Hull 1 – 3 Boro

by Diasboro, posted in Uncategorized

Hull City Middlesbrough
Grosicki

▮ Hector

 72′

83′

 Braithwaite
Assombalonga
Leadbitter		 13′
36′
85′ (pen)
Possession
Shots
On target
Corners
Fouls		 61%
 6
 4
 5
12		 Possession
Shots
On target
Corners
Fouls		 39%
 9
 6
 5
12

Tricky Boro serve up a Hulloween treat

Redcar Red reports on the match at the KCOM Stadium…

The match build-up was short and sweet following on from Saturday’s victory at Reading. That would hopefully a good omen in keeping a winning mentality alive on the night when traditionally the boundary between this world and the world of the deceased thinned. GM would likely seek to revisit the soul of Aitor Karanka once more in keeping a clean sheet whilst offering hospitality to the ritual of goal scoring festivities.

An early Downing interception off his derriere saw Braithwaite pounce but ruled offside straight from the KO. The game had started at a frantic pace as Hull had a Penalty claim turned down with Ayala relieved to see the Ref ignore Tiger pleas. Once the ball was cleared Fabio was spotted laid out injured for some unknown reason but we have seen a few of these mystical Fabio injuries of late. A couple of minutes later Fabio rescued us after Randolph palmed away a shot but immediately went down again and that concluded his evening. George had continued warming up and came on in place of the Brazilian.

Just after the restart Boro caught Hull on the break, counter attacked, went up field and Braithwaite made space for himself, drilled a shot into the far corner to make it 1-0 on 13 minutes. Hull responded by attacking Boro and once again had a Penalty claim turned away. The ball went back up the other end with Howson pinging another cross in which just escaped Assombalonga. Up to this point Hull had the majority of possession and looked intent on taking the game to Boro but the early goal once again put the advantage in the hands of Boro who were content to keep things tight and difficult to break down.

Britt was hauled back after a Randolph clearance but the Ref seemed oblivious to the challenge just as he was breaking through. Hull were looking very suspect at the back as they pushed forwards and likely to be caught on the break again. Frustration started building as the home fans saw their side struggling to break down the stubborn Boro rear guard. A Hull free kick saw Ayala then Gibson head the danger clear before eventually going out for a goal kick. A fiercely hit Tavernier cross into Assombalonga nearly resulted in a Hector own goal, slicing the ball in a desperate clearance just past his own post on thirty minutes.

A high ball in to Irvine was anticipated and cleared by Ayala who was looking back to his best, the ball went forward and Kevin Stewart looked to go over the top on Assombalonga much to the annoyance of the vocal travelling army. A quick Downing cross field ball to Friend then to Tavernier resulted in a corner which Downing ran to take as four Red shirts jostled the Hull defence with Daniel Ayala catching the Referees attention as the whistle went. Then almost as soon as the game restarted a Cyrus Christie cross flew in for Assombalonga to head the ball back across to briefly go joint top of the Championship scorers with 8 goals to his name and 2-0.

Ayala found himself receiving further attention from Referee Tim Robinson with Grant being called across to explain to Daniel that he needed to calm himself down. In fairness to Ayala despite the two goals at the other end he was Boro’s MOM in the first half such was the dominance of the resurgent CB. Straight from the Kick Off Boro set themselves out looking the better organised and comfortable in the game, rock solid at the back, lethal going forward and were unlucky not to make it three nil just before half time. A heavy landing for Grant after winning a header saw him wince and struggle to his feet, the last thing Boro needed was their talismanic Captain injured but fortunately he huffed and puffed and was able to carry on just in time to hear the whistle followed by a cacophony of boos for Leonid Slutsky’s side

Hull made a change at half time for the restart with Stewart going off for Dicko, a midfielder for a Striker as they had to go for it to get something out of this game and went 424. An early free kick conceded by Christie was a test for Boro’s defence as Grant screamed instructions which echoed around an eerily quiet half empty KCom Stadium.

A Tavernier strike was deflected out for a corner after a good set up by Britt to feed the youngster. A second Hull substitution was being prepared as this time Tavernier was back defending as the ball ended back in the Hull half and then out of play. The sub saw the arrival of danger man Grosicki who had been a real thorn in Boro’s side the last time we met here. Tonight however things looked a lot different as Boro looked less desperate than Steve Agnew’s do or die outing.

Ayala inevitably found himself in the Referee’s book for another hefty challenge under presumably a totting up process. A Dicko shot straight at Randolph probably should have been the opener for Hull as they broke away after a Boro foray. It was Boro’s turn to then have a series of chances in quick succession started by Downing and involving Howson and Assombalonga but somehow the game remained at 2-0. Minutes later another Cyrus Christie cross tempted and teased the Boro forward line to no avail and then a Downing ball into Gibson saw Boro come close again with a McGregor save. The game was becoming open with Hull now desperately going for it but it was the Boro who looked more likely to get a third.

A deflected cross off George Friend saw the ball come off Randolph’s crossbar for a Hull corner, Assombalonga cleared it setting Howson up for a break but a heavy touch just saw the move break down. As Slutsky warmed up his final Sub of the evening another Penalty claim from Hull was ignored by the Ref. After the arrival of Diomande for Campbell who had just got himself back from a long term lay off on Saturday Boro went close again as the game was at a tipping point. Hull were either going to get themselves a lifeline or Boro were going to nick a deserved third and put the game out of sight.

With less than twenty minutes remaining, GM repeated his Saturday switch with Tavernier making way for Johnson. As soon as the game restarted that man Grosicki peeled away and hit a ferocious shot leaving Randolph no chance and Boro suddenly had a wake-up call. The Tigers now had their tails in the air as another cross came in that was cleared out for a Hull corner that was in itself cleared by Britt for another corner. Boro struggled to clear their lines but Grant found a breaking Britt whose touch betrayed him and Hull came back at us as Boro now looked to be rocking for the first time this evening.

Approaching ten minutes remaining Garry Monk’s response was to warm up Ashley Fletcher. Grosicki had made an impression on his arrival and just left an impression on Cyrus Christie with his footwear as Britt made way for Fletcher. A decision that was a strange one as Britt had been clearing his lines at corners and of course a potent attacking threat. As the game restarted Howson clattered into Meyler and picked up a Yellow for his troubles. Ayala won a header to clear the resulting free

kick out to Fletcher who was held back for a free kick this time in Boro’s favour. Fletcher was then brought down by the errant Hector chasing the lad who had obviously taken a leaf out of Britt’s book on Saturday going down with relative ease but they all count. Grant collected the ball and wandered away from the drama as the Chelsea loanee Hector was dismissed presumably for an off the ball incident or verbals. As Grant composed himself oblivious to all the histrionics another Thunderbastard was unleashed as the ball ripped the back off the net in the opposite side to Saturday, 3-1 and the Hull fans headed for the exits.

An Ayala slip near the end increased pulses in the away end and a Gibson clearance was required shortly after to maintain the two goal cushion. A pacy Downing free kick was punched away by McGregor for a corner and the delivery saw a melee of confusion in the Hull box before an offside saved the Hull blushes. Throughout the second half Downing had looked ten years younger as he ran at the Hull defence causing them a series of problems. Hull won a consolation corner in the dying embers and that concluded proceedings as the final whistle went and Boro had bagged themselves another three points on the road.

A strong defensive unit combined with attacking prowess saw Boro look relatively comfortable this evening apart from a sticky ten minute spell when Grosicki looked to be our nemesis once again but fortunately his strike didn’t prove decisive in the end. Six points from two successive away games sees Garry Monk respond to the doubters including myself that maybe he can select his best eleven and instil tactical know how and belief as he now plans for Managerless Sunderland on Sunday.

Night of the living dead

Werdermouth looks ahead to the trip to Hull…

Tuesday evening’s Halloween fixture sees the first encounter between two clubs hoping to come back from beyond the Premiership grave. As Boro linger in the dark abyss of the Championship, Garry Monk is this week preparing his team to enter the depths of Hull as they continue to seek redemption from their slide down the table in the hope of re-igniting their season. The burning ambition of automatic promotion that Boro’s saintly chairman has attempted to bankroll is now beginning to be realistically downgraded to the purgatory of the play-offs at best. Expectations were that if enough money was spent it was going to be a matter of by how much Boro won the league – it seems the devil is in the detail.

With no wins from their last five games, there was a collective sigh of relief for the wailing souls on Teesside after finally recording a much needed victory at Reading. In recent weeks, Boro had been guilty of making bad decisions and giving a defensive horror show, which appears to have led to a tactical change in emphasis from Garry Monk, who said after Saturday’s victory: “To put ourselves back on track, we’ve got to strike that right balance between defensive and offensive play. That’s the way to try to build again and we know that, as we get more confident, we have the players to offensively do very well.”

Boro had just 32 per cent of the possession at the Madejski Stadium and reverted to playing more of a counter-attacking game – with many making the observation that the ghost Aitor Karanka  seemed evident in the performance. The fact that this ‘new’ game plan proved successful will probably mean we’ll most likely see it being the modus operandi for the next few games at least – if not indefinitely. Monk seems to suggest he’ll switch back to attempting his intended more expansive style of play once the earily drifting good ship Boro has been steadied and put back on course to start climbing the table. Though would he actually do that? If Boro start winning games by playing in let’s say an essentially more Karankaesque manner then why would Monk contemplate switching back to playing in a way that has so far failed to deliver results? It wouldn’t make sense to risk changing a successful methodology – if Boro start consistently winning again then there would be no need to consider reverting back to an alternative strategy – nobody needs reminding what the prime objective is this season.

Hull City Middlesbrough
Leonid Slutsky Gary Monk
P14 – W4 – D4 – L6 – F26 – A23 P14 – W5 – D5 – L4 – F17 – A12
Position
Points
Points per game
Projected points		 17th
16
1.1
52		 Position
Points
Points per game
Projected points		 12th
20
1.4
66
Last 6 Games
Forest (H)
Barnsley (A)
Norwich (A)
Birmingham (H)
Preston (H)
Reading (A)		 F-T (H-T)
2:3 (0:1) L
1:0 (0:0) W
1:1 (1:0) D
6:1 (3:0) W
1:2 (0:1) L
1:1 (1:0) D		 Last 6 Games
Reading (A)
Cardiff (H)
Barnsley (A)
Brentford (H)
Norwich (H)
Fulham (A)		 F-T (H-T)
2:0 (1:0) W
0:1 (0:0) L
2:2 (1:2) D
2:2 (0:1) D
0:1 (0:1) L
1:1 (0-0) D

As Hull languish in 17th place, I was surprised to discover that they are actually the Championship’s leading scorers with 26 goals – thankfully for Boro they don’t have the best defence to match that record and have conceded almost as many as they’ve netted. Their last six games have brought two wins, two defeats and two draws with that one standout 6-1 hammering of Birmingham that included six different scorers. It’s perhaps encouraging for Boro that their last two defeats have come at the KCOM Stadium. Incidentally, their ground has been renamed from the KC Stadium simply because the sponsors (Kingston Communications) have rebranded themselves to be known as KCOM.

After losing manager Marco Silva to Watford, Hull City appointed former CSKA Moscow and Russian national coach, Leonid Slutsky as their new boss. He famously took up coaching at the age of 19 when his playing career was prematurely ended after he fell out of a tree trying to rescue his neighbour’s cat and did serious damage to his knee. Here’s the unfortunate story in his own words…

“She [the neighbour] asked me if I could climb the tree and get her cat for her. I’d never climbed trees in my life, but I couldn’t say no. I still can’t: it’s a weaknesses of mine. It’s hard for me to say no to anyone, and downright impossible to say it to those close to me. So I went out and started climbing, my heart racing. Later on someone told me poplar branches get really fragile in spring. But I was skinny then, not a hog like I am now. A branch broke, I grabbed the one above, but it broke, too. I fell down on the pavement from three stories up, landing on my knee, then falling face down. My diagnosis was: open multiple fracture of the left kneecap, fracture of the nose, concussion of the brain. That injury put football out of my reach. I was in the hospital for a year. They told me I may never bend my knee again. I worked my joint long and hard. I tried playing football again but it didn’t work, not really. I don’t think I could have played above the amateur level.”

Still, the fact that Slutsky ended up as his country’s coach ultimately means, like the cat, he eventually landed on his feet. Though it may go some way to explaining how the former Russian coach has ended up as manager of Hull – the owners simply asked and he couldn’t say no! He’s essentially back to rescuing another cat, albeit a much larger one in the form of a tiger – though he’s definitely out of his tree if he thinks who won’t end up being the fall guy for the unpopular owners who are renowned for selling their best players.

Chairman Assem Allam is a divisive figure among the Hull faithful, especially following his plan in 2013 to rename the club Hull Tigers. Supporters opposed to the change organised under the banner ‘City Till We Die’ and matters weren’t helped when Allam said “They can die as soon as they want, as long as they leave the club for the majority who just want to watch good football.” The supporters responded by chanting “We’re Hull City, we’ll die when we want” at the following game – which I guess gives a whole new meaning to die-hard fans. Though the FA eventually rejected the proposed move to change the name on the grounds supporters hadn’t been widely consulted.

Many supporters of Hull are still unhappy with their owners, especially after they scrapped season tickets for a membership scheme in 2016 and continue to protest and demand they move on. There was a protest by several hundred fans on Saturday when they hosted Forest, who are aligned to the Hull City Action For Change (HCAFC) group with balls thrown onto the pitch after 19 minutes and four seconds, to mark the year the club was formed – hopefully they all kept a keen eye on the stadium clock for that rather precisely timed operation as woe betide anyone who went a tad early and ruined the symbolism.

However, many Hull fans called the protest an embarrassment and blamed the resulting stoppage had aided Forest who went on to win the game 3-2. They also deemed the protest against the owners pointless as apparently neither Assem nor Ehab Allam are thought to have  attended a game since the end of the 2014-15 season.

On to the Boro team for Tuesday, it may well be that in pursuit of stability, Garry Monk will stick with much of the same team that defeated Reading. It’s hard to see any changes in defence or central midfield – although Leadbitter didn’t last the course on Saturday, his leadership is a vital component in driving the team forward. Howson also probably had his best game for Boro and made the well executed assist for the winner – it seems Clayton has probably lost out because of his game lacks much in the way of incisive passing. The question may be whether Tavernier did enough to warrant another start or if Johnson is set a recall instead – I thought maybe the young academy graduate perhaps missed having Adama distracting the opposition on the other side of the pitch. If Boro do go for a more counter-attacking game plan then the blistering pace and strength of Traore can be a useful outlet.

It’s an unexpected problem that Boro have struggled to score against teams away from the bottom of the table and have managed only two goals against the seven teams they’ve played in the top half. Especially given that the club have spent nearly £50m on forwards in 2017 alone (Bamford, Gestede, Assombalonga, Braithwaite, Fletcher, Johnson) plus another £6m on Adama. That’s an awful lot of investment that as yet hasn’t seen too much return – but in reality only Assombalonga has had any consistent time on the pitch from that currently less than magnificent seven. The good news is that Britt generally scores against teams at the bottom, he’s only missed out against Brentford as he’s notched up six goals against strugglers Reading, Barnsley, Burton and Bolton.

So will Boro continue to show spirit and lay to rest the spectre of under-achievement as they monster the opposition? or will Hull get an early ghoul as they ghost through our zombie-like defence to leave the travelling fans witnessing another horror show? A usual you predictions on score, scorers and team selection – plus will the young Tiger’s fans be tricked into wearing scary Grant Leadbitter masks as he treats them to another screamer…

129 thoughts on “Hull 1 – 3 Boro”

  1. Werder,
    Brilliant article to the usual high standard it’s good to read something that isn’t bullet point journalism. and having knacked my knees playing football, squash, falling out of trees(!) etc., etc., you have my sympathy.
    Tonight I would like to see a proper thunderbastard but a penalty will do.
    Despite previous prediction and if GM does’t tinker I’m going Hull 1 – 1 Boro, a result ground out like gnashing teeth grinding together.
    UTB,
    John

    1. Many thanks John, I actually did my right knee three times last year, once (rather foolishly) trampolining, once working on the roof and the other time having a spontaneous kick around with my son. Also, you should never attempt to rescue a cat from a high place as they are usually just bluffing – we had a cat in London that would occasionally jump from the fourth floor window when it was on heat without gaining a scratch – they don’t need help just encouragement to jump!

  3. Just watched the Reading game , don’t kid yourself we were awfull , still disjointed ,no structure, it’s that bad, players were pointing to each other , and telling each other what to do, and were to stand.
    Now you do get that in games, but not to the extent I saw.
    It reminded me of Allison’s team , just play and see what happens.
    I’m sorry but I see a team clueless . And what’s scary we are going back over, yes we will win games , but not enough.

  8. Another fine article from Werdermouth on the continuing dissatisfaction of the Hull City supporters with the current owners. I seem to remember about 20 years ago when Hull City played in the old Third Division at Booothferry Park,(incidentally the first new stadium in the country built after the Second War with a capacity of 55,000), and the former Great Britain Davis Cup captain David Lloyd became Chairman of the club and padlocked the gates without warning as the club was on the brink of relegation into the Conference. So the club has had ongoing troubles with chairmen and owners going back into the last century.
    Anyway tonight’s match can be loosely called a Yorkshire North Sea derby, and a vital match for both teams. I forecasted Boro to break its non-winning run prior to the Reading match last week with a small poem called “I love the Boro” and being a slightly superstitious person, thought if it worked last week, why not reprise it this week. Of course I can’t take any credit for last week’s win, but maybe my poem might have been a good omen, so here goes :-
    I’ve been a fan for many years
    Lots of groans, but lots of cheers.
    Once a club in liquidation;
    Very much now a realisation —-
    Every game is vital now.
    The away supporters should take a bow,
    Heroes all, and what is more,
    Endless cheers when Boro score.
    But again’s the match not to concede,
    Outscore Hull City, and take the lead.
    Remember, this could be another day –
    Over to Boro – to win away.
    The title of this short poem, of course, comes from the letters of the first letter of each line reading downwards. I expect a 1-0 win; me, I LOVE THE BORO.

  9. Another great read Werdermouth thank you.
    I just hope that Saturday does not prove to be a false dawn and that we can take at least a point off the tigers – is three too much to ask for or expect.
    I agree that provided GL has recovered from his exertions, I do not think GM will make many changes other than the one you mentioned, Tavernier on the bench and Johnson his replacement.
    I can’t agree with GT’s assessment as in my view we were more organised and disciplined than in any previous games. As far as pointing at each other and telling one another where to position themselves is concerned, I see this as a positive and good team work, ultimately when we have a settled and fully functioning side it will all happen naturally.
    I do agree with Werdermouth’s assessment of BA, and posted after the Preston game that he is a goal scorer but will need opportunities on a plate as he is not a self creater of goals. His first/ second touches are often poor and he is not a leader of the line. To make best use of him we need him in the box and to get service to him from the wide areas such as we saw from Howson on Saturday and in the QPR game when Johnson cut in from the wing along the bye line.
    Unfortunately, our record at Hull is not good and it is likely we will have to dig in and grind out a result as per Saturday but that is what we need at the movement.
    Hull 1 – 1 Boro
    Have just paid my £3 to listen via the MFC website.
    CoB 😎

    1. Cheers KP and it’s a pity that there is no live feed to watch this important game – I agree that I hope Boro can supply some balls for Assombalonga in the box, especially as Hull are prone to concede.

  10. Hope there’s no pussy footin around tonight and Boro play like lions. Further, hope the quality of the game is not akin to the deposits kittys leave in the catnip.
    0-2 Traore plays from the off and gets both assists by playing at No10 (No Ian thats behind the striker and infront of midfield stalwarts NOT 10 Downing Street). Btw. Downing will be on the right wing again.

  11. Brilliant, Werder. Love the Halloween puns and hoping we can repeat the Reading result though it seems they had only a skeleton of a team out and witch Boro will turn up? Hopefully Saturday’s game wasn’t an apparition.
    It is another vital game tonight. If we win, we might begin to feel that a corner has been turned, particularly if we do so with an organised performance. A draw will take some of the wind out of or sails and leave us hanging on until the Sunderland game for more clues. A defeat and it is a return to Monk out.
    I expect to see the same, or very close to, team that beat Reading. Hopefully similar determination. And the result.

  12. Echoing the comments already, a great piece for our All Hallows’ Eve fixture Werder.
    For tonight, I have to admit to being absolutely uncertain about what to expect. That’s the thing about inconsistent performances and inconsistent team selections and unconvincing openings and a talented collection of individuals not playing as a team with any conviction.
    As we all do, I hope and pray that Saturday’s result will be a watershed for the season and we will go into tonight’s match with a little more self-belief. But, can we be sure that GM will be able to resist his tendency, hitherto, to tinker with the line up? Can we be sure that victory over a disappointing Reading is really a good barometer of our chances against our East Riding rivals?
    I know there is an uncertainty about every match. That is one of the great things about our sport: you never really know what is going to happen… but there is always anticipation. When your team plays with a sense of determination, even when they lose, you stay positive, you keep that sense of anticipation. This season, I have started to lose my sense of anticipation, and even developing a mild dread of following the feeds for fear of seeing (more) bad news.
    I really hope the team turns up with a true fighting spirit tonight and that GM does not disrupt the team too much. I didn’t see the game on Saturday, so I can’t pass judgement on the suggested changes, but unless there is a fitness problem my instinct would be to go the same again.
    As it is I will predict Pumpkins 2 Turnips 0 and let you all decide who are the Pumpkins and who are the Turnips on the night, I really daren’t say so myself just now.

  13. I suspect an unchanged line up for tonight from Saturday, lets face it why change a winning side and GM has had plenty of grief over his tinkering. Surprise may be if Gestede is back to match fitness, he was mooted a few weeks ago to be making good progress but not quite there yet so GM may have a unsuspected tinker yet up his sleeve albeit on the bench to follow on from Clayton’s dropping.
    I’m guessing that having been accused of dumping and discarding players, damaging morale and confidence in the process that Tavernier will get another chance tonight. There seemed to be a whiff of public opinion influencing his tactics and selection at Reading and as continuity was one of those major issues I think continuity will win the day, Grant’s knees willing. One win doesn’t suddenly fix everything that was wrong, as GT points out we weren’t that great and a fortuitous early penalty and defenders clashing heads certainly helped but winning ugly will do or indeed winning in any way possible is where we presently find ourselves.
    Hull are prolific at the sharp end and we will have to be switched on from the start to ensure we do not revert to conceding soft goals early on. I would hope that the Karanka mentality that seemingly raised its head at the Royals will be in evidence again tonight to ensure a tight back line. Win and GM could start on a roll of belief seeping back followed up with Sunderland at home on Sunday. Lose and its back to square one especially if the manner of it ticks seven out of ten of the “soft” predictable GM Boro charge sheet boxes. A draw suits neither party but would probably not be a disaster although right now we need to add a few wins to get back in the mix.

  14. If Boro win tonight it’ll be a turnip for the books 🎃
    Forest turned them over at the weekend (Hull not the turnips) so it shouldn’t be beyond us.

  15. Last time we beat the Black Cats we milked their mewsery but ’twas an a-paw-ling game which showed both sides had a meow-ntain to climb. And I’m not lion.
    A year and a half ago, in a Riverside cereal thriller, Boro looked flaky and short on bran new ideas until Nugent earned his corn and left the Tigers Frostie. ‘Twas grrrrrrrrrrreat!

  18. Well tonight is crunch time, I hope it is not a little shop of horrors or even a rocky horror show, maybe a thriller or the Adams Family comedy show.
    Anyway now that we are one place higher than Saturday I think a one all draw is likely.
    If we win then we deserve to move up a place or two. Jacobs ladder and all that – hand over hand.

    1. Hope we can lurch over the line or I’ll be puggsly offed
      Hope it plays a blinder and that we won’t fester about the result and that GM will need a Morticia if we lose
      I’d like to see our own Adamas family play the second half

  19. So the same team as Saturday which is fine with me.
    However, neither Clayton nor Bamford make the match day squad and Fletcher is back on the bench which is not fine with me. I suspect something is not quite right behind the scenes.

    1. I suspect Bamford has probably decided that he’s not a Monk favourite – he got dropped when he was in form and playing well and has now fallen behind Tavernier in the pecking order – you could see when he came on for the last ten minutes at Reading he was trying too hard to impress and make an impact – he had a simple pass to Christie outside of him who was well placed to deliver a cross and instead chose to try and beat two defenders on his own and lost possession. He must think his chances are diminishing with each game if Fletcher gets a seat on the bench ahead of him.

  20. So as expected an unchanged team tonight – will it be a repeat scoreline? Maybe but perhaps I’ll go with Len’s prediction of 2-1 to Boro – Downing is due a goal and maybe Braithwaite will get the other – btw thanks to Len for his comment too!

  21. I was tipped off to expect a surprise on the bench but have to say that the thought of Fletcher never even remotely entered my head. Thats not the cleverest decision by the Manager in terms of tactics, ability or in taking a struggling out of form player out of the firing line.
    Lets hope its not a decision that comes back to haunt him, he can’t even use the excuse that Bamford was tired after Saturday’s exertions. Not sure what Bamford has done to be dropped after not even playing?
    If Fletcher comes on and scores a ten minute hat trick he will be lauded a hero but if he comes on, can’t trap a bag of cement and struggles then the knives will be sharpening once again. Bizarre eccentric management behaviour or a genius if it comes off. We will know in three hours time.

  22. Excellent piece again Werder. If there’s an award for blogging, which I’m sure there must be, you must be in line for that accolade. I find it very Harry Pearsonesque and in my mind he’s one of the best around. Still laugh out loud when re reading his books. The Far Corner is the best sports related book I have ever read. I’m smiling now just thinking about it.
    Anyway to tonights game. Another solid, dare I say Karanka type of display like at Reading, should see us take all 3 points. I wasn’t at Reading but have since seen the game on the MFC website. It certainly wasn’t pretty but at the minute we need wins and free flowing, attack minded, entertaining football will have to take a back seat imo.

  24. Well same starting 11 as Saturday I see so no tinkering from the manager. One thing less for people to have a go about I suppose.Something is very wrong between Monk and Bamford as I see it, and that’s a worry for me as Bamford is the better player as far as I’m concerned.
    As RR wrote and I agree with, I’d be more than happy if he came on and banged in a hat trick. Whoever is on the field in a Boro shirt I want to do well and be part of a winning team. COB!!

    1. I’ve got the MFC website commentary over in deepest darkest Preston and first five minutes aside, sounds like there’s only one team in it. Lots of praise from Maddo about looking solid and keeping a good shape, plus a bit more attacking intent as well.
      So far so good indeed.Just the small matter of the second half to get through.

  27. ‘Britt just stood there and headed the ball into the net. He’s useless him- done nuffin! I mean he just stands around doin nuffin-like!’
    Lovin it me like! 😉
    UTB ZZZZZ

  30. Just got the courage to peep out from behind the couch and, would you believe it, the are Turnips 2-0 up at half time!
    Brilliant. COB, keep building that self belief and roll on Sunday lunch time !!

  31. Hull’s Hallowe’en horror show was humerus for spooktacular #Boro, who were pumpkin iron out there with a frightfully good three ghoul salvo. Now life’s… fangtastic!
    Okay, maybe not. But I think it’s going tibia okay after all. No bones about it.
    #UTB

  32. Well, that was a cracking result, back to back away wins , the Monk Machine may not be purring away in top gear yet, but things have certainly taken a turn for the better.
    Interesting that since Monk decided to tighten things up at the back we’ve scored five goals.

  34. Cracking opening article again Werder, the standard on this blog of all of the contributors is first class. Simon’s talking points are excellent, Werder’s pun-tastic potted histories (and please don’t take offence – there is some top notch Private-Eye-esque wordplay in there, of which I’m a big fan), and of course RR’s much-awaited match reports. So much awaited in fact that I avoid other media until I’ve read RR’s take, as it always seems so much more balanced (and detailed) than other outlets.
    And it looks like we might finally get the team that the blog deserves! Back to back away wins, solid at the back, Big Dani and Ben looking imperious once again, and we even got Gorgeous George on early on, although in unfortunate circumstances. Grant booming in another penalty. Two games in a row, two Grant pennas and two Britt headers from a right wing cross. As tactics go, I can get on board with those!

  35. What a hoot ! Shooting up the table like a bat out of hell..perhaps the Monk has done a Frankenstein and transplanted some new thinking into a few noggins.
    Werder and Ken, I had a thought about a good piece your genius could tackle, clubs nicknames ( some of Rugby’s amuse me ie Leeds Rhinos or Canberra Raiders, not too many Rhinos in Leeds or Vikings in Canberra ) 😹
    Onto Sunday and a chance to see the game live…happy days 🍺🍺

  36. Michael in Sydney
    From one Michael to another, yes, it will be a pleasure to be able to simply sit down in front of the TV and watch the Sunderland match – and at a reasonable hour as well. Kick-off is 11.15pm local time which almost counts as early for us.
    Looking at the reports of the Reading game and comments filtering through from last night, I wonder whether GM actually did anything special. Just as I felt that he was being unfairly blamed for the run of poor results, perhaps all he did was keep his nerve, remind the defence in particular that they are good players and then reap the benefit from them not making the silly mistakes that they had been making. One can, of course, point out that this in itself would be an excellent example of good management. I’ll be interested to see what the very experienced observers on this blog have to say about the tactical differences between the last two games and early less successful games. Did we play deeper with the full backs being less adventurous. Were there other obvious changes?
    Anyway, it’s great to see the impact that a few wins can make on the table. As Dominic Shaw in the Gazette neatly observed, its 4 days, 5 goals and 6 points. Is it too much to dream that by Sunday night it could be an even 9 all round. Days, goals and points.
    UTB

  37. Selwynoz cheers mate, lets hope we have lots to cheer about and go to bed happy.
    Just noticed the Sunderland boss got the chop, how many times have we had to face a club after sacking their boss,maybe Karanka will take the poisoned chalice.

  38. Karanka seemed like a decent bloke but, ultimately, not the right guy. I often wonder what would have happened if Man U hadn’t scored on New Years Eve and we’d won that game. Would the momentum have carried us through? Funny to rhink that Mourinho might have killed him off at Boro.
    UTB

  40. Thanks to RR for the report in which he has the uncanny knack of putting down in writing how a game pans out in line with my take.
    Managed to make the game and was impressed and relieved with the overall performance. Defensively sound although some moments of concern, midfield and Grant solid although I remain convinced about Howson. Can be wayward in passing at times. Up front, it was working well and we should have had more. On a couple of occasions, Braithwaite was through with Britt Running into space and he played the ball wide. Also Britt was hesitant as well and if he had taken the shot, then would have scored, instead in hesitated.
    Tavernier looked promising and had a good game as did Downing. Difficult to say who was MOTM really.
    If Monk keeps the same line up, then we should see more of the same as the team appears to be gelling now.
    Will read what I know will be a good read from Werder later on tonight.
    Whilst late back from the place where I spent 21 years, often as what felt like a lone Boro fan (especially at school) I was delighted to tame the Tigers and it was a treat indeed!

    1. It’s great to see the Boro on an away midweek night game
      I used to enjoy it but those times are gone for me now
      I must confess I’m starting to look at dates next year for Wembley ….
      It’s no coincidence that the upsurge in form has coincided with the return of Ayala, GL and Stewy….
      OFB

  41. Monk out!
    We are still outside of play-off places and haven’t won at home for ages.
    Sir Gibbo promised us to smash the league. We won only 1-3 yesterday. Just two away wins in a row – and just winning by two goals every time. Not smashing enough.
    Only positive from yesterday was the poet from Ken. We win if he keeps on writing.
    Can we have Grayson now he is available. We need an experienced manager – not a young un with zero ideas.
    Difficult times. We might be relagated by Christmas.
    Down the Boro?

    2. I seem to recall some of your recent posts weren’t so positive as this one, Jarkko.
      The Boro team have beaten 2 teams in the bottom half of the Championship NOT Real Madrid followed by Bayern in the Champions League.
      I sure you are as relieved as all of us, that GM has followed the advice of RR and others here on Diasboro and for the greater part played his best players in their strongest positions. It should come as no surprise that with the inclusion of Leadbitter the Boro are now with a leader on the pitch.
      Simply count how many players were on the pitch who have previously achieved promo before with Boro. Off the top of my head at least 5. That’s almost equivalent to half the first team.
      That so much change and dropping of experienced quality players has taken place is not a feather in the cap for GM, but quite the opposite. Perhaps GM would be wise to read the good advice he can find on the best of all Boro blogs ‘Diasboro’!

      1. Sparta
        Nice to hear a pointed comment on the fact that our golden defence was at last back on the field, plus a very good keeper.
        Ninety per cent of bloggers say that not conceding is the key, and they are right.
        A lot of money was wasted fixing a defence that was not broken.
        Someone actually said that AK wasted money in the market, that’s pretty good from a club that normally gives it’s players away.

  42. Great write-up RR, we’ve got some proper journalistic reporting on this blog. A great result and I’m thrilled to be wrong again now Boro need to turn on the same power at home against Sunderland.
    Downing seems to be showing what he could always do, thank goodness he didn’t end up at Birmingham but what has Bamford done wrong? Does he make poor tea? Certainly the young man isn’t getting a fair crack of the whip. He needs to be playing if not at Boro somewhere else because his career is being killed off.
    On to the derby match and no major changes, except on the bench.
    UTB,
    John

  43. Thanks for the match report RR. Great reading on the bus into work this morning. We just need the team to develop the same consistency as you have and we will be sure to be successful this season.
    Now, after yesterday’s uncertainty I must say that I am looking forward to reminding my SAFC supporting colleague that the match will be live on TV on Sunday.

  44. Thanks for the report, RR. As rounded and informative as ever.
    Back to back wins. I did not see that coming but how welcome it is. In attempting to bring back some solidity Monk appears to have found a far better balance and now there is some confidence and fledgling momentum.
    In my own mind I had set GM a difficult target of 10pts from the four games starting against Reading to win me over. Suddenly that looks beyond hopeful, to likely.
    Sunderland have done what they always do – sack their manager in October just ahead of a derby. It always seemed to work for beating Newcastle in the Premier League. Let’s hope we can overcome.
    Same again please Garry.

    1. Another comprehensive and balanced report from Redcar Red, far better than any newspaper reports I have seen. The Hull Mail report was more in line with Redcar Red’s. It reported that the home side made 308 passes in the first half which only resulted in two attempts on goal – sounds like Boro in some earlier matches. I do think the Gazette reporters, especially Dom and Jonno, sometimes tend to exaggerate; maybe the enthusiasm of youth? After all we have won three away matches against prospective relegation candidates. I’m not saying we couldn’t do that against better teams, but let’s put it into perspective and wait and see.
      However, having said that, Garry Monk does now appear to have found his favourite formation and a fairly settled side. This seems to eminate from the restoration of a fully fit Leadbitter, the improvement of form shown by Howson, the reversion of the Ayala/Gibson axis in defence, and Braithwaite’s recovery from injury. The players now seem to understand their roles and confidence has returned. Let’s hear no more talk from now about who should SG appoint in place of Monk!
      Regarding the current team, I hope that George Friend can now have a run of games even if and when Fabio is fit and leave Clayton with his misplaced tackles and sideways passing out of the squad unless Leadbitter gets injured (I much prefer Forshaw to him anyway). I don’t think that Bamford will ever be able to fit into Monk’s system. In my opinion he should never have been bought. Even Karanka didn’t select him towards the end of last season, and Pardew, Dyce and Monk can’t all be wrong in their assessment of his effectiveness. I reserve judgement on Fletcher, but it does seem that Monk sees more in his potential than he sees in Bamford.
      I’ve said before that I think there are no outstanding teams in this league. Several teams such as Fulham, Norwich and Leeds are finding it difficult to win at home, and if Boro can replicate the home form shown over the last two Championship seasons (maybe a big if), I can now even see Boro getting automatic promotion instead of my original playoff forecast.

      1. Ken, I hope you are right that Monk has found his favourite formation and he doesn’t tinker with it for the sake of tinkering. I wonder whether he found the formation all by himself or whether he paid attention to what most of the contributors to this blog were saying about team selection.
        As for no more talk about who SG should appoint in place of Monk, let’s bear in mind as Spartak says that Monk has proved nothing yet. Two wins against teams at the bottom of the league are all very nice and of course it is great to win but let’s see what the team can do against better opposition before we proclaim Monk to be the saviour. I remain to be convinced.
        Let’s also try to avoid typical Boro on Sunday against a very poor team but one that will have a new manager, caretaker or otherwise. It would undo all the good work of the last four days to lose or draw on Sunday, heaven forbid.
        Great report as ever, RR.

  45. The parting words as Mr Grayson left Sunderland – shut that door!
    A new chant for Sunday – Garry Karanka!
    The basis of a good team is solidity with attacking threats, it is difficult to build a successful team from the front. Fergie always made sure he had a strong defence, Wenger had one then didn’t replace it.
    It is still early days and as Spartak rightly says we didn’t beat the best teams in the league but you can only beat what is in front of you. Keep doing that and you build up confidence and form.

    1. I’m sorry, Boroexile, but even if Boro lose to Sunderland, they can’t “undo all the good work they’ve done” because the points gained cannot be deducted. A draw or win on Sunday will be points gained. I’m sorry to be pedantic, but there will be times this season when Boro don’t beat teams one might expect them to win, similarly there will also be times when Boro win when they might be expected to lose. The Championship is a League where unexpected results often occur; it’s swings and roundabouts. Having said that, I would be disappointed if Boro don’t win on Sunday.

  46. Great Report as usual RR I enjoyed reading it whilst having my breakfast cereal. A great start to the day, a win to savour, a play off place to bring some hope and a great read to bring alive the game.
    Listening to the match on Radio last night I gathered that Ayala was having a stormer but apart from his goal Braithwaite didn’t get much of a mention.
    One comment Mark Drury and Maddo made was that when George came on he seemed to support Tavernier more by encouraging him and pointing out what positions to take up.
    We forget that senior pros do more than play their own game and have an influence on the team all round amd we can see further evidence of that by the inclusion of senior pros Grant and Stewy.
    Thanks again RR appreciated
    OFB

    1. OFB
      Your last paragraph speaks volumes.
      A perfect blend of experience and youthful energy is perhaps the best mix for a successful promo season.
      God willing the cogs are turning in the right direction with the team but especially GM’s head.
      As an aside- who’d be a Sunderland supporter? Will AK get a second bite of the cherry? Sunderland will be all fired up for Super Soccer Sunday Special. They’ll pack their area like so many sardines in a tin. That’s the challenge next- to open it up. Patience with guile. Can we produce that? A Grant ‘thunderbarsteward’ or two wouldn’t go amiss. I’d play Adama down the middle and tell him simply to get possession and charge hell for leather into their area then either watch them peel away to let him through or bring him down for the next Grant penalty success.
      Options, options, options!

  47. Some interesting points being made above.
    I agree with Spartak, perhaps an overlooked part of the upturn was the experience of achieving promotion. Promotion, after all, is no mean feat, it is a very competitive (some say one of the most competitive in the world) division, and there are many teams who fall by the wayside. Look at Christie, he has experience of coming close and falling away at the last, Howson of a yoyo time in Norwich’s history, and Britt has always been worried about relegation. It’s good to have some players who have done it and are confident in the right positions on the pitch. None more so than Captain Grant who is metaphorically, and literally, the centre of the team.
    Also, I picked up on Plato’s comment above about people judging AK as being unsuccessful in the transfer market. I think that is a bit harsh. The real problems seemed to start when Orta was on board, and I don’t think we’ll ever get the real story on whether it was acquisition by committee or the will of AK carried out by a trusty Spanish lieutenant. Prior to last season his record was relatively good, Clayton performed well, Bamford on loan was an excellent arrangement and Tomlin and Ramirez provided much needed spark.
    Finally, a word on George coming back. As noted above, it’s great to see him guiding and giving instructions to Tavernier. Firstly, it’s important as he will need to adapt to how Friend plays – George overlaps a lot more which means Tavernier may need to come narrower but keep himself open for the outside ball, but also because it shows that George’s confidence (presumably also fitness) may be returning. He could be another player who plays his way into the first 11, and I don’t think many will be disappointed by that.
    On a final note, bloody typical that Sunderland go for the new/no manager bounce against us! Grabban is going to be a pain, as he was when we played Bournemouth if memory serves me correct, so we must marshall him well. Other than that I think we have the tools to add to their misery.

  48. Ken, thanks for the shout re the score prediction, in truth it was more in hope than expectation.
    Back to back away wins is hopefully the beginnings of an up turn in form, if it is maybe that’s because the manager has tweaked his tactics a little and his team selection. My view is that maybe the disappointment of relegation has dissipated but also the upturn in form if that is what we are seeing is down to Braithwaite being fit and scoring a couple, Downing finding his form and Leadbitter back to his best. I think its hard to over estimate the importance Grant’s leadership skills bring to the team. In addition Ayala seems back to his imperious best.
    Beating Sunderland is by no means a given, but its a golden opportunity and three wins on the bounce would set us up nicely to press on. At the start of the season I expected to be supporting a Boro team who were in the top two (if not top one) from day one through to May, However if it turns out that Boro are now on a charge to make the top two come May, that will prove to be a very exciting season, here’s hoping.
    I don’t usually feel sorry for other teams fans, we all experience the pain over the years. But, being a Sunderland fan who hasn’t seen a home win for the best part of a year must be particularly tough.

    1. My only concern is will our home form match our last two Championship seasons because so far it certainly hasn’t been impressive. Like you, I do have some sympathy for Sunderland’s fans, but even more sympathy for the fans of Hartlepool, Darlington and York City.

  49. “Wenger had (a strong defence) then didn’t replace it.”
    Absolutely. Since winning the PL in 2003-04, L’Arse haven’t won it since – why? Because they lost some strong characters and didn’t replace them. Character is just as important as skill.

  50. Another lovely and much appreciated report, RR.
    What I especially value about RR’s reports is that they not only provide the fullest and most detailed accounts the games available, but that their judgments are so reliable.
    I invariably find, if I have attended a game, that RR’s description and analysis of it generally tend to confirm my own impressions. This is not to say that any or all of those impressions are necessarily correct. Simply that they tend to coincide. So when I can’t get to a game I am more than happy to give his opinions a higher degree of credibility than I extend to most other accounts. And that, for me is an invaluable service.
    Needless to say, I don’t necessarily agree with RR all of the time. But an important feature of RR’s reports and contributions is that he is scrupulous in presenting the evidence on which his judgments are based, and up-front about his own biases and prejudices. So I can take into account in his match reports the fact that he may tend to be a bit harsher on Gestede, or GM or the match referee, and a little more lenient on Downing than I might be. And he allows all of his readers the same facility.
    It’s a unique and brilliant service. Many, many thanks.

  51. And now, from Belfast, it’s the Quote (s) Of The Day!
    “(I) watched many a Magpie match in the 1950s when Jackie (Milburn) was playing at his best. In those days he was nothing short of a God to United’s fans. Then, when he passed his peak, the fans turned on him… What short memories they have! …It is sad how soon supporters forget the good things players have achieved and want them kicked out. They did it with (Jackie Milburn) and they were trying to do it with my Jack.”
    — Cissie Charlton, on her son’s resignation as Newcastle manager
    “There is more than a touch of irony in the fact that, having been accorded almost legendary status with followers of the Republic of Ireland, Jack Charlton was hardly regarded in the same light by those who lived in the area where he was born and bred, and where he has made his home… Newcastle United supporters had long memories and as far as they were concerned he was just another manager who failed. The contrast was vivid but clearly evident to people like myself who were able to witness Jack as a football prince at the same time he was a pauper.
    “…Often, when big Jack and I were on the same plane, he would depart the Emerald Isle a feted celebrity and return almost anonymously to his native Tyneside. A local World Cup hero he might have been but Magpie followers never forgot he walked out as manager after only one season in charge.”
    — Bob Cass, RIP
    Selective memories, indeed.

  52. A word or two in support of young Ashley Fletcher, who only turned 22 last month.
    Hull had got a goal back and were pushing hard for an equaliser when Fletchers industry earned a free kick which was pumped forward and looked to be easily dealt with by Hector until he became aware of Fletcher bearing down upon him leading to the mistake that left Fletcher through on goal until Hector clipped his heal. Leadbitter despatched the penalty that killed the game completely but the credit must go to Fletcher.
    As I stated at the beginning he has only just turned 22 and learning his trade in one of the most competitive leagues going, so a little patience would not go amiss just the same as having a bit of patience with Gary Monk.
    Come on BORO.

    1. Fletcher done well when he came on. I suspect the “improvement” was because the Team itself was a little more assured and organised which helps slotting in. The constant changing of personnel was counter-productive on players individually and as a cohesive unit. The lad had a few poor games in a team that was poorer than the sum of its parts, my beef is that that is not a scenario in which to drop young lads into unless the squad is down to its bare bones. Every misplaced pass or mistimed run is amplified by the angst and frustration felt by the fans against the Team and Manager as a whole not just the individual. An interesting contrast is with Tavernier, because he is “one of our own” he will always get an extra degree of sympathy and support when he tries something that doesn’t come off.
      The debate over Fletcher/Bamford is down to opinion but there does seem to be a slight bias from GM and I’m not sure why as I haven’t seen anything to tip the balance in Ashley’s favour other than his height perhaps but he isn’t a bustling handful like say Gestede can be? Many of us recall the Bamford that scored 20 goals which in fairness to Monk was before his time but you don’t “fluke” that over a Season at this level.
      The same debate can be had over Fry/Ayala. Dael I think was harshly treated and appeared indicative of Garry Monk’s seemingly knee jerk selection policy at the time which now seems to be settling (I’ll reserve judgement for another few games yet). Friend/Fabio is another opinion biased discussion point, and as for Howson/Clayton its tin hat time. Its nothing new, last season we had the Nsue/Albert and Barragan/Traore debate and of course Valdes/Guzan/Dimi. I’m yet to be convinced either of the pair of them were fit to lace Dimi’s boots based on what I witnessed on the pitch and certainly off it in the case of one of them with “off” being the operative word for the pair of them albeit at least one was upfront and decently declared his intentions.
      If a Manager keeps on winning he can pick who he likes and play them where he likes, the fans will always have opinions but not so vehement as when he picks, chooses and loses. All GM has to do now is keep on winning, simples 🙂

  53. Last time I used the word “patience” a lot, I got a lot of stick for it, Exmil, so I’d be careful.
    That I ultimately realised change was necessary when previous manager really was living on borrowed time after making his own bed didn’t change that.

  54. PS: Reporters are not sure why Hector got the red card, some even suggested, dissent after getting the yellow for the foul. It appeared to me, watching the highlights, that Fletcher was through with a goal scoring opportunity and Hector did not play the ball, which the assistant referee brought to the referee’s attention and that is why he upgraded the yellow to a red. Never been a referee I may be wrong.
    Come on BORO.

  55. Len
    The service Werder and Redcar Red provide is invaluable and in stark contrast to that provided by many a professional.
    Exmil
    My read is the same as yours on the red card. The ref ran over to the assistant then changed the decision to red and it looked like he was saying he pulled at Fletcher and that is denying a goal scoring opportunity rather than just a foul leading to a penalty.
    Link in the twitter feed and below to a great article.
    http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-fans-meet-eibars-kike-13842185
    Kike seems a great bloke.

  57. I listen to the match last night and then watched the full 90mins this afternoon before reading RR’s report which again was an excellent record of what transpired – thank you.
    A hard earned and deserved three points with the team now beginning to show what it can do albeit accepting it was against a struggling team.
    The next step is to show that they can break teams down at the Riverside as they will all come and pack their defence.
    Bring on the Mackems! 😎

  59. Been catching up with some projects today after Monday and Tuesday were unexpected school holidays – that Martin Luther has got a lot to answer for! Anyway, I read Redcar Red’s excellent match report with my breakfast and it helped me get over missing out on seeing any of the game yesterday. Plus also good to read the other comments posted on the game too.
    Not sure what Fabio is suffering from but that’s now three games he’s seemingly gone down for no apparent reason – maybe he needs to rest and get it sorted before it becomes a more long-term injury. Interestingly, it seems George Friend seems to bring out the best in Tavernier and it sounded like he had a better game than Reading and more like when he played alongside George in the EFL Cup at Bournemouth.
    That’s what finding partnerships on the pitch is all about for a manager as he gets players playing like a team rather than individuals. Sometimes your best eleven players don’t make your best team and finding out which players compliment each other is why it takes time to find the right balance. I think in the Championship having players who are more reliable will probably get you most of the way – selecting unpredictable, occasionally brilliant players is not the way to rack up the points and it may cost you the odd game instead – we’ve seen that with Adama, for every Bolton display there’s a Villa and a Cardiff waiting round the corner.
    It appears as if Monk and Boro may have turned that mythical corner that pundits search for – though I’m still staying just cautiously optimistic just in case back-to-back victories against troubled opposition is only a mirage in the desert of points so far chalked up.
    As the table currently stands Boro have scored just one goal against the six teams they’ve played in the top half with a single 1-0 win over Sheff Utd – three 1-0 defeats against Wolves, Cardiff and Norwich – plus two 0-0 draws against Villa and Preston. The other 19 goals have all come in the nine games played against teams sitting in the bottom half.
    Though the good thing about winning is becomes a habit and that is the hope now – Sunderland are usually the gift that keeps giving and it was about all we had last season to cheer about.
    Finally, thanks once again for all the comments on the article, it’s much appreciated and I’m looking forward to a slight breather in the next international break as this two games a week doesn’t leave much time for pretending to Mrs Werder that my projects are moving forward as fast as she’d like them to be 🙂

  61. Having won the two matches against Sunderland last season I am afraid we can lose two points against them this season. We cannot win every time, can we.
    I hope we win, but you never know, do you.
    Let’s see if it’s typical Boro or AKBoro on Sunday. We should walk over them, so what could possibly go wrong there…
    Up the Boro!

  62. GHW
    The Tifo’s reminded me of the reaction of Dinamo Bucharest after we defeated Steau their hated rivals.
    A video appeared of them celebrating our victory with a song and banner, I cant remember if Vic put a link to it or it may have been Rob Nicholl from FMTTM.
    Simon is the expert in finding stuff, over to you.

  64. Thanks Rich. Also jarsue and Pedro. Feared it might be a straight Whoosh.
    Lucky enough to meet, and even draw a few words from the man himself in New York in 1962.

  65. Apologies for the later post thanking Werder for the superb Headliner, it did bring a large smile to my face, and to Redcar for his excellent match report.
    I only got to follow by BBC text and was a little worried when they pulled a goal back. However as much as do not understand Mr Monk’s logic in first buying an inexperienced player as Fletcher for 7mil-ish and putting ahead of Bamford, fair do’s to the lad for winning the penalty. Although Grant still had to dispatch it to give us a comfortable cushion in the end.
    Yes, another win against only a bottom half club, but at least a continued step in the right direction. I will be at the Riverside Sunday, so no banana skin slip ups please.

  66. They were upbeat on Tripe Supper, my view was that I wasn’t downbeat, we needed points on the board. We were disorganised and confused at times.
    I am still not downbeat but nor am I hooting and hollering. We need more points on the board, we need to continue being solid and organised.
    We need to repeat that at home against Sunderland and continue to do so in the sterner tests ahead. We need to be undefeated in November with mostly wins – to get up to 2 points a game we need five wins from the four matches before December!

  70. In reference to the criticism by some of Britt, of the 6 games we’ve won he’s scored in 5 of them. So we need him to score to win and we can’t win without him, either way it’s obvious he’s a key part of winning. Gestede is an awkward customer, he holds the ball up and lays it off, he’s strong in the air for the long out-ball and was regularly heading on for Britt to run on to. No-one else does this and he’s a useful option for the manager to have, his absence has been felt and I think GM and Britt have both missed him.
    Braithwaite’s return from injury has seen us, and him, be far more clinical in taking chances. He’s got 3 goals in 5 games, he links up play intelligently and often at pace. He was unavailable to GM for a lot of games and I’m sure the team and GM missed his leadership on the pitch.
    We’ve now shown signs of improvement over the last two games which has led to wins in both. We’ve looked much more solid in shape, eradicated the individual errors and took our chances clinically. We’ve done this without three players who have been touted as “must starts” by many i.e. Bamford, Clayton and Fry. The manager has decided to do it without them, contrary to many descenters maybe he does know what he’s doing after all. Anyway, let’s hope he doesn’t take this blog as gospel as one minute he apparently hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing, we’re going nowhere with no improvement on the horizon, he’s as bad as Strachan, he’s ruined our once decent players and anything would be better than his current set-up, onto the next minute (well, ten days later really) when his team now seem to know what they’re doing after all, are playing to an effective pattern and the players that were good, then rubbish, are now good again . . until the next defeat.

    2. Its coincidental how GM’s improvement started with utilising the old Pro’s like Stewy and Grant, a proven Championship CB partnership then decided on a settled side instead of changes for change sake and building by keeping it tight at the back, all exactly as advocated on here. You might even call it a game plan!
      Amazing that who would have thought it, I much preferred the inclusion of questionable signings and constant change. It made the match day experience far more enthralling when we (and he) had no idea which Boro would turn up and what to expect and neither did the players. At least it possibly looks like the National Lottery can have their machines back soon.
      So that’s 20th and 18th we’ve beaten in quick succession, roll on and roll over Managerless 22nd Sunderland on Sunday, woohooo we’re smashing this league at long last, or the lower quartile anyway. As undeniably pleasurable the last few days have been the only thing GM achieved this week is buying himself some time, interestingly by abandoning the things that got him into that situation. A long way to go yet and considering the squad at his disposal we are still some distance of 2 points a game average.

    3. I’ve never really considered that ‘this blog’ on the whole was particularly knee-jerk in it’s opinions – I think you do it a bit of a disservice as I generally find most contributions are quite well measured opinions based on considered observations. OK, you may disagree with the conclusions and find the points being made unfair but I’ve read some interesting insights that should anyone like Garry Monk ever read the blog I’m sure it would offer a useful outside view.

  71. I think we deserve to know the inside story regarding the reason PB isn’t starting. PB came back weeks early for pre-season & the majority on here have said he deserves a better deal.
    IMHO he’s the best forward we have, with more to his game than the rest + he’s better looking.
    Over to you OFB & your inside information….

    1. I’m sorry I can’t agree. He’s been anonymous when he has played this season, too lightweight for me, and certainly not the same player he was three seasons ago. Even Karanka didn’t play him last season, and I’m surprised he brought him back. I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves on in January.

  72. Mr Parker’s Dog, maybe what Gary Monk see’s on the training pitch during the week does not substantiate your claims, then again you could be down watching the training sessions.
    Come on BORO.

  74. It was interesting listening to the Gazette boys talking, they remarked on the fact that we had played 4231 pre season, very much Monks default formation previously. We get in to the season itself and we resort to random formations and rotating selections.
    We have seen an improvement as partnerships develop just as Lee Dixon mentioned seasons ago and on here for that matter.
    But it was against teams in the nether regions of the table. Keeping it going is the key to progress.
    Braithwaite seems to have settled in behind Britt and if I was going to play Bamford that is the position I would play him.
    Johnson, Tavernier, Downing and even the headless chicken are better wide players.
    The future doesn’t look rosy for Paddy What does concern me is the lack of game time because early on he looked to be linking well.
    Maybe his face doesn’t fit unlike Downing who looks to be blooming along with Grant.

    1. With Paddy I think we need to take a look at Ayala and perhaps Friend, both players who we know and both who have struggled to get game time and match sharp of late. PB will be exactly the same. Up until the last two games the whole team has looked “clunky” and disjointed, coming into a side like that is difficult for the best of players let alone ones trying to play themselves into contention.
      I suspect that Baker for example will look a far better player if gets his opportunity in an organised settled side than the lad we have seen to date. Same goes for Fletcher, Johnson and heaven help us even Traore. It was remarked how Friend’s experience was benefiting Tavernier on Tuesday night. Bamford’s cameos have been in a side misfiring and disconnected but under a disciplined AK Championship side he was the real deal. I doubt that like Friend and Ayala he has suddenly become poor, he will need a run of three or four games to find his form again.

  75. interesting that Clayton did not make the squad, is he injured?
    Before AK signed him he was an attacking midfielder with a few goals in him. AK molded him into the defensive shield we see today. If that role is now redundant, can he not just turn the clock back and become an attacking midfielder again? or am I being too simplistic? he could then compete with Howson for a shirt.
    Poor Paddy, just cant seem to get a run of games and maybe he is not destined to be the number nine for Boro. I can see that.
    The team does not seem to have a suitable position for him.
    If he were at a mid-table club that offered lots of service in and around the penalty box, I think he would thrive. Maybe back to Forest. I just dont see it working out with us this time.

    1. If Grayson was still in charge I would have expected Ndong and Gibson to start in the middle for the Makems but with Stockdale temporarily selecting he will probably go with Clattermole instead of Ndong or even alongside Ndong if he wants to keep it really tight and defensive (makes sense considering their current plight!).
      What we do know is that Clattermole will look to upend someone in the first few minutes. If Boro are smart they will be prepared for this and immediately surround the Ref going ballistic and the “offended” Boro player should roll around milking it. Not very sporting or professional and horrible gamesmanship I hear most of you protest! Well I agree but the alternative is that if someone doesn’t get a grip of him very early on he will finish someone’s season off, in fact I would go as far as to say that isn’t so much a prediction as a nailed on certainty.
      Highlight the tendency and he will either have to reign it in and try and play football or receive a straight red for his next nasty cynical challenge. It may be an ideal game for Clayts alongside Grant to go head to head rather than try and play football in the middle of the park. Grabban is the other danger but without service he is unlikely to better Ayala and Gibson even if they go with Vaughan in two up top.
      Team talks and tactics are fine but there needs to be a separate 20 minutes set aside for Cattermole. He can either be the driving force that dominates and bosses the middle or a liability and a serious one at that on which Sunderland will collapse. Take him out of his usual game and he has nothing else to offer, to be forewarned is to be forearmed!

  77. Redcar Red
    A forearmed smash even.
    I too do not approve of players making the most of a challenge but I can make exceptions on moral grounds. The Mackems and Clattermole are well deserving of such an exception.

    1. Not sure I agree with OTT amateur dramatics on the pitch, even if it is Sunderland (but maybe I could be persuaded 😎 ).
      However, good scope for a media barrage over the next couple of days with GM and others talking up the anxiety of an out of control Clattermole and the hope that the match officials will be up to handle him in the white hot furnace of a televised Tess-Wear derby.

      1. Its what Fergie and Mourinho did/do. Get your early whining in now, highlighting the injustice of X, Y and Z before a game even kicks off putting the Officials under the spotlight even more so as its being broadcast live globally.
        “I hope its an open and entertaining game with none of the cynical challenges that have sometimes spoilt these clashes in the past. Nobody wants to see an ill disciplined rush of blood leading to a Player’s career being ended before the game is even ten minutes old. I’m sure that the Officials are far better qualified than I for making those sorts of calls and no doubt they will be strong if they need to and we can all look forward to a cracking derby atmosphere”
        Or something along those lines………..

  78. Just a thought after looking at the league table. Below is my top six I predict to be there or thereabout in May. Not in any particular order.
    Championship TOP 6 in May 2018:
    – Wolves
    – Villa
    – Derby
    – Boro
    – Norwich
    – Wednesday
    Well at least the mighty Reds of Riverside will be there. Who else is in your top six?
    Up the Boro!

  79. I enjoyed Philip Tallentire’s interview on the Gazette website with Robbie Stockdale (before the dismissal of Simon Grayson) about his career with the Boro. It gave a good insight from being a ball boy, academy player, first team player, his time when loaned out, and to eventually gaining 5 international caps for Scotland. Also how playing alongside the late Ugo Ehiogu made him a better player. He comes across as a modest guy who will always hold the Boro close to his heart.

  80. With Boro hosting perennial crisis club Sunderland on Sunday, I’ve been delving into the cautionary tale of how the Wearsiders have become the ‘experts’ at short-term thinking under the appropriately named Ellis Short. Hopefully we will be able to escape the fears of typical Boro as this looks a decidedly winnable game on paper and another valuable three points to take us into the international break…
    https://diasboro.club/2017/11/03/championship-boro-vs-sunderland/

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