| Middlesbrough | Bolton Wanderers | ||
| Braithwaite Assombalonga |
49′ 67′ |
||
| Possession Shots On target Corners Fouls |
59% 16 6 2 15 |
Possession Shots On target Corners Fouls |
41% 9 0 4 22 |
Boro’s BB guns blow Bolton away
After the drama of Wednesday on Saturday today’s game had potential to take the shape of a banana skin with a temporary Manager in charge. Four challenging games in just over a week was always going to be a challenge but jettisoning our Manager after the first game wasn’t factored into it. On paper Boro should still have gone into this game as favourites but as this season has panned out as we know to our cost it hasn’t always worked in our favour.
The announcement of Tony Pulis was timely in that it steadied the ship albeit he wasn’t in the dugout but watching on from the West Stand upper. An incentive if needed for those playing today to push their claim for inclusion in his plans going forwards. Early morning punditry on Sky Sports indicated that they couldn’t understand why GM was only given 23 games and that Boro probably knee jerked because TP was available. The phrase “a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing” came to mind as the “experts” in the studio clearly had no idea what was happening at the Riverside since August.
Bolton on the other hand will have seen Boro’s managerial hiatus as an opportunity to try and snatch their first away win of the season and build on what can only be described as a spluttering run of form of late which has dragged them to within a point of the Championship safety zone including the recent scalp of Cardiff. Craig Liddle went with the same again from the Wednesday win with Shotton retaining his place in defence. Within a few minutes of the KO he was required to be alert in dealing with balls up to Madine who not unlike Nuhui previously can be a bit of a handful but Ryan was up to the task all afternoon and only put a foot wrong once yet managed to somehow get his right leg extended and hook the ball back quickly redeeming himself.
Bolton looked like the league table suggests, workmanlike but other than ex Boro loanee Ameobi had nothing to really trouble the Boro backline. Another Ex Boro lad Andrew Taylor behind him tried manfully to support the long legged Ameobi but Downing tore him apart on a few occasions in the first half and he went off injured although a few around me felt he was perhaps sulking at being skinned repeatedly by our elder statesman.
Tony Pulis sat beside SG looking down on proceedings will not have been impressed by the profligate waste of chances by our forwards in the first half. Assombalonga was battling but never imposed himself on the game, Bamford was energetic and full of running but no end product and indeed at times very frustrating. The two linked up well in the first half when Britt won the ball on the half way line after a Shotton headed clearance, held off defenders and played a through ball for Paddy to run on to but Alnwick got down and saved what in reality was a tame effort.
The nearest Bolton came to scoring was when Randolph cleverly dragged a back pass from Gibson to his right then scuffed his clearance putting us straight into trouble. Madine did manage to beat Shotton once in the air from a forward lobbed set piece but it sailed well over the bar. The half ended 0-0 but Boro had by far the Lion’s share of the ball but were misfiring at the sharp end. Braithwaite had a chance through on the keeper and in fairness looked more lively and purposeful than his outing on Saturday but his effort was saved or went wide depending on the Officials view.
Tony Pulis had departed his seat in the West Stand a few minutes before the half time whistle and was stood waiting for his new charges as they entered the dressing room. Whether through injury or tactical intent Fabio didn’t appear for the second half and George Friend lined up in his familiar LB role. Interestingly Friend was linked with Pulis previously so perhaps he was questioning why one of the Championships best LB’s was sat on the bench anyway George put in a steady and reliable display with only one of his trademark foraging runs abruptly ended by another of our Ex’s David Wheater on the edge of the Bolton box which was perhaps just as well as George otherwise would have been clean through with only Alnwick to beat and so its likely his blushes were ultimately spared.
Just as torchlight started to sparkle around the ground in the build up to the Leo tribute on 50 minutes Braithwaite went to the right of the Bolton goal after being put through by Howson and his deflected shot off the heels of the Bolton defender saw the ball spin up and curl over Alnwick to put Boro ahead as the celebrations morphed into the original planned Leo tribute which lasted for a credible five minutes declaring support for Leo and his family with a sentimental rendition of “he’s one of our own”. The timing of the goal could hardly have been better timed and after that any remote hope Bolton had to get something out of this afternoon’s game ended with the huge emotional tide now engulfing the Riverside.
The game was finally put beyond reach when Britt burst through on goal after a quiet afternoon, cutting in between two White shirts after Howson back passed to Shotton who then lumped it “Pulis style” up into the Bolton half for Braithwaite to head it on to the path of Britt who despatched with aplomb. 2-0 and for his troubles Britt was then brought off with Gestede already warmed up to take his place much to the goal scorers obvious disappointment.
If Gestede’s introduction was an indication of things to come then I think we can rest easy just now as the big Benin striker had his 50p head on and nothing came of anything played up to him. It almost seemed as if the ball bounced off his head rather than directed with any intent. Despite Bamford trying to play off any knock downs it was a tactic that is best described as a work in progress. The second goal provided comfort for Boro and the remainder of the game was merely confident containment with a few forays for Boro but most were eventually adjudged to be either fouls or misdemeanours of some sort by a very eccentric Referee.
All in all no poor or suspect performances, the introduction of George and later Gestede may give speculation as to how TP may want us to play but I think it is very early days and no doubt he will want to assess what he has at his disposal and how best he wishes to utilise his assets and those he regards as excesses. Grant was full of energy and crunching into challenges and Howson alongside was energetic and had another good game and indeed nearly added another goal in the dying minutes of the second half after a clever Bamford back heel.
MOM for me was Shotton, from zero to not quite hero just yet but he put in a commanding, resolute, solid performance and Ben alongside looked calmer and more comfortable than he has for a long time
Boro enter market for a new manager
as Gibson heads first to Liddle
After Steve Gibson got tired of waiting to see some fine fare on the pitch from Garry Monk he’s headed off to Liddle to deliver the goods this Christmas. There was little hint on what was to follow by the chairman but he’s now looking for a safe way to protect his investment after the Boro manager got more than he bargained for following Saturday’s victory. Within a few hours of Garry Monk’s team swooping to steal victory against the Owls, he no doubt entered the chairman’s office in good festive spirit after the coach journey sing-song back to Teesside of “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!” still ringing in his ears – before being informed that sadly the Boro faithful would no longer be coming to adore him this Boxing Day or indeed any time there after.
Few had expected this post-match silent night of the long knives, as remarkably his opposite number in the Wednesday dugout, Careless Carvalhal, was also facing Christmas keeping the turkey company at home and arranging the Brussels sprouts on his plate in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It seems bar any remaining feeling of humbug, Steve Gibson had presumably already made his mind up that there was no time like the present to wrap up his struggling manager’s tenure in preparation for his Boro Christmas sack.
It was not a major surprise for Boro followers, the romantic return to the Premier League for the chairman and his new young manager had not been going smoothly and the marriage was not working out as hoped after Monk had received a shorter honeymoon period than expected. No doubt there were some awkward silences in the morning as they didn’t meet eye-to-eye over the Championship table as Gibbo woke up to smell the coffee and Monk began to wonder if he’d soon be toast as the bank statements were brought up again. Social media rumoured that Monk had been flirting with a return to his Welsh Ex and it was also suggested in the press that Steve Gibson had already been making overtures to the more experienced Tony Pulis, who he’d apparently admired from afar for many years. Matters came to a head on Saturday as a seemingly upbeat Monk was preparing to enjoy a night out celebrating what he labelled Boro’s best performance of the season. Instead Steve had already made his mind up to dump Garry in favour of the prospect of pulling a cracker with Tony this Christmas and discussing a long-term future together.
Ending relationships is never easy and local media suggested it was done with a heavy heart by the Boro chairman – though it will be with a considerably lighter wallet given it was his third managerial dismissal of the year, along with their coaching teams. It was getting so crowded on the club’s immaculate lawns that Gibson had already let one of his gardeners move on to pastures new as Steve Agnew had taken his golden trowel to help Steve Bruce at that nice Villa down the road keep his play-off borders in good order.
As expected, the club have kept their supporters fully informed on the MFC website on these managerial developments and it’s a shame we don’t have space for the full statement…
Middlesbrough Football Club have parted company with manager Garry Monk. The club would like to thank Garry for all his hard work and dedication, and wish him all the best for the future. The club’s Academy manager Craig Liddle will take temporary charge of first team affairs during the interim period while a successor is appointed. The club will be making no further comment until an appropriate time.
…Erm, actually that appears to be all of it – anyway it perhaps would have been inappropriate to say too much as apparently it would have spoiled all the fun on social media of speculating on every rumour that materialised over Christmas.
We shouldn’t forget that amongst all the managerial shuffle sideshow there is still a game to be played and hopefully won! It’s unlikely Craig Liddle will attempt anything radical as he’s just keeping the seat warm and in theory the second bottom Trotters shouldn’t have enough to blag the points off Boro – though we shouldn’t forget they beat second-place Cardiff at the weekend, so along with fools and horses, the players will also need to work hard to gain victory. It’s important that the players start the game in the right frame of mind and not get distracted by the off-field activities, Boro are still only three points from the play-offs with half a season to play – they only need to have a slightly better second half to be in the promotion mix.
| Middlesbrough | Bolton Wanderers | ||
| Craig Liddle | Phil Parkinson | ||
| P23 – W10 – D5 – L8 – F30 – A23 | P23 – W4 – D7 – L12 – F23 – A41 | ||
| Position Points Points per game Projected points |
9th 35 1.5 70 |
Position Points Points per game Projected points |
23rd 19 0.8 38 |
| Last 6 Games Sheff Wed (A) Millwall (A) Ipswich (H) Bristol City (A) Derby (H) Birmingham (H) |
F-T (H-T) 2:1 (0:1) W 1:2 (0:2) L 2:0 (1:0) W 1:2 (0:0) L 0:3 (0:1) L 2:0 (2:0) W |
Last 6 Games Cardiff (H) Burton (H) Nottm Forest (A) Barnsley (H) Wolves (A) Reding (H) |
F-T (H-T) 2:0 (0:0) W 0:1 (0:1) L 2:3 (1:1) L 3:1 (2:1) W 1:5 (0:2) L 2:2 (2:0) D |
Making sense of the timing of Garry Monk’s departure will depend on which rumours you choose to give credence too, if any. If you are of the opinion that Steve Gibson has decided Monk was not going to produce the two points per game average that was needed to be sure of making the play-offs then now was the obvious time to make the call – any later and the new man would be at a disadvantage in assessing the squad before the January transfer window. Furthermore, if it’s true that Steve Gibson had been sounding out Tony Pulis on whether he fancied the Boro project then it’s likely other clubs who are prone to getting twitchy at this time of year would also be showing interested in a man who is in a similar bracket to Big Sam for avoiding the drop. If the rumour that a mature man in a baseball cap has visited Rockliffe over Christmas is also true then it would have been somewhat awkward if Garry had spotted him checking out the size of the cones outside his office. So it may well be that Monk had to be out of the picture once Gibson got the green light from the former Baggies boss.
If there is no new manager lined up then it would be a very odd time indeed to sack Monk as the positive energy gained from the comeback victory over the Owls would be lost – plus Boro would then have their academy manger Craig Liddle taking over and trying to get up to speed for three crucial games in seven days. OK, some may suggest that wouldn’t be less confusing than some of Monk’s recent tactical showings, but the second half performance at Hillsborough would have been a good lift for the squad and probably enough to see off Bolton and then confidence could have been carried through to the next game against Villa – so it seems doubtful a new appointment isn’t imminent.
The other rumour doing the rounds, which I’ve now heard from several sources, is that Monk postponed the Thursday press conference to Friday on family grounds but secretly met up with Swansea officials to discuss their vacant post. On the face of it that sounds both far-fetched that both parties would risk such a meeting and somewhat naïve if it turned out to be true given millions of people walk around with smartphones in their pocket and enjoy nothing more than posting up random photos and messages on social media. We now live in a Big Brother society where everyone is watching everyone and those who aren’t being watched like watching themselves and telling the world what they having for breakfast. Though the big problem with social media rumours is that they all feed off unverifiable sources that so often feed off themselves – fake news is now indistinguishable from real news for many and it now only matters what is believed to be true, before being liked and forwarded, rather than actually knowing what is true.
What seems to be gathering pace is that many in the know believe Tony Pulis will be unveiled as Boro manager in the next 48 hours – it’s quite possible he will be introduced before the Boxing Day kick-off wearing a Boro baseball cap in the centre-circle to shield his eyes from the glare of disbelief of many at the Riverside who were hoping for entertainment as well as results. It seems that entertaining football now only belongs to the super-rich clubs with billionaire backers who can afford to risk winning in style. It’s long since been conceded that winning trophies is the preserve of the big clubs but now even enjoying watching your team play exciting football has also been given up as foolish nonsense. The name of the game now is making up the numbers and accepting that pragmatic dull football is your only option if your want to rub shoulders with the elite for more than just a brief flicker of the limelight that surrounds the circus that is top-level football – the dream is now being able to rub shoulders with rich and famous but first you must accept drab mediocrity is the price of the ticket.
So will Boro show that their promotion goose isn’t yet cooked and give the supporters a festive treat? Or will the players go cold turkey and look like difficult to swallow left-overs from Monk’s reign? As usual your predictions on score, scorers and team selection – plus will Tony Pulis be drooling in the stand at the prospect of seeing long balls hoofed up to Rudy Gestede?
Aldi Boro want is a Liddle win
Another terrific piece Werder.
“Drab mediocrity is the price of the ticket”. Has it really come to this? Is the overriding imperative to get into the EPL, stay there by serving up drab mediocrity and count the sheckles? And for this is our Chairman prepared to appoint a man heavily censured and accused of fraudulent behaviour in court for his unethical behaviour? Is this really all that counts?
It’s not for me so please not Pulis. Give the fans a bit of hope and find someone else.
As for the game tomorrow I forecast 3-0 to the Boro as the players show their relief that Monk has gone.
Twitter posts tonight
Quote
Can confirm 100% just had confirmation Tony Pulis has got the #boro Job. That’s came from a reliable source!! #borolive
Umquote
Mange Tout’s 0 Trotters 1
Twitter
Quote
And monk has gone to Swansea. This is 100%
Unquote
In my ideal world, Boro will sneak up in the second automatic promotion spot (Wolves can’t be caught), Cardiff go up in the Play-Offs, Swansea turn their season around and avoid relegation, and we are all happy.
On the other hand, I have just ventured into the kitchen to survey the scene of devastation that evidences the extent of the Christmas Day excesses, and I have counted the empty wine bottles. Maybe still under the influence…..?
The reason clubs employ managers like Pulis and Allardyce is not for aesthetic reasons.
Usually it’s to arrest an alarming slide to relegation. They usually achieve this aim by organising the players currently underperforming.
Pulis has had success when it comes to gaining promotion also. Perhaps SG may appoint him as much for his record of keeping teams in The Premiership.
I have to smile when I read that his style of play is not entertaining, Boro haven’t exactly got a reputation for swashbuckling expansive football. Would I like to see him given the job? Probably, as I don’t see anyone better available at the moment.
As for tomorrow’s game, does anyone think Craig Liddle is in charge? And possibly for as many as three games over the holidays?
Methinks Messrs Woodgate and Downing will have a larger influence on playing matters.
I don’t agree with what we see from teams managed by Big Sam and Tony Pulis but one comment by Sam sticks in my memory. British managers no longer get the chance to manage at big money English clubs, they all end up fighting relegation or for mid table respectability
I can see where he is coming from but Moyes managed ManU and Rodgers Liverpool with varying degrees of success.
We will see what happens in the next couple of days.
I would be pleased if Pulis becomes manager but it will need a lot of persuasion , not least of which, is our northern position and so a considerable distance from T.P ‘s home.
Relaxing in Lanzarote I have enjoyed the iminatable high standard of pre match commentary from Werdermouth.
I just hope the performance tomorrow is as good, although I will settle for a last minute disputed penalty on the grounds that the short term need for points outways the need for an outstanding performance.
Hope all the readers have had a relaxing xmas. And we can look to an improvement in the fortunes of the team we all follow through thick and thin,
Article about Pulis I found on Facebook published on Deadspin.com …interesting…
Tony Pulis has once again lost his job for being too good at it
Great Article
If Pulis is ‘the man’ and can pull together this underperforming squad then what is the problem? We have to be realistic and accept exactly what Boro are capable of.
There are plenty of ex-premier league clubs who are now struggling in lower divisions whose supporters ‘demanded’ more attractive fare on the field or a change of chairman, only to find that what they actually had was the best achievable.
When Pulis achieved promotion with Stoke only the champions, West Brom, scored more goals. A similar style of play with the same results will do for me.
First of all Werder, I suspect you will need to authorise me on my new IPad that Mrs BBD kindly left in Santa’s sack for me!
Another great article and maybe the Fine Fare line will have been missed by younger bloggers!
Anyway, I am hoping for 3points as Every Little Helps towards a play off place and that Boro find the Netto 3 times to banish the post Christmas blues.
If what OFB says is correct and we all know how reliable Twitter is, then I have mixed feelings. Yes I want Boro to be successful but I also don’t want turgid football, never happy are we!
UTB
Brilliant piece, Werder. Thank you.
Werder
Aldi posters on here Asda say it’s Fine Fare served again !
Really enjoyed that well done
Off to the match tomorrow hope to get chance to In2View Kay Murray TV presenter and well known for being the pitch side reporter for Real Madrid (and a fervent Boro supporter)
OFB
As we’ve lacked intent recently then a TP might be welcomed ? At least he could improve Randolph by making him utilise his baseball caps.
Could these have been SG’s final words to GM ?
To the tune of Badge by Cream :
I’m thinkin’ ’bout my team as a prestigious car
Thinkin’ that you might have drove it too far
And I’m thinkin’ why hell are we 9th in the table ?
I told you not to keep the fans in the dark
And only speak to Swans that are in Albert Park
But you didn’t listen to my words now your job is unstable
Chorus :
Yes we all know that the team form’s up and down
And what goes around comes around
But we gonna have to smash this dog gone league
Or our season’s curtain’s coming down
Yes our season’s curtain’s coming down
Talkin’ ’bout your job that you’re payed well to do
If you don’t succeed then you’ll join the dole queue
I’ll remind you once again that we’re 9th in the table….
THats great !
Some really different and interesting posts on this blog
Lets hope Stewy, Jojo and Ben can save the dressing room and pull off a 4-0 win.
As promised before here is the iFollow link – just paid my fiver.
https://www.bwfc.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/2017-18/december/middlesbrough-vs-bolton-wanderers-on-26-dec-17/
Link was at the bottom right hand side – had already signed in using my email and my first Ifoolow password form the Burton Albion match. After paying the link disappears.
Mr P
Talking about Randolph, and caps, hes another one who’s starting to luck dodgy,
Some of the goals lately could have done better?
You’re right !
Good job we’re getting a new goalkeeping coach next week as well
GT : You’re spot on. If you’ve experience to use the necessary tools to do your job, then why choose not to use them ? Randolph’s stint staring into the sun with one hand shielding his eyes, then his refusal when offered to do something about it beggars belief. Luckily for Boro it didn’t cost us a goal. Having said that, it was our fault after winning the toss then choosing to kick into the sun. I suppose that goes hand in hand with us kicking into row ‘Z’ when shooting for goal 😀
Good work, Werder. I hope it was approved by your family.
Today’ game is overshadowed by Leo. So I will go for a win today.
Leo’s lions 4 Trotters 1. Up the Boro!
Great post Werder.
Same team as against the owls. Crowd 23,332 and a hard fought 1-0 to the Boro hopefully.
Still not convinced about the rumours that GM had been speaking to Swansea. If he had been and SG was aware then surely it would have been made public by MFC that he had been dismissed due to breach of contract and Swansea reported to the FA for breach of regulations.
Let’s hope that GM’s successor can be installed quickly and can galvanise the team into the force it should be.
I am sure the Boro faithfull will show their love for Leo and his family today as we think of an adopted “one of our own”.
CoB 😎
Good writing again Werder and a fair old summary of what we know and what is speculated about an amazing turn of events over the last couple of days. I’ll echo Jarkko and hope that this sterling effort on Christmas Day didn’t cause any upsets in Germany.
So. Never mind Fine Fare, will it be hey Presto as Steve Gibson pulls an experienced manager out of the hat for the first time? Maybe there may only be some Hints on (anag) who will pick up the Mace. Whatever happens, I hope the players will be Co-operative and find the Safe way to deliver some festive cheer to make putting on that new scarf in Wool worth the effort for all supporters today.
5-1 to the boys in festive red and white today. Assombalonga to become the first player to score 4 in one game for us since Micky Burns, leaving sorry Bolton wishing they were out at the Boxing Day sales instead of facing a resurgent Boro. Crowd 31,574.
Like all the shop references! Many long gone though. I just hope we can produce a Finest performance today and not a Value showing.
Again thoughts to ExMill on his loss – never an easy time but Christmas does seem to make it worse- both my parents died (too young) beteeen Christmas and New Year.
Leo must be going through hell though as the pain of losing two children must be unimaginable. I hope he and his wife can find strength and comfort. Certainly puts football way way down the list of any importance.
Had a blog break for Christmas Day and had the awful news of Leo’s family losing a second child broken by Mrs FAA who was on Facebook. I just can’t imagine the pain and heartache they are going through and my sincerest condolences go out to them.
Also to ExMil for the loss of your sister. Losing a loved one is never easy but at this time of year must be even worse. My deepest sympathies to you and your loved ones.
Thanks for another cracking piece Werder. I’ll leave it there for now.
Losing a loved at Christmas is indeed painful. It happened to me and my family in 1969 when my father was killed in a road accident on black ice, the coroner’s verdict being ‘an act of God’. I can confirm it haunts one for many years at Christmastime, and though the pain does ease eventually, one never forgets and still asks the question “Why?” followed by the words “if only”. It will be even doubly worse for Leo and his family because no parent should lose a child never mind two children.
I’m sure the Boro crowd and even the Bolton fans will respond to the call for lighting up their mobile phones. I personally prefer also a minute’s silence in these circumstances as it gives people time to reflect and is very poignant, though I suppose nowadays there is always the chance that some moron would break the silence.
Back to the match, I fear a 0-1 defeat before a crowd of 28,282.
If Monk was that bad as some previously posted, then we ahould win easily. Or is that too cheap to say even we chose Little.
Up the Boro!
Article in Northern Echo says Boro want appointment before the weekend…
Tony Pulis in line to take over at the Riverside
Thanks for that link, Ian.
And now, let’s see what happens if I press the little Twitter icon below this box. Maybe the avatar will magically re-appear on my posts? In that case, I’ll just click the icon in future and post that way…….
MAGIC !!
No !
I had to relog on to get my avatar back!
I was just going to have a look at the thesaurus then !
I thought you had come over all professor like on your post and we students had to just stand back and nod our heads approvingly.
I notice no one queries it Ken as they didn’t want to show any ignorance !
There is a least one positive if TP gets the job. If Boro are awarded a free kick it will go forward rather than sideways or backwards!
KP
It will be interesting to see if he makes the pitch smaller like at Stoke.
Of all the Boro players, Gestede must be licking lips
Ian
Good idea it may improve the quality of the Boro’s crossing and help Christie’s long throws!
Regarding Gestede must be licking lips :
On his form he’ll miss his lips & lick his nose instead. I know, I do it all the time 😀
It makes sense to keep the same team but I’d like to see Traore and Clsyton given a go on the bench. Traore genuinely gives a point of difference which Fletcher doesn’t and Clayton would be great if we need to lock the game away.
Let’s win this one for Leo .
UTB
A 2-0 win in front of 26543 fans,.Bamford in the first half and Gestede with a late header.
Or not.
As a result of a festive conversation with a Teessider in exile I have decided to revisit the blog in its “new” home…
Of course I enjoyed reading the main article and more so the comments thereafter; wonderful stuff..
The “smash the division” quote was heart felt and appropriate after relegation, a rally of the Teesside troops and a warm feeling for jetting off for summer hols, but in reality; 46 games in this division amongst other ambitious clubs was never going to be an easy “smash”
The Monk reign will not be conversed about for long in these parts, we all too well remember the Strachan era, which as I recall began with a lacklustre performance against Sheffield United; appropriate action taken… we move on.
The baseball capped Welshman maybe coming to a long throw-in routine near us, some think the expansive free flowing football we crave will be lost forever; replaced with solid, compact well drilled routine… I like a winning routine.. I dislike the second half against Derby, the shambles at Bristol and the whimper in the lions den.
As for today; Bolton have improved of late, but we should be comfortable 3-0 winners infront of 29,000 festive locals and exiles home for Christmas cheer.. Bamford brace and a Britt header no less..
Welcome, Jed. Please feel free to post as often as you want.
Welcome to Diasboro where you are amongst like minded people who only have one aim.
Constructive Comments
Nice to hear from you
Glad you are here.
Pulis now official!
He is sat watching video of Saturdays game now!
Heard there were a lot of problems behind he scenes
Players walked up the stairs to see Pulis some with Big smiles but a few looked worried !
Yes Tony Pulis is the new Boro manager and will be in the dugout for the Villa game – here is the club Twitter photo to prove it – though not sure what happened to the baseball cap?
All we need now to cross the eyes and drop the teas is a photo of Garry Monk being unveiled at Swansea – btw thanks for the comments on the article as always much appreciated!
Unfortunately, I will miss the game today as Boxing Day is a recent traditional to meet up with friends in Hannover who fly over to stay with family who live there. No doubt that means the best performance of the season and all the thrills and spills that will give Tony a hard act to follow.
3-0 to Boro would be good symmetry with goals from Ben, Britt and Bamford – OK I got stuck on the B’s 🙂
Sorry Bamford was terrible today!
Worst match I’ve seen him play don’t know if he was trying too hard to impress Pulis
I could hardly look Paddy in the eye whilst talking to him after the game
Said Pulis has met the players and came into dressing room at half time
Seemed a nice guy and players respected what he had achieved in the game
Interesting times ahead
Werder
Lets hope another B doesn’t score, aka bugger!
Pulis it is, I will enjoy watching the Gazette wriggling to adjust it’s position from denigrating to deifying Tony Pulis.
There again they will have to come here before writing their copy.
Tolkien would be in his element. The isolated Gondorgazette standing across Middlearthaven looking at the forbidding gates of Mordorborough.
Will Dom Baggins aided by Jonno Gamgee be able to bypass the Orcstewrads and climb to the press box before they are revealed to the ever vigilant Sauron Gibson. Leading the diversional activities will be Victor son of Gloin and Lord Farentire.
The little folk from the North Riding of the Shire rescuing mankind.
The problem is the Elf (and safety) will need to give clearance to enter the fortress.
A post with a very nice ring about it 😊
Got to be rated as one of your more convoluted posts, Ian. Squeezing hobbits into Boro mascinations has to be a difficult task for the best of them, but you achieved a ‘Precious’ first.
🙂
Took some doing.
After Monk, here’s yet another dirty Hobbit.
Great Post Ian
Either the fastest negotiations ever, or this has been several weeks of talks.
I wonder where the tipping point came for SG?
Millwall
Well, he’s here now and so all the very best Tony.
And for once the club has acted quickly and decisively. To get TP to the match today will quash the uncertainty and gives us a goodwill and assurance from the off. It’s good too that the ‘I want to spend time with my family at Christmas’ speculation has proved just that and shows a commitment that will hopefully send the right message
Go on, smash the league…
And so it came to pass that a a wise man from the West came to the little town in the north east that had been in darkness. He came during the night, following a bright star to be the saviour of the team and bring joy and hope to those who were downtrodden.
Or something like that!
The club shop will now be selling TP baseball caps.
I will reserve any judgement until I have seen how we play and results. I just hope that SG knows what he is doing this time as we can’t afford any mistakes from now on if we are to get promoted.
I think, on balance, a decent appointment.
The Champ. Is easier than the Prem.
He is an organisation man.
I hope that the players do the job today as it is a big game, and will have an effect on our chances of making a move to close up on the top group.
Just sitting in the stand watching should galvanise the team.
Cannot wait to see what happens next.
Which is what it should be like supporting your team.
Sorry Plato but the last thing the appointment is in my view is decent. Pulis was accused of fraudulent behaviour in taking money from Crystal Palace and was condemned in no uncertain terms by a senior judge.
For me his appointment says a lot about my beloved football club that I find incredibly depressing. I will say more later when I have calmed down.
He didn’t just sit in the stand he went down to the dressing room at half time and reorganised them
Fact
Bamford confirmed it to me
Great press report
Of course Pulis’s salary might have something to do with it.
Agree with Plato and more…
Spartakboro comes out as a Pulis fan.
The man is experienced, smart, never been relegated and focuses on getting the best out of his players given their strengths, so pragmatic. Will be accepted by all playing staff.
Ethics? Well money corrupts, end of. Still, ask Evertonians if they are happy with Allardyce before or after appointment – I guess they are now!
Conclusion, very astute appointment for SG to make.
Very pragmatic post Spartak
1. Do I think Pulis will get Boro in the playoffs this season? Definitely yes.
2. Do I think Pulis will succeed in getting Boro automatic promotion next season if not through the playoffs this season? Definitely yes.
3. WHEN Pulis gets Boro promoted do I think he will keep us in the Premier League? Definitely yes.
4. Do I want Boro to be promoted under Pulis?
Definitely yes.
5,Would I go to watch Boro under Pulis? Definitely NO, not even if the club gave me a season ticket and a chauffeur driven car to the stadium.
Never judge a ‘new’ manager till he has 10 games under his belt. Maybees you’ll be glad to eat umble pie when/if he proves you wrong, Ken. It’s in all our interests that he does so and with aplomb.
🙂
Then I guess you wouldn’t have watched many of Karanka’s games Ken
Old Billy, you’are so righ.
Regarding Gestede must be licking lips :
On his form he’ll miss his lips & lick his nose instead. I know, I do it all the time 😀
And I take it that’s a ‘No’ from Ken, maybe ?
Better than my dog who licks his Arsenal
Agree with all your items ken except the last on
I enjoy having a free season ticket and a chauffeur driven car to the stadium and I won’t be giving it up because of a change in the manager
I thought Number 5 was a little harsh, Ken. To put it in perspective, even during the dark times when the rule of Strachan was coming to its end, I and my mates STILL attended the games. I have to confess there were a few occasions on which we mused over whether we should stay in the pub and have a few more beers, but we always decided, even if it was with reluctance and a sense of duty rather than pleasure, to go in the end. I am much more confident in Pulis.
Then again, I thought Monk was a decent appointment (despite Leeds fans being delighted to have seen the back of him). So, what do any of us know?
You and me too!
My worst time following the Boro was under Wee Krankie
Welcome back, Jed. Winner of my Best Newcomer award a couple of years ago. I recall your recommendation that we go for Dembele when he was well within our price range. What a difference that signing might have made.
Onward to the past with Pulisanimous Boro.
Just returned from Berkshire and caught up over a cup of tea. Yes a cup of tea.
New manager bounce today bloggers? I hope so and I hope that Boro start working as a team.
Boro 2 – 1 Bolton
There now what have I done predicting a win? I wonder what the bonus is for TP if he manages us to automatic promotion. Any way he has my full support, for what it’s worth, so get some discipline in the changing room and the way we play.
I wish you success because that will make you and all of us happy.
UTB,
John
PS I hope SG buys him a nice tweed flat cap instead of a baseball cap.
UTB,
John
I think lots of us have reservations about TP but as long as he’s our manager he has my support.
Let’s hope this is a seasonal present we can all enjoy.
GHW
The article in the Northern Echo suggested Gibbo talked to Monk a few times during the week and came to the conclusion change was needed – I posted a link in an earlier post.
You can read what you like in to that but it sounds like there were doubts already there in his mind.
Gazette reporter confirms TP has gone into the dressing room at half time !
Now Boro are 1 up !
I said it first though they are just following our posts
Half time and 0-0. 63% possession, 10 shots to 3, on target 3 to 0, Our story to date but now 1-0
Reach and Rhodes are in the groove at Forest. Glad they didn’t. do it last week.
UTB,
John
Another lesson in effectiveness from Burnley. Leading 2-1 at Old Trafford from 31% possession, three shots, two on target.
Boro’s new manager, Tony Pulis achievement stats to date;
P 1 W1 Win % 100
Looks Ok to me so far – early days, yet!
🙂
I think it was Litle. Credit to ehe guy who deserves it, Spsrtak.
Anyway, a good win and three points. We played better on Saturday but six points from two matches are ok by me.
Up the Boro!
Spartakboro,
I thought Craig Liddle was in charge today. So who claims the statistics? Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Good result though, Boro played and won, got three points and didn’t concede. Now can we beat Villa? That really is the question.
UTB,
John
All due respect to you and Jarkko, John, but the name of the Boro manager is Pulis T
The players know it and so does SG and Liddle. Nowt more to say really.
UTB
Talking to Bamford after the game and he said Pulis went into their dressing room at half time .
He’d already said hi to them in the Board Room before the game so I don’t think he went into the dressing room to say hello again….
Spartak,
Little was in charge before Pulis appeared, maybe he knew beforehand, we’ll never know but he got more out of the team than Agnew did. He needed to maintain his self-respect because he returns to whatever lower level he manages in the club, albeit bringing on the very important raw material.
Pulis will be judged on Aston Villa match and not this game after all if we had lost it wouldn’t have been his fault.
UTB,
John
JOhn
Liddle was in charge the first half
TP went into dressing room changed organisation and subbed Fabio for second half
Stats, hats & baseball caps, like it 😀
OFB. Any truth in the rumour that TP went into the dressing room at half time, stripped off, and head butted several Boro players, then put his clothes back on before returning to his seat next to SG?
I couldn’t possibly comment. Whatever it was worked.
UTB,
John
We’ve had the softly, softly approach, GHW. Now’s maybees time to focus minds on the job many are paid a kings ransom to do. Certainly a lot more than most will ever see in their working lives.
I recall reading somewhere that Cloughie got a touch physical with Roy Keane in days gone by. I believe his Forest team won two consecutive European Cups.
I remember Cloughie saying a famous quote about our new coach Gary Megson
“He couldn’t trap a bag of cement “
Noooooh
He couldn’t headbutt anyone he wasn’t wearing a cap !
Sounds a bit of man management from the last centenary to me. At least none of the succesfull companies are run like that. Well perhaps Trump does in the USA but that’s why their economy has been in a slide for decades.
I don’t think Clough would be a success with methodes he used last centenary. He might be a success nowadays but his is not stupid and would not treat his players like that anymore. People are more educated nowadays and motivating people is better than just giving orders.
It is team work in all communities nowadays. Hence management it different than in the army about 50 years ago.
Motivating and make people think themselves is the key, me thinks. Up the Boro!
Great win today and I await RR’s report but the main topic of my post is Pulis.
Judging by the comments on social media, including this blog, and the views expressed by people calling in to today’s match day radio coverage, the majority of fans are delighted with the appointment of Pulis as manager. It seems, therefore, that I am therefore in the minority when I say that I am incredibly disappointed and disillusioned that the club has chosen to appoint him.
I have little doubt, like Ken above, that Pulis will get Boro into the EPL and will probably keep them there hovering around the middle of the table or just below. I shall be delighted if he achieves all this but I won’t be there to see it because after 60 years of supporting the Boro I have decided that enough is enough and I am calling it a day on going to watch.
Why am I giving it up? I am giving it up because I never thought I would see the day when my beloved football club would appoint as team manager a man who was severely censored as a fraudster in a case related to his time at Crystal Palace that he took to the High Court and lost.
In one of the most damning passages of the tribunal’s findings, quoted by the judge in his ruling, it said that Pulis’s “conduct has been shown to be disgraceful”. It added: “It is simply not credible that he could honestly say that he was happy and committed to the Club on 8 August and have changed his mind so completely by 13 August, when nothing had happened other than him having received £2 million from the Club.” Judge Burton said he dismissed Pulis’s application to challenge the tribunal’s findings and ordered him to repay the bonuses, damages and legal costs “for deceit”.
For those of you who may not be aware of this case you can find more details if you are interested at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/11/28/tony-pulis-accused-fraudulent-behaviour-high-court-judgment/
Now I appreciate that many fans will say “so what? If he gets us into the Premier League and keeps us there who cares about what he has done in the past and, anyway, football is full of people who may be lacking in ethics and honesty”. I can absolutely understand that view but I don’t see why I should endorse it.
The problem in the game today is money which seems to be the overriding consideration of club owners and managers to the exclusion of everything else. This obsession with money dictates the way people behave and the result is that ethics and standards take a back seat. Spartak puts it perfectly in his contribution above when he says “Ethics? Well money corrupts, end of”.
Today everyone in the game is completely focused on money to the extent that now the ends totally justify the means. It really doesn’t matter any more how you get there provided that you get there and many fans are not bothered about it. In my view they should be because the obscene amounts of money in the game, unless addressed, will be its downfall.
I take a different view about ends and means, perhaps because I am old and maybe old fashioned. I was brought up to believe that the means are just as important, if not more so, than the ends and this philosophy was reinforced by my first manager when I entered the business world. I was taught to be straightforward and honest, to deal fairly and openly with people and to be consistent in reinforcing standards and ethics in the companies I ran. It worked fine for me and the companies were very successful.
Now I see someone whose ethics and standards as displayed in his deceitful behaviour at Palace have been shown to be disgraceful getting the job as manager of the football team I have followed man and boy for 60 years. Needless to say I dislike what I see and the nature and status of MFC as a whole and its Chairman in particular has been demeaned in my eyes by choosing to appoint this man to the job.
I know that many will think I am a silly old buffer taking an unnecessary stand against the kind of behaviour and lack of regard for ethics which is now commonplace in football. They may also feel that I am being equally stupid in cutting off my nose to spite my face. Well maybe so, but I feel very strongly indeed about this and I am not going to compromise my principles and beliefs on the basis of expediency.
Accordingly, I will do the same as Lenmasterman said he will do in his post a day or so ago which is not to “contribute a single penny towards defraying Pulis’s £5 million black hole, the consequence of his being condemned by a judge of fraudulent behaviour when Palace manager”. I will therefore not attend any matches or buy any MFC merchandise or subscribe to any MFC services while Pulis is manager.
I will, however, continue to follow the Boro’s fortunes into my 70th decade and I may even post the odd contribution on this blog which is the best football forum of them all.
I for one agree with you exmil. Len, you and I are from an older generation when, without sounding pompous, we were probably brought up by parents who had perhaps a stricter code of morality than some of those in latter years.
This poem which I blogged some weeks ago is one that might have been written for people like Pulis in mind :-
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the World makes you King for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgement upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict should count most in your life
Is the one staring back from the qlass.
He’s the fellow to please above all the rest,
For he’ll be with you clear to the end
And you’ll pass your most difficult dangerous test
If the man in the mirror’s your friend.
You may well be the one who gets a good break
And you think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the mirror will say you’re a fake
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
Listened to Tony Pulis on Radio Tees.
The one thing he said that stood out was that we are a working class community and the players should show effort.
My view is that any player in sport should show effort. All fans expect their players to break in a sweat. That should be a given.
We have been out muscled several times this season by teams in the top half, instinct tells me we have not been tough enough.
Top teams have skilful players who work very hard and make their quality pay.
An interesting comment that was aired after Pulis left was said to have come from the press room. The squad is too big.
The Teesside instinct is roundhead rather cavalier, Brexitt rather than remoaner. It may be that fans buy in to the way we move forward.
Time will tell, the table wont lie.
Pulis teams are not my cup of tea, neither is mid table championship. What I cant get my head around is no baseball caps in the club shop followed by love in and respect.
Jiust thought of something else, I am sure Pulis said he was contacted after the Wednesday game but separately Radio Tees said he was at the Wednesday game, must have been looking at Wednesday.
🙂
Now our team has been Galvanised we must continue Forging forward from first whistle & Casting aside the opposition. We need wins, wins & more wins.
Rumour is Traore didn’t play after answering ‘Yes’ to the question : Is your Head Wright Son ? All other theories are pure Fabrication.
After beating Bolt-on (a result never Nailed on) I am Bracing myself for a thrills & spills second half of the season. Maybe there’ll be a Flux of new signings in the January Window ?
BTW : Well said Ken on the Pulis / money thing, I do admire your stance.
Jarkko
I am neither supporting nor condonning acts of violence in or around the workplace, any workplace. However, a demeanour of seriousness IS required when you are dealing with an organisation that has a turnover in the tens of millions of pounds. It is simply NOT good enough to send men out onto the field of play and tell them to go and enjoy themselves. Btw. I was in the British Army during the 80’s and I can tell you I saw acts of workplace violence. I also understood that my mission comprised of the death and destruction of many – c’est la guerre – life is not for the faint of heart.
Boroexile
I totally understand your point and I too considered re-aligning my loyalties football wise because I too believe that the money in the game today is corrupting. But then it has always been the case. The Boro were found guilty of tapping up and in Cloughie’s day the Boro defence were suspected of throwing games.
We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. We either withdraw from the disappointments or have a reluctant acceptance of how things are. Remember the ‘three points’?
Pulis has a sell buy date. Like all managers he will come and go. Perhaps he’s learnt the lesson from his experience in court. Hopefully now he’ll stick to the football more than be distracted by the money. Many have been and will be found wanting. Should we all retreat to the mountain top so we may avoid it?
I agree with your last point, Spartak. Football is full of clubs who turn their backs on ethics for the sake of expediency, a quick buck or the route to the promised land. We’ve done it ourselves several times. We bought Gazza after he’d beaten up his wife. We signed Marlon King – can’t remember whether it was before or after his court case.
Where would Chelsea fans be without Abramovich’s millions, many of which, I am sure, must have come from dubious sources? And what of the fantastic Manchester City, surely the most exciting team ever to play in the Premiership? As The Observer pointed out on Sunday, Sheikh Mansour is the brother of one of the Emirates royal family, one of the most reactionary dictatorships on the planet. I’m sure there must be more than a few City fans who have had to swallow their principles.
Whilst I admire your own principles, Boro Exile, for me the appointment of Pulis is not the worst thing a football club has ever done. He may have an unfortunate history, but as long as he behaves with honour and honesty at Boro, I can forgive him if he wins us promotion again. He may not be everybody’s choice, but he is the pragmatic one.
It was deemed unethical when Boro bought Alf Common from Sunderland for £1,000 in 1905. A question was even raised in Parliament along the lines that Boro should have accepted the prospect of relegation more sportingly.
Then followed the 1910 scandal when Boro’s chairman Lt Colonel Thomas Gibson-Poole ordered the manager Andy Walker to offer Sunderland’s captain £10 and his players £2 each to lose a match. Gibson-Poole was the Conservative candidate for the Middlesbrough seat held by the Liberal Party in the forthcoming General Election and felt that he would have a better chance of being elected if Boro beat the Mackems, In the event the Sunderland skipper reported the bribe and the Sunderland chairman reported the bribe to the FA. Boro won 1-0 but Gibson-Poole wasn’t elected anyway, and Boro had to pay the cost of the enquiry, and were given a final warning before eviction from the Football League,
Spartak, each person can make their own choice.
Some will accept that corruption exists and accept it, particularly if it benefits their own club. Others will also accept that it exists but decide that they no longer want to endorse it tacitly or otherwise. I am in this camp and for me it is right.
However, neither approach will make any difference in the short term but in the long run it will be the creeping growth of corruption that kills the game as we know it today.
Boro exile
All the dirty tricks which have been pulled in the great game of football over the years(and they are many) long ago led us to the moment we are in now, that is a game riven with corruption.
Whilst we are shouting the odds about every incident(totally unimportant) which comes into the public domain.
A lot of people with big wallets have quietly made off with the whole shooting match.
They are making agreements behind the scenes with their fellow tycoons, and carving up the entire game, players, managers, leagues , cups, old uncle tom Colby and all
Their greed knows no bounds, and is fixed on pay per view(round the world)
Just in case you need convincing, consider the following.
They cannot win a vote in the Prem because they need 75 per cent of the vote
Were they downhearted? Not at all,
They got busy and when they counted the votes for giving them a bigger share of the money, it turned out that they had persuaded two clubs to vote in favour of the proposals, both were sat in the bottom three after ten games.
They lost this time, but be very afraid, when greed rules no one is safe.
Firstly my thoughts are with Leo and his family, losing two children let alone one must be unbearable, certainly beyond my comprehension.
Good result today.
Good manager, he has my vote.
Great opportunity.
Just back from Hannover and Redcar Red’s match report was waiting in my inbox – good to see Boro chalk up another win and leave the new manager in touching distance of the play-offs and possibly an outside chance of second spot as Cardiff lose again. Anyway, time to read the match report to see what I missed…
https://diasboro.club/2017/12/25/championship-boro-vs-bolton/#MatchReport
Great Report RR I thought SD shaded the MOM
Bamford had a poor game
Shotton of course has played for TP at stoke and both know each other well
Bamford Thought Pulis was a nice guy and when I pointed out he has a tough reputation he just looked at me and grinned.
There are going to be a few shake ups
Hopefully with TP In charge we will see players like Clayton back in the fold as he had a real problem with Monk
Lots of stories coming out today for what’s happened the past few months
As far as I’m comcerned it’s a new start
OFB
Link from the Northern Echo
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/15793240.MIDDLESBROUGH__Tony_Pulis____Steve_Gibson_was_like_a_dog_with_a_bone___that_s_why_I_agreed_to_take_over_at_the_Riverside_/
What’s all this fuss about Harry Kane breaking Alan Shearer’s goalscoring record of Premier League goals in a calendar year?
1. Brian Clough scored 43 goals in 1958, admittedly in the 2nd Division.
2. George Camsell scored 46 goals in 1927, 26 in the 2nd Division and 20 in the First Division
3. Dixie Dean scored a total of 85 goals in 1928, but as he scored 60 league goals in the 1927/28 season, I reckon he must have scored at least 50 First Division league goals in 1928. Obviously the First Division was not called the “Premier League”, but effectively it was actually the premier league of English football. I therefore maintain Kane’s league record of 39 this calendar year pales into significance compared with Everton’s William Ralph ‘Dixie’ Dean’s in 1928.
Should read ‘into insignificance’.
There seem to be a lot of people making up their minds about Pulis on the basis of what he has done before. I have to admit that I was veering that way However, he has almost never been in a position to manage a squad who were capable of being technically as good or better than any other team in the division. I will be interested to see what his strong organisational skills can bring to a Boro side that have been hopelessly inconsistent. I would be surprised if we end up doing nothing more than long throws at Gestede. However, if that opportunity arises – sure, why not use whatever weapons we have. Maybe we’re going back to the days of Big Jack when the late season flourish was built on the back of a pretty ruthless defence.
Talking about his playing style, I had to laugh when I saw people writing here and elsewhere about the dour fare that we will have to consume after ‘the more attacking style that has been the norm’. Do they not remember the boring football served up in the Karanka days and the rubbish played under Monk for about half of his games in charge. Personally, I’d love to go back to the days when Boro were feared and respected and nobody wanted to play us and we won more often than not. Do I hope that it’s done with a touch of class? Of course I do.
Regarding honesty and probity in football, one could end up debating this for days on end. Where exactly is the moral high-ground that people are now trying to claim. Would they happily take a win if it comes from a corner that should have been a goal kick? How about a penalty when one of our forwards ‘makes the most’ of a tackle. I guess that they might shrug and say that it makes up for the bad decisions that always seemed to come Boro’s way. That would certainly be my view. Would I be upset if I thought that Boro were a dishonest club, staffed by dishonest people. Yes, I would because MFC are, in many ways, the heart and soul of the community. We want then to win but we also want to be proud of them. However, i know that there are a lot of decent people around the club and a lot of good work being done outside of the actual football. I prefer to concentrate on that and the happiness that a successful club will bring to a lot of people.
So, speaking for myself, I’m prepared to give a new manager a chance to show who he is now and not hark back to what he might have been elsewhere. I don’t expect people to be perfect and I certainly wouldn’t make the same claim for myself.
If some people think that I am being morally feeble, I take their criticism and respect their position.
I’m still looking at that second automatic promotion spot.
UTB
Hear, hear!
Good ifollow feed from the riverside so watched the match. RR report spot on as ever.
I thought that they came out of the blocks running and going forward but as half time approached it was clear they had no idea and the forward motion was relative – Bolton were back pedalling so although we looked good we were going nowhere.
I didnt twig that fabio had come off – only that GF was on, poor Fabio he is a much maligned player these days although he did look good against Bolton.
I thought the goals would open the flood gates but still a bunch of headless chickens.
I admire the men of principle, and respect their position. Having read the link I am sure there is more to it than the brief summary and am interested to read the whole saga before I rush to judgement. In my case though paying to watch them isnt an issue as in fact I paid Bolton yesterday so I have a slight get out on the ethical question.
I do agree with mountain man from east europe though money corrupts and when it is sloshing around it brings out the worst in people. I am in in construction so see alot of strange happenings so to speak. Football seems to be an extension of the modern way of living – like the baseball star in those ethics and philosphy classes from years gone by.
Still the deed is done so lets see if the results change. Spread sheet shows no change still on course for 12th to 17th as both wins in recent days were predicited.
Roll on saturday for a true indicator.
A thought about Bamford.
By all accounts he had a poor game, those who live or watch on ifllow can support that. I listen to Radio Tees and it sounded like he had a poor game but there is a plus point.
His name was constantly being mentioned so the impression I got was that whilst he wasn’t playing well he was always involved, he didn’t hide and put in a full shift.
Only an impression.
Ian.
That last paragraph is spot on. Chatting as we walked away from the Riverside one of my mates said the exact same thing. He did have a poor game but didn’t hide and kept trying, unlike Brit who goal apart, yes I know, had what I would call a very lazy game. If PB had notched like Brit his poor contribution would have been glossed over.
Spot on Ian……should have done more, certainly in terms of goal chances, but IMO he is still the most intelligent player we have by far…..nobody moves off the ball and into spaces as well as he does.
In order to add some balance and fairness to the debate on our new Manager there are more “moral turpitude” type positives to “dig up” than negatives. In 2010 he completed a charity climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Stoke. Big deal I’m sure many will say but it really was a big deal, David Seaman who accompanied the group on the trek in Tanzania ended up in hospital being treated for altitude sickness and hypothermia.
Stoke’s youth team coach Adie Pennock collapsed and Pulis had to help him down in blizzard conditions and temperatures dropping to minus 25C. Not all the group managed to achieve the goal such was the severity of the task. Pennock said: “If I had known it was going to be that dangerous I would have had second thoughts. I was ill going up and coming down but the biggest fear was the drop.One slip and anyone could have gone over the edge. It was tough but things could easily have been worse.”
To me that sort of selflessness and personal risk is in stark contrast to a very one sided picture being painted of TP. When fined £8,000 by the FA he requested that the fine should be donated to the same Charity, “‘The FA is a non-profitable organisation so if it’s going to a charity, which I hope it is, I’d like to send it to the Donna Louise Hospice in Stoke on Trent. I’d like transparency on that”. I’m not sure if the FA responded as I can’t find any specific response from them on the matter.
As well as climbing Kilimanjaro, he has also done two marathons and cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End all for the same Children’s Hospice oh and a minor seven day rowing expedition from Tower Bridge across the Channel (the long way avoiding shipping lanes) to the Eiffel Tower. Not exactly a handshaking fundraiser! I can understand the concerns and values people have over TP but there are as aways two sides to a coin.
I don’t recollect El Tel’s time at Boro being soured by his “homophobic” Sky TV apology or his bung allegations against Cloughie and “cash” allegedly paid to Frank McLintock over the Teddy Sheringham transfer or the Italian waiter acting as an agent in the Gazza to Lazio transfer. His Jersey-based K2 scheme tax avoidance scheme along with others has also been well publicised.
Then there is the Venables’ “Football Fund” which ran into difficulties when the Anguilla Financial Services Commission warned that the Football Talent Fund is not licensed and nor had it ever been licensed to operate or administer its business in the country. I’m sure it was probably just an administrative oversight by others whom he trusted when claiming 12% returns on investors money. Ask Pompey fans about his tenure on the South Coast at their club and players wages and “Vencorp”. All the above on TV may be circumstantial old wives tales but I do know that if he hadn’t agreed to join us when he did we might not have the Club we recognise today, so much so that he was asked back again and most were very keen to see his return.
Our same club as mentioned previously didn’t seem to have a problem employing Marlon King or Gazza despite well known “background” issues. I fully appreciate and respect peoples moral values and support them but there also has to be some balance and perspective. Balance and perspective doesn’t make any of it right or acceptable of course. The above doesn’t mean that I’m condoning certain behavioural traits or even accepting of them.but there can’t be a rule for one and a different set of rules for another surely? There does appear to be another side to TP is all I’m saying and I will judge him on all that he does.
Well put as always RR
Well reasoned argument RR and good research
RR
One point that all seem to be forgetting is that the court case was a civil case.
That means that no crime was involved, what was involved was a very rich man.
And as Tony will no doubt now appreciate, when you are dealing with money and a rich person, you are dealing with a time bomb, which duly went off, and when bombs go off, inevitably, there is collateral damage. Tony was that collateral damage.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, tony lives to fight another day.
I think the beneficiaries will be us and our team, and I hope we can help him to square himself financially.
It was a dominant performance. I saw elsewhere someone say a good team would have caused us problems yesterday – well, Bolton beat Cardiff on Saturday so they aren’t that bad – but we made them look it yesterday.
The front four all played well for me, with differing levels of success – not much was coming off for Braithwaite but he got a fortunate deflection and ends up with a goal and and an assist. Could have been Bamford on another day.
Howson was excellent again in the middle – seems to be much sharper now and anticipating more – defending and attacking. The two centre-halves were solid, though Shotton was fortunate to get away with that mistake – he did do well to recover though.
After feeling deflated the other day, I now think we have some renewed impetus. Cardiff are stuttering and 9 points to 2nd place doesn’t seem that far away. This decision by SG could turn out to be a very good one.
Agree with Selwynoz, although he may not be a popular choice, I’m prepared to wait and see how things go with Pulis.
Ian
You’re impression is right. Bamford did have a poor game but he didn’t disappear, he was always looking for the ball.
My MOTM was Shotton. He was immense. Hope he continues in that vein.
Thought he just shaded it from SD, who had a great first half (praise indeed from somebody who is not his best fan).
Thought Assombalonga and Braithwaite were average and would have hooked either or both and then they score, so what do I know?
Thanks to RR for the usual report and to Werder for posting up despite his busy schedule, both really appreciated.
Family commitments delayed comments although I was keeping an eye on the match via BBC website so delighted with the win and 6 points from 6 and now in 7th so looking bettter, maybe that 10 from 12 is possible.
Some interesting views as always on here and I can see where Boro Exile is coming from and this season I have been a bit disenfranchised and not been as keen to make trips to The Riverside. However on the back of £18 tickets have made plans for Sunderland despite an early start.
Money has undoubtedly spoilt the game I first started watching 5o years ago to the extent that success can only be achieved by lots of it. ManCity were in the old division 3 not that long back and Chelsea struggled, before foreign money flooded in.
As Ian said, MFC is the corporate, Boro is the soul and for me, as long as SG remains the owner and doesn’t sell out, then I am ok. I appreciate he has to make MFC work financially so does what he has to do and do applaud him for changing managers now to make a concentrated effort to get promotion this year. TP will have commanded a decent salary and GM will have some pay off (I hope not 3 1/2 Year’s salary though) so again hand in his pocket time for SG.
As I said earlier, I will reserve judgement as you should never judge a book by its cover, so they say. Maybe with the squad we have and a few tweaks, then he can change style.
Let’s just watch and see, following Boro has always been a rollercoaster so strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride folks!
Good report RR as ever.
Personally I thought we played some sublime stuff at times but with the perennial Boro problem of not getting enough efforts on goal. Yes it was “only” Bolton but you can only beat what’s in front of you and the lads deserve some credit.
Braithwaite looks a good footballer but isn’t consistent enough but hopefully he will kick on and up his game. He was tracking back, getting tackles in as well as his attacking duties.
Must say that I was impressed by Shotton again. Up against Madine, who I don’t think put in many legal challenges all game, he hardly gave him a sniff. He played like Ayala at his best, not the loose cannon we’ve seen this season.
A special mention for Howson who I thought had an excellent game. Hardly put a foot wrong and like Grant kept pushing us forward as opposed to the side to side rubbish we’ve witnessed far too often over the last few years.
Which brings me to my MoTM. Head and shoulders above everyone else was Stewie Downing. His range of passing was excellent and like Howson kept driving forward. He even headed the ball a couple of times and put in some good tackles! Now I’m a Stewie fan but even I was surprised by those.
Overall a comfortable 3 points after the good result at Sheffield Wed. All which gives the new manager something to build on.
And on the subject of Pulis I’ll admit I’m not a fan. Not of his usual style of football anyway. If I remember correctly, after Stoke got promoted about 9ish years ago playing shall we say a direct style of football didn’t he try a less direct style after a couple of years in the premier league? I sincerely hope he succeeds at the Boro but on his past record I don’t think it’s going to be too exciting to watch. Like Karanka I suppose. We all have our own views on what we will do now that Gibbo has appointed Pulis and that is our prerogative.
A special mention must go to the ref who RR called eccentric. I thought he absolutely shocking. It seemed he thought it was his job to even up the game rather than apply the existing laws. Dreadful.
I’d. Go along with those comments as well
The referee had a very poor game in my opinion
Interesting to read the scathing comments on events in football, it’s morals and honesty.
Because of the moral stance being taken it is difficult to disagree, but,(that word , again) can we just consider the following.
In the earliest days of football, the leading team( and it’s always the leading team) started screaming foul when it was beaten out of sight by one of the chopping blocks.
Why? Because they were importing very skilled players from abroad, after some hard work they found out that the source was Scotland, the clue was that they wore kilts and sporrans(that would be whilst they were playing ,of course)
What really upset them was the fact that they were paying them, an outrage to their sense of honour. A bigger outrage was that they totally wiped them out on the field of play.
The solution was, you guessed it, they went to Scotland and hired their own heroes.
And paid them more, and by more illegal methods.
What we are witnessing today is that story writ large.
Interesting but when we signed Wee Krankie and then imported a horde of Scots we had to bring in a local lad who said to them up yer kilts and back to Scotland
OFB
I’m talking about the days of Victorian Gentlemen carrying off the cup and of course being amateurs, and importing a scot was like us importing a Brazilian player.
The class gap was that big.
And they had to be paid (by an invented job) the favourite job was Coronation programme seller.
I know
I was just being facetious about Wee Krankie
Just listened to Pulis, impressed, said stuff that i believed to be true in a tone of voice that seemed to me to be very sensible.
Went down to the dressing room at half time and made changes, which to me means he knows that times a wasting.
Was quite humorous about SG Hustling him into taking the job, said he was a football nut, always would be.
Said he was here because the dressing room/ training ground was not quite right and it was his job to correct that.
It all made sense to me
P.S. Said his father was a steelworker.
I also was impressed by what Tony Pulis said in his interview.
He has immediately reached out to the fans by making the link between his background and Teesside, he highlighted the positive relationship he already has with Steve Gibson.
By highlighting those things he has immediately started to build the ‘togetherness’ which is so important between club and fans and within the club he clearly knows he needs to create unity within the squad. Something it appears that Monk failed to do.
Its very early days, but so far I like what I’ve seen.
Villa losing was a good result, roll on Saturday.
I listened to the post match presser amd he seemed very self assured and confident
“I need more Downings” was his parting shot
OFB
I ave a sneaky suspicion that at some point in the near future we will find Stewie D playing in the no.10 spot.
Wouldn’t at all be surprised to hear him being promoted to Assistant Manager at the Boro no less – what better mentor than Pulis T!
UTB
If you’re tired of old Christmas repeats here’s a little program I thoroughly enjoyed….
http://www.footballshirtculture.com/Around-the-web/get-shirty-the-admiral-story.html
Mr Pulis came over as a professional who has already decided a way forward that seems to recognise that the fans are an important part of the greater team too. People have complained about his style but if and when he turns Boro around the moaners will melt away.
I wasn’t keen on him being appointed but he’s talked more common sense in a couple of days than I have heard in years from Boro. He’s also a pragmatist who works with what he has so will the only transfer activity in January be departures as he reduces the squad. Interesting times ahead methinks. He has the talent there at his disposal it will be interesting to see how he moulds it into a team. No doubt the long awaited discipline is being instilled as we read the blog.
I for one am looking forward to watching developments and how the rest of the season develops. It’s pleasant feeling optimistic after the last few months.
UTB,
John
First off,………thanks to Werder for his Headliner and to RR for his post match report, once again both of excellent quality. Also apologies for not saying thank you for the Sheff Wed articles, over taken unfortunately by the departure of Mr Monk
I think there has been a lot said about his release and TP’s appointment with regards to the timing. I guess WE will never know, but I do believe this could have been rumbling under the surface for a little while.
I also said TP would not be my choice, but then not many realistic alternatives were posted on here, with none from me. So Mr Pulis it is then, warts and all and I think I have to hang my hat on Redcar Red’s alternative post above.
The past is past, nobody was killed and we probably can only judge on his time here at MFC. We have not generally beaten any of the top six sides…..so before we get carried away by the last two victories, which I thought just papered over the cracks somewhat, lets see what we do against Villa and the next few matches.
If we can indeed improve, then the play-offs may just be possible, aided by reducing the squad numbers and perhaps bringing in one or two additional players.
For me a creative pacy mid-fielder and a left back .Overall I still think we do not have sufficient pace in the team.
With respect to BoroExile’s concerns, I see Pulis as an outstanding appointment. Though we have a talented squad at this level, we are lacking togetherness, organisation and an identity. Pulis brings the knowhow to resolve all of the above, quickly.
I think his reputation for a dour playing style is overplayed. Certainly his Crystal Palace side played some terrific stuff and did so whilst fighting against relegation. Impressive.
His West Brom side were difficult to watch at times but not always. Where did they finish last season – 8th/9th? They didn’t do it via boring the opposition to death, though admittedly we saw the worst of them when we met early last season.
Pulis’ style compares favourably with Karanka’s in my view. I would describe TP as organised rather than AK’s defensive. Their respective man management abilities do not compare at all.
Combining Pulis’ counter-attacking Palace side with his top-half West Brom finish and his feats in getting Stoke promoted then keeping them there, I think we have a manager whose CV meets our needs exceptionally well. Indeed, I was sceptical of our links with him as I didn’t feel we were high enough up the food chain to get him.
Suddenly, the top two doesn’t look beyond us and I fully expect us to go close to that. The playoffs are a lottery as we know but I feel very confident that we will gain promotion this season or next. I could not say that a week ago.
The year approaches its end, and the anniversary of this Blog is fast creeping up on us. I would like to add my voice to those who have, from time to time, congratulated those on whom we have relied to set this Blog up, and contributed to its undeniable success.
On this particular thread, we have again had the benefit of a typically good scene setting preview for the Bolton match from Werdermouth, and yet another excellent match report from Redcar Red. We are used to this and therefore probably fail to comment at the time, much in the way a chap at Alice Springs would probably not mention that it is another hot and sunny day outside. They, (Werder and RR), together with OFB and Simon have helped put together a Blog when it was clear that “the powers that be” had decreed there’d be no more Untypical Boro. I very much enjoyed the old Blog but the new one doesn’t suffer in comparison with Vic’s good work in the old days.
This Blog is good in its own right and, of course, many who read the posts and who join in the debate are people who were active before. But those who set the Blog up and contribute its major articles and other pieces, are the ones we should all be grateful to. Without them we’d have only the Gazette and the Northern Echo. It would not be a varied diet.
Like Len, I haven’t kept a note of the particular posts or articles I have enjoyed this year. If I name some contributors I will inevitably miss out others deserving of comment. It’s like reporting on the game to others in the Throttled Toad on our return, then later reading the match report and being reminded of a major contribution to the game made by Player X or Player Y, which had been stored away in the wrong part of the memory circuits. But I do look forward to reading the posts by Len, by Ken Smith, Pedro, Ian, Selwyn and the others in Oz, the Persian Gulf contingent and, of course, by Boro’s Special Finnish Correspondent (undoubted permanent winner of the Optimist of the Year Award), and the odd bit of grit thrown into the mix by Spartak and others. If everyone agreed with everyone else’s view, this would be a very boring Blog. It isn’t, for which I am grateful.
So, thank you all, for the pleasure you all have given me throughout 2017. If only following the Boro caused as little heartache…….
Well said Dormo. I like to think you have spoken on behalf of all of us.
Many thanks Dormo, I’m always grateful to those who make a point of showing their appreciation for the work that goes in to making the blog what it has become – plus it’s hard to believe it’s nearly a year since we started.
Often, I’m usually busy looking ahead to preparing the next article to have enough time to respond to comments individually – which this week is no exception given the festive fixture programme!
So thanks once again to everyone who has given their support over the last 12 months – I wasn’t sure when we started what Diasboro was to become, let alone write an article every week. In fact I’m still not sure what the shape of the blog should be as I only occasionally get a chance to take a step back and think strategically on such matters. 2017 has probably been one of the most challenging years to be a Boro fan as Tony Pulis becomes the 5th man to take charge of Boro game under the ‘patient’ Steve Gibson this year – who would have thought that when we kicked off in January? still at least it has given us plenty to talk about!
Had a great chat with Kay Murray of BeInSport yesterday.
She is an ardent Boro fan and was on Real Madrid for a few years and has some interesting stories to tell
She has over 19k followers on Twitter and loves our blog !
She is keen to join and follow us as a true Boro supporter
I also had a chat with John Hendrie and more to come later when things have died down and Werder can have a breather
Exciting times for Boro and Diasboro!
Happy 2018 everyone
OFB
OFB, how about Hayley McQueen some time in the future?
She started at Boro TV and lived next door to a certain big Boro fan on this blog. And her father still lives locally in a North Yorkshire village.
Just suggesting, like. Up the Boro!
Hayley does come to the Boro when she can but obviously she is very busy on TV these days
It’s interesting how you guys want me to interview all the pretty girls!
All I can say is….
It’s a hard job but someone has to do it !
Great Post and hear hear for our excellent pre and post match reports
Hear,hear Dormo, and many thanks.
Great post, FD. Fully endorsed by all, I’m sure.
Didn’t catch any of yesterday’s game but thankfully was grateful to RR as I sat down to read his match report with a glass of red at 10.30pm – good to hear Shotton followed up his display at Wednesday with another good game, which asks the question why he disappeared after the Brentford game. Downing sounds like our most consistent player and it’s been hard work getting the forwards to fire reliably. I eventually got to see the goals this morning as someone at Channel 5 thought midnight was a good time to show the highlights!
Quite amazing that Tony Pulis ended up making the half-time team talk given that Garry Monk was still in charge a few days earlier – if anything it shows his confidence in his own ability and didn’t worry about treading on toes – though I can’t remember the last time Boro were so decisive in making a managerial change.
Many have said that he appears to have talked sense when speaking about the task ahead – but I’d only say that before a ball is kicked most managers talk a good game – even Garry Monk sounded convincing in his first press conference and sounded like he had a plan.
I’ll like to be whole heartedly behind the new manager but it’s difficult with his engineered Palace exit having found to have deceived a Premier League managers’ arbitration tribunal over the early payment of the £2m survival bonus – he said after the ruling that “One day, and it can’t be now, but one day hopefully I’ll get the chance to actually pick this through with everybody”. Whether that day is now so that we as supporters can draw line under it will probably depend on whether any journalist has got the balls to ask the question at his first press conference – though I would suspect not.
Interestingly at the time Pulis left Palace it was reported in the Guardian that it was by mutual consent but reported “…well-placed sources have confirmed that mutual contempt would be a more fitting term because of the friction between the two men, stretching back to the turn of the year. Pulis was contemplating whether he wanted to work for Parish as long ago as January, only two months after taking over from Ian Holloway on the run that saw Palace recover from a dire start to end the season in 11th position”
Parish has been claimed to be a difficult interfering chairman by some quarters having gone through 9 managers in 7 years – I’d like to think Steve Gibson wouldn’t entertain employing a manager who he thought was guilty of fraudulent behaviour so can we expect to hear the alternative facts behind his bonus repayment and the £1.5m fine that Pulis incurred? I suspect not…
This is the Forza, football app. Amongst other things (goals, line ups etc) It sends you a link for video highlights for your team within an hour or so of full time. Saves waiting for CH5.
https://www.forzafootball.com/apps/
Highlights were available at 18:30 yesterday.
Thanks I’ll give that a go as being one hour ahead I didn’t last until 1am yesterday!
So Gary Linekar tweeted that he is confident that Tony Pulis will keep Boro up. Another 12 points might be sufficient then!
Yes, I read some similar remarks along those lines in many of the online press comments section – though also a few relieved supporters saying ‘thank god he won’t be in the PL to ruin 38 matches a season”
I think he is definitely a marmite manager…
Talking to Bamford after the game he said the new manager inspired confidence.
That was nice to hear as Bamford, Clayton and a few others have had to endure a torrid time under Monk
Things can only get better…
PS
I LOVE MARMITE!
A quick tweet from Kay Murray
Quote
So lovely to see you, Delighted to be a part of DiasBoro.
Unquote
OFB
I think we all would be happy if Kay said lovely to see us.
I thank Werder each week for his marvellous articles and I will, like others, always be grateful that he set up this wonderful spin off from AV’s original. I also appreciate RR’s match reports as they always coincide with my perception of the proceedings. The effort that they, Bob, Simon, Ian and others put in is greatly appreciated. I have trouble keeping up with it at times but it is essential reading for me.
So, thanks again to Werder for setting up this forum. Let’s hope it’s around for many years to come (although I may not be).
I don’t want this to sound patronising, but I do feel sorry for Boro fans who never had the chance to see Wilf Mannion in his heyday, or even Brian Clough scoring over 200 goals for Boro in the Second Division. But in those days goals were aplenty both for and against, the skill of the ‘average’ player may not have been as good as today’s ‘average’ player, teams were not as organised as they are today, but in my opinion matches, especially those in the Second Division, were more exciting than most of those in the 21st century.
Take the 1950/51 season for example; Boro played a sequence of three matches mid season where the scores were 4-3, 3-3 and 7-3. Goals galore at both ends; in fact the 3-3 draw was away to Spurs who eventually were Champions that season, and was widely acclaimed as the First Division match of the season.
In the 1959/60 season Boro beat Derby 7-1 and Stoke 5-2 in away matches but also lost 0-5 to Orient, 3-6 to Portsmouth and 2-5 to Lincoln. They were unbeaten in the first 15 home matches, 11 of which they won, before losing the big promotion match 0-1 to Villa (hope that’s not an omen for Saturday). Boro scored 90 goals (56 at home) but conceded 64. The next season lncluded 3-3, 4-4 and 6-6 away draws, a 4-3 away win at Liverpool, but also a 1-6 defeat at Luton.
The 1962/63 season when Boro finished 4th and four points behind Champions Stoke City included three 4-3 away wins, one 5-4 away win, but also 1-6 and 0-6 away defeats. There were also 5-1 and 6-2 home wins as well as a 0-5 home defeat to Huddersfield. Boro scored 86 goals and conceded 85 goals that season, but the football was exciting, and if there had been playoffs Boro would probably have been promoted as they were undefeated in their last 9 matches, 6 of which they won. As ever, Boro were inconsistent but I would rather see that inconsistency with all those goals than any of today’s matches.
The last Boro match I saw live was the last home match in 1997 when Ravanelli scored a last minute penalty in a 3-2 win over Villa, the season of two Cup Finals and a relegation. Since then I’ve become a TV viewer and very few of those matches have excited me even though in the Championship we won most of them. I stopped going regularly to Ayresome Park when Boro were relegated to the 3rd Division in 1966 mainly because I found Rugby League much more exciting. I used to regularly drive to Castleford, and even to Workington to follow my beloved Cas.
Anyway back to the present, Boro is still my team and I want them to do well, but the game has changed since the advent of the Premier League. I DO understand that all Boro fans want to see Boro in the Premier League, but for what purpose I ask myself – defensive football, and defeat after defeat with no chance of even winning the Football League Cup nowadays. Tony Pulis will have his teams playing a structured defensive system in the Premier League because the Division is an unfair system where only the foreign owned clubs can be competitive. As I mentioned before, I think he will be successful but not only in the Karanka mould, but also in the Jack Charlton mould.
It will take time to turn things around, after all in Jack Charlton’s promotion season the football was pretty dire in the first 14 matches despite being top and only losing once (14 goals scored, 7 conceded), then the shackles came off in the next 12 unbeaten matches (24 goals scored, 8 conceded) and later the two consecutive 4-0 away wins in four days in March at West Brom and Fulham, then the 8-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday. So be prepared at first for some more dire performances from Boro under Pulis, because I’m afraid that’s what it will take to get Boro into the Premier League. That type of football will bring results, but. I’m afraid it’s not for me. I’ve probably been spoilt by the nostalgia of the past. But nevertheless I hope for all Boro fans a happy New Year which for some might be determined by whether Boro gain promotion or not. It may have to wait until next season though; if that be so I doubt I’ll be around to witness it.
I’d like to add my thanks to the chorus lauding Werder, RR, OFB and Si for their hard work and brilliant essays this year. And a huge thank you to all our contributors for their thoughts, poems, asides and diversions as well. Even those involving the cricket.
I imagine the Prem games Pulis was ruining were those the arrogant and self-identifying elite expected to win. Anyone who regularly winds up Arsene Wenger – to pick a name at random – should be celebrated.
While I understand and respect though not necessarily agree with the reasons why some have taken against Pulis, we must be careful how we describe him.
He lost a case against a former employer but he hasn’t been convicted of any criminal activity. I would certainly avoid any use of the word ‘fraudster’ in relation to Boro’s new manager.
This is taken from the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-38136496
‘A Premier League Managers’ Arbitration Tribunal ruled earlier this year Pulis should pay £3.7m damages to {Crystal Palace} in a dispute about the way he left at the start of the 2014-15 season.
Pulis, 56, denied deceiving them into paying the bonus. He challenged the order in the High Court but a judge ruled against him.’
The BBC can afford extraordinarily expensive lawyers and the report quoted above is couched in very considered language.
The Telegraph report says Pulis ‘stands accused of acting fraudulently’ but as he has not been convicted of fraud, it would be imprudent and possibly libellous to call him a ‘fraudster’. And it could be the editor who would face the legal consequences. i.e. Werder. I’m sure no-one would wish to see that happen.
I certainly don’t mean to admonish fellow posters or curtail free speech, but I do wish to protect this amazing resource. There may be legally trained blog readers among us who could offer a more nuanced and/or fuller insight than I’m able to offer.
Thanks Chis for the mention and the warning
To this I would add that posters should either quote a source or use
“Allegedly or Rumoured or without substantive truth”
I would suggest Paulista Park is much more qualified to advise
OFB
Wise words Chris and quite right to call us out before we get anyone into bother.
I agree. If you see any articles by one A Vickers, they should set the tone and indicate the language it would be sensible to use. There are lawyers who blog on this site but I would be amazed if there are any who put themselves forward as having special knowledge of the laws relating to defamation. That is a very specialised, niche, field. Journalists probably know much more about defamation than any High Street lawyer. Some of them (take a bow Ian Hislop) can probably be treated as experts in the subject. Just using the word “allegedly” doesn’t operate as a magic “get-out clause”.
Forever sums the thoughts of many of use, the core work of Werder and Redcar Red, the articles by Simon and Bob’s input have taken the blog forward in the last twelve months at a great pace.
I am sure the next twelve months continue to take us forward, hopefully the team will do so as well.
Will we develop in to a Stoke lite? Tony Pulis should use the players at his disposal to best advantage, if he does there is no reason to be dreadfully dull.
As I have said many times before, being solid defensively does not prevent a team being creative, it should provide a springboard.
We will have to wait and see.
Ian
Thanks for the mention it’s much appreciated
One thing I do know is that the blog has become a major part of my daily routine, reading posts, waiting for the next impressive pre match post from Werder and then RR valued match report.
The articles by Si are thoughtful and make you think which is what they are meant to do.
I think it has worked because the writing complements different styles and integrates into what one blogger said (apologies don’t know who ?) a magazine style format.
I know Werder has put an extreme effort into the pre match posts and they are absolutely genius.
If we look back over the past year we have come a long way and as Werder has started to open an archive folder month by month we can see that for ourselves.
What it has done for me, is to try and redouble my efforts in an attempt to keep up with the high standard of journalism that we have on this blog.
We do of course have two highly respected journalists as bloggers Chris H and Si and it is to Diasboro credit that we have managed to retain their interest in our posts.
Yes we may differ at times. Yes we may argue electronically but the hard common sense of all our posters sees through in the end.
It is great to read every day and to everyone of you I would say thank you for contributing and making it what it is today
OFB
Yes OFB it is certainly thank you to everyone who participated in here. Howver, there is no escaping the fact that without the very high quality headline articles from Werder, RR, Si and yourself in particular, not to mention the time Werder puts into coordinating everything, Diasboro would have withered on the vine long before it’s first anniversary. So my thanks to you four especially as we get ready to celebrate Diasboro’s birthday. And thanks too to AV for providing the original inspiration and setting the tone for Diasboro to follow and prosper.
I’ve just spat my beer over the bar.
Sorry I made you do that was my post too schmaltzy?
I think it was Spartak that said it, but we should wait the customary 10 games before beginning to form an opinion.
None of us really know how TP is going to get the best out of the resources he had available. Maybe it will all turn out more like Stoke-plus than Stoke-lite. Actually, maybe it will be more Boro-like than anything since Big Jack was in charge with his well ordered defence providing the platform for the best Boro team of my years.
Let’s not prejudge things.
The comments re. The Pulis interview, I know managers say anything, but I listened to what he said and the way he said it.
I was impressed, highly impressed.
So was Bamford at the half time team talk!
Werder
Sent you a file just in case it is caught by your spam filter
OFB
Chris
I sometimes do that with southern beer as well
OFB
Statement By Gary Monk
http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/statement-released-behalf-garry-monk/
Credit to him for that. There is no acrimony in his statement…
I agree with Powmill on that statement, very dignified when there must have been a temptation to lash out.
UTB,
John
Like others a bit dubious about our new Manager but listening to him and reading a few articles in the Gazette, I am very excited that he can rescue our season and instill that missing grunt into the team.
Having a bit of experience in law courts, libel cases are very much a mishmash especially in Oz and seem to be the realm of the rich and famous. ( I said ,he said etc)
Echoing the thoughts of others who have so elequently praised our blogmeisters, we are indeed privilaged to be part of this great institution, kudos to all.
Happy New Year and Boro 3 Villa 1.
🍾🍾🍾
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/15794591.MIDDLESBROUGH__The_life_and_times_of_Tony_Pulis___Part_One/
“As the son of a steelworker, born and raised in an industrial town famous for its transporter bridge, it can be argued that Tony Pulis was always destined to manage Middlesbrough.”
Pulis was not my favourite. But I think I did not know much about him before. Was thinking about long balls and a strong defence.
But I think he said more in his post match presser than Monk ever said during his six month’s stay. Anything meaningful, that is.
So I trust SG, again. But Let see the results first. I hope it works better than with Strachan.
Up the Boro!
Having done an 8 am post Christmas recycling run to Haverton Hill I sat down with a cup of tea to catch up on the blog and must admit I’m pleasantly surprised with the positivity from most posters.
As previously stated I’m not a Pulis fan but I’m more than willing and happy to to be proved wrong and equall willing to admit it.
Like Plato I did like and was very impressed with his presser and his comments about his own background and the similarities with Teesside. It may or may not have been written by the Boro press office but what ever the case it was well thought out. Which leads me to believe it wasn’t written by the Boro press office!
Powmill
Your Stoke-plus would be what I would like to see. Organised, strong and hard to beat but with an element of exciting attacking play. Playing like we did under Big Jack would be fine by me.
FAA
I think it highly unlikely Pulis would stand up and deliver a PR speech in a press conference, he just wouldn’t accept it. Not only that, he was too natural and relaxed to be scripted
Ian
That’s what I thought. He may have prepped somewhat beforehand but as you say he did appear to be very relaxed and natural. Very positive imo.
Thanks to Chris earlier for making the good legal point that there is a nuanced difference between being labelled a ‘fraudster’ and being accused of ‘fraudulent behaviour’ – and lawyers are paid a lot of money to pin down the language used in cases.
Chris is also right to point out that unfortunately (for me) Diasboro is an account set up in my name and which I am ultimately responsible for the content that appears on the site including comments – some may recall AV would occasional remove potentially libelous statements back on Untypical Boro and we should probably try to do the same. It’s also a stipulation from WordPress that they have the right to close down a site if it breaches their terms and conditions – which presumably as the publisher they could also face possible legal consequences if they were informed by those acting on behalf of clients.
Whether anyone would actually employ lawyers to undertake the matter of chasing down every comment that appeared on a blog or forum is perhaps unlikely – but to be on the safe side I’ve amended any use of ‘fraudster’ to being accused of ‘fraudulent behaviour’ instead.
I should point out that the judge who made the ruling was from a commercial court to which Pulis had appealed the Premier League’s mediation panel’s ruling that he wasn’t entitled to the £2m bonus for avoiding relegation because he left the club before the 31 August caveat in the deal and his explanation for leaving the club early was deemed not credible. Pulis still strenuously denies some of the findings by that court, including that his departure was with mutual agreement and the pivotal date at which a heated meeting between players took place and whether it was before or after he received his £2m bonus.
He said one day he would be able to tell the full story but his lawyers advised him not to speak in detail on the matter to avoid any further consequences so he just said he moves on from the matter. The ruling cost him around £1.75m in costs and damages plus the return of the £2m – it would appear a commercial court has the power to impose far tougher financial penalties than a law court.
Hi Werder
Here’s my best advice moving forward, of course there may be others who can offer better advice.
With prevention being better than cure, I would adjust your spam filter to include the word fraudster and any other word you can think of with a similar meaning. Some posts may be innocuous but you may catch something damaging.
While you’re at it, I would include ‘allegedly’. Despite Ian Hislop’s popularisation of the word, it offers no defence in law.
If anything does slip through and is published, I would screengrab the offending post and keep it safe in your records.
Then redact the post or at least the offending part of it.
Then underneath the post explain what and why has been redacted, and apologise for it publication.
This may seem s belt and braces approach, but as this blog is now including interviews with former players and presumably reaching an ever wider and high profile audience, it’s probably best not to take any chances.
It’s astonishingly by how self-regulating this blog is and it’s taken a year for this issue to raise itself.
Thanks again for all your work and great reads, I’m looking forward to many more in the coming year.
Great advice perhaps we should add a standard rider
“ this post is the sole responsibility and culpability of the person submitting it and the WordPress nominated host takes no responsibility for its content therein”
Or words to that effect
I’m pretty certain that wouldn’t help as the responsibility and culpability still falls on the editor. It’s nip it in the bud with the spam filter or a quick redaction and apology. This is why AV was always on the case in such matters.
Chris, thanks for your suggestions in your earlier post about using the WordPress moderation filter to flag up the use of certain words – of course the words selected for the filter need to be carefully chosen as not to catch too many similar words. You’re right about disclaimers too as legally they mean nothing as the responsibility still remains with the site owner to ensure what is published is not defamatory. In the nd it’s about finding a balance between risk an the work involved in prevention.
Werdermouth
God forbid that you should ever suffer legal action as a consequence of someone’s inappropriate and ill thought out posting.
You can count on my support, and I am sure many others on this excellent forum, should such a situation arise.
Best wishes to all Diasboro across the globe for a healthy, happy and successful 2018.
CoB 😎
Hear Hear
Thanks KP, though it’s generally recommended that if you run a blog you take out indemnity insurance that covers you against legal damages for libel, slander or defamation of character – it’s possible included in my personal liability insurance (which everyone in Germany must have) has some cover available for that so I’ll need to look into it – I don’t suppose the risk of legal action due to blog related stuff would probably go down too well with Mrs Werder either.
Quite often, like in this case, it’s the semantic interpretation of what has been reported elsewhere – and unintentionally rephrased into something that may or may not be legally problematic – that’s why perhaps some form of insurance is needed as often lawyers don’t have to prove intent.
If you need to pay I’ll be happy to contribute for any tp insurance
I’m sure others will also
OFB
The cricket is going well (for a change)!
I’m very much looking forward to the Villa game, looking forward isn’t something I’ve done too much of this season where Boro are concerned, it’s amazing what the appointment of Tony Pulis has done to change the mood around the club in such a short time.
Lets hope the optimism can be translated into improved performance and points on the board.
I’m also very curious to see who is in Pulis’ first team and indeed who isn’t.
I’m guessing Stewie will be playing…..
Nigel, only one vs. Villa. But there could be a clone of them at the end of January if Pulis get’s his wishes! UTB!
Nigel
Jarrko
Yes, me too! I’m v interested in the possibilities now that Pulis T has the Boro ship’s steering wheel. Whereas before I saw little chance or change under GM now I can hope for improvement both on and off the pitch.
TP has an eye ‘moneyballesque’ for effective players to bring in and slot into his system of play. I don’t expect an immediate return for Clayton but I’m pretty sure TP will soon recognise his strengths & keep him in mind should Leadbiter or Howson slacken off. As for Forshaw, I think he could be at risk of moving on – maybe to Sheff Wed even.
All v interesting times.
Good article on SG & TP in the Telegraph. Suggests SG getting a bit more practical as he matures in age. Or maybees he’s been reading this blog?
Happy Days
UTB
And Ben who he repeatedly tried to buy last season
Also George as he likes big defenders and that’s why Fabio was changed out at half time on Saturday
And Shotton who was with him for five years at Stoke
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Clayton if not In the team but back in the squad
The interesting ones to watch for me are Braithwaite and Bamford as not necessarily typical-TP players, and most interestingly of all, Adama Traore. Could Pulis he the man to finally harness him? My guess would be no, because I don’t think anyone can, but it will be interesting.
There again, the Boro job – a well resources team chasing promotion – is a different challenge to the ones he’s been taking on for the past decade so who knows how his approach will be adapted?
He showed he wasn’t a one trick pony at Crystal Palace and manager of the year in the process !
Interesting that all our posts and comments have been echoed by the Gazette
Is it a case of great minds think alike ?
Hi all, we’ve been really impressed with the background info and discussion on Boro on this site. We’ve included a few links to you in our latest piece on Tony Pulis appointment. We reckon a shrewd move to increase chance of promotion. Thanks for taking a look. If you like / agree, feedback or sharing on social media would be greatly appreciated https://threemenandafootball.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/middlesbrough-switching-garry-monk-for-tony-pulis-a-fast-track-ticket-back-to-the-premier-league/
What effect can a blog have on public opinion, particularly a football blog?
Well, we have single handedly in two days, persuaded the generality of the public that Tony is a very good and what is more, suitable, manager for our club.
That is no mean feat, and all done by reasoned and evidence based contributions.
As a side issue, it highlights the present situation, whereby the people who have debased the greatest league in the world, can then vilify the other teams who seek to nullify their dominance by possessing a brilliant defence
Werder
I’ve had a suggestion that the blog also has a twitter account as well
Don’t quite know how that would work and don’t want to put any extra work on you
I have a twitter account and I know Jarkko and a few others do as well
I always tweet our articles and match reports and I would suggest that all other posters do that as well and invite others to join our blog which to my mind is the best Boro blog there is.
Any thoughts ???
“I imagine the Prem games Pulis was ruining were those the arrogant and self-identifying elite expected to win. Anyone who regularly winds up Arsene Wenger – to pick a name at random – should be celebrated.”
Chris, I like. It reminds me of a current PL manager who I didn’t like a year and a half ago but have grown to respect – Dyche.
Dycheburn (c. RR) have made their name as the “irritants” of football. They specialise in showing up clubs who think that they’re bigger than them. In messing up the big plans of teams who consider the Clarets beneath their attention.
Remember when they upset Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the opening day? It’s not inconceivable that Conte might have been thinking, “What could I do? I lost my main man at the back to an early red card.” Maybe so, but quickly re-adapting to the circumstances rather than zoning out into a “it’s not fair” state of shock would have been the best course of action.
It’s what separates men who grow and learn from entitled boys who cry because suddenly they’re not going to have it all their own way.
And it was, arguably, a factor in Dycheburn overtaking and almost playing a part in derailing the promotion of AKBoro. Big clubs and managers, or clubs and managers with the pretense of being big, don’t like their plans messed up. They’re used to being in control. So when the Dycheburns touch a nerve – as they did with the FA Cup win that ended the long, long run of imperiousness, and the equaliser that ended the long run of wins and stopped AKBoro from going five points clear again – it hurts.
But away from the drama I can’t help but applaud them because they’re so good at it.
Great Post Si
Giving the liver a well deserved rest yesterday and today, but hope to resume normal service on Friday for the onslaught ahead, as there is a limit to how much orange squash a man can bear. Clue – it’s a much smaller quantity than the amount of Courage Directors, Banks’s ( Yes – Banks DOES have a drinkable beer!) or Timmy Taylor’s Landlord which can be happily consumed.
This proves posts can be made from the Murdered Moose. Not safe anywhere now………
I’ll drink to that !
Hic !
Can’t see any incomings in January , unlesTP sees a need at one position, ,some outgoings on loan,maybe Fry,Tavernier, Wing, Watford guy, Roberts, Meijas, Forshaw, .
We could make some money on.
Gibson ,Clayton, Forshaw, Ayala, Gestede, if we decide to sell.
About £40 mill, there.
What does on do?
HNY
Traore and Tony Pulis. Really interesting to see how he utilise the winger. One to watch. Up the Boro!
See Sam Clucus move to Swansea doesn’t seem to be going well,
I see Swansea have made their choice between the two sacked managers by appointing Carlos Carvalhal but only until the end of the season.
Come on BORO.
Sounds like they are almost accepting of their fate and half preparing for life in the Championship by appointing Carvalhal now. If he pulls off a miracle then its a bonus but if not they have the building blocks in place with a Manager familiar with the Championship.
Here is a thought, has anyone seen a queue of players lining up for interview or going on to social media to accept blame for Monk’s sacking?
Just wondering like.
I mentioned Colin Murray talking to Clinton Morrison (I think) after the story bloke saying the tweets from around football disagreed the sacking. Boro fans were in favour and they know because they go week in, week out.
A sensible football pundit.
Just considering Spartak and jarkko’s thoughts and mulling over selection possibilities. I cant see TP selecting Traore, not because of any clash of ‘styles’ but because I think he is unselectable by any manager. If there’s a willing buyer i’d ship him out in January.
As for a team of Downing’s as much as i’m a fan of Stewie, a team of them would be a disaster.
As I think Spartak suggested a while ago Stewie at no.10 wouldn’t surprise me, it worked at West Ham under Big Sam and from recollection when he returned to Boro AK’s intention was to play him at no.10.
The only problem then though is we’d need a right winger and why fix what isn’t broken. Chrisitie and Stewie have something good going, maybe leave it as is?
Early indications suggest we may see George back, which i’d be happy about.
As for Clayton, he seems like a TP type of player, but selected in front of Howson and Grant? I’m not sure.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Pulis scrapped the “No.10” role, played Clayts in front of the back four with Grant and Howson in front of him and then went with Stewy, Britt and Braithwaite in a 4123
According to MFC . TP took his first training session today along with JW !
Jonathan Woodgate was a ch and rb for Tony Pulis at Stoke and it wouldn’t surprise me to see JW in a senior coach position at Boro
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5218299/Tony-Pulis-takes-Middlesbrough-training-time.html
I can’t bring myself to read that.
Can anyone précis it for me?
#stopfundinghate
Like
Nigel
I think Stewie’s role was different at West Ham. I believe they played more of a 4312 and Stewie’s job was to use his passing skills to the front men and players running beyond him.
I am happy if someone corrects me..
Braveheart
Thanks for that link and it actually fitted in with a thought that occurred to me about another possible beneficiary of the changes; Jonathon Woodgate. He was bought by Pulis who clearly thought highly of him as a player. Maybe this is the perfect chance for him to learn about management. He could certainly be an important link for TP to the local area.
The question mark on Traore is clear. However, I have read that Pulis has used fast wingers – Jermaine Pennant s an example – and maybe greater defensive solidity will see a role for Traore in attack. It’s all a bit Forrest Gump-like with the box of chocolates that is the huge Boro squad. We don’t know what TP is going to pick out.
Finally, a logistics question that maybe our spy 007FB can answer. Where is TP going to live? Surely he can’t commute from the South Coast.
It’s all rather exciting.
UTB
I would think he’ll use one of the club houses at Rockliffe near the hotel or one of the apartments
There are flights from Newcastle to Southampton for trips home
I agree with you I thought as soon as TP signed that Woodgate would be elevated to a first team role
I also agree with Spartak that SD will go on and play a role in coaching at Boro
As we saw at Arsenal last season Traore can be the perfect counterbalance to a defensively minded set up. Sitting deep with Adama stood on the half way line is enough to keep any opposition Manager from piling too many players forward.
We know the lads frustrating limitations in terms of reading and interpretation of the game as oppose to raw talent but perhaps within a very structured set up there will be less thinking to do and more of a straightforward “run Forrest, run” role for him which may work out very well.
At this stage I think TP will be openly evaluating what he has at his disposal and importantly how many. I can see Clayts remaining and say Forshaw departing along with a few others. That may also include Fabio going with Johnson perhaps preferred as a LB due to his height. Ultimately I believe he will conclude that there are far too many players in the squad and too many of them with just average or at best “potential” ability. Come January we may see 4 or 5 out and just 1 or 2 brought in.
Interestingly I suspect that he will take a close look at Fletcher rather than Gestede as the lad has far more pace but also height on his side and as we know Rudy offers questionable heading ability but very little else.
Thanks. I guessed that he would start by staying there but it makes it feel a little less permanent if he’s not really living in the area.
I hope that things go well for Steve Agnew on rejoining Bruce, at Villa, BUT only after this weekend.
Aggers “inside knowledge” will be less of an advantage now with TP’s arrival. When you consider that we are debating and uncertain about what formation, set up and tactics he will employ SA will be in the same boat. He will of course be able to provide dossier like info on each individual but the synergy in terms of how they will be utilised is a mystery to all of us at the moment (including TP).
And he has been away since the summer of change. So he has not been with the ten or twelve new arrivals at Rockcliffe.
I don’t know if he has been to Riverside regularly this season, though. Up the Boro!
Its an interesting question to ask just how TP assesses players and picks a team based on 2 days on the training pitch.
Its suspected that he had an input after only 45 minutes on Saturday so 2 days will be comparative luxury (hopefully).
He also watched the Sheff Wed game on video in the board room before meeting the players.
I would also think he has been watching other videos of games the past few days whilst at Rockliffe.
Gentlemen I got a xmas giftcard to spend at Dan Murphy’s ( local liquor retailers) and thought I would sample some British brews.
Knowing that we have some experts in the field of beer consumption, I would appreciate any suggestions.
Cheers in anticipation.
🍺🍺🍺
Michael,
There are too many good ones to choose from. Doombar from `Cornwall, Timothy Taylor from West Yorkshire, Punk IPA from Scotland, Worthington White Shield from Burton, Abbot from Bury St. Edmunds, the list goes on and on. Have a rummage on what my farmer neighbour calls the interweb and see what you can find.
My nephew and I have worked our way through one of my Christmas presents of twelve assorted bottles finally debating who had the Speckled or Golden Hen.
Enjoy your search and a happy and healthy New Year.
UTB,
John
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/15794619.MIDDLESBROUGH__The_life_and_times_of_Tony_Pulis___Part_Two/
Another thought before we get ahead of ourselves.
In his statement, Garry Monk said he thought the team had turned a corner after the win against Wednesday.
Yes, it was an away win but they were in a poor run of form and much closer to relegation than the play offs. These have been the matches where we have gained points this season.
In the next match we beat a very poor Bolton, another typical result this season.
We haven’t turned any corner yet, when we moved in to the play off zone before it followed similar results.
Get four points from Villa and Preston would be progress, six points would be most welcome.
Absolutely see where you’re coming from Ian but you can only beat what’s in front of you. Yes it was “only” Sheffield We’d and Bolton but having watched/been to both, last 10 minutes at Wednesday aside, I thought we played some of our best football so far.That is certainly progression from the chaotic rubbish I’ve seen so often this season.
Certainly something for Pulis to build on.
FAA
Fair shout but if we get little out of our next two games then the results are a repeat of where we have been before, the corner will be turned if we get plenty of points from Villa and Preston.
Until we nail these type of games it is as you were. We played decent stuff against Derby then collapsed.
My view is that if we tighten up, defenders defend and attackers attack with purpose we could make something out of this season.
Agree with all of that Ian 👍🏻
I see someone on fmttm (I think based on the colour of the training bibs) is suggesting Shotton and Friend will be back in the team on Saturday as full-backs along with the return of Guedioura, Traore and Gestede.
Whilst I would be amazed if Guedioura came straight back in (though not at all in the future) the rest does sound like a Pulis line up. Pacy wingers, a big man up front and centre backs at full back.
I’d love to know why Guedioura was frozen out – I think he was on the bench once for the u23s which was pretty bizarre – smacked of someone trying to make a point. He’s always been a good Champ midfielder though.
Noticed AA went off injured for Villa midweek. Normally I would be happy that our next opponents top scorer was unavailable but in this case I’ll make an exception.
Not sure he is unavailable or the extent of his injury btw.
No Terry or Samba either apparently. Bit of a shame that as I like the thought of our possible front 4 running at those two. Not sure how we’d get on at set pieces mind!
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/turgid-football-no-identity-aston-14090832
Non happy campers.
Ian
‘The book stops with Bruce!’
Simply outstanding prose from Fran the Villan supporter. Do you think he did it on purpose knowing Steve Bruce publishes pulp fiction? What’s funnier is that if the Villans form continues in a downward spiral he may get the bullet.
lol
UTB
3-0 to the pullets
Michael re your beery conundrum.
My favourite tipples are Black Sheep and the paler but equally as good Golden Sheep from the Black Sheep Brewery. Had a pint of Theakstons IPA on Saturday which was absolutely spot on. First 2 are available in bottles not sure about the Theakstons though. Another imo good bottled beer is Lightfoot. Another golden beer from surprise surprise Theakstons. And before the question is asked, no I don’t have any connection with Theakstons. Wish I did! I just happen to like what they brew
For years I couldn’t go near ‘English’ beers or lager as it had all the taste of an old flat tyre on a bad day. I was spoilt by my time in Germany, where I found the local drafts heavenly. Then, I got to Munchen and discovered Erdinger wiess and dunkel beers. I thought God had given me delights for unknown reasons. Then, I went to Belgium to drop my daughter off at Uni and discovered Duvel amongst others. And at that point I realised there was no point in searching for better anywhere else.
Happy days in moderation.
😉
ALL the best Spartak
I never thought I would see a post from you stating moderation !
Spartak
Been to Bruges a couple of times on P&O mini cruises from Southampton, last time with the grown up kids in tow for my 65th birthday.
Family meal of Moules et Frites in a scenic square with a Belgian beer or two.
Then my daughter was drawn to the myriad of shops selling chocolate so my son and I had to sit in a bar.
We love Bruges. The drinking experience is helped enormously by the fact that the bars have specific glasses for each brew.
I’m a big Chimay fan but it’s way too strong for a session ale.
In Bruges – one of my favorite movies of all time. My daughter, unsurprisingly, tells me it’s boring. The place that is, not the movie.
🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoE9edjEDCI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Interesting view on TP from Tifo Football
https://www.tifofootball.com/features/middlesbrough-tony-pulis-appear-odd-fit/
Interesting link Braveheart. I think it underlines that we really don’t know how TP is going to build his version. Of Boro and that for us to rely solely on the evidence of his past might not show us where and how we will be going.
Great link, Braveheart.
I see nothing new in the TIFO article content, Braveheart. A bit meh for me me thinks.
They do however mention how they think SG kept AK too long and he should have goyten the push earlier. Peeps on here were v vocal that AK should have stayed longer, even one esteemed poster suggests he should still be the Boro manager.
Opinions, eh!
UTB
We will be heading off to the fringes of the mobile network coverage that caters for the remoter parts of the Kingdom of Fife in a short while. So, won’t be able to join in and post before the Villa game.
Prior to the departure of GM I was pessimistic about this fixture and the following one at PNE. I now think both Villa and Preston will struggle to contain a Boro with the new manager bounce.
I do believe we have more than sufficient quality in this squad to overcome most teams in this league, so long as we are properly organised and as a team each individual knows what they are doing. I am optimistic that TP will bring that organisation and confidence to the team that Monk failed to do.
I am plumping for a convincing 3-0 win over Villa, in front of over 30k eager to see what TP will do.
COB
Thanks gents, I have had black sheep and speckled hen will try the others.
Spartak I really like German beers and had a great night in Brugge drinking a Belgian beer that was very strong.
New Zealand beers are pretty good and I love Moosehead from Canada. Then you have the Czech and Polish beers .
So many beers so little time.
OK, Boro are about to embark on a new era under Tony Pulis and many have already hailed him as the new messiah to take us back to the promised land and keep us there. So here’s my Aston Villa match preview…
https://diasboro.club/2017/12/29/championship-boro-vs-aston-villa/
Allan
Nothing better when you’re working away than having a plan to enjoy yourself for the weekend
Sounds like a really enjoyable. Day and yea I wouldn’t be surprised that Kay Murray pulled a few strings to have the Boro shown on TV today
It’s nice to have friends and you can look out for her I’ll ask her to give a wave tonall the Diasboro bloggers watching worldwide !
Let’s hope the Boro wim we don’t want to turn into Typical Boro!
OFB
Si
You could say Ian Rush Malcolm McDonald and Bernie Slaven weren’t footballers but goal scorers
That would make some interesting research for one of your talking points
2 0 to Boro today Ashley Fletcher to score the opener
Crowd 22412
And it’s Big John Hickton day today !
OFB