
One of the wisest quotes I’ve ever heard.
But oh, how tempting it is to follow the leader – or the cult – when everyone seems so happy. I know, I’ve been sucked in.
I noticed on Twitter that apparently Downing was roundly boo-ed when he came on. Bang out of line if that was the case.I have not been his biggest fan since his return to the Boro. In fact I think every performance I have seen of his in that time has been a disappointment and I would have been quite happy to see him moved on. However, he remains a Boro player and when he plays he has all of my support and in the hope that he delivers the kind of performance we know he should be capable of. If he is good enough for the manager to pick, he is good enough to be on the pitch and deserving of the support of all of us. Its not even as if it is he who has asked to leave, so he clearly wants to play for us.
As for Saturday then. It will be very interesting to see if Da Silva has done enough to edge out George. I hope Leads gets the nod over Forshaw.
Who mentioned 4231 ….. That could be an interesting formation ….
Leadbitter and Clayton holding midfield, with Traore, Bamford and Fletcher linking midfield to Assombalonga in attack.
Whatever GM decides, it is good to see that there are options and more options for him to choose from.
Good post Powmill. And it offers another hint to my next Talking Point.
Thanks for the match report RR, sorry to have missed the goals as I had a previos appointment.
Not too bad a crowd for this Cup on a Tuesday. And I guess they went home happy. Hope we get another easy-ish home draw to continue playing the fringe players.
Talking of players, I would be looking for another CB, ‘Arry is just playing games. As for Jota, could be a good addition, but if he leaves Brentford this window, it is liable to be for the EPL. Mind you, he would be a gamble at that level, unproven and for the silly money they want, probably not a good option. I guess it may depend on West Ham or Newcastle, the other rumoured clubs moving players on. Cannot seeanyone paying big money for Snodgrass!
Snodgrass rumoured to be going to Villa on loan
Thanks for a great report again RR.
I missed last night’s game as I was out celebrating Mrs P’s birthday. I was pleased to arrive home and find that we had managed a comfortable win.
It appears from RR’s report that a number of players have given GM some food for thought and potential selection headaches, which are all good problems to have.
On the SD front, I am not a fan only because he has failed to deliver but does not deserved to be booed just because he has crossed the white line.
I am with Pedro de Espana regarding the CB situation and believe HR is stringing us along. Give him a deadline and if he fails to deliver then move onto an alternative.
Now need to see a more cohesive team performance in the league game on Saturday coupled with a win and three points.
Well done and CoB.
Result was never in doubt last night and was amused to hear the Scunthorpe manager say the result flattered us and was harsh on them. He obviously forgot how many chances we created and missed.
Some good debuts last night and promising youngsters in Tavernier and Baker and even though he was only on the pitch for the last twenty I thought Wing was lively and made some decent runs. It’s nice to see Gary Monk integrating the young lads into the squad after Karanka all but banished them from his training ground and wouldn’t let them mix with his first team squad.
Fry is very composed and at home more and more on the pitch. In an ideal world him and Gibson would be a defensive partnership for years to come.
As much as we all love George his place in the team is no longer a given and Fabio must be close to a start in the league.
I’m afraid I don’t share the love affair with Traore that everyone else does. Admittedly he was a little bit better last night but apart from dazzling us with his speed I don’t think week in week out in the league throughout the winter months and when we have to dig deep for results he’s the right man. I’d still be tempted to sell if the bids got into double figures.
I expect Baker to be replacing Forshaw in the near future and thought Grants legs had gone abit last night,a good leader he is on the pitch but he lost possession too easily and quite often.. Our midfield is the weak link in the team at the moment and needs strengthening to mount a serious challenge for promotion.
Hopefully I’ll catch the cup draw when I get up for work at 4.30 in the morning 😉
Firstly thanks to RR for providing the pictures to a game that was only available on Radio – like for many others it was iListen rather than iFollow from the MFC website for the EFL Cup and the radio commentary gave the impression Boro played like Barcelona – albeit on a budget.
Though anyone planning to get up early to watch the draw may be disappointed – I’ve just visited the EFL Cup website and it seems to avoid the farce of the last round draw, the revolution (third round draw) will not be televised – not even in China where it’s being held. All of which begs the question of why Beijing? Well I’ll let them explain in their own words… OK, I’ve added some square brackets again in the pursuit of ‘balance’
Regarding the draw, the EFL have said: “We understand that not everyone [nobody] will agree on the timing of this week’s Round Three Draw, but in staging in this way it will give the competition both the maximum exposure in the UK [for insomniacs], Chinese and South East Asian markets. This is not only an important factor for the EFL but also our new sponsors Carabao, who, like ourselves, plan to use the growing global appeal of the competition to reach new audiences [sell their delicious ‘urine-coloured’ drink – as described by DeliciousSparklingTemperanceDrinks.net]
“Once the logistics have been completed in Beijing [the draw has been edited to remove errors], the UK will be waking up and the breakfast media will be able to report and get reaction on the 16 ties that will take place next month, which we feel is an interesting [bizarre] move away from the usual post-game evening draws.
“The Round Three draw itself is not being televised live in China or anywhere else [no TV channel could find advertisers interested in a 4.00am slot] but the EFL will be providing full coverage across its Carabao Cup Twitter feed [it’s free], with news and reaction as it happens [if it happens].
“Our decision to go to China is part of a strategic plan [punt] to grow the EFL internationally and specifically boost profile and exposure in ASEAN markets [ask for money from people with plently cash who think the EFL cup is still important]. A number of potentially significant meetings [we’re not sure if they’ll give us the money] are being held around the draw that we envisage will deliver a benefit to all 72 clubs of the EFL [we hope it doesn’t lose everyone money].
“As part of those meetings the EFL will stage its first summit in Asia, where potential sponsors and investors from the region will gather to be briefed on the wider opportunities the EFL can provide [we’re going to do our best to bullshit them]. This will include the showcasing of the new iFollow international streaming platform which successfully launched at the start of the season.[we won’t mention the EFL Cup is not on iFollow]
So in case the message wasn’t clear – WE’RE TRYING TO GET SOME CASH OFF ASIAN BUSINESS MEN WHO DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL. Presumably by using the EFL Cup to sell the EFL they may give the impression that all the top PL clubs are in the EFL
The FA Cup draw used to be broadcast about lunchtime, and as a teenager and into my 30s even, I used to get excited at the prospect of a good Cup run. Now it’s televised by the BBC at 7pm on a Monday, so why don’t I get the same excitement nowadays? Is it because years ago an FA Cup tie often attracted the highest gates of the season excepting local derbies? Or is it because FA Cup runs become a nuisance for many Premier League teams today?
It still creates excitement for the minnows and non league clubs, but FA Cup semifinals at Wembley in my opinion helps to devalue the Final, as does an evening kickoff time.
I also used to look forward to listening to the lunch time cricket scores on the radio. Strange now he have the internet with up to date information, it doesn’t have the same anticipation.
I guess I’m getting old, but wasn’t it more exciting when half the first division football teams thought they had a chance of winning the League Championship or FA Cup, and the County Cricket Championship comprised of 17 teams playing each other twice on uncovered pitches and Yorkshire played matches at Middlesbrough, Harrogate, Hull, Huddersfield, Bradford and Sheffield as well as Headingley and Scarborough?
Oh, for putting the clock back to one’s youth with endless games of football and cricket on the “donkey field” off Mersey Road in Redcar, and if it was wet, Summer holidays playing Subbuteo. Getting old? Good God, I AM OLD!
I can’t understand why we are wasting time on Jota when we could be launching an audacious double bid to take Bojan and Jese from Stoke. With Snodgrass lined up in case of the highly unlikely possibility of something going wrong with that deal.
Werder
Get off the fence, does that mean you wont be posting a piece with extensive biography of our opponents and an overview of the draw at 5 am? Even 6 am in the UK.
Just saying like.
Was any of the new drink available at the ground on Tuesday? It would be interesting to hear if anyone has dated to try it….
Something different.
We have Masterchef and Celebrity Masterchef where culinary experts judge amateurs, semi pro offerings.
We have great British Menu where experts judge experts.
How about Celebrity Chef Masterchef where dishes are judged by the general public?
Or, Pundit Masterchec where the experts at judging other’s food are judged themselves.
Just a passing thought to inch towards 100.
I think this one is definitely slow cooking towards the ton Ian
Before I head off to bed to avoid the ‘maximum exposure’ of the EFL Cup draw, I’d just want to make sure that any of the more cynical of you out there don’t start thinking the third round draw is not being televised at Beijing in the middle of the night so as to surprise us with some juicy marketable ties, like Man Utd v Chelsea or Liverpool v Arsenal – shame on you! Where’s your trust? If you don’t want to know the draw, look away now – No Peking!
Prediction: Boro at home to Bournemouth btw…
Villa away
I have gone on record stating my desire to see Jota at Boro.
He will be the creative #10 that we have been missing for years.
GM and SG, I beg you not to mess around with offers of 4m or even 6m. Go straight to the 8m they want, get him to Rockliffe, sell him the project pay him a salary he could only dream of at Brentford and give him a shirt.
We need to do this before West Ham get rid of Snodgrass otherwise they will take him as Snoddy’s replacement.
At 26 he is young enough to have a sell on value so not much (if anything) to lose.
Imagine adding his goals and assists from midfeild to our star studded attack.
Get it done!
forgot to add that now most of the spanish speakers have left the building, he may need an interpreter so dont sell Dani
UTB
Live from China its AWAY to Aston Villa. Could have been better.
UTB
Well done to our correspondent in China! It’s pretty hard to find an actually list of the draw anywhere so the breakfast media will be perhaps leading with other stories.
Anyway, here’s the Twitter feed graphic of the Carabao Cup draw…
Thanks Werder and Selwynoz. I looked up for the.draw this morning but none of the two local papers had the draw, neither BBC. Very bad publicity.
Villa away sounds very tough. As it must have been tough for the Newcastle fans to be out of the cup so soon. At home to Forest.
Up the aboro!
Just read RR report and I am very impressed with the style and content. It keeps getting better and better and soon no doubt there will be no need to watch the appalling streaming.
Quite possibly a footy novel in the works. If so sign me up for a signed first edition.
I am glad to see Downing playing. In my field you manage the asserts you are given and it makes no sense to exclude someone who can contribute as much as he can. I have always liked his corners and free kicks.
Mustn’t forget though this was Scunthorpe at home. Aston villa away will be a much tougher test.
Looking forward to Saturday it will be RR report for me as we at a Bulgarian wedding..the traditional kind which starts at 11.00am and will last until midnight so no chance. Just keep the Twitter going.
UTB
Allan
Here at the foot of the White Carpathians (other mountain ranges are available), wedding celebrations start at 11.00 am and often go on till 4 or 5am the next day. The food is served every hour on the hour. Yer expected to drink yer body weight in 40% alcoholic beverages and still be able to drive home.
She who MUST be obeyed enjoys them. I, socially inhibited (miserable oldish git) detest them.
My daughter keeps hinting that her and her bow may tie the knot in the near future. I’m dreadin it!
🙂
UTaboro
So, it’s the Villians -could be worse, could be a bit meh!
Question is could our 2nd string beat their second string away, on the night. I think yes!
Mind, that’s only me thinking like.
UTaboro
😉
Will be interesting to see the difference in the line ups and attendance as we play them in the league on the previous Tuesday!
So. I see that Chinese have cunningly kept apart the big six premier leaguers. Thoughts turn to which of the ties will be televised. As I have as shown previously, Sky have a penchant for Aston Villa this season, so does that put us in with a good chance of seeing the match live? Maybe even Sky would realise that choosing Villa v Boro would look a little bit like someone’s favouritism, in any case, it is Boro they will be playing, so easy enough for them to overlook this one. Manchester Utd v Burton Albion will be my prediction for the televised match….
I think TV will go for Leicester v Liverpool or the Baggies v Man City. It was however kind of quaint to see us drawn at our feeder club. It will provide a good opportunity to see future potential signings up close and personal twice in a short time frame enabling Gary Gill to prepare his January bids.
Bit of a tricky one away to Villa – can’t decide if it’s better to win and let them concentrate on the league or vice versa…
BTW Maybe the Beijing PR stunt and the inept draw last time was deliberately designed to annoy people so they’d actually talk about the EFL Cup for a change – no such thing as bad publicity as they say. Having said that it didn’t get a mention on the sport’s bulletin on Sky News this morning so they maybe should do it in North Korea next time.
Win every game is my motto
The Carabao Cup is actually probably not a major problem for Boro’s squad – if you think we made 9 changes to the starting XI, with only Forshaw and Fry retained and still had a strong team and good performance. With at least one more central defender due to arrive and an attacking midfielder pencilled in – plus Braithwaite will soon be fit with Downing looking set to stay at he club too.
And don’t forget we have Guediora !
Normally my view is stuff the cups and concentrate on the League (be it promotion this year or avoiding relegation last year). This time the squad truly feels like a squad and the 11 that took the field against Scunthorpe could do a decent job on their own in the Championship.
Compare the Boro team that took the field on Tuesday versus say a Strachan or Mogga side from not so long ago and that was just our second 11 in theory! Braithwaite is to come back and perhaps Stewy too if everything settles down so that is some team more so when its not the first team. I don’t think any other Club in the Championship has that level of quality in depth or even close to it.
If it means giving the squad game time and not compromising our promotion bid then I’m happy to have a Cup run and see where it takes us. It gave Dimi some much needed game time, likewise Grant, Roberts, Ayala, Fabio etc.and of course it put pressure on those who up until now have been regular starters. George will no doubt be looking over his shoulder as will Christie, the Midfielders with both Grant and Baker putting decent shifts in and it didn’t harm Fletcher getting a goal instead of blasting it wide or over. Traore had a positive outing without the usual baggage associated with his performances. All positive stuff which tells me we have a pretty decent squad and lets not forget that the likes of Tavernier and Wing got a look in as well to keep the younger lads optimistic and pushing hard at Rockliffe.
And Gudiora and Mejias
Villa away doesn’t fill me with anticipation, we can have the three points, they can can have the cup win. Forget that, let’s win both.
Well done Werder for the prompt full draw.
Jarkko
Happy to help. I’m afraid that i was only in China in approximate timezone rather than actually being there but it was very bizarre.They seemed to take about three minutes to pull out each game as if they had to check with someone to see if it was acceptable. All rather odd.
Anyway, I have to admit to feeling very optimistic about this season. We seem to be getting better with each game. I’m now looking forward to Saturday midnight when it will be another A$9 paid through iFollow on behalf of Preston. I wonder just how much money MFC have thrown away by not having their own system in place.
My guess is that whatever Monk does, he will play Gestede and Assombalonga. That seems to be his go-to front two. Beyond that, Bamford has to play and Baker seems likely. That means that it might be back to the bench for Traore unless he decides to play some kind of 4-1-3-2 with the fullbacks pushing up and Clayton covering the middle.
Anyway, its nice to have the options.
UTB
“They seemed to take about three minutes to pull out each game as if they had to check with someone to see if it was acceptable”
Despite all the rehearsals they were probably trying to remember the correct sequence of numbers and who was supposed to be playing who 😉
I wouldn’t be supriced to hear that some body had put a big bet on Boro playing Aston Villa in the Far East. Quite a show that was. Up the Boro!
I would agree with Old Billy – the Gazette seem to think Boro will take time and not rush to make another bid for Jota, but the first offer was always certain to be rejected. If he is the best option, we might as well make our maximum bid promptly and move on if it is turned down – we put down a marker with Britt and no other club responded, so we got him.
But Jota seems to want Premiership football and there’s West Ham interest, so I suspect it’s tilting at windmills again.
Perhaps an alternative target is looking promising, but it will be poor recruitment if we let the window run out without the creative player we need.
Maybe Bamford and Baker are seen as creative players and the imminent need is not perceived as so great?
A question for one and all.
Where do the Gazette boys get their information from if they are not talking to the club?
Diasboro
Hey there , Ian, it’s my prerogative to ask hypothetical questions.
I wonder if Ken wonders where the Gazette Boys get their stories from if they are not talking to the club.
Northern Echo and Yorkshire Post? No, I think Bob’s right – this forum.
On another note, as the Gazette knew about the issue with the journalists for some it is intriguing that the Journalists took their stance after Phil had been on the overseas trip.
Just musing like.
Ian
I had to double check we weren’t approachin a trabby – lol
The lads at the EG are part of Trinity Mirror group of rags with a plethora of sister local rags nationwide. So, if they want newz of Jota fe. then they pick up the phone to the rag that covers Brentford and gett the skinny from them.
I hav noted more ‘exclusive’ interviews with players past and comments from anyone vaguely connected with anything to do with MFC.
Meanwhile, all the players and manager gen is on the MFC site. The prose isn’t arf as good as our RR, Werder or Si nor AV for that matter but it’s from the horses mouth.
UTaboro
Quick message to Old Billy –
Your last two posts have been submitted with your public username being displayed as your email address plus ‘2017’ and your initials instead – you may need to logout and login again to get back to your usual username.
Anyway, here are Old Billy’s Comments
— #1 ———————————————————-
RR
Jota’s stats are impressive considering the team he plays for.
He could be the Merson we need to get over the line.
Agree with Baker as a possible #10, but I think Paddy is more suited to getting on the end of through balls
Just my opinion like
UTB
— #2 ———————————————————-
When is the England squad to be announced.
Interested to see if Ben makes the cut.
—————————————————————-
I didn’t approved them yet in case you prefer not make the new username with your email address public. If you login again under Old Billy it should work – if not click on your WordPress icon (top right of Diasboro page) and select ‘My Profile’ from the options and change your ‘Public Display Name’ to Old Billy
Thanks Werder, I appreciate your diligence.
Happy for you to reject the two posts in question
Spartak
I basically knew that but it was worth a muse.
More concerned about the England squad.
Maguire now plays for Leicester in the top flight and he is in the England squad. Keane plays for a top flight club and is in the squad. Ben plays for a Championship team and isn’t in the squad.
I am not belittling Maguire or Keane, both very good players.
Ben is recovering from a broken nose of course
Powmill, just my thoughts, too. Do we know if Ben is able to train normally at the moment? I mean is he avoiding contacts outside matches just to be safe and recovering.
I think you need to train normally to be in the England squad.
Any thoughts? Up the Boro!
I’ve been reviewing the full game footage on the MFC website and like the sad statto I am I’ve crunched the numbers regarding the chances we’ve created and scored from in open play. I’ve looked at who created the chances / goals, who was involved, where on the pitch they came from and what type of play was involved.
The positive trends and observations regarding chances / goals are as follows:
Christie has been involved in twice as many chances as Friend, is it time to try Fabio instead to balance our threat or can George get back to his best.
Howson has been very much involved, despite what might have appeared to some. Baker is just behind him suggesting he always creates something in the limited minutes when he comes on. Forshaw and Clayton have barely featured which is fine for Clayton in his role but as some have observed maybe Forshaw is overly cautious with Baker proving a more threatening option.
Gestede, Assombalonga and Bamford as expected are the most heavily involved but perhaps surprisingly Gestede is just ahead of the other two. The threat is quite evenly distributed and varied across the front three meaning we are a constant unpredictable danger rather than a lone gun, thus more difficult to contain. These stats say we should most definitely not be selling Gestede. The front three’s chances almost always involve each other too suggesting they enjoy linking-up and are happy to share the glory, there doesn’t seem to be a Slaven / Davenport problem.
The amount of chances have been increasing game by game so familiarity is producing dividends and suggests we’re on the right track on an upward curve.
There are some less positive trends:
We don’t threaten as much from long-range. Most chances are from subtle interplay, short passes and through balls rather than set pieces, long shots or long crosses from wide. This may improve if Baker plays more, he scored a fair few long-range shots and free-kicks for Vitesse.
We create twice as much through the middle than we do from wide left or right which backs up our search for a new wide man to give us a more varied threat and make us harder to negate.
Plenty to ponder and backs up much of what has been discussed on here, suggests we do mostly see what we think we see and are a fairly astute bunch.
Billog
Some really interesting observations there. I hope the Backroom stats men with their laptops at the Riverside are conveying as much to GM.
Ian
Indeed, I thought you might- know that is.
Further, Big Ben Gibson will be silent on the international front for the near future, perhaps even longer. That for the Boro team is a positive, I believe.
Nose to the grindstone, points on the board!
UTaboro
Billog
I think f you play the three upfront that generally means the midfield is compact and you will tend to play through the middle especially if the midfield tend to be compact as well. Just a thought
Generally if the midfield is packed you have to hoof it over the top and that affects yer pass success ratio. How many times did I see Johnny Hendrie NOT latch on from a Wilko header? Too many, but he’d get 2 or three chances when he did and score at least once or twice every other match.
Seems to me that oppo teams are being set up to stifle the way Boro play. Still we have the SuperTraore to rattle and unnerve them.
🙂
UTaboro
O see Lille are reported as offering £9m for Adama.
O = I on a bouncing bus
I don’t want to fret about Jota, RR, as I don’t think he is a realistic target for us.
I agree with you that Baker and Bamford will give us creativity, I like both players although whether Baker is consistent and can hack it over the Championship season remains to be seen, same for Braithwaite.
And as Billog has shown there are some promising signs with our attacking options, so we are far from being desperate for new creative blood like we were in January.
I’m impressed that Jota has 3 assists already this season, and scored 12 goals and had 5 assists in 19 appearances for Brentford last year. I think that’s in a system designed to fit round him as the main man, and he wouldn’t get that priority here of course. I see him as a player who can retain possession and is intelligent in using the ball, and perhaps we haven’t got enough of that.
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/10447/History/Jota
On paper he looks like the right sort of player, but the club may have other similar targets ticking over.
My thinking is we paid £9m for Braithwaite, so why not put in a big bid for Jota, leaving us time to move on if we can’t get him?
Just catching up. Have to say I thought Werder’s glosses on the EFL statement yesterday were priceless. Very funny, but also seriously spot-on.
On the Gazette dispute I think that someone at the club who fancies himself as a PR person in love with his own bells and whistles has seriously over-reached himself.
The actual examples cited by the club at which they originally took offence ( the slight misreporting of a couple of transfer fees) were relatively trivial, could have been quickly corrected, and seem more a commentary upon the club’s ineffective communication with the media than examples of journalistic malpractice.
It was suggested on here, plausibly, that Premium Boro may have ruffled a few feathers at the club. But that move by the paper should be seen for what it is; a somewhat desperate attempt by a hollowed-out industry to alleviate the catastrophic decline in advertising revenue, and its flight to online platforms in particular. Half of the population of the UK is no longer served by a local newspaper, a severe democratic deficit, and whilst few on here would ever dream of subscribing to the Gazette’s premium service, we can certainly understand and sympathise with the paper’s plight. The Gazette is a vital part of the fabric of Teesside. It is the only serious organ which reflects the interests and concerns of the community, and its loss would be both serious and permanent. Being at loggerheads with its local paper seriously undermines the club’s claims to itself be serving the local community.
For it then go on and seriously threaten the future career prospects and livelihoods of two young professionals, both of whom are Boro supporters, and have done a great deal of positive work on the club’s behalf, without any adequate explanation is beyond draconian.
The confrontational approach taken by the club doesn’t seem like Steve Gibson’s style at all, and I’m puzzled that he should have given this move his backing.
For myself, I’m a believer in journalistic freedom in the face of corporate pressure and am 100% behind the support given by AV and PT to their younger colleagues. Doesn’t the club realise the amount of free advertising they are getting from the paper on a daily basis? The club’s sponsors surely do, and I’d advise the paper to think seriously about not using any pics in which the sponsor’s name is prominently displayed. That should help bring the club to its senses, as will its dawning recognition that no one with even half a brain is remotely interested in reading PR material and the outpourings of those who have given up on journalism, deserted whatever professional principles they may once have had , and taken the corporate shilling.
I scarcely ever look at the Boro website myself, and I am now even less inclined to do so. I recommend all on Diasboro to do the same.
Len
The Gazette have tried repeatedly to have face to face talks with MFC to reconcile and agree a way forward.
Unfortunately MFC won’t talk to them about it
OFB
Mrs: “Don’t even speak to me”
Mr: “Eh?”
Mrs: “You know what you’ve done”
Mr: “When?, Where?, What are we talking about”
Mrs: “Don’t give me that attitude, my Mother was right about you!”
Mr: “About what exactly?”
Mrs: “There you go again, you see you just don’t learn do you, you just can’t help yourself”
Mr: “Help what?”
Mrs: “You know what you said, its unforgivable and it’s over, that ship has long sailed now. Forget it I’m not having this discussion”
Mr: “What discussion?”, scratches head and goes down the pub for a pint (“Typical” screamed in the background as the front door closes)
Very funny, but so true. But where would we be without them? However, l know what my answer is. Lost my wife over eight years ago and miss her every day.
MFC not signing upto iFollow. They’re doin it themselves (sort of).
MFC not doing a partnership with Premium EG. They’re doin it themselves.
Whether we like it or not, whether we agree with it or not, it’s MFC’s shout. Their product, their way.
It is as it is!
UTaboro
Len
I fully support your stance on freedom of the press and the importance of the Gazette on Teesside.
The only caveat is the drastic reduction in quality as the Gazette becomes Trinity Mirrored. The level of reporting has plummeted in the last couple of years. It isn’t the journalists fault, it is the environment they work in.
The demise of untypical Boro which was a beacon alongside the slithering press coverage, pop ups, relentless advertising, slicing stories in to slithers to carry even more pops and advertising merely highlighted the poor quality.
The lads at the Gazette have the club at heart but how many does it actually take to cover the Boro?
The quality on here far surpasses the Gazette mini cles I try to read – I dont live on Teesside and try is the operative word.
MFC are wrong in their stance, the Gazettes miserable performance masks the situation. There is no freedom of the press at Gazette Towers, it is corporate, cut and paste, er, lets leave it there.
We can adopt the moral high ground but you wont find Trinity Mirror up there, after years of Vic snearing at the Murdoch Group, the Gazette is sucked in to low level journalism.
That however is on line coverage, I don’t see the paper version.
I think you still get quality articles in the Gazette but the nature of online publishing is completely different to the printed version. The journalists now have to produce far more shorter article that act as both ‘content’ for clicks and advertising – plus an online audience demands a regular flow of articles that update the story. Though with the premium service the writers then have to almost invent an article and find something to say in order to supply their quota. So the journalism gets spread over a much wider range of articles that it’s impossible to go into any depth – but you do still get feature articles – whether that’s any less than it used to be is hard to say as they are hidden behind the noise of all the short pieces needed to make the model work financially.
I used to deliver the Gazette as a school kid, and my evening round far exceeded the morning round delivering the nationals. Haven’t bought the Gazette now for over 50 years. It would be interesting to know the comparative circulation figures since Trinity took over.
The Gazette is now delivered at breakfast time Ken hence the “Evening” being dropped. Looking at Boro related news on the internet regularly there appears to be a Trinity Template which all the “Locals” owned by them seem to follow complete with their Journo Vlogs (videos).
The “problem” (if indeed Trinity think that there is one) is that the generation that read Evening Papers is ageing, Younger generations are more into the Web for their news via Tweets and Social media. Delivering local Evening Papers in the morning just doesn’t feel right and in some way degrades the product but I accept that is probably only just a traditional emotive thought on my part rather than any factual evidence.
Our High Streets are not what they once were with the advent of out of town superstores and on line ordering with deliveries often the same day or next day latest in many cases. Things change and evolve and its how those remaining shops or in this case Newspapers adapt that will determine if what they offer is good enough or unique enough. Its a difficult time and a difficult balance to find let alone strike.
Len –
You made the salient point regarding the MFC dispute with the Gazette – two football journalists have been banned by the club without adequate explanation – on that basis it’s impossible for anyone with a sense of justice to support the club’s action. Of course there is a wider issue of freedom of the press – but that wouldn’t be an issue if there was a valid reason other than they didn’t like something they wrote.
You can’t be the unbiased reporter of your own information or actions so the MFC website can never be anything other than ‘press release’ material – the free press exists for a reason and that is to have the freedom to say it as they see it and not to be censored from making critical points.
Any organisation that believes they can control the facts to give themselves a good press is missing the point – it’s only by answering and addressing criticism that you can improve the way you do things – anything else just leads to decline. That was the conclusion that Mikhail Gorbachev came to when he embarked on his reforms of the Soviet Union – with the need of ‘Glasnost’ being the open discussion of issues – i.e. the lessons need to be learned and that can only happen with people being allowed to be critical – as uncomfortable and inconvenient as that may be.
You saw what nonsense gets spouted by the likes of the EFL when they try to control a message that is so blatantly propaganda designed for a none-thinking audience.
I’m certainly not happy when our club employs almost Trump-like tactics against the local media and apparently starts selectively banning those who were apparently off-message – we just don’t know as they haven’t told the community they serve why their local paper is out of favour. They may want to make the Club great again but this is not the way we expect them to behave.
BTW thanks for your comments on the EFL post – though I fear they are the real jokers on this issue!
Billog –
Some very interesting post-match analysis that you made to add to that which Mark has also made – you both appear to have taken advantage of having the full game game available to study and have made good use of the service. Again an extra dimension that you’ve brought to Diasboro – thanks
Watching the replay of the game on MFC it looks to me as if Monk may be starting to find a way to get the best out of Traore.
Firstly, there seems to be more product from his runs down the wing. In the first half alone, he delivered three really good crosses. One should have been a tap in for somebody, one brought the goal and the other created a near post opportunity. This in itself is positive.
However, in addition to that there were a number of occasions when Traore picked up the ball wide right and then tracked across into the midfield 5-10 metres into the Scunthorpe half.
There he was faced by at least two players who wanted to stop him dribbling through. What happened next was really interesting. Traore played a 10-15 metre ball forward to one of the front men and took off after it with an astonishing burst of acceleration. The opposition players couldn’t live with him and so the move immediately took two players out of the game and created a numerical imbalance near to their penalty area.
This way of playing straight through the midfield seems to be one of the keys to Monks strategy. Getting the ball played forward like that creates opportunities and the use of Traore’s speed could become an important extra element.
Another example was when Ayala broke up an attack, played the ball forward to Tavernier and headed off after it at speed. He was never effectively picked up and would have scored if Fletcher hadn’t bravely exerted ‘forward’s rights’ to grab the goal himself.
Incidentally, I was impressed by Tavernier. Not that he was always brilliant but he seemed to have the composure to play at this level.
Finally, I must return to that great cliche “he has a great touch for a big guy” but this time I am not referring to Gestede (who I have always liked) but Dael Fry who 100% looks to be the real deal. We know he can tackle and head th ball but his first touch and distribution really does remind me of some of the top class centre backs. I could see someone offering 15-20 million for him instead of Gibbo. I hope that they wouldn’t sell.
I’m very curious to see the line-up on Saturday.
UTB
It would be a shame to sell Adama now that he’s found a manager who is getting him to think about how he can best deploy his undoubted talents – if Boro can make him into a player then we could name our price in the future – so I wouldn’t be tempted to cash in just yet. Good to see more post-match video analysis and again some interesting observations.
Werder
The whole stand off is bizarre, MFC seem to be acting like a one party state. The irony is that access is there for the Gazette but not for two journalists.
I still cant believe that someone hasn’t sorted the situation out, I cant believe that Steve Gibson would allow this mess to rumble on.
I find it difficult to believe no one at the Gazette knows what is the problem, that doesn’t mean I think the Gazette know and are not letting on.
I half expected Uncle Eric to have had a chat with Steve and peace to have broken out.
From the outside looking in, it is bizarre, if it happened at Sid James Park we would be chuckling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc0Y9NaOLek
Ian, could it be that MFC consider that having four Gazette reporters around the Riverside and the training ground is two too many, so have blackballed the two least experienced?
If so, I can appreciate MFC’s reasoning about too many reporters, but surely it’s not for the Club to decide which two to ban.Just speculating like, because I guess we’ll never know.
It’s interesting that we do not seem to be pursuing Snodgrass although he’s available. He might be handy for set pieces, is creative and has been effective at Championship level.
Reading Selwynoz’s post, I suspect the ‘dynamism’ element of GM’s player profile isn’t there sufficiently in Snodgrass, as for Stewy. One strand of GM’s thinking is to overwhelm opposing defences with pace, power and dynamism wherever they look and Adama fits that profile.
The plan would have worked at Forest if we had shown greater control and concentration at the critical moments in the game, but unfortunately they outplayed us in that factor and avoided a potential 1-3 or 1-4 scoreline. Alex Neill will be showing the Preston players the video, and telling them to do the same – relentless harrying and concentration, or face heavy defeat.
For example, with Britt, the key is to frustrate him and see if you can unsettle his composure and finishing. No doubt GM’s staff have spent the week pointing this out to him.
For me the problem at Forest was simply down to us not taking our chances. We had plenty of them and Britt in particular. We gave away a sloppy opening goal and then a really soft penalty, that will happen in games and we will concede but the number of chances we created was ridiculous not to have scored. I don’t think we will have many games like that and the pressure on Britt probably affected his game that day.
Agreed RR, I think the Forest return was a one-off situation which got to Britt, other teams will not have that factor. He will score goals, and hopefully a lot of them.
I am less concerned about Britt missing some chances than us getting a grip on the game. Letting the opposition take control and nick a goal is not the best way to do well in this league.
Another thing is I am lurking, if you lot don’t take your chances I will come along and tap in.
You have been warned.
Point taken Ian.
Come on BORO.
Into box
Scores
Rumours this morning that Boro may have moved on from “Arry’s Boy”
Aden Flint (born 11 July 1989) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Championship club Bristol City. Flint was previously with Swindon Town and before that Alfreton Town and has represented England C national football team.
According to Wiki Flint is 1.97 m tall that’s 6 foot 5 and a half in old money Not sure if we’ve had anyone taller. I can’t recall anyone.Pally was only 1.93 m and Fjortoft 1.96.
Of course it could be Boro playing mind games to make Arry get off the pot and sort it all out so Birmingham sign Flint
Quote from Bristol City fans this morning
“Big rumors this morning from a decent source city have accepted a bid from boro for flint”
As I understand it we were bidding for Shotton and Brum were chasing Flint as his replacement but Harry was saying that Shotton’s replacement was costing a fair bit more than they were being offered by Boro for Shotton. If Flint was the object of Harry’s desire it perhaps makes more sense if we go for the Player who our original targets existing manager thinks is an upgrade.
I’m not overly convinced by Shotton and don’t know a great deal about Flint but if we do lose Gibson at the eleventh hour we will need two CB’s coming in as a minimum. Is it possible we are chasing both?
Looking at Adama against Scunthorpe he showed more general awareness and played some good crosses and passes.
You can say it is down to Monk and his coaching staff but that would be too simple. It is possible the process has been a dripping tap of advice and eventually he is getting the idea of how to play.
Credit must go to previous coaches as well, I am sure the message will have been the same, it may have been beneficial for him to stay at Boro because he has had a lot of clubs for such a short career.
Under AK, Agnew and now Monk he has been involved in the squad. It is up to him, I am happy if he stays.
Ian
Nonsense! Total & complete!
Pure speculation without even the sniff of evidence.
I reckon you’re doin it on purpose.
Spartak
Draw the curtains and take a deep breath, it was total speculation, it is possible he has seen the light, there did seem more purpose in his play.
He actually passed to a red shirt, he actually got a cross in to the box that someone headed – an assist to a goal for that matter
There is also the possibility it was just a fluke, a happenstance and normal non service will be resumed.
Just watched Jota’s 2017 highlights reel on today’s Gazette Blog. If we’ve bid £4.5m for this guy, but Braithwaite is worth double that at £9m, then Braithwaite must be one hell of a player when he gets going.
Jota looks like just the sort of calm, controlled, clever player we need to complete the mix.
I agree about Jota, I think we need to pay a realistic fee if we want him. Consider what we paid for Guediora and I would say that Jota is worth three of him. Maybe £6m plus Guedioura and a £2m bonus if we get promoted within two seasons
Agree. Jota looks the real deal and in the current market an £8m bid would be a reasonable offer. It does though make me wonder if Boro have someone else in mind. If so, I can’t imagine who, only Forestieri who would probably cost more, and not a player I would take, because he has history of tantrums with Wednesday. We don’t need another Ramirez situation.
Ken
Jota is the real deal.
As you said, Forestieri is petulant.
Stump up the 8m, it’s loose change for us.
Don’t let Hull gazump us
Braithwaite can sit on the bench.
UTB
Mark
As I have previously stated he could be the Merson of the season
For your interest Aden Flints career stats:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aden_Flint
Come on BORO.
A Centre Back averaging a goal every seven games or so is an interesting proposition, his height clearly isn’t a hindrance at set pieces.
Still too soon to offer a balanced view on the previous regime, Ian. The wounds the Boro faithful feel from the Basque man being his own worst enemy, and much more besides, are still too deep.
In time, I think, views on 2013-17 will generally be more balanced. Just not right now. Heck, I even learned to fully appreciate the work of McClaren with time. And no one mourned him.
Simon
Maybe you and Spartak are thinking along the same wrong lines. I wasn’t expressing a view on the previous regime, I was merely wondering if the penny was starting to drop with Traore.
If I recall correctly he barely featured at Villa, sundry coaches and managers tried with him. We have tried with several
it may be the longer he stays somewhere the more he will improve. It is largely what goes on between his ears.
Every team needs a maverick, a spark, something mercurial.
And for all the promise under Monk, we haven’t really got one. Adama aside.
Preston’s last league victory against Middlesbrough came back in April 1972, a 1-0 win at Deepdale. What could possibly go wrong tomorrow?
We need two wins next to get back to two points per game average. Up the Boro!
Ian
My main concern, as you have alluded to, is Adama’s future performance. Yet, I’m hoping he even gets better and better and speculate that he will.
The reason I responded to your speculative musing was that GM has shown ability in getting more from a striker as in Chris Woods. The reward for Adama’s improvement IMHO rests with GM only.
Just speculatin like.
Tomorrow 3-0 home win maybees 4 🙂
Sparta
Was that a statement of improvement regarding the speedball?
My understanding of his performance was based on the report of RR (a very good, detailed report of the particular game changing actions of particular individuals)
Based on that he seemed to have played like a footballer?
Cutting out the dribbling and passing the ball, and running into position, my god, we have lift off?
Like all supporters, I hate my club to get on the wrong side of any deal, and however we came to own him, he is worth trying to solve the mystery. After all we have had many players who have lived out their footballing lives on our training ground without a murmur from the fans about selling them.
I’ve just posted up my Preston pre-match piece now that you’ve started speculating on the score – Garry Monk dropped a bombshell at yesterday’s press conference that hasn’t had much coverage – though less than six minutes were made available on the MFC website so it may have been missed.
https://diasboro.club/2017/08/25/boro-v-preston-match-preview/
It’s a spectacular, speculating, sizzling summer season!
Urraahhhhh!
Spartak
I think Adama is in the best place to develop. The environment GM is creating should suit him.
We don’t know what happened at Villa but you get the impression they washed their hands of him. He didn’t play in the second half of his only season there. He only had 11 appearances in that time.
At Boro he has had 27 outings in a similar period. We know the coaches at Boro during AK’s time and hence Agnew afterwards worked with him about making runs etc. He already has had more of a chance than at Villa.
Luckily GM has come in and given him the chance to progress. Many fans would have happily sold him, we have debated it often enough on here. If GM continues his work and turns him in to a top player that would be great news.
It still comes back to Adama doing it on the training ground and the pitch. Getting his head right will be the key. Will it happen, who knows but it must be worth persevering unless a huge bag of swag arrives and even then I would be tempted to keep him.