As Tony Pulis left Boro’s mountain training camp in Austria last summer, it’s unclear if he uttered that infamous monotone phrase of “I’ll be back” that he inadvertently borrowed from one of that country’s more famous sons. Still, this year the players arrived without the Welsh cyborg in human form after he mutually agreed with Steve Gibson not to return from the dystopian future he was seemingly intent on maintaining. In fact given the recent turnover of managers on Teesside, it’s clear that there’s only room for one terminator on Teesside and the Boro chairman has already proved himself quite capable in that department. Nevertheless, it’s apparent from the pre-season program that Pulis is still the ghost in the machine and the muscle memory of old-school double alpine training sessions may have a few players wishing for the arrival of judgement day. At least the Boro faithful were no doubt relieved to discover that when the club were being linked with Bad Aussee it was just the training camp and not an over-priced misfiring striker from down under.
As much as the departure of Tony Pulis was generally welcomed, many Boro supporters initially greeted the appointment of Jonathan Woodgate with all the stony-faced enthusiasm that Theresa May mustered for her impromptu handshake with Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit. As the underwhelmed faithful start to accept in true Teesside spirit that it is what it is, most will now be looking at just how successful new head coach will be in reshaping the squad for the upcoming season. In case anyone has not yet heard, the solemn mood music that the Hurworth string quartet has been diligently etching into the Teesside subconscious is that the club are now playing to a different tune – with a lot fewer notes in evidence now that the Premier League windfall has been all but blown. Boro are now embarking on Plan C after a swift return to the land of plenty was not the breeze it was initially hoped it would be and the subsequent over-cautious Plan B had become more toxic than some of those odd coloured plumes that had bestowed the Smoggies with their nostalgic moniker.
Rather strangely, the sympathetic violins were perhaps lacking in their usual fervour as Tony Pulis exited stage left in June and while he was personally admired by those who worked with him, the unimpressed on the terraces had grown weary of the concept of entertainment playing second fiddle to the off-key Welshman’s less than pitch perfect tactical displays – which ultimately had very few demanding an encore. However, Steve Gibson once again opted against picking up a Stradivarius to begin the next movement in the managerial suite and instead reached for a less coveted untested instrument made from cheaper wood. The hopeful hunch (to paraphrase the chairman) is that this next appointment will resonate with the players and orchestrate the arrival of a new exciting era of bold high-energy performances that get the crowd out of their red plastic seats. The new man, we are frequently told by the local media, has many strings to his bow and he will certainly need to show evidence of them if he is to pull off the plucky plan of getting more with less.
Whether, the chairman has enough room to manoeuvre to back his new man financially is uncertain and it remains to be seen if Boro will pay the price for over-indulging Garry Monk two years ago after he was seemingly allowed to pizzicato the bulk of the club’s promotion budget up the wall. OK, it’s not quite about Gibson pleading poverty and giving us a less yiddish Teesside rendition of ‘If I were a rich man’ – as it’s now no longer an issue of having an owner prepared inject cash but one of compliance with Football League financial regulations. Although when it comes to adhering to the rules, it has to be said that in this particularly version of the song, the fiddler is no longer to be found on the roof but is instead busy (all day long) devising a series of shell companies to internally resell club assets to raise profits rather than declaring “I’d biddy biddy bum” (whatever that means) in the more traditional manner mentioned.
Talking of someone who had hoped he wouldn’t have to work hard (particularly in a Boro shirt), Martin Braithwaite has surprisingly been allowed to chuck his toys back into his pram and head back to Teesside. While everyone has started with the proverbial clean slate under the new regime, it’s unlikely that the less than committed Dane will pass the hunger test that Woodgate has indicated he wants his players to demonstrate they possess – though it’s always possible Braithwaite may always opt for a hunger strike to push through a move this time round if potential suitors are unwilling to match Boro’s vaulation. Besides, it’s difficult to imagine a player who is seemingly on Premier League wages being rehabilitated back into the squad when Stewart Downing was kept on the bench for nearly half a season to prevent the club being exposed to a similar outlay in the event of triggering a contract extension. Nevertheless, the perennial loan-seeker cost the club around £9m and Boro may be seeking to squeeze as much out of a potential buyer as possible by giving at least the impression that he’s wanted.
Indeed, this is something that could apply to several names in the Boro squad who may have already been mentally stamped with ‘surplus to requirements’ by the club but their wanted status remains publicly vague for commercial reason – i.e. the Rudy Gestede’s and Marvin Johnson’s of this world. The problem as ever is finding buyers who can match the level of contracts these players currently enjoy at Boro. It was no secret that two years ago the strategy for persuading players to come to Teesside generally involved offering them lucrative deals – as well as paying over the odds on transfer fees. Shifting devalued assets is never easy and they may ultimately remain at the club with other players who are more coveted being sold to raise funds instead. Paddy McNair appears to be one such player with rumours of Celtic and newly promoted Sheffield United apparently showing interest – though if that interest firms up it would be hard to persuade a player to remain in the Championship after being predominantly overlooked last season.
| Player | Mins | Starts | Sub-On | Subbed | Goals |
| GOALKEEPERS | |||||
| Darren Randolph | 4140 | 46 | – | – | – |
| Andy Lonergan | 0 | – | – | – | – |
| DEFENDERS | |||||
| Aden Flint | 3454 | 39 | – | 1 | 1 |
| George Friend | 3271 | 37 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Ryan Shotton | 2877 | 33 | 1 | 4 | – |
| Dael Fry | 2865 | 33 | 1 | 4 | – |
| Daniel Ayala | 2722 | 32 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| MIDFIELDERS | |||||
| Jonny Howson | 3943 | 44 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
| George Saville | 2519 | 28 | 6 | 9 | 4 |
| Adam Clayton | 2491 | 29 | 7 | 8 | – |
| Muhamed Bešic | 2272 | 30 | 7 | 24 | 2 |
| Lewis Wing | 1798 | 19 | 9 | 7 | 3 |
| John Mikel | 1600 | 18 | – | 2 | 1 |
| Paddy McNair | 733 | 7 | 9 | 2 | – |
| FORWARDS | |||||
| Britt Assombalonga | 2683 | 28 | 14 | 15 | 14 |
| Stewart Downing | 2337 | 24 | 14 | 12 | 2 |
| Jordan Hugill | 1870 | 20 | 17 | 9 | 6 |
| Ashley Fletcher | 1156 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 5 |
| Martin Braithwaite | 1107 | 12 | 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Marcus Tavernier | 482 | 2 | 18 | 2 | 3 |
| Rudy Gestede | 109 | 1 | 3 | 1 | – |
| Marvin Johnson | 0 | – | – | – | – |
It’s unlikely that Boro will be able to keep all their high earners and remain within the rules that Steve Gibson is insisting the Championship should enforce – not even if the Riverside is sold to Bulkhaul Ltd as a potential storage site and leased back to MFC while they await planning permission. Whether it would be a deal breaker if Mark Page wasn’t allowed to remain on site is unclear but one would hope that construction workers could be provided with suitable ear protection. Still we should expect to see some player sales this summer to offset the wage bill and raise funds for new arrivals – though unless the Adama-Gibson-Bamford money was secretly stashed away by a chairman looking to prevent Pulis signing any more defensive midfielders, then few will be expecting to see any addition from the upper end of the Championship market.
With the transfer deadline for both sales and loans due to close at 5pm on 8th August, there is now just over a month for the club to do it’s business – although in theory players could still depart to join League One and Two clubs until 2nd September if a certain Dane fancies heading to the Stadium of Light. Looking at the current squad and following the departure of Mikel, Downing and loanees, Hugill and Besic (shown in red), it looks somewhat thin in some areas. Defence lacks cover and regardless of whether Woodgate opts for traditional full-backs or wing-back, the club will need to find players in those areas. It’s possible Howson could continue in the right wing-back role or some youngsters could be promoted to the senior squad – though these have now been makeshift positions for some time at Boro.
Also likely to move on are Braithwaite and Johnson (highlighted in yellow), who both went out on loan after their Boro careers looked to be over – plus Rudy Gestede doesn’t look like he would fit the profile of the high-pressing high-energy forward that is planned under the new regime. That leaves essentially Britt and Fletcher but there are some noises that if a bid that closely matched the club’s valuation of Assombalonga it would be difficult to turn down – especially as next summer he’ll enter the final year of his contract and any fee will probably be heading downwards unless he has a prolific season. While the midfield still looks well covered despite the departures of Mikel and Besic, it still looks to be lacking some creativity and goals with only Wing having displayed some attacking range – especially with Saville top scoring from midfield with just four goals there will need to be a big improvement in that area of the pitch. Whether Paddy McNair will get a chance to show what he can do may depend on if Boro decide to take up interest from other clubs. Clearly the side is lacking pace and it may be a case of needing to raise funds by selling players that have similar counterparts in the squad.
It is perhaps the loan market that would offer the best route to fill the gaps in the squad given as the club are no longer likely to be in a position to pay big fees and offer lucrative 3-4 year contracts. Under Karanka’s promotion campaigns for example, it was often the case that his First XI would include a fair number of regulars that arrived on loan. Hopefully, Woodgate and Keane will be able to use their contacts to secure some up-and-coming talent from the likes of Spurs and Liverpool. While, the plan may ultimately be to bring through young talent from the academy, it’s hard to imagine in the short term that there are going to be any significant break-through seasons and a few might just about make the squad – though you never know if someone will take their opportunity when it arises and suddenly become the next big thing like Wing did.
So as we look to see how the pre-season shapes up, Woodgate has so far began by trying to say all the right things to all the right people (in all the right places). After initially impressing in his interview, he’s told the supporters he plans to play attacking exciting football, as well promising the chairman he wants to promote youth and not overspend and telling the players they will all be given a chance and he’d ideally like to play them in their favoured positions too. At the moment the new head coach is a popular choice for the players but at some point difficult decisions will need to be taken and that’s likely to be sooner rather than later as he starts to realise who he can rely on and what he is missing.
Woodgate said he’s just normal lad from Middlesbrough who won’t change because he’s the new gaffer but managers tend to prematurely turn grey for a reason and the pressure to succeed makes being normal much harder. Of course making promises in order to get everyone on-side will gain you some time but it’s now only a few weeks to go before all the hype and theory will be tested in real Championship games. The new coaching team will need to be sure that they have a squad ready to go from the off as the January window will appear a long off if they have an indifferent start in front of a notoriously impatient Teesside audience.
Werder
Thanks and have a great holiday
OFB
Before you take flight Werder, just wanted to say thanks, safe travelling and have a great holiday. 😎
Have a great Holiday Werder just don’t go by train if my continued experiences of DB are anything to go by at least not if you need to be somewhere by a particular time.
Thanks RR, but we’re driving so should be OK – although having said that the car’s in the garage tomorrow to get the brakes fixed 🙁
Werder,
Enjoy your birthday and your holiday, we’ll just be worrying and tearing our hair out over Boro but you enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about us!
UTB,
John
Thanks John and a happy birthday to you too – hopefully your celebrations are now in full swing today but mine will have to wait until the weekend if I’m to get everything sorted to go away!
Enjoy and enjoy the family. All the best and UTB,
John
Thanks Werder, enjoy you break. I dont think much positive will happen in the near future.
Braithwaite will start the season showing his abilities then sulk if he doesnt get a move.
Same an advert with Red Dwarf and it struck me that Rudy looks and moves Kryten, probably unfair on Kryten..
Thanks Ian but hopefully Boro will start to give us real news to discuss soon – although not sure if the words dwarf and Gestede have ever been used in the same sentence before…
As they say, ” its the hope that kills you”
Looking at things now , its hard to think this squad can improve ,it is what it is, journeymen players , who could fit into any of the teams, from div2 to Championship , Johnson perfect example , sent on loan to Sheff Utd, squad , couldn’t get in the team,
What might have been as long flown the nest, when you look at clubs our size that have progressed and passed us by, and to think we had an headstart on many of them.
Whose fault, does it matter anymore , we all have our opinions on that, but there doesn’t seem to have been a real effort to address the mistakes.
I’m probably repeating myself for the thousandth time, but you can’t help returning to that stomach ache , you get as a fan,
Most of us know what the squad needs and has for a number of seasons, two technical fullbacks, who can defend , pace in the last third, a number 10 ,who can get a grip of the middle of the park.
We sign a dozen centre backs, and play them at full back , loan in players who sit on the bench every game (Harrison ), six strikers play one up front , turn down almost £20m ,for a player ( Ramirez)who makes it clear, he hates the place,
Get rid of the one manager , who sorted things, because a player or two didn’t like the fact he wouldn’t pick them.
I wanted to go on, but it would be blah, blah, blah?
I support Woody , because he’s taking over a disfuncional club at the top, and if he gets them going, he will be the new Jack Charlton, but I doubt it.
I’d agree with much of that GT in terms of how we’ve ended up with an unbalanced squad – just because we couldn’t sign the type of players needed shouldn’t mean we just sign another player who doesn’t fit to make up the numbers.
Thanks again Werder, have a great holiday and can not wait to read the first leader article on the first couple of games of the season.
UTB.
Thanks Borobrie and I’ll probably need another month to fully recharge the batteries. It seems as if the close season feels like it’s getting shorter and shorter – I blame women for getting good at football 😉
Thanks for the great article Werder. Have a fabublous holiday, unwind and enjoy the rest.
Looking foward to when the season starts and your mangerial skills will keep us DiasBoro players in line.
Thanks for another good article Werder… Re the Fiddler on the Roof references, we can all hope for a ‘Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles’ this coming season.
Ditto everyone about holiday and birthday.
Thanks for another great articlle Werder.
Have a great break. I am writing this in the airport before our flight to the UK and some matches come August.
I have been on holiday for nearly two weeks now. All the best for your holiday, Werder. Enjoy. Up the Boro!
I have been on holiday for over 10 years now I wonder when they want me to go back?
OFB
OFB
Today is the 29th Anniversary of my holiday having taken early retirement due to ill health on US Independence Day 1990. I certainly didn’t expect to be still around, but now have the incentive to at least reach my Pearl destination next year.
It is officially NFL Derby County.
werdermouth have a great holiday and come back recharged.
Come on BORO.
Meijas has returned to the club to act as back up to Randolph on a 2 year contract. A free agent so no fee involved and returning to a club he knows. Sounds like a sensible deal in line with the new policy. 😎
Another tick in the Pro’s column.
GHW,
Agreed. Business quietly done and completed.
UTB,
John
Another boost for Imodium sales on Teesside!
A bit of a Jason Steele Keeper, great at the diving, stretching Hollywood saves but commanding his box and organising his defence as well as coming for crosses wasn’t his strong point. Maybe the hurly burly of the Cypriot League will have sorted him out and toughened him up.
A nice lad and at least he knows the area and won’t throw a strop or hissy fit come Winter but nor would a lad from Grimsby or Gillingham with future potential. I wouldn’t be so sure about him being brought in as the No.2 either just yet!
The window is still well and truly open and I’m sure the Gazette lads already have the pre approved and authorised official storyline in draft form about what a marvellous deal it was selling Randolph at a profit especially at his age etc. etc. Expecting more of the same I’m afraid, the Chris Wilder Blades model will have resonated in more than just the MFC accounts department.
I say: welcome back, Tomas Mejias.
I believed he was unlucky throughout his first spell at the club, and I still do now, but in a different way to how I thought then.
His showings against Arsenal and in Manchester, twice, showed that there was a fine ‘keeper in there. Though you could argue that, like his manager at the time, and perhaps Patrick Bamford, he was simply so much better when the pressure was off. When he didn’t have Dimi breathing down his neck at the time of that one unfortunate mistake, which, had he not made it, “would have produced a very different result”.
Look at it this way. He’s badly out of position against Reading, he makes a fumble against Leeds, his dreadful clearance starts off the movement for a Leeds goal.
Results? 0-1, 0-1, 0-1. All of which either sucker punched Boro or denied them the chance to build their way towards a pattern of control.
Sometimes it’s not the quantity of mistakes that colours you badly, deservedly or not, but the quality.
I am glad Tomas Mejias is back as the fight for the understudy to Randolph will now intensify among the young ones. Plus if Randolph is sold, Mejias is older and wiser so should be able to play the role he was bought for a few years ago.
UTB
Bri.
Emilio Nsue is out of contract after a fall out with APOEL earlier this year when his contract was terminated. Fill the wide right role, another budget signing and the same age as Mejias. I think Barragan is still under contract fortunately.
So with 3 young goalies out in Austria, Gazette says JW will not be in a hurry to add to that position until he has looked at the youngsters.
Well just goes to show what they know. Look like loans for them at best. Bring backs never work.
Interesting article.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-7214509/Middlesbroughs-new-bombshell-accusations-Garry-Monk.html
Not sure how accurate this is but it does paint a poor picture of life behind the scenes at MFC.
So Monk and his agent were up to no good. My concern is that the Management at MFC seemed oblivious to what was going on.
Putting aside the morality of Monk and Featherstone who as yet are just subject to suspicion rather than having been convicted of anything and who I am sure will have their own version of events, the level of internal Club stupidity and incompetence in all that is frankly staggering. Backing your Manager is one thing but nobody anywhere would have paid more than £2.5M for Fletcher then and now. The Cyrus Christie fee was around a reasonable going rate and in my opinion was value for money at the price paid but had somebody wanted double that then you would just laugh and walk away. Shotton seemed a bit steep but not beyond the realms of being reasonable and has since arguably proved to have been worth the outlay.
The fact that nobody at the Cub challenged or indeed simply said “yer jokin aren’t yer” at the time especially with the Johnson and Fletcher deals beggars belief. That those are the same individuals who were sat at the top table a few weeks ago telling us how this is a bold new exciting future for Boro and that JW was the stand out candidate does not bode well at all. You can’t fix things by papering over cracks and not going to the source of the problem.
Heaven help them when they get the knocks on the door from travelling workers telling them their roof needs doing or its their lucky day because they have just resurfaced the M25 at Thornaby and can do them a fantastic deal on a tarmac driveway.
Or the text message from Bet365 “you have just won 6.5million” (that’s the one I usually get).
Come to think of it, that’s around the price we paid for fletch!
Old Billy
Thanks for that makes interesting reading
OFB
OFB
It sure does, but if true it doesn’t reflect too well on MFC. Though I’m always a little sceptical about journalistic investigation after the stories that followed Paul Daniels on his marriage to Debbie McGee and his so called treatment to his former wife Jackie which I knew to be untrue.
It certainly makes interesting reading but perhaps lacks credible evidence of what was allegedly going on as it has not been pursued to full blown litigation.
Nevertheless it is another example of a lack of control and oversight at MFC which does not reflect well on the owner and his executive team! 😎
So its FL Chelsea!
Wonder if young Clarke at Leeds had not took ill at the Riverside allowing the ref to add 11 minutes of injury time, and Leeds equalising in the 11th minute of that stoppage time.
If only Boro cleared that final cross into the box they would have gained two more points and left Derby in 7th spot outside the play offs. Would Chelsea still have gone for FL or decided to wait and let him continue his “education” in the Championship. small margins eh.
Come on Old Billy, ‘if only’ again. Every club could reflect on those two words.
My ” if only” Ken is nothing to do with typical Boro, we were robbed. It was to question if Chelsea would have appointed Frank had he not made the play offs and to show the fine margins involved.
I, like many others had written off Boro’s chances after the six game losing streak
It’s all “ smoke and mirrors” RR.
IF there has been “illegal” wrongdoing why after a year has nothing progressed, apart from this leak to the Mail Newspaper?
No, just more proof at how incompetent MFC have been. Ultimately I assume Bauser took the cheque to Mr Gibson and says, Steve can you sign this please. (What is it) It’s the down payment for young Fletcher. A snip at 6.5 million. Got to act fast before anybody else gazumps us.
As we have all said before. You could just not make this up. The asylum of MFC ran by the lunatics.
Who sanctioned and brought in Guedioura and Gestede prior to Monk arriving and then shortly afterwards on the back of it sacked the Manager when it was clear he could no longer keep us in the Premiership? Who prior to that signed and approved Guzan, Barragan, Fischer and Valdes and Co.?
That brings me to the amounts splashed on Flint and Saville well after Monk had gone and then there is the amount paid out to loan Hugill when we played with just one up front and already had three recognised Strikers on the books. Britt at £15m, Rudy at £6m and Ashley Fletcher at £6.5m, that’s £27.5m pounds worth of Strikers at the Club yet we needed another one but had just sold Bamford who had scored something like 9 goals in 8 games before being concussed and then sent to Coventry seemingly by Pulis before being transferred.
Blame the Gazette, blame Derby County for alleged FFP breaches, blame Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, blame Bernie Slaven, blame agents, blame Garry Monk etc, There seems to be an awful lot of blame and a bit of a siege mentality which historically is usually the beginning of the end of most empires. Once the cracks start appearing its very difficult to shore the walls up indefinitely.
All we need now is the propaganda machine to go into full overdrive. We are not quite at the “Comical Ali” stage of “no American tanks in Baghdad” yet but some of the stuff I’ve been reading and now ignoring seems to be heading in that direction. It will be interesting to see the “U” turn and who was to blame when, as it eventually does with all Managers, goes pear shaped because clearly it wont be those at the top who carry the can.
At least Paddy McNair was a good sensible signing for the Club that we were repeatedly told ad nauseam were skint thanks to the previous Manager (not the Clubs CFO or administrative hierarchy).
Reading the article had me shaking my head. What on earth was going on at the club?
It is not surprising that there appeared to be no coherent plan on the pitch because there doesn’t seem to have been one behind the scenes either.
All the above, and more, is simply the validation of the stuff which has been said on this blog by me (and others)
The hurtful thing is, that these things are easy scams to pull at any football club, and hurt nobody but the fans and the club.
Of course they provide, as we have seen (and suffered) the conditions for the decline of said club (and, in extreme cases the extinction).
The only remedy is the absolute control of the owner, with the proviso that he be a fan. Any independent actions of any employee is a most dangerous thing when it comes to enormous sums of cash leaving the club.
I think we can say that in total when added up, the various managers have wasted much money without having any discernible idea what they were doing, and it all went one way, out of the club.
There was one honourable exception, AK, his buying and selling made quite an amount of money for the club. Plus of course promotion, but the players were unhappy at such success, and the idea of firing them like a rocket was not to be contemplated, so we are where we are.
Hells bells, having read the latest blog posts I made a coffee and then sat down and read The Mail article. I find it hard to believe that nobody in a senior position at the club sat down with them and spelt it out. Break the conditions and you are gone, but the rules and conditions seem to have been ignored, repeatedly. Slack process and and communication gives the devious all the opportunities they need to exploit and deny and cloud the issue. In a way the slackness almost condones the behaviour.
How come the club is investigating now when there clear signs that something was going on behind the scenes?
I hope that after the latest change in playing philosophy there has also been a change in management, communication and fiscal philosophy to go with it.
Monk must be almost unemployable now but what does he care with all that money squirrelled away.
UTB,
John
I have to disagree with Bernie Slaven over Braithwaite. For one thing MFC can’t afford his wages, and secondly having scanned through the gallery slides in Austria to me he still appears to have that surly petulant appearance. One slide showed him on his mobile phone probably talking with his agent with the words ‘I’m an international footballer, get me out of here! ‘ Contrast that with the smiles of Tomas Mejias Osario and the welcoming he received from the players who played and knew him.
Whilst I accept that he is probably the best footballer at the club how can he be trusted given his previous behaviour.
This is the player who went on social media to pledge his allegiance to the club and fans and within a couple of months was demanding to be transferred.
What evidence is there that we won’t have a similar situation if the season does not start well or if agents get up to their usual shenanigans. Leopards and spots come to my mind.
If possible, move him on and look to invest in those who really want to play for us. 😎
How much of his behaviour was solely down to him. He signed for Monk presumably after being sold on the then project. TP arrived and as he has done at his previous clubs seemingly had poor relations with his strikers (based on he leaves them to their own devices in training allegedly). Britt was often singled out, Paddy sold, Rudy injured and dropped, Ashley banished until the brown stuff hit the fan at the end of last season and even Hugill was reduced to cameo’s.
Isolated, adrift, friendless and having to plough a very lonely and thankless furrow what’s a striker to do and that’s the one that is actually being selected and played? Maybe we can’t afford him now and we do need to get shot but clearly he wasn’t the only one disillusioned under the Pulis dream. A few thousand fans shared the same foreboding. Stay and be left on the bench or get the heck out and get game time elsewhere and put yourself in the shop window. How many of us actually believed everything TP told us?
Whether he is or isn’t what he was painted to be it looks like the club need to raise some cash and therefore sell him regardless. They won’t get the best price by castigating him as a maverick or troublemaker and if they are stuck with him then better to have him on board as much as possible.
Elsewhere, I have found someone dumber than MFC.
A report on BBC talks about a chap whose uninsured Lamborghini had been confiscated by the police. He went to the station to reclaim the car driving another uninsured Lambo.
The two Lambo’s are happily reunited in a police compound.
Redcar Red
Braithwaite was adrift before TP got to the club.
It was under TP that he was alleged to have said last season that he didn’t want to return to the Club. From memory he was loaned out in the January window just after TP took over? Under GM I think most of the first team squad was adrift or at least that’s how his tactics certainly made them look!
Whatever happened and however it turns out it wasn’t the cleverest deal for either the Player or the Club. Whilst I find the Mejias deal a little perplexing at least we know he wants to be here. How to identify the mindsets of Players we don’t know and haven’t yet signed is a little more difficult but all the more reason to do the due diligence in detail.
When my son texted me to say we were re-signing Tomas Mejias I thought he was winding me up. The guy is so good he’s been playing in the Cyprus league I believe.
I assume he’s cheap and Woody doesn’t think he’ll need to use him.
As for Monk, who knows where the truth lies, although I wouldn’t expect to find it in the Daily Mail.
Monks career prospects have taken a hit though with such allegations floating around.
An interesting and perhaps relevant topic lies with the Sunderland Keeper Jon McLaughlin. Its “rumoured” that we and a few other clubs are interested in him (presumably if Randolph goes) if indeed the Mejias signing wasn’t instead of him. Now Sunderland originally signed the 31 year old on a free from Hearts having played for Burton Albion and both Harrogate Railway and Town previously in his career.
Again its “rumoured” that the Black Cats have already rejected advances and turned down a £1m offer from somewhere this Summer. How much is he really worth and how much would you or I be prepared to sanction to sign him? Sunderland have already signed Coventry City’s out of contract Keeper Lee Burge (26 years old) which has intensified speculation that McLaughlin is packing his bags.
He done well last season but hardly has the pedigree at 31 to make him worth several million. The answer of course is whatever a club is prepared to pay but for me £500k tops and maybe very reluctantly a million. Should we get a serious offer for Randolph which I fear will be the case then does that mean that because we have a few million in the bank we should be carefree in how we spend it? I hope not!
Leopards and spots! 😎
It might be fair to say that being the reserve keeper of a club is one of the hardest and most thankless roles in football. Of all the positions it’s the one where managers really can’t rotate. Those of us of a certain age will remember the endless issues around Clemence and Shilton alternating playing for England. In a team you really only want your backup keeper to play in an emergency because you need the consistency that having your number one play in every game plays. Your backup then has to have the mindset where if he sits on the bench for every minute of the season that the team have had a good season.
However the rest of the team have to trust him completely so that when he’s called on it doesn’t turn an emergency into a crisis. This means that your backup pretty much already has to be as good as he’s going to get because a young reserve keeper is literally wasting his time on the bench and not improving. The backup keeper also has to be good enough that if the number one’s standards slip, the backup can step in.
Meijas is as good as he’s going to get and is clearly content to come back as a back-up. If we sell Randolph, or he gets injured, then Meijas can do a job though I am not convinced that he’s good enough to be a permanent first choice keeper for a club challenging for promotion from the Championship. If we lost Randolph permanently then I think we would be looking at fast-tracking Pears with Meijas to step in if Pears doesn’t make the grade.
I think Mejias could plug a gap over say two games or so. If Randolph (assuming its him and not a.n.other) was out injured long term then I suspect that Mejias may also be simultaneously crocked to allow us to bring in an emergency loan keeper.
Of course there is the possibility that Mejias could step in and shock us all in which case good luck to him but I doubt many on here would be willing to part with hard cash in those circumstances.
https://twitter.com/everythingmfc/status/1147155065309978625?s=21
It’s half time in Austria but this a link to the YouTube channel of the game.
Just watched the first half of the match against Grazer AK which we are losing
1-0. Very much a makeshift side and difficult to draw any conclusions but did not spot anything glaringly different. Ayala came of after 20 mins so not a good sign unless that was planned.
Looks like the team in the second half will have more of the familiar names, Shotton, Fletcher, Wing etc. 😎
What a tragic story of 78 year old Albert Grannon accidentally but fatally shooting his great grandson in his garden with an unlicensed firearm. He has been sent to 3 years imprisonment but shown no remorse and is now an outcast in what had been a close-knit family. My eyes were filled with tears on reading his 6 year old great grandson Stanley Metcalf’s last words before he died “Why have you shot me, grandad?”
Ken,
I suspect that the air rifle in question was a gas discharge model that has to be charged by pump or cylinder and unlike air rifle up to 12 ft lb pressure you have to have a fire arms certificate to buy one. That begs the question of how he came to have one. A ten round magazine and cleaning the gun in a room with the family around him and safety obviously off. It beggars belief. He’s in the right place.
On an infinitely lighter note I’m eagerly waiting for the EG’s ‘Five things we learned from last night’s friendly’ article.
UTB,
John
I was not able to log in to see the highlights of yesterday’s match. Has anyone had the same problem @mfc.co.uk.
Re: Mejias
I think we can asume that Randoph is happy to stay at Boro now. If he is in no rush to move on, it must take a huge fee to get him away from the Riverside. And then we have no problem to hire a replacement.
Up the Boro!
Jarkko
If you are trying to login via a lap top/iPhone then yes there is a problem with the log in facility.
I have made MFC aware and they have been trying to identify the problem for a few weeks now. Told me on Friday that their video partners had identified the problem and were looking to fix shortly.
If you have an iPad then you should not have a problem logging in.
If not then on your laptop you will need to keep scrolling down the page until you find the log in page which you may have to adjust the page size to enable you to insert your log in details/password manually if you do not have the machine set up to do it for you automatically.
Hope this is of help and that you are able to resolve the problem. 😎
Thanks, KP. Yes, I needed to scroll down to the end of the page and sign manually again. I am using an Android tablet. Not that there was much to see from Boro’s point of view.
Anyway, we had trained twice a day before the match and still once before the match. So the result was not that important.
Let’s hope we will sign some speedy forwards or wide players and also cover for full backs soon. The window is open for less than a month now.
Up the Boro!
Quite a furore on here when JW was appointed. Frank Lampard has his own chequered past when he was young, and Jody Morris (Lampard’s assistant) makes JW look like an Altar Boy.
I think Lampard is on a hiding to nothing, he’s in the middle of a transfer embargo and they’ve just sold one of the best players in the world. I predict it will all end in tears. I also think Solskjaar will be gone by Christmas.
Yes, just like when Mogga came back.
Leave the past as it is.
Leaving his Ayia Napa holiday to one side his 9/11 comments were reprehensible and made worse by the claim that he allegedly has a high IQ. Standards. Morals and principles, without them society will slide towards an ever increasing normalisation of what is acceptable.
We have massive problems in our society that were rare twenty, thirty or so years ago and more so forty or fifty years ago. Unpleasant things that are now just everyday occurrences in todays media will continue increasing. At what point will it either tip or stop and who will be to blame or shoulder responsibility?
Locally our younger generation read and even look up to Gazette articles about local vermin rather than say the likes of Gareth Southgate or George Friend (to bring it back to football theme). I’m by no means perfect (far from it) but to me toleration is submission and acceptance. You can guess how I hope FLCFC’s season goes.
Like a lot of people I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching the Women’s World Cup. I reckon the best compliment I can pay the girls is that I no longer think of it as Ladies football, more just another game of footy to watch.
And of course, sports fans always think fourth in the world is failure. They never give credit for achievement.
Expectations Ian. For most people unfortunately they are too high and never achieved. Therefore their life is one of unfullfilment.
Woodgate took part in a question and answer session with FourFourTwo when he was a Boro player and that interview has been published in Boro Tales. Here is one example.
Q: What’s the most ridiculous rumour or news story that you’ve heard about yourself? Burning £50 notes in front of supporters?
JW: Yes probably. If my friends or my family saw me do something as daft as that then I’d probably get a slap. I’d love to meet whoever it is that starts off these rumours. They are unbelievable.
I think this rumour can be forgotten now.
Up the Boro!
Got in with some planting to so thought I would have a glance at the score. I will leave GHW on tenterhooks!
PS England women’s cricket against the Aussies at Canterbury.
With a new manager there will be new bonding in that dressing room of ours. What will make Woody in his newfound manager-player relationship is when and how much he bonds. Manager-player bonding, or player-player bonding, or even owner-manager bonding, is where the “why” isn’t important because in the midst of a club is an environment where everyone needs to be found. To belong. But they are, more importantly, places where everyone needs to work. You’re paid to score a goal? Do it. You’re paid to complete a passing movement? Do it. You’re paid to save shots and inspire your backline? Do it. You’re paid to lead the team to triumph? Do it. Better to earn respect through success than to be loved. Otherwise a job isn’t a job, but just a series of temporary means to superficially appealing ends.
A new manager, just like a player, also needs to accept that not everyone is always going to be there for him when he needs them to be. And that the best moments may well occur unplanned but you don’t enter the club without a plan. Like a guy I’ll just call Mr. Manager.
Mr. Manager* didn’t have a plan. Mr. Manager thought he could just bring in a group of classy, highly-paid names, fantasy football style, and that they would take care of business. To his horror, although he shouldn’t have been surprised, he found his team trailing 2-0, at half-time, to a team with significantly less class in their ranks. He exploded at his players, wondering how a team who earned half as much as the opposition seemed to care ten times less. That wasn’t the case. His team simply wasn’t a team, just a group of misfits. Not that Mr. Manager noticed. He merely pointed the finger at everyone, shouting “What am I supposed to do?”
Mr. Striker (not Ted, the hero of Airplane! – just a name I made up) stepped forward and said, “Maybe we should have a plan, Gaffer?”. The duo nearly ended up in a brawl. But Mr. Striker was serious. He only wanted Mr. Manager to understand that a lot of routine, boring stuff if you will, comes before the glory, and it’s not just about leaving it to the players. Sadly, routine didn’t appeal to Mr. Manager. He just wanted to be like, and be liked by, everybody in the dressing room. Not possible. Chandler Bing discovered that when he got promoted and found that his former workmates couldn’t BE any less enamoured of him.
Acclaim, attention and all that? It’s nice. But it’ll come to Woody, or any new manager, if he doesn’t try so hard for it. Earn respect not without trying, but by without trying too hard. That separates the determined from the desperate.
Hope that made sense.
(*Based on a real-life situation. Of sorts.)
Africa Cup of Nations debutants Madagascar produced another upset to beat DR Congo 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and seal a quarter-final spot..A farytale for the islanders but a huge dissapointment for our Britt, who started the game for Congo.
Next, I wonder how long holiday is given for Britt before he needs to report back for training. He needs some rest as the Champioship season is long and demanding. And we will need his goals next season.
Up the Boro!
Vinny Jones was not one of my favourites footballers by any stretch of the imagination, but my sympathies go out to him and his family after the death of his wife Tanya in Los Angeles to cervical cancer at the young age of 52. My wife lost her battle with that form of cancer at the age of 67 which I thought robbed her of 10/15 years of her life, but 52 years of age is even a harder age to bear.
RIP Tanya.
Cliff Mitchell wrote about the Middlesbrough v Army XI
Special Floodlight Attraction at Ayresome Park 23/11/59.
Interestibg to note that he called the home team all the time “Middlesbrough” – not the Boro.
Also, he spelled Tees-side like this. Of course the language changes all the time.
I am still interested to know if it was ‘Borough before Boro. And when the Boro was used for the first time.
Up the Boro!
Jarkko
As I mentioned before it’s a new one on me. I’ve always seen them referred to as ‘The Boro’ because we were unique, the only club with Boro as part of their name albeit spelt ‘Bro’. For example I don’t recall Peterborough being called anything other than Posh, but Stevenage Borough dropped the name Borough from their name two or three years ago although their fans still call them ‘Boro’, but not ‘The Boro’. Similarly Scarborough were known as ‘Boro’ to their fans when they were a League club, but reformed as Scarborough Athletic some years later and are now known as ‘Athletic’ whilst Eastbourne Borough are known as plain ‘Boro’ to their fans. Whether all this is to do with Middlesbrough being pronounced differently as Middlesbro instead of Middles-borough I don’t know.
However the National media call us plain Boro but locals never referred to us without the definite article in my youth. It was always ‘come on The Boro’ not ‘come on Boro’ but of course nowadays one hears both used. As for the spelling being Borough you might be right, but as I say, I cannot recall seeing that being used to describe the Football Club, although it may well have been used when referring to the town.
On another matter does anyone know why I have now to enter the columns Email (required) and Name (required) each time I post on this forum? It is so tiresome. I only had to register the once when I first joined Casforum and can just send my contributions without the hassle of repeating that information as long as I post under the correct subject matter.
Have you possibly changed your settings Ken? If you are automatically erasing history then that can have the effect of “logging” you out. Then you have to log in every time.
I have had similar problems when Windows 10 ( therefore Windows Edge) has had a new update. Do not have the same problems normally with Chrome.
If I use my iPad, because I login to the home screen with a fingerprint, usually I can enter direct into most applications like google mail without signing in.
Things are quiet at the club just now.
Has Woodgate had a message from Mr Gibson, to do what you can with what you have got ?
I see that Mr Monk has issued a statement regarding the alleged allegations around transfer dealings involving his agent Mr Featherstone.
With regards to MFC and the length of time, I do hope that they have all their ducks in a row. Why is it taking so long,if indeed there are illegalities. Or is it a case or no real case to answer and trial by media leaks?
If MFC was a relative I would be very concerned about their state of mind right now. Either that or they need to put their big boy pants on, unfortunately I think its a case of the former. I’m now waiting for investigations into transfers and loan deals under TP and maybe we can go back as far as Stan Anderson. I’m sure Ken can recall some strange deals historically.
The Fletcher fee was eye watering but no less shocking than the Guedioura and Gestede deals which effectively done for Karanka. Does that mean AK has a legal argument over his position being made deliberately untenable? The unpleasant banning of a season card holder over the behaviour of those Blackburn players was still fresh and raw. To me the timing and signing of Gestede was in very poor taste and a far more questionable decision than Ashley Fletcher. Afonso Alves wasn’t exactly the best bit of business that MFC have concluded and who can forget the embarrassment that was Lee Dong Gook.
Looking at Monks signings, Shotton seems to have done a job after an indifferent start but worth the fee paid. Howson hasn’t replicated his previous goal scoring feats but playing in a tactically strangled side didn’t help and if we want to finger point about non scoring midfielders being overpriced then who wanted and signed Downing and Saville, certainly not Monk?
Cyrus Christie was at times errant when it came to defending but I personally missed him and lamented his sale and had he been played with three CB’s then who knows how he could have worked under TP? Worth noting though that it was implied at the time that he was sold for a profit despite the fee being undisclosed. Braithwaite can play football and does seem to have had his issues which initially was blamed on his wife not settling through to disillusionment with TP’s style of football. I’m not sure like Fischer before him if we ever got to see the real Dane deal.
Britt Assombalonga has a pedigree of scoring goals but not as a lone striker, we can hardly blame Garry Monk for that and at the time of his signing he was being courted elsewhere. Considering that we hadn’t had a goal scoring striker since Viduka and JFH the club and fans were crying out for goals at the time. Value wise had he been played to his strengths he may have scored another half dozen goals at least and his value wouldn’t be remotely in question.
Darren Randolph has been a more than decent Keeper and generally acknowledged to be the best in the division and certainly the best Boro Keeper since the big Aussie plus his value certainly hasn’t decreased despite his age. George Miller was just a low cost punt and Lewis Baker was yet another Chelsea loanee of which we have had quite a few at the Riverside. Another loan Connor Roberts has since gone on to be a regular at Swansea so hardly a poor decision in hindsight and certainly nowhere near the inferred “costs” of Hugill’s loan fee (which wasn’t under Monk’s tenure).
Apart from the exorbitant Fletcher fee (which is certainly no worse that the Alves and Gestede deals) the only other stand out one was Johnson from Pep Clotet’s Oxford and even he scored on his debut with a daisy cutter from memory.
Due diligence exists in all businesses to a lesser or greater extent. It exists in everyday domestic life or at least it does in my household when my youngest asked for a new pair of Trainers for College that “he needs” at an eyewatering several hundred pounds. Despite petulance and protestations a “compromise” was reached at a lower price point at around 50% of that original “need” which still makes my eyes water and feel I’ve been stitched up. Was it really that difficult to see that Fletcher had done nothing at that point to suggest that fee was VFM? Saying that the lad is still young and f he gets a run this season alongside Britt and bangs in 15 to 20 goals then GM may have the last laugh. Imagine the awkward embarrassment if he gets sold for double that fee which is still possible for his age.
Whatever Monk done or didn’t do at Birmingham if it wasn’t for him they would be in League One with Sunderland and probably not recovering anytime soon and more than likely spiralling into League Two. Have the Blues been as consistent in questioning Harry’s deals which after all is what landed them in their present state? Monk performed nothing less than a miracle when he kept them up against all the odds and had it not been for the points deduction last season may even have had them getting close to a play off challenge. That points deduction was as a result of previous gross incompetence and mismanagement well before Monk’s arrival and without that they may have gate-crashed the Play Off party.
With Leeds and Cellino he had them with their best chance of a return to the Premiership since their spectacular fall from grace (bit of a theme perhaps) which only petered out in their final few games. Had he made the Play Offs and won promotion I doubt if any Leeds fan or Director would have been overly bothered about any transactions in the Championship. Certainly SG and many of us saw enough to think that he could maybe go a step further at the Riverside. With all of the fall out at Elland Road with their fans when he didn’t sign a new contract I would have thought that an opportune moment to air their dirty washing?
Today’s Football and agents is rife with “deals”. I always wondered how we ended up with so many Spanish players under AK but never thought he was “at it” (and still don’t to be clear). The very worst of it was sadly illustrated with poor Emiliano Sala who should never have been placed in that ridiculous situation with the clubs now seemingly blaming the agent and even arguing that he was/wasn’t their player.
Whatever went on and presumably learnt from under Monk didn’t seem to resonate within the Club when we were paying out big fees for Flint, Saville and McNair and remember there but for the grace of yet another agent we could have been lumbered with Mo Besic on a big fee and another three or four years on a hefty contract. McNair was at least wanted elsewhere so his fee was inflated by other suitors but its clear that the Manager didn’t want or at east didn’t rate him so why did we sign him and who sanctioned it? Like Gestede and Fletcher, Saville and Flint can’t be blamed for the Club paying silly fees but does that rationale only apply to certain Managers as and when?
GM is undoubtedly a marmite character and one who seemingly comes across to many (with biased hindsight) as greasy and smarmy and a bit of a “Monkbot”. None of us however can help the physog we have been dealt and its hardly an indication of guilt. Football is a mucky business nowadays with many very unpleasant things associated with it and not just at or with MFC. My worry however is that I’m now waiting for an inevitable half time proclamation from the West Stand Upper from someone bedecked in a white robe and crown of laurel wreath screaming “Infamy! Infamy! They’ve all got it in for me!” Just who will be playing the part of Marcus Junius Brutus could prove interesting in that scenario.
What is going on with MFC, they have be very carefull regarding all of these recent allegations , towards other clubs and people within the game, it might end up nobody wanting to deal with them ,
Other clubs might believe they act in bad faith and not trust them.
Players may be put off , wondering if they are a club that have internal issues ,it sure seems like that .
It looks to me like we won’t be making any signings of significance, and a period of stagnation seems the order of the day,
Four weeks to go, before the off, and a lot of clubs seem to be plugging holes, I see Fulham the strongest team, I had Leeds next before selling Johansen ,the best pure defensive centre back in the league, Bristol C have made some excellent signings, including a top goalkeeper, the usual ones haven’t lost any of their top players ,so things on our part at the moment doesn’t give you a real buzz, I see at best tenth or eleventh .
I was hoping although its getting late,we would have sold those players who have maybe become stale and replaced with new players with a new attitude and ability .
Come on Gibbo and management let’s get going .
Yes, a dragging of feet it appears,
Pedro
I suspect it will be difficult to see any feet being dragged, more like in concrete than treacle.
The difficulty is we dont see what is going on in the background though I expect five things you didn’t know about tumbleweed in the Gazette shortly.
I was surprised that the Gazette didn’t run with ten reasons why the Vatican had to run with Vlad Putin last week instead of the Pope’s preferred audience with Woody, cancelled because of his Alpine expedition!
I see Neymar hasn’t turned up for Training with PSG amid rumours he is trying to force through a move to Barca. The Club apparently “regrets the situation” yet his Father says that there is no big deal and that PSG have known about this for over a year and that there is no sinister mystery and that he is simply he is doing some work for his Foundation Charity this week and will be returning on July 15th as he apparently had previously informed them some time ago.
I wonder if he likes Parmos?
The Emerson of PSG …
Up the Boro!
Maybe Boro should email a menu selection as a little tempter? Football themed and show Boro as a stepping stone on the way to Barca in two years time.
UTB,
John
It seems to me that all this talk of which manager bought or sold the best / worst player in the best /worst deal is missing the point. And what would that point be, I hear you say?
It is not the role of the manager to be spending piles of money on assorted players as he walks through the door, all with lightening speed and instant judgements being made by him. That way lies madness.
A football club is a permanent entity, always looking for good young players, just ready to take that big step which leads to fame and fortune.
If you are going to buy when you need, then you are looking for a giant coincidence, which introduces far too much chance into the equation. I suppose the truth is, it matters not if your scouts report that they have spotted the greatest young prospect they have ever seen when you are well covered in that position. You can always make money out of talent, just buy him and enjoy.
It follows that you should be equally ruthless about selling, allow no one a seasons grace, if their time has come, then they should go, at once.
Looks like a few of the Championship teams are starting to make inroads with their new signings.
I wonder when The Boro will make their first “meaningful” one?
Pedro
Once one or more of our players have departed and generated the funds to spend methinks! 😎
Mejias was brought in early enough what more do we want?
Just no pleasing some people Pedro. The “Inner Party” will no doubt inform the “Outer Party” when news of such things become available to feed down to the uneducated and under appreciative Proletariat. Until then rejoice in todays approved good news stories in the Gazette and Echo, independent objective Journalism at its finest.
We have until 5pm on Thursday 8th August to conclude all our deals and no doubt we will pull some crackers at around 4pm when bums start squeaking in the Premiership and the Championship. We can then also read of the great rejoicing about how we managed to get all our targets in and that selling Randolph and Britt at 3.30pm was always part of the great new plan. Woody can then follow TP and say “look how much money I’ve saved this club”.
The local Press will then roll in under the cover of darkness on the eve of the 9th with their “Five things you don’t understand about how great our Transfer business really was” assuming of course that they haven’t already used that one up in their daily “Sun has got his hat on” spin stories. Its almost incredible how we have gone from hardly any news emanating from MFC since July 2017 and the reporting restrictions on Jonathan Taylor and Dominic Shaw to the total cascading overload from the PR Machine these last few weeks.
As some of you may have guessed I’m not in favour of the Woodgate appointment but all this shimmery shiny stuff coming out of the great PR bubble machine is building up gullible hope among some and with it expectations at an unreasonable level. The Manager is raw and inexperienced, so is his support Team. What has happened to the supposed (or was it just rumoured) Director of Football coming in, has it become a Riverside Towers version of “Ssshhh don’t mention the DOF”?
Several Players left the Club in the summer and Boro are still stuck with a few that they don’t want and likely mutually don’t want to be here. Obvious glaring gaps in the squad from last season have yet to be filled let alone replacing the gaps from those who have physically left. Mikel, Besic, Downing and Hugill may not have pulled up tree stumps but they were always part of the matchday squad with at least three from four regularly involved.
I would have thought that questions addressing things that fans are genuinely concerned about should be higher up the local Press agenda. Throw in that Dimi, Lonergan, McQueen and Leadbitter have gone from the start of last season and the question marks over Gestede, Braithwaite and Johnson all punch a huge hole in Woodgate’s resources compared with what TP had to operate with. As it stands I make it that Woodgate has twenty players including Mejias and Randolph and the youngsters Wood and Walker. That leaves sixteen experienced out field players, ten of which will be starting games leaving just six spare of which three are Braithwaite, Gestede and Johnson.
In fairness maybe the Gazette and Echo have asked questions but under the terms of the restrictions being lifted perhaps censorship was one of the key concessions for the ending of hostilities. Reading these daily spin stories are somewhat akin to watching Eammon Andrews wheeling out vague acquaintances on “This is your life” recalling anecdotes about someone’s past that even they had trouble recollecting. Control of the Press is not healthy, it was blatantly clear last season when the word was given that it was open season on TP. Clearly the rumblings of discord amongst the Riverside crowd along with the odd banner was enough to condemn TP to the journalistic guillotine.
This thin veil of illusion will only stretch so far and for so long. Surrounding themselves with sycophants willing to pat them on the back whilst ignoring the blindingly obvious doesn’t bode well. You can only fool some of the people some of the time. Meanwhile lets ask the Captain what he thinks of his new Manager.
RR
I was talking to one of the Boro coaching staff a few days ago and I asked about the Director of Football role.
He replied that as far as he was aware the although he wasn’t a football man Adrian Bevington was going to do that role because of his contacts within the game..,,
Only passing on whT I was told don’t shoot the messenger!
OFB
OFB
If true it must be down to the incredible turnaround in Boro’s fortunes since he arrived at the Club, removes tongue from cheek.
Another control measure from the “Inner Party” it seems, rewarding poor performances by patting themselves on the back. Its like a script from Little Britain or should that be Little Boro, “write the theme tune, sing the theme tune…..”
What’s the big deal about qualifying to play in Europe , we play there every summer ,
Next game at home against top French team
.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a long historical blog of the Boro’s record under Steve McClaren which got lost in space and wrote that it was impossible for me to re-write it. At the time frustration got the better of me and I wrote that as those years were fairly recent I perhaps should end my historical journey there. I had already posted a summary of McClaren’s first season and on reflection it was too ambitious of me to review his last four seasons in one blog. However, like him or loathe him it would be churlish of me not to review McClaren’s last four seasons as he was the Boro’s most successful manager ever, of that there can be no doubt. So I intend to now review his second and third seasons and complete his last years sometime in the future. So bear with me; I don’t like to be beaten and I feel there is unfinished business to report. I might even find it cathartic.
Steve McClaren had ended his first season as the Boro’s manager just as he had started it with 4 successive defeats, but in between the Boro had finished mid-table and also reached the Semifinal of the FA Cup. Pre-season to McClaren’s second season the Boro became the third biggest spenders in the Premier League. Having turned over no fewer than 24 players during his first season, McClaren was determined to rebuild a team that was fit for purpose for his second one. His first signing was Massimo Maccarone from Empoli for £8.15m followed later by George Boateng from Aston Villa for £5m to form a trio of signings from Birmingham’s biggest club in little over 12 months. Geremi arrived from Real Madrid after having spent a loan period with Chelsea, and Juninho returned from Atletico Madrid for £3.8m. Outgoing transfers included Paul Ince, Robbie Mustoe, Gianluca Festa and Phil Stamp.
In the meantime McClaren relinquished his coaching duties with England but unfortunately Juninho snapped his cruciate ligament in his left knee during the pre-season which sidelined him until February. However the other 3 signings made their debuts at Southampton in a goalless draw. Despite winning 3 of their first home matches against Blackburn 1-0, Sunderland 3-0 and Birmingham 1-0 Boro lost their next two away matches until facing Tottenham at White Hart Lane in late September where goals from Maccarone, Geremi and Joseph -Desire Job brought a 3-0 win and raising Boro to the dizzy heights of 3rd in the League. Boro followed that three days later with a 4-1 win at Brentford in the League Cup and a 2-0 League win at home to Bolton Wanderers.
Boro’s away form thereafter was woeful with 8 successive defeats without scoring a goal. They even lost at 1st Division Ipswich in the League Cup and that looked to be another away defeat without scoring until Frank Quedrue scored a late consolation in a 1-3 defeat. Needless to say Boro also lost 0-1 at Chelsea in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup also. However their home form was the complete opposite with 7 wins and 5 draws in an unbeaten run of their first dozen home matches. Both sequences were broken though in the following 3 matches. Firstly Boro’s unbeaten home record was smashed by Aston Villa 2-5, then Boro went on an unbeaten run of 8 matches by drawing 1-1 at Liverpool and then winning 3-1 at Sunderland where newly acquired Chris Riggott scored twice and Malcolm Christie scored once. Boro also bought Doriva and Michael Ricketts in the January transfer window, the former to become a great favourite in the ensuing years, the latter not so.
Astonishingly in midweek a crowd of 19,450 turned up for Juninho’s comeback in a reserve fixture with Bradford City and a further 32,473 four days later when he scored on his third debut in the 1-1 draw with Everton. A new ground record of 32,473 was then broken for the midweek clash with Newcastle which Boro won 1-0 with a Geremi goal. Ten days later Juninho scored again at Elland Road as Boro beat Leeds United 3-2 and the unbeaten run continued with a home draw against Charlton, a 3-0 home win against West Bromwich Albion and a goalless draw at Maine Road against Manchester City which took Boro up to 9th in the League. The run was broken by Arsenal at the Riverside and Boro lost their remaining 3 away matches, although in between they did beat Tottenham again, this time 5-1 their biggest win of the season.
Boro finished 11th having accumulated 49 points with only 2 home defeats but only 3 away wins. Maccarone was top scorer with 9 goals from 26 starts with Geremi scoring 7 from 33 appearances, but perhaps Szilard Nemeth should receive a special mention as he also scored 7 goals from 15 starts and 13 substitute appearances. Also Malcolm Christie scored 4 from 11 appearances and Juninho’s 3 came from only 9 starts and one substitute appearance. However Jonathan Greening was voted player of the year.
In the summer of 2002 McClaren bought yet another ex-Villa player on a one year contract, defender Alan Wright plus 3 players on loan – Bouldewijn ‘Bolo’ Zenden from Chelsea, Danny Mills from Leeds United, and perhaps the most famous one of all, Gaizka Mendieta from Lazio. Rome’s second club had previously bought the Spanish midfielder from Valencia only two years previously for a fee reputed to be £28.9m.
On the playing front Boro made a poor start to the 2003/04 season losing 4 of their first 5 matches to languish second from bottom in the League table. They won their 6th match 1-0 at home to Everton with a goal from Joseph-Desire Job, after which they beat Brighton 1-0 at home in extra time in the League Cup with a goal from Malcolm Christie. Despite Christie scoring again 3 days later in a 1-0 win at Southampton, successive home defeats to Chelsea and Newcastle United had Boro still in the bottom three with a mere 7 points from their first 9 League matches. Drawn away to Wigan Athletic in the next round of the League Cup, Boro avoided a banana skin by beating the pie-eaters with goals from Maccarone and a first from Mendieta. This seemed to ignite an improvement in form throughout November and up to Christmas with a run of 12 unbeaten matches in League and Cup.
The sequence began with a goalless draw at Tottenham, 2-0 wins at home to Wolves and away to Villa, a goalless draw at home to Liverpool and a fortuitous win at Maine Road where Boro had not one shot on target but owed their win to an own goal from City’s Sun Jihai. Three days later Boro played Everton at home in the League Cup. Having beaten the Toffeemen for their first win of the season, Boro had high hopes of repeating the result and reach the Quarterfinals, but the match remained goalless even after extra time. However Boro went through after a 5-4 penalty shootout win.
December didn’t produce a win in the League with goalless home draws against Portsmouth and Charlton prior to Boro’s second visit to White Hart Lane, this time in the League Cup. Boro were a goal down going into the final minutes of the match, but the much-maligned Michael Ricketts scored an equaliser to take the match into extra time and then another penalty shootout which Boro again won 5-4. The Boxing Day match at Blackburn produced another draw, this time with Juninho scoring both Boro’s goals and extending Boro’s unbeaten run. Two days later Manchester United put an end to that at the Riverside as Boro lost 0-1 before their biggest crowd of the season and just short of breaking the ground record once more.
Boro started the New Year with an FA Cup win at home to Notts County before 4 encounters with Arsenal in the space of 24 days. First of all they were beaten 1-4 at Highbury in the League, and following a 3-3 draw at home to Leicester visited Highbury twice more in January. Firstly Boro pulled off a stunning 1-0 win with a Juninho goal against a much changed but highly competitive Arsenal outfit in the League Cup, and 4 days later returned to Highbury for an FA Cup tie where the Gunners repeated their 4-1 League win. Not that the Boro fans cared too much with a Second Leg meeting in the League Cup due on the horizon. But firstly Boro had to visit Elland Road and the Loiners might have been expecting that Boro would be easy meet with having one eye on a Cup Final appearance on their minds. But if there’s one team other than Sunderland and Newcastle that Boro love to beat, it has to be Leeds United.
Sure enough Boro won 3-0 with Ricketts scoring a penalty. Three days later Boro entertained Arsenal in the Second Leg of the League Cup and won once again, this time 2-1 with Jose Antonio Reyes under extreme pressure scoring an own goal to ensure Boro went through 3-1 on aggregate. Up to that moment Arsenal were unbeaten in League and Cup matches, and remained unbeaten throughout the League campaign losing only one other domestic match, and that was to Manchester United in the Semifinal of the FA Cup, so the fact that Boro had beaten them twice cannot be understated.
It perhaps wasn’t surprising that Boro should lose at home to Blackburn after such a punishing schedule, but Boro soon recovered their mojo with a 3-2 win at Manchester United, but lost at Newcastle 8 days before the Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The official attendance was given as 72,634 but with the sliding roof closed, the noise had the effect of almost doubling the attendance. Boro started the match on the front foot, and after a very early goal from Joseph-Desire Job were awarded a penalty before Bolton had time to settle. Bolo Zenden slipped as he converted the spot kick, and though technically the goal should have been disallowed, nobody on Teesside cared one jot. Mark Schwartzer, usually so reliable allowed a shot from Kevin Davies to squirm through his body at his near post, and perhaps Ugo Ehiogu might have conceded a penalty for handball in the second half, but Boro were the better team as even Sam Allardyce admitted and were worthy winners. Steve Gibson was chaired by the players as part of the joyous occasion after Gareth Southgate had been presented with the Cup. I myself watched the match on television in the Algarve and bought every mode of newspaper available, even phoning home for my mate to buy the Evening Gazette and Northern Echo to save for me on my return home.
But back to the League and Boro still had 13 matches to play and although ensconced in mid-table needed to preserve their Premier League status. They lost the rearranged game at Birmingham 3 days later and didn’t win another match away from home all season. However their home form stood up to the test with wins against Spurs 1-0, Birmingham 5-3, Bolton 2-0, Southampton 3-1 and Manchester City 2-1, the only reverse a 1-2 defeat to Villa. The season ended on a rather sour note at Portsmouth where Yakubu scored a 🎩 as Boro lost 1-5, but Boro finished safely with 48 points in 11th place. What’s more they had European Football to look forward to in the following season.
In League matches Szilard Nemeth was top scorer with 9 goals, Juninho scored 8, Maccarone 6, Job 5 and Zenden 4. I’ll leave it there for now, and review McClaren’s last two seasons and Boro’s European adventure for some time in the future.
Ken
Many thanks for your time in preparing and writing the McClaren years it’s really much appreciated by your fellow bloggers and will be a lasting testimony to this blog and you
Although McClaren was our most successful manager he wasn’t the most liked by a large section of the fans
His attempts to join Leeds and Newcastle did not go down well with the fans and the announcement of his England Manager appointment 2 days before our European Final could have been handled better
I’ve met McClaren a few times since he left is and he is always willing to support the Moddlesbrough Ex Players Association. He always speaks highly of the club and comes over as a nice guy.
If he hadn’t fallen out with Steve Gibson he would have filled the vacant role of Director of Football with ease and made a real contribition to the Boro management team
OFB
Can we read anything in the fact that Braithwaite is not in the squad at Gateshead tonight.
Come on BORO.
I would like to think we could Exmil. Is there a dummer club than MFC out there. I hope so.
“Still working his way back up to full speed after returning to training later than most of his colleagues” according to Scott Wilson in the Echo.
I think I read somewhere that he had pulled a muscle in training and was not able play. So as simple as that, I am afraid. We try to read too much to selections as we not know what happens in training.
Up the Boro!
i hope I am wrong but the current situation at Middlesbrough looks very bleak indeed.
What with a rookie manger (jobs for the boys) ! and a so called recruitment team, what is that all about ?
Adrian Bevington another useless individual. (jobs for the boys)
At the moment I see a horrible season coming up. It’s like a dogs breakfast.
There seems to be no planning that makes sense at the moment.
Prayers are needed.
I was expecting to see a director of football coming to Boro, too. I even dreamed Juninho would be appointed but he was promoted to the role of General Manager of the Brazilian National team. His precessor was named as the DOF at Arsenal.
Apart from the above, I haven’t seen any alarming at Boro since Woody’s appointment. If we not going to pay over the odds, we might often turn to players and employees who like to live on Teesside and hence they are often local.
I don’t see any bad in beeing local. As George Friend said in a recent interview, it might take a new manager up to a year to get to know all his players and Woody already have an advange as he knows all the players and youngters at the acadeny.
I also expect the chairman to fully support the new manager in transfers. As much as the Fianncical Fair Play allows. So Woody and others now have more money to spend than Norwich or Sheffield United had last summer.
Patience, gentlemen. Let’s wait the first 12 matches as we usually do. The season has not yet started.
Up the Boro!
Some of the negative comments on here about MFC and the way it operates are pathetic.
Talk about spiralling downwards into a flat spin……..
It is wait and see time, we can not do anything else, we do not know what is going on in the background. We can have a good old chinwag.
I watched the goals from last night’s match after reading the MFC website report. The latter had the following sentence ‘Boro conceded a penalty (no-one in the ground was too sure of the offence) when trying to clear and Connor Thomson stroked home an equaliser with 48 minutes played.’
It omitted the fact the keeper flew out and clattered the forward after the ball was headed, it also failed to mention the header went in only for the ref to blow for the penalty.
Ian if the official records do not show it you were very obviously confused and mistaken.
Of the group of twenty players I talked about yesterday, eleven of them are twenty eight years of age or over and seven of those are already thirty years old or over. Most of them will be having a birthday over the next ten months so I’m struggling to see where this chasing, passing winning the ball back mentality is going to pan out over a full season.
Without the tools let alone the skills this squad is simply not equipped or designed to play any other way than defend and keep it tight. There would need to be a massive overhaul of playing staff to radically alter the style they have been used to for years under Karanka and Pulis (I’m not sure what the style was under Monk and I’m not sure that either the Players or Manager did either). We all saw what happened when Agnew tried to open things up chasing a lost cause.
It would be nice to talk about the positives as Johnny above suggests but with those who have failed in the administration of the Club and in recruiting and selection let alone naïve in the prices they paid and the contracts they agreed to still be effectively running the Circus what is going to fundamentally change? Are the players suddenly going to become better players? Are they going to get faster or fitter? Are we now going to start making great purchases instead of overpriced mediocrity? Considering that it is now purchase by committee and that committee consist of the exact same members its not too difficult to spot the potential flaw.
I can see that McNair, Saville, Wing, Fletcher or Tav may improve but Friend is getting older with a few more aching and creaking joints as are Ayala, Shotton and Howson etc. At best the two may offset one another.
Are the kids going to do a Mogga and Co. with Woody doing a Bruce Rioch because in all honesty that is the only thing I can see in all of this. That appears to be the only hope for MFC right now because I don’t see anything (although I have heard plenty) but hope isn’t a very stable medium to build or create a successful business model on.
Are Bausor and Bevington going to suddenly come good and if so why have they waited until now? The impression I’m getting is that an ageing SG is perhaps looking towards the sunset and has almost had enough of the stress and anxiety (no wonder and I don’t blame him) and is now settling for Stan Anderson type middle to upper Championship stability. As things stand right now I don’t think even that is achievable with what we have on and off the pitch. Something else of course may change but it certainly doesn’t look to me regardless of how good it sounds.
If anyone has a constructive side to it with all the positives that I’m possibly blatantly missing please feel free to counter my concerns.
RR
Unfortunately, you speak a lot of sense.
One point I would make is the following.
We must stop our habit of going out with a very fat wallet and buying a mixed bag of players, it does not work and we are bad at it anyway.
As said here before, when you go shopping you enter a snake pit, it is a world full of worn out players, patched up, yes, crocked, yes, character faults, yes, and we have not even discussed their ability.
The people who are making these decisions are wearing the smart suits, which is a big mistake, their thought processes are a world away from the (humble) scout., but he knows a footballer and has the patience to watch him over a dozen matches, home and away, plus the player is a developing talent with more to come, and he is fit. (Big point).
So we should be getting advice on buying young players continually, and should be buying and selling at all times trying to raise our level.
This is not cheap, but neither is buying rubbish.
Unless we can buy Messi for thirty bob and a big orange, I suspect no matter who we purchase it will be lambasted on here.
Saville, Howson, Flint etc looked good on paper and were signed as “ goal scoring “ players. That they have failed in the goals for column can be put down to many reasons, but of course it’s easy to be wise after the event.
The recruitment department seem to be on a hiding to nothing, I don’t envy them their task. The one thing that must be avoided at all costs though is the panic buying of players close to the deadline to placate the fans.
The Howson and Flint signings looked good on paper albeit Flint costing probably more than he was worth but at the time dulled because of the money for Ben so it seemed like a straight swap and still with cash leftover to boot. Tactics however meant that neither would replicate their goal scoring feats with previous clubs. There was a brief bit of early hope with Flint and the long throws but that had died come the end of September.
Saville was a head scratcher let alone at the fee paid. We were overloaded in midfield and certainly didn’t need any more let alone one that was grossly overvalued. Norwich and Sheffield United managed to recruit without breaking the bank, Brentford operate a model that continually keeps the club afloat and punching way above their weight. Our recruitment hasn’t worked on either effectiveness and value for money on the pitch or on a profitable increase in value bringing in a serious income stream. Whether its the likes of Downing’s, Barragan’s, Valdes, Guzan’s and Negredo’s or Gestede’s, Braithwaite’s, Fischer’s, McNairs’s and Fletchers it hasn’t worked for some time. Had they and the Club been effective then the Recruitment dept. wouldn’t be getting any stick whatsoever.
They seem to specialise in buying mid table Championship Players at ridiculous fees that other clubs won’t pay or ageing “names” well past their best at extortionate wages the club can’t sustain. Even the ones that we broke even with like De Roon for example didn’t work in the side when they were here (probably because of too many that were underachieving alongside them). It all seems very disconnected along with an disjointed eclectic mix.
Right, ladies and gents of the DiasBoro.
Presenting a case for you today which prioritises Effectiveness over Entertainment. Thoughts adapted from Tony Evans. Amendments and extra analysis provided from yours truly.
One popular belief, highlighted by Evans, is that losing is somehow fine if it’s pretty, while winning can be dull. Let’s call it, for want of a better word, Arsenalification.
But should that be the way sport works? It leaves you with kind of a figure skating mentality. A mindset which produces lots of players who love to attack but can’t master the basics of defending. That’s not interesting: that’s imbalance.
Defence, and the likes of Franco Baresi and Fabio Cannavaro are among the greatest at proving this, is as much an art form as attack. How many of us, Evans implies, don’t appreciate defensive skills but go on to wail when their team leaks goals? Artistic impression doesn’t win you points.
Evans was once told by Steve Nicol that the Manchester United side of the 1980s had something like a ten-year-old’s view of football, one where they could have all the benefits of success in the game without putting in the hard work. How much of that is going on?
There are teams that could play the opposition off the park. But the best teams can also brawl their way to success. Is it the routs, the games that are dead as contests after five minutes, that give us the most pleasure, or the over-our-dead-bodies, backs-to-the-wall, get-a-result-or-die-trying games? It’s a question worth asking.
But there’s more to it than that. People who go to games think differently. When Evans started going to matches, he admits, it was about going with your mates, and local pride. What happened during the matches was almost tangential. After a win, they were happy. After a loss, they were miserable. It was that simple.
Who complained that a win was dull? (And we had a 70% win record at the Riverside with only two goals conceded at one point before Christmas, yet still, grumble grumble grumble – Si)
The thing is, as Evans rightly points out – the ground was the only place you could see live football back then.
Nowadays, most watch on TV, and only TV. They are more focused on the action than fans of the past were. I remember, after watching Boro draw 2-2 with Sunderland at the Riverside in 2007, watching the highlights later and picking apart the match like I didn’t in the moment.
Evans’ main point is: the culture of overanalysis has diluted football. The Carragher & Neville generation treats football like a science, instead of simply twenty-two players on a pitch who run around and make mistakes, trying to get a ball into the goal.
If a defender makes a mistake, he gets picked upon by the C & N Gen because he was two yards out of position.
Should sport be about this? Should teams be labelled “unworthy” just because there’s no “style” in them? The point’s been made before about what happened when Stoke changed managers and tried to play more football.
This, if you’ll allow me an interlude, reached its apex in 2009 when Barcelona undeservedly knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League with their only shot on target in the second leg of the semi-final.
They went on to win the trophy – leading multiple purists (including, embarrassingly, myself – Si) to proclaim that “football” won the day.
Said purists had been led to believe that possession and pretty passing, without chance creation, was football utopia. That defending with skill, tactics, guts, bravery and determination had no place in football. Even if, in the end, it led to more chance creation.
The price of this was that tiki-taka became *the* way to play – creating a legion of teams that were more concerned about looking elegant in midfield than doing their job. Look at Brendan Rodgers and how “wonderful” he thought his Swansea side were – after a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland.
People have been led to believe that “talent” and “systematic beauty” should dominate, that doggedness and organisation have no place in the game. The essence of team games is different – that the group are greater than the sum of their parts. For all the sneering TPBoro received, at their best, the team did not roll over, and that was admirable. Same with AKBoro.
Evans’ conclusion implied that if he wanted entertainment, he would not necessarily, as Alan Durban said, go and watch a bunch of clowns, but would happily go to the cinema, theatre or concert hall. I think he wanted something different from sport – a contest. And ideally a trophy at the end of it all.
Something to think about.
Interesting post, Simon.
A slightly different point but along the same lines was one made by Basketball legend Michael Jordan: “Talent wins matches. Teamwork wins Championships”.
Interesting post Si. Well done.
Boro struggled to beat Stockport over two games to get to Wembley. They were also fortunate to get past Chesterfield for another Wembley final. The average fan aren’t bothered how they get there, yet the semi-final against Chesterfield was a fabulous game to watch and the opposite applied to the two Stockport games.
A large slice of luck is vital for for teams sometimes, sadly something we’ve not had for sometime. Nothing will ever beat watching a game live, and the Carraghers and Neville’s of this world are usually just stating the blindingly obvious. Personally I don’t watch them. I usually tape MOTD and FF through the intervals between games.
Applications for voluntary redundancy have been invited from club staff, and there may be a number of further job losses
Jobs are going at Boro as the club looks to cut back on costs.
Applications for voluntary redundancy have been invited from club staff – both at the Riverside Stadium and at the Rockliffe training complex.
And while “a number of staff” have come forward, it’s not yet known if enough have responded to make all the savings required.
The job losses come as Boro continue to adapt to life in the Championship without parachute payments – cash given to relegated clubs to ease the transition from Premier League to the second tier.
A club spokesman told Teesside Live: “The club regret that with the loss of parachute payments, costs savings will have to be made and this will include a limited number of job losses.
“The club has identified a number of staff wishing to take voluntary redundancies. This will deliver most of the savings required but it is anticipated that there may be a number (less than ten) of further job losses.
“It is with regret that we have had to undertake this process, but in the circumstances unfortunately it cannot be avoided.”
OFB
Spot on about Chesterfield and Stockport, GHW. At least from my p-o-v. I found the home leg over Stockport embarrassing. The first game, being the first Boro match I ever watched live, at least had admirable elements. It was Schwarzer’s debut and he helped instilled a confidence in our back line that we weren’t used to. (48 conceded in 26 league games by March 1.) Chesterfield at Old Trafford, well… it was a rollercoaster, of course. Mike of the DiasBoro was at that game and he told me that it was Kinder’s sending off which arguably drove the game towards a thriller, in which, in his words, everything good and bad about Boro was on display. Once Nigel Pearson was fit again and Chesterfield were no longer a surprise to us, we strolled the tie. The question of whether we even deserved a second chance still lingers.
But what else do I notice? That the 3-3 is remembered more than the 3-0, even though, for us, the 3-0 was more successful and more recent.
Well, England have come back from the brink and seen off the Aussies to boot. Just hope they’re on song on Sunday so that we can, at last, celebrate an England team picking up a trophy.
OFB…..read that piece and first wondered how many of the redundancies will be lower end earners and how many will be high end?
It is always the little people that generally suffer.
Although OFB may tell us, some of the cuts will be within the recruitment department.
Saying all the above, normally it is sad to see people lose their jobs.
Maybe the redundancies will include some of the people who have got us where we are.
I will give an example of a company worked for. They had several employee car parks, one was close to the social club. They built a new, swish head office next to a car park that led to the social club.
At the same time they up rated senior managers cars but down rated the cars we junior managers could have. They also said they could no longer subsidise the social club.
Totally dim. The problem is that it takes a lot of lower paid employees going to make up for a senior manager.
I think that we need to draw a line under the negativity.
Clearly MFC have decided that this is the moment for financial house cleaning with a view to the long term survival of the club. If that means a mid-table year as the youngsters get bedded in, i for one would be happy to take that if at the end we have four or five homegrown first team players and a sustainable structure.
I get the impression that many of the people on this blog have extensive business experience and, like me, have lived through restructuring. The key has often been to take the decisions early enough and maintain a sustainable business. I would suggest that MFC may be doing exactly that. We have lost a few players but nobody that is a make and break for the team and I’m prepared to wait and see on the kids.
Can I suggest that we now turn to suggesting up sensible KPIs for the club and the new coaching structure. What will represent a good year. Is it simply avoiding relegation and financial stability or should we be aiming at more.
Finally, can we accept that JW is now the manager. If we didn’t know any history about him, we could simply say that his behaviour since receiving the nod has been exemplary and we are are hopeful to see his team.
This isn’t absurd positivity. It’s merely an acknowledgement that I support Boro for pleasure and I wish to look forward rather than back.
UTB
A very good and sensible post, Sel. Make sence. I will comment about my expectations later. Up the Boro!
Selwyn
I largely agree with the sentiments with one or two strong exceptions but leaving that aside during a restructure those who had steered the company into the mess it finds itself in are usually relieved of their duties with a polite massive thank you sometimes in the form of a cheque if needs be.
M&S done the very same thing yesterday with a Senior Exec who carried the responsibility for poor sales in Fashion. Getting rid of a few tea ladies and stewards and appointing an inexperienced (cheap?) management team all around them isn’t a restructure, at least not in any commercial venture I have been involved with. Therein lies the problem along with all the hype and spin to the contrary which sadly only highlights the desperation of it even further,
Selwynoz
A sensible view and appraisal of where we’re at. I don’t expect Boro to challenge for a playoff position next season, but as long as the football is attractive and we finish mid-table I can live with that, though I’m not sure the rank and file supporters will agree with me. I think patience will be required, so let’s see what happens with the introduction of two or three of our youngsters and hopefully push on the season after.
Selwynoz, whilst I can agree with your sentiment, I would suggest.
That the “cost cutting” to come with its new model structure has in the main,yes been forced upon the club. Not by the “loss of parachute payments” as quoted by a MFC spokesman, but due to a number of years very poor and risky financial decisions.
Yes support the team, give the new Head Coach a chance. However those at the top and I blame Mr Gibson most of all for the position we now find ourselves, will still be be enjoying their pre-match meal and drinks, even if not the entertainment that follows. Of course they can console themselves with a G&T, whilst we the fans trudge off home.
Boro linked with!!!!! .Perpetuum mobile and extremely boring.
“I want to pass the ball and I want to press the ball and win it back quickly high up the pitch in a 4-3-3,” Jonathan Woodgate said to the Gazette. But he added: ‘If you haven’t got the numbers, if you’ve got players injured, or like now when I’ve got no wingers, then you have to change it’.
Perhaps we will see more at Hartlepool ion Sunday.
Read the interview in here: https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jonathan-woodgate-knows-what-formation-16570280
Up the Boro!
Some interesting reading from Kieran McGuire:
https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire
The difference in overall cost is quite startling.
No wonder they’re making economies everywhere they can. I wonder how tricky the numbers still are for this year.
I’d be surprised if they buy without first selling.
I suspect that they need to sell just to keep afloat and then sell a bit more to realise some capital for expenditure. Who they sell will be crucial and with the above information freely circulated they may find clubs reluctant to pay what MFC would like. Of course it may all be fake news and if so we can anticipate a rebuke on the official website soon but nevertheless its not a strong negotiating point.
My guess is that it is pretty obvious who needs to be sold or put bluntly got rid of but MFC could find themselves stuck with them which in effect cripples their power to spend where its really needed. The next group are those who we would prefer to keep but unable to turn down any half decent offers on them especially if the cling on’s from the first group are still firmly attached.
Or we need to do what Sheffield Wed have done now. They sold Hillsborough to their owner and made profit in the latest financial period!
Seriously it is getting crazy. Remember how easy it was before the Charlton years. These financial pressures are driving all clubs crazy.
Up the Boro!
Some interesting bits lower down on that Kieran McGuire Championship article in general and on Sheffield Wednesday in particular.
“Had Sheffield Wednesday not sold Hillsborough it looks as if they would have faced a 12 point penalty in 2017/18 and finished 19th on 45 points”
I’m assuming that the same would have applied to Derby and Villa possibly which if so would have altered the final Play Off positions along with the final Play Off outcome itself and ultimately promoted clubs even if Villa and Derby where not ultimately successful themselves. In essence they shouldn’t have even been playing in them.
Apparently in 2017-18 the Championship was losing £11m a week! So much for the EFL and FFP then. The Clubs with the biggest operating losses were in order, Wolves, Villa, Fulham, Derby, Cardiff and Birmingham. Its interesting what happened to Birmingham and also interesting to note what subsequently has happened to all the others bar Derby who fell apart again. It would appear that the more you abused or perhaps bent the FFP scheme the more likely you were to achieve promotion. It would be interesting to see last seasons figures especially with I suspect Norwich and Sheffield Utd bucking that trend.
Does anyone know why Middlesbrough ‘s Category One academy weren’t invited to compete in the EFL Trophy?
I thought I had read we were not going to enter a team this year?
UTB
I think because more Premier sides decide to compete and they have precedence. 😎
Listening to the draw it seems to be by invitation.
Sorry lads, you’re not on the list, so you’re not coming in. Especially not with those trainers on!
“Middlesbrough will not compete in next season’s Checkatrade Trophy”.
See article in EG on 17/06/19 for full explanation. 😎
Picking up on Jarkko’s post about Woodgate apparently preferring a 4-3-3 formation is interesting when you consider what he has to work with and who would fit in where.
A back four is simple enough, pick four from Shotton, Flint, Ayala, Fry and Friend.
The middle three is where it gets interesting, Howson, Clayton, Tav?
Then the front three, Wing, Britt, Fletcher?
That leaves the likes of McNair, Saville, Braithwaite out of it assuming of course that they are all still here and as we know its very likely that three or four or even more of those above will be gone come mid August.
I don’t think our squad at present lends itself naturally to that set up. For me McNair and Saville should be found a space to try and regain what form they had before they came here. Shotton, Wing and Howson is maybe an overkill on the right but does allow for switching and swapping down the flank and a degree of flexibility and unpredictability I suppose. The left side with Friend, Tav and Fletcher looks a bit of a mish mash but might gel with a bit of luck.
Maybe take Clayts out and play McNair centrally where he can help the CB’s and also get to use his ball skills in playing the ball out?
I agree, but I think Howson played as a full-back (and captain) again at Heed by Woody. Perhaps one one position solved – or he was just filling a gap as we need full-backs.
Woody was hoping to get some wingers but I don’t see a problem playing Braithwaite and Fletcher in the from three.
But where to fit McNair and Saville as you said? Up the Boro!
in the *front* three. Sorry for typo. UTB!
Shouldn’t you swop over Wing and Tavernier?
Tav was usually on the left with Wing right or central, that’s not to say swapping over and cutting in onto their good foot wouldn’t work during some games especially with Wing’s “wand of a foot”.
You had Wing in the front three and Tav in the middle three
I see what you mean GHW.
I figured that as Howson had operated as a RB/WB at times that he may be better played deeper than Lewis Wing hence in the middle three. With Tav I would have had him up with the front three preferably but with Wing up there and Britt nailed on I needed another wide left player so out of Johnson or Fletcher I figured that Fletcher would likely get the nod meaning then that Tav would be more suitable to drop back to the middle three to get a game.
The exercise just shows that whilst we could theoretically put eleven decent names out on the pitch Woodgate’s 4-3-3 formation isn’t ideal for what he currently has at his disposal.
Daily Mail report Liverpool have blocked attempts by Rangers and Leeds to take Ryan Kent on loan, could Woodgate’s connection lead to Kent coming on loan to us ?
Come on BORO.
Exmil, I cannot see him coming to MFC in all honestly. Those two are in this moment better clubs for loaning to.
RR, re your earlier post…..that is a major problem wit most clubs now, in they have to move players out to get players in. However when you have unmovable objects like we have at MFC, moving forward with your transfers then comes down to the whims of the players in question. Plus their agent.
I believe MFC are goosed at present and do not seeing it changing much at all before August 5. Then it will be “it is what it is” and probably JW on a hiding to nothing.
No they want to keep him at Liverpool from the reports I have seen. 😎
I would guess that Stevie G is better connected with the current Liverpool regime than Woodgate was or ever will be.
I sometimes wonder about these figures regarding income ,transfers etc, within football,
Is it real ,or future promises, on paper.
Having said that, I am willing to sponsor Boro to the tune of £200 m , I don’t have the money of course but so what,
Tell the bank its coming soon.
If MFC are going through a period of transition, especially financially, I am quite willing to have 2/3 seasons mid table championship, if we are bringing the youngsters through and letting the “dead wood” see out their contracts. No signing of big time charlies but lower league players with something to prove and age on their side not “last payday” players. I only hope that other supporters will have the patience to stay with the club.
Come on BORO.
Managers in the EFl are lucky to survive three seasons with most hounded out before then. Jack Ross and Joey Barton are the 27th and 29th longest serving Managers out of 72 EFL Managers.
Woodgate is actually the 65th longest serving out of the current 72. Football is a results business as Pulis found out and even Mogga and Karanka before him. Gareth Southgate’s sterling service to the Club didn’t stand him in good stead when the knives were sharpened nor Willie Maddren or Bobby Murdoch previously. Bryan Robson is our fourth longest Manager in the history of MFC since 1889.
Life is what happens when we are busy planning other things and none more so than in football. Even a hugely successful Woodgate would be lucky to last 4 years. An ignominious start which splutters along will see fans walk away and/or become frustrated as they did last season and as Mogga found out eventually turn. Woodgate has nothing like the goodwill and legendary status that Mowbray enjoyed.
RR
I think that you would find out that Woodgate (if very successful) would be gone with the decorations (and he would not look back).
When you think that the very top of the Management tree calmly tell their adoring bosses, and fans, that they must not count on them staying more than three seasons there is nothing personal about this (and certainly not financial) it’s just that a fellow likes a change of city to live in now and again, or would it like to get bored, would one?
It’s interesting to see JWs statement that he wants to play 4-3-3 but doesn’t have the wingers and then also consider the other comments on here about the flexibility of the players that we have. It makes Howson’s interview well worth reading. Basically, he seems to be saying that top class footballers should be able to adapt to different styles and perform different functions. Clearly the one thing that cannot be taught is pace and hence Woodgate’s observation. Maybe he sees Howson as Mr play anywhere, with Shotton, Friend and now young Reading, Spence and others as fullback cover with maybe one outside player to come in. The existing players could be the basis of a strong midfield although without a natural number 10. That then leaves the front three as the real work in progress.
To me his choice of 4-3-3 puts pressure on the fullbacks to get forward and create wide midfield options in support of the wingers. That does leave gaps which have to be covered initially by two central defenders and the holding midfield player dropping in between them – a kind of back three. All off this fits with his wish for a high press as that stops the counter-attack before it becomes dangerous.
To what extent JW and his coaching team can repurpose the existing squad will, to a great extent, determine how well things go.
It will be worth watching.
GM tried 433 and it didn’t work we were often exposed down the flanks and it to my mind also creates more space for the opposition in midfield.
It’s 442 or 4411 for me but the key to it all is our intensity and speed of play. We must of had 4/5 seasons of pedestrian play and 4 managers, non of whom have solved the problem.
Good luck JW, I don’t believe your going to do much better with the current squad and you need at least 2/3 new players with pace and ability to run/pass the ball forward to a colleague. Wing can’t be the sole creator, we need much more from the midfield.
As for tomorrow, I will be multi tasking, listening to the game against Hartlepool on my headphones whilst watching the cricket on the box. I could also try watching the Grand Prix on the iPad but will be pushing my luck as it is with Mrs P! 😎
Whatever the question was or is 4-3-3 is definitely not the answer with this squad.
Klopp’s 4-3-3 at Liverpool is slick, explosive, relentless and enjoyable to watch. It is not quite but almost all out attacking football. Who would be our Salah and Mane? The support from the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson is both pacy and quick. I can see Clayts maybe playing the Henderson role but other than that unless Spence and Reading are going to be a revelation we are missing several key players already. Whether Britt goes or stays, real speed and pace isn’t his forte and the same is even truer for Gestede. Now I accept that Britt likes the ball played forward for him to run onto but electrifying he most certainly isn’t. Against lumbering Championship defenders Britt may be quick enough but its questionable. Interestingly I think Fletcher perhaps could adapt his game and indeed it may even suit him perfectly.
Guardiola eventually settled for 4-3-3 but we don’t have a De Bruyne or indeed Silva’s silky skills. There is far more to Guardiola’s 4-3-3 than meets the eye. City’s training pitches are marked out in 20 zones and for a very good reason. No more than three zones in the same horizontal line and no more than two zones in the same vertical line should ever be occupied in their 4-3-3 set up.
Guardiola has very strict controls governing how his 4-3-3 system is deployed. If a player moves into a zone that means there are now four players in the same horizontal line, one of the other three has to get out and reposition himself. In doing so the Player in possession always has two or three passing options. It also works in reverse regimenting the channels between his full-backs and centre-backs. Fernandinho had a crucial role protecting his back line when the full backs attacked with the CB’s moving wider. Again is that a suitable role for Clayts or maybe finally the ideal role for McNair?
The amount of education, development and square pegging that is going to be required for 4-3-3 with this squad puts us at a massive disadvantage when other set ups are a more natural fit. Our squad hasn’t been built for a modern day 4-3-3, that’s not to say that over time it couldn’t be evolved with sales and recruitment but seemingly nobody wants who we want and need to get rid off which is now likely to be impacting incomings. Then there is that ongoing thorny issue of our recruitment and historical competence. The likelihood is that any serious incomings will like as not have to be loans and even that is assuming that we can afford our contribution to their wages and of course that other clubs don’t present a far more attractive proposition.
RR
Good post
The thing that gets me is last year JW and Curtis were enthusiastic about TP and his zonal marking and positional coaching so every player had a role and knew where to go and what to do.
Had he made impressions on JW or is it all torn up now ?
OFB
On another topic
Steve Gibson gets married today
OFB
KP
I know what you mean. Who says men can’t multitask. I regularly listen to Radio Tees on a Saturday for commentary of the Boro match (West Yorkshire Sport on Radio Leeds for Rugby League commentaries on Sundays), have the television on mute watching either golf, cricket or any other Rugby League that’s being televised, and of course my lPad on Flashscores.com. watching the goals being flashed as they occur. Prior to the internet I also had a smaller TV in the room where I used to watch Teletext for catching up with the goals. It’s a good job my late wife went out shopping, bless her.
Anyone going to Hartlepool to see the Boro tomorrow? Up the Boro!
Not having really seen any of the new pack of youngsters that JW is using in the friendlies……do any of them have pace? As Selwynoz commented, something we do not have. Nor as he said a natural number 10.
Oh for a Ramirez type. Also NE saying this morning, that JW will look for experience in any incoming transfers. Does that mean 24/24 year olds having played a number of seasons or older players with no sell on value once more?
What is wrong with Wing at nr. 10, then? I thought it was his natural position but I see JW has played him in front of the back four in the friendlies. Up the Boro!
We are in another transfer window needing a no 10, wingers, pace and the odd fullback.
Groundhog Day
Ian
If there are any “odd” full backs out there, our Recruitment Team are certain to find them.
For my money, the formation that best suits the current squad is a 3-5-2 because we don’t have width and that system requires only two wide players in total rather than four.
I’d be satisfied (though not happy) to start the season with Howson as the right wingback but we desperately need the left sided version (with pace).
I don’t think the squad is too far away in all other areas, assuming that the goal for the season is to transition to a wholly new style with half an eye on the playoff spots.
I would like to see Tavernier tried as a wing back.
How the mighty have fallen! Whilst Boro are playing friendly matches against Gateshead and tomorrow Hartlepool, little old Brentford are currently playing at home to Dynamo Kiev. There’s no score at the moment.
This could improve the match day experience
A new ‘fan zone’ for Boro supporters is set to replace the Riverside Stadium’s old ticket office.
Fans who went to see Take That this summer, the stadium’s first high profile concert, will be familiar with the set-up as bars and stalls were set up to allow punters to buy drinks.
Now those attending games will be able to gather and get a pint at the new zone, which will be made from shipping containers.
Up to eight part-time staff would be employed at the bar, which would open at noon on normal matchdays and 6pm for evening kick-offs.
It will also include toilet facilities.
Middlesbrough Football Club applied for planning permission in May, and now Middlesbrough Council has given the proposal the green light.
Planners said: “In particular the containers are designed and located so that their appearance will not have a detrimental impact on the appearance of the area and do not significantly affect any landscaping nor prevent adequate and safe operation of the highway.
“The application is therefore considered to be an acceptable form of development, fully in accordance with the relevant policy guidance and there are no material considerations which would indicate that the development should be refused.”
Drawings supporting the application show the bar will be a part two-storey structure, with stairs leading to the upper level.
OFB
“Planners said: “In particular the containers are designed and located so that their appearance will not have a detrimental impact on the appearance of the area”
Are they seriously referring to Middlehaven?
It might have affected the views of the chemical works!
OFB
It’s good to know the planners have a sense of humour.
This is always a strange period in the non-football season and I have to admit that I always call it ‘the phoney war’. All the click bait in collated news and the seeming posturing in collated news and not a lot happening, not happening on the surface that is.
Underneath the surface I hope that the player recruitment department are working like crazy but in a very discreet manner, the trouble is that agents don’t do discreet. I pray that they have learnt from their many mistakes, we all know them, and that they are being far more circumspect about their targets and who they buy.
Sadly I can see us losing Britt to Celtic and please let them spend the money and search the lower leagues and divisions for hungry young players who see Boro as an opportunity and resist panic buying clapped out, last wage packet journeymen on long contracts. The club has quoted their philosophy on player purchase so now do it. Perhaps they need more men in flat caps and Macs doing the scouting locally in the North East and strictly no DVDs and videos.
The phoney war continues and I’m continuing to watch the horizon for incoming, and not incoming in a highly personalised Range Rover.
UTB,
John
John
All the people who drive personalised Range Rovers are not necessarily bad people !
Just saying it for a friend like !
OFB
OFB,
true enough, I just remember the one with pink highlights. When I’ve been out on a shoot I’ve seen many an RR stuck in the mud while my Panda 4×4 climbs out with no trouble!
UTB, John
I have to be careful how I mount the pavement onto my drive in case I get stuck !
OFB
Reading the blog made me think of a Leeds Untied story during their fall from grace after Ridsdale. The fire sale started and a chap went up to the ticket office pre match and asked for 2 for £20,
Expecting two seats in the main stand, much to his surprise the reply was strikers or defenders.
Ian Gill ! Get your coat 🧥!
OFB
OFB
‘Ah ha, thank you very much’ Elvis leaves the building!
Ian, don’t give up your day job.
Come on BORO.
An interesting article from Eric Paylor in the Gazette about the rush to get the Riverside Stadium ready for its first match. I recall at the time that there were concerns about the issue of a safety certificate but unaware of all of the problems leading up to it. There didn’t seem to be a viable alternative stadium to hold the opening home fixture as ticket sales for the Chelsea match had already precluded Boro playing the match at Stamford Bridge and entertaining the Blues later in the season, and I don’t recall that suggestion being made anyhow as MFC wanted the Riverside Stadium to have an early impact for the new season having already postponed the Southampton match by a week.
However all’s well that ends well, but it appeared to have been a very close thing.
Saville and Flint rediscover their goal scoring skills and Gestede powers in a header.
Where’s that bandwagon? 😉
Hamilton won the Grand Prix, England won the World Cup. Boro won at Hartlepool.
A good Sunday climaxed by a roast dinner with locally produced lamb shoulder.
A few, cough, glasses of wine are in order. Oops, consumed!.
Ian, Hamilton was lucky with the pace car. Valtteri was quicker this weekend, though.
Well, I might be biased as I know Valtteri’s wife and her father. They are local from my home town.
But happy Boro won. And England was OK, too. Up the Boro!
Is it too much to ask that you refrain from putting sporting results on here until after the relevant highlight program has been on. Not everyone has the opportunity to watch events live. At least you didn’t post the result of the tennis.
On to Lagavulin and some thoughts on video reviews.
In the cricket world cup a few shocking reviews in the last few games.
Kohli against New Zealand, Finch against England, Bairstow against Australia, Guptil against England. Because they reviewed because they could, subsequent players were sawn off as the saying goes
The idea is to reduce bad decisions.
Why has Stewy Downing decided to play cricket for New Zealand in the World Cup? He looks a hell of a bowler ….OFB
OFB
I also noticed the resemblance. Fantastic excitement, and though happy that England won I felt sorry for the Kiwis. When scores are level shouldn’t the result be decided by which team lost fewer wickets? Just my opinion.
OFB
Some people might say he is better at cricket than football based on recent seasons performances and no doubt qualifies via a distant New Zealand relative! 😎
A good turn out at Pools.
Ian, yes it was and my new shirt got it’s first outing.
Come on BORO.
Coulson and Reading both seem to be pushing for the LB spot. Both of them have apparently done well pre season (haven’t seen either of them personally) which could save the club a few bob if Friend is struggling for fitness.
If two or even three break through this season the way Wing and Tav did last season it would certainly make a big financial saving. Apparently Aynsley Pears also looked impressive when he came on but there were the same old question marks over Mejias apparently before him.
The link with Celtic and Britt seems a very strange one as he would at least up until this point not fit their traditional cost model. Stranger still that they are looking at Britt (allegedly) whilst we are (allegedly) looking at Hibs Striker Florian Kamberi who is much more their type of investment?
A thought on the win for England yesterday, over half the team came from Durham or Yorkshire
Ian
And Plunket from Nunthorpe about half a mile from my house
OFB
I know it’s irrelevant, but aren’t more than half the Spanish Football team from Catalonia?
I’m Sports mad, well that’s not quite true. I should have written that I used to be, but now only about certain Sports. I used to love watching Ken Rosewall, Tony Mottram, Ille Nastase and Roger Taylor at Wimbledon; John Spencer, Alex Higgins and Jimmy White at the Crucible, and a host of athletes at the Olympic Games when they were ‘real’ amateurs. Don’t watch any of those events now, I find them too boring. If it wasn’t for the Boro I wouldn’t watch any football. In fact I don’t except for Match of the Day. I’m even beginning to fall out of love with
golf since Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo retired and Seve .Ballesteros died. I just watch the final days play nowadays when there is a packed leaderboard and a playoff imminent. Nevertheless this week we have the Open Golf and that and the Ryder Cup are still my favourite sporting events, enigmatic I concede. The Speedway Grand Prix’s are even losing their appeal with Tai Woffinden sidelined with injuries and out of the running, or should that be riding, for this year’s World Championship. Even the standard of Super League is losing its appeal with St. Helens on a different planet to everyone else. Mind I didn’t feel that way two years ago when Cas were outplaying everyone. Funny that, ain’t it.
Yet I still keep up to date records of Boro, Cas and Open Golf Championship scores. Maybe I’m just a statistician, which is boring personified to most people. Perhaps I don’t really like watching any Sport anymore. What is wrong with me? Am I just too tired? Well I was beginning to feel that way until yesterday. Then came the Cricket World Cup. My favourite batsman (sorry, not allowed to say that anymore) – favourite batter used to be Tom Graveney, and he wasn’t even a Yorkshireman (sorry, there I go again – Yorkshireperson) until yesterday. Now it’s Kane Williamson, the Kiwi Captain. Not only a fine cricketer but a fine gentleman (sorry, gentleperson).
What did Rudyard Kipling write “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those just the same. If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distances run, yours is the Earth and all that’s in it, and what is more, you’ll be a Man, my son!”
He respected the laws of cricket, even when a run for 2 inadvertently hit Ben Stokes’s bat and went for 4 overthrows so 6 runs in total. It was an occurrence I’d never seen before, but the umpires explained the laws, and he accepted their ruling without any histrionics. That’s more than can be said for most of today’s footballers. Well done, Sir! But well done to Ben Stokes also for rescuing England from the jaws of defeat. It must go down as the greatest cricket match ever, well certainly since the Brisbane Test in December 1960 which ended in a tie where each team scored 737 runs in their two innings (Windies 453 and 284, Australia 505 and 232). There I go again with boring statistics.
It’s often said that the Boro always make hard work of winning, but as do England. The Football World Cup win in 1966 went to extra time, Johnny Wilkinson’s drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup came in the dying minutes, and now England and New Zealand couldn’t be separated after 102 overs save on a countback of boundaries. I have enjoyed this Cricket World Cup. The friendly World Cup, the colourful and noisy support from fans from the West Indies and the subcontinent with no apparent sledging on the field of play from players. Why can’t all Sports and fans be like that?
Whilst feeling sorry for Kane Williamson and his team, we should rejoice in England becoming World Champions in a ‘team’ sport; it doesn’t happen very often.
I notice Simon Taufel, ex Aussie test umpire, has come out and said the deflection off Stokes bat should have resulted in five runs not six as awarded because Rashid and Stokes had not crossed on the second run before the fielder released the throw.
A New Zealand players was asked about it and dismissed the comment. Sportsmanship again.
Another blog lost in space or awaiting moderation?
Well back home and once again failing miserably to witness iconic memorable sporting events – you may recall I fell asleep and missed the Liverpool semi-final come-back and also opted for an early night when Spurs went 1-0 down in their semi.
Well I’ve built on that and after deciding to record the last set of the epic Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Federer, the recording ended with the score at 10 sets all as the programme over-ran the scheduled time. Then I had recorded the cricket world cup final but once again the recording ended with England requiring 22 to win as the the programme had started 20 minutes later than billed. So I missed all the thrills and spills and had to be content (though gritted teeth) with listening to various sports presenters telling me how unbelievably exciting the conclusion to both events were. It’s especially annoying with the cricket highlights programme as why can’t the TV stations stick to their schedule for such things as they must know that many people may have set their timers to record it.
Strange that it never seemed to happen to me when I was watching endless Boro games last season that ground to a soporific halt with very little excitement to get even close to the middle of my seat, let alone the edge. Still, I look forward to dropping my laptop on the way to the fridge to grab a beer when Boro win an exciting penalty shootout in next season’s playoff final.
This is worth a listen…..
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0006njl
Yes, a lot of people set their timers to record things. Just don’t come on here if you’re trying to avoid knowing the results!
Just going back to the proposed redundancies of the little people at MFC.
How much will the two trips to Austria and Germany cost? Are they really necessary to the squad to achieve what is needed?
Especially when there are jobs on the line.
According to the Gazette in their paper talk column, Britt is being targetted by Celtic.
l trawl through the Scottish papers online everyday and I have never seen one mention of this story. Anyway Celtic won’t pay the money that boro would want.
I know how infuriating that can be. I usually record the programme following also, but sometimes thwarted when it’s on the red button. Anyway, hope you and your family had a nice holiday.
Yes, I normally add time for overrunning on sports shows but did it quickly so forget about it.
As for the holiday, well it got off to a less than perfect start when on the first day we went to a place called Felsenmeer – which means the sea of rocks. It’s basically an ancient long track of large boulders that goes all the way up the side of a hill, which you negotiate by ‘hopping’ between them – it’s not too difficult but unfortunately after progressing for 30 minutes my foot slipped as I attempted to spring to a higher boulder and ended up falling backwards and landed heavily on my ribs on the boulder below.
Ok, it could have been worse but my outside of my knee was also pretty badly grazed – plus lost the skin on the fingertips of my left hand as I forlornly attempted to find something to grab. Anyway, the ribs were quite painful so went to A&E to get checked out and spent fours hours there having an x-ray and ultrasound to check for any internal damage. Thankfully nothing broken and no internal bleeding – Mrs Werder was being cautious as a friend of her father in his early 30s had once tripped and fallen on his ribs against a coffee table, tragically he didn’t get it checked out and went to bed and never woke up after a blood clot on his ribs shifted and caused heart failure in his sleep.
I was only a bit sore and the next day managed a five hour walk in some less-demanding terrain – the ribs are still sore but the wounds have now healed but it was a bit awkward trying to wash and shower with one hand and a bandaged knee for a week. We also cut the holiday short as the weather in our last destination for walking in the mountains was forecast to be just rain and around 12-13 degrees – didn’t sound too appealing!
Anyway, can’t say I’ve returned feeling re-energised but at least I got plenty of fresh air 🙂
Sorry to hear of your fall Werder and that it impacted both you and your holiday. Hope you are fully fit again soon. I am sure that a storming start to the season by Boro will help the healing process! 😎
Thanks KP, but as Boro supporters we’re used to blanking out the pain so it didn’t dent our itinerary – besides it probably would have been far more painful to risk upsetting Mrs Werder’s carefully organised walking plans 😉
Werder,
Painfull but in some ways you were lucky, if that makes sense.
Two years ago I ended up in Hospital with Osteomyelitis in one half of my pelvis. It was just one raging infection and the scans looked like a forest fire. Anyway three consultants later they blamed it on a fall when I was carrying the fire door from the kitchen to trim the bottom edge. A delayed reaction they said, so take care. Mind you I still think it was a guess.
All the best.
UTB,
John
Sometimes you make your own luck 😉 btw had to google that Osteomyelitis and it doesn’t sound too pleasant and hopefully not something I’m keen to find out more about personally!
John,
When I first read your post, I misread the word “pelvis”…
Werder – glad you came bac in one piece! Bruised ribs are not fun, especially when sneezing.
Thanks Andy but I guess If we’d have had to come back after less than a day away then Mrs Werder would have ensured I’d be a few pieces short…
Andy,
Elvis is not in Norfolk!
UTB,
John
Come on Boro
What is the status of Redcar Red’s season card pondering? Or is it pay and go when you want to?
Hoping for the former as the playing style looks so different now but the latter is more likely as Woody was not a favourite appointment for the lad.
I like the regime, thought. But we will know how it will pan out only after about twelve matches as ever.
Up the Boro!
Even though the transfer deadline is now a little over three weeks away, there is still not much sign of significant transfer activity – even among other clubs in the Championship. As things stand, there have only been 14 incoming deals over £1m among the 24 clubs – with Brentford accounting for five of those, Bristol City another three and Stoke two more. Brentford’s deals have been mainly financed by the sale of their centre-back Konsa to Villa for £12m.
It’s probably going to be a hectic last week as clubs start throwing the cash around in some last minute shopping – which will probably inflate the market so if Boro are planning to stick to their guns and not budge they will most likely end in them making few deals. Much will depend on the club raising money with sales but those may also go to the wire if they’re want their valuations met.
Werder
I looks very much like all the clubs have switched to the well known practice of avoiding like the plague, the idea of paying huge fees and huge wages to anybody. This is bad news for us, as we are left holding the baby, i.e. Players on fees that are silly. There is no answer to it, and any sale of such players is a huge stroke of luck.
Which means in addition, that the search for good young players is being intensified across the football world, by all clubs, including the giants, so be afraid, very afraid.
Just a footnote.
I see spurs have collected a reasonable fee for a player with a decent profile.
A sign of things to come I think.
There are no flies on the Spurs chairman.
Werder
Ouch, I missed the bit about the fall!! My sympathies are with you.
I hope we dont suffer from transfer window pain. I think it will be a subdued one this time with us missing out on pace wide men and tricky midfielders or a No 10.
We might get some No 2’s though.
Haven’t you guys heard of Germolene? Would get Lazarus back up on his feet!
GHW,
I always thought it was New Miracle Zambuc. It could heal anything…
UTB,
John
Maybe OFB can confirm that Neil Bausor is in joint talks with Germolene and Lazarus but their agents are apparently proving difficult to tie down? Unnamed local Journalistic sources claim we have offered £12M for Lazarus and £15M for Germolene which were initially rejected as ridiculous.
They are both defensive Midfielders but their wages are thought to have been a stumbling block as they started with Germolene asking for £5K a week and Lazarus £3K but after some strong and prolonged haggling they talked Bausor down to £25K and £20K a week each respectively.
Lazarus was reported as saying the wages were no skin off his nose and Germolene was happy to spread the financial windfall. Both are expected to join Rudy Gestede and Martin Braithwaite on the Boro bench of anonymity sitting out their four year contracts. Unaware that Germolene had been around for years and that Lazarus was almost as old as the hills, when questioned Woody reckoned they will add that useful ball chasing skill he is looking for.
They’re also on forMarmite and Andrew Liver-saltz you either like them or loathe them but could make you go like hell to enjoy them !
OFB
In between watching the amazing Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s and looking forward to a British winner in the Open Golf Championship at Portmarnock which would also be amazing, maybe this is an opportune moment to review Steve penultimate season as Boro’s Manager which for most of the time was pretty amazing also for Boro fans at the time.
Most Boro fans were stunned when the club announced the signing of two international strikers within days of each other in the summer of 2004 – Dutchman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from Chelsea and Australian Mark Viduka from Leeds United. The former had actually turned down moves to Fulham, Rangers and Celtic, and he made his debut for Boro in the
season’s opener against Newcastle United at the Riverside and scored a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw although TV footage suggested he had used his hand. Another Dutchman Michael Reiziger had also been purchased from Barcelona and Ray Parlour from Arsenal to complete Boro’s early signings as Boro visited Highbury where Boro lost 3-5 after actually leading 3-2 in the first half. Boro however won 2-0 at Fulham in midweek to record their first away win and then beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at home to reach 4th position which was retained two weeks later with a Viduka brace at home to Birmingham City.
Boro then started their EUFA Cup journey in mid September against the Czech side Banik Ostrava before a respectable crowd of just under 30,000. Hasselbaink had the honour of scoring Boro’s first European goal and Viduka scored his second brace in a 3-0 win. The second leg saw Boro’s first venture abroad and a comfortable 1-1 draw thanks to James Morrison goal to reach the Group stages. Before the first matches in their group Boro had earned an impressive draw at Old Trafford and an equally impressive 4-0 win at Blackburn where Hasselbaink scored a 🎩. Boro beat the Greek side Egaleo 1-0 away with a Stuart Downing goal, and he scored again in the following match, a 1-1 draw at the Riverside against Portsmouth.
The starting point for Boro to attempt to retain the League Cup started with a home tie against Coventry City and Boro rested some of their first teamers but it didn’t matter as goals from Szilard Nemeth, James Morrison and Danny Graham all scored in a 3-0 home win. A League win at Charlton preceded the next EUFA Cup match against the Roman club of Lazio where just short of 34,000 witnessed a terrific 2-0 win both goals scored by Bolo Zenden. However Boro’s League Cup journey came to an end ten days later at Anfield. Not to matter though as Boro’s impressive League form continued with a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion and a revenge 2-0 home win over Liverpool.
Boro suffered their first European defeat in Spain against Villarreal and lost at Spurs in the League three days later both 0-2. December started with a 3-2 home win against Manchester City with a brace from Viduka and one from Hasselbaink. With Boro’s place in the knockout stages of the EUFA Cup almost confirmed they rested some first teamers at home against the Serbian side Partizan Belgrade, and goals from Szilard Nemeth, Joseph-Desire Job and Morrison ensured it with a 3-0 win. The visit of Norwich City on the 28th of December with a brace of goals from Job in a 2-0 win ensured Boro would enter the New Year in 5th place. What’s more this match broke the Ground attendance record with 34,836, a record that still stands today for a Boro match.
The second half of the season saw Boro slump somewhat. Firstly they lost at home on New Years Day 0-1 to Manchester United and having beaten Notts County 2-1 away in the FA Cup lost again to United, this time 0-3 away to end that route for silverware. There was also a shambolic defensive display at Norwich where after leading 4-1 going into the last ten minutes, they somehow managed to concede three times and just held out for a 4-4 draw. They did manage one League win in February, a 1-0 home success against Blackburn, but that was all as they continued their European journey. Boro drew in Austria to Liebherr Graz AK and then won the home leg 2-1 to advance to the next round 4-3 on aggregate. However March was even worse. Boro found themselves 0-3 down to Sporting Lisbon before scoring twice to limit the damage. I happened to be staying at the former Portuguese Royal Palace, now a pousada in Queluz on the outskirts of Lisbon and watched the match on Portuguese TV. A week later back in the Algarve I watched the second leg as Boro lost 0-1 to go out 2-4 on aggregate. I was much impressed with Sporting’s Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback on loan from Barcelona, and so was Steve McClaren as he signed him up in the following summer.
By the end of April Boro had won only 3 matches out of 16 since New Years Day – the home win against Blackburn in the League, the FA Cup win against Notts County,
and the home win against Graz in the EUFA Cup, with 5 defeats in the League tending to derail their season if they were to participate in Europe for another season, the kbenchmark for which my was to finish in the top 7 positions and Boro were now down to 9th.
April started with a win at Crystal Palace followed by a 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal with only six matches remaining. However Boro remained undefeated thereafter. A 4-0 home win over seemingly doomed West Bromwich Albion and a 1-0 home win over Spurs sandwiching draws at Newcastle and Liverpool left Boro needing to avoid defeat away to Manchester City in their final match. A defeat would mean that City would enjoy European football in the following season instead of Boro. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored with a wonderful 30 yard free kick to put Boro ahead, but after Kiki Musampa equalised within a minute of the start of the second half with Boro seemingly content to defend. After Ray Parlour had received a yellow card he was substituted for James Morrison as the game became fractious. Stuart Pearce, the City Manager made a decision to replace goalkeeper David James with substitute Nick Weaver and move his number one keeper into the forward line in a desperate attempt to score a winner. As the game went into stoppage time Franck Queudrue was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, and Stuart Pearce’s somewhat bizarre substitutions seamed to have worked. Up stepped Robbie Fowler to take the spot kick, and to wild celebrations from the Boro fans Mark Schwartzer made a tremendous save. The late Ali Brownlee went berserk on Radio Tees claiming Schwartzer to be the most famous Aussie since Ned Kelly.
As a postscript to the season, Bryan Robson’s West Bromwich Albion who I had referred to as ‘seemingly relegated’ following their 4-0 defeat to Boro miraculously avoided the drop despite being rock bottom with only 31 points going into their final fixture one point behind Southampton and two behind both Norwich and Crystal Palace. Albion beat Portsmouth 2-0, Southampton lost at home to Manchester United 1-2, Norwich lost 6-0 at Fulham, and Palace could only draw 2-2 at Charlton. Of course that sequence of results grabbed the headlines in the National Press sadly to the detriment of Boro’s achievement, but not on Teesside where Boro were to have another season in Europe which I’ll hope fully reflect on later. I had hoped to include McClaren’s last season as manager, but I found that I had to a lot more research than I had anticipated as my main source of data finished with the end of Bryan Robson’s tenure. Whether I can squeeze that in tomorrow is doubtful as Boro’s season reached a total of 64 matches for that season so I’ll just have to wait as I’m fairly tired at the moment.
Boro thus finished 7th with 55 points from their 38 matches. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was naturally top scorer with 13 League goals plus 3 more in Cup matches. Mark Viduka was injured for much of the season but was one of 4 players to score 5 goals along with Bolo Zenden, Stuart Downing and Franck Queudrue.
Thanks again Ken and look after yourself, we can all wait till you are good and Ready.
I doubt we would ever get Lazarus fit.
Ian,
Nothing short of a miracle anyway.
UTB,
John
Wow! That 9-1 thrashing of Bayern Munich in 1913 passed me buy. One for Werdermouth to gloat over with his German friends?
Yes, that trashing of Bayern Munich by Boro and also the time West Auckland beat Juventus – and twice.
The film of the latter is one of my all time favourites. The chap dying in the beginning of the film was a Boro supporter telling the WA story to an Arsenal supporting nurse.
Up the Boro!
Jonny Howson to be used as Wing back or Full Back ……….? 😎
Meanwhile, Mrs Doubtfire takes over at Toon. Good luck Mr Bruce, I hope the fans are patient.
3 nil down to Wolves at halftime (Sky Premiership channel) Bruce has work on his hands.
Come on BORO.
I wonder what kind of reaction SG would have received if he had appointed Steve Bruce as the new MFC manager.
I think one thing is certain, he would have had the good manners to have settled matters with his former employer before appointing him! 😎
So, how’s the transfer window going for everyone? Are you all excited at the noises coming out of Boro, and obviously plugged endlessly by the Gazette lads who are peddling an unremitting diet of optimism and Woody having super plans for the new model? I know I am! I haven’t looked forward to a new season so much for years. If you were to say to me, ‘Yer jokin arn yer?’ Then you would be right. I am of course joking.
I don’t think my expectations have ever been lower. And maybe, with the constant hammering of the message that there’s no cash and we’re going to be blooding lots of youngsters, then it looks like our expectations are being managed downwards for us by the club. Even most of the friendlies we’re playing are against very inferior opposition.
So, here we are, 16 days from the start of the season and 23 from the closing of the transfer window, and we’ve only signed Mejias, who was so good he ended up in Cyprus. Everyone knows we need two full-backs and pace on the wings desperately, at the very least. But it seems we need to sell before we can buy, which will probably leave us with very little time to bring in the type of quality players we really need. And heaven help us if we sell Britt.
Now, I know Steve Gibson is very concerned to meet the fair play requirements, and quite rightly. We know that income will be very much reduced this year. It’s clear that decisions made in previous years are once again coming back to haunt us. But I have to seriously question the club’s strategy for moving forward. Let’s appoint a rookie manager and a very inexperienced coaching team, then let’s tie their hands by severely limiting their capacity to bring in the players we need.
I’m not suggesting for a minute that we haven’t got some good players, many of whom are experienced Championship battlers. But the squad lacks depth, pace and creativity. I think it’s stretching things too far at present to think they will readily adapt to the new playing style and score lots of goals whilst still keeping them out at the other end, unless we really do manage to bring in 3 or 4 new guys with ability and flair. I don’t imagine we’ll be able to get these via loans, or they wouldn’t be on offer from their current clubs. There must be some such young, upcoming players in leagues 1 and 2, but at what cost? Can we fend off competition from other clubs, who may be able to pay more? And have we the time to get them in?
So am I excited yet with the season due to start? Not a lot.
Same here Clive.
George Friend named as skipper for the season.
Come on BORO.
When Friend was made Captain for the odd game previously it seemed to affect his performances at the time. I’m not sure that’s a good fit regardless of how popular the lad is. That said maybe he is the only one of the senior set still likely to be here in a few weeks time?
RR
I think he has been Captain for more than the odd game (since Ben left he has to my mind been Captain for the majority of games) and whilst, like all players, he has had off days I don’t believe the Captaincy has impacted adversely on too many occasions. 😎
After a good six hours sleep last night, ironing done, shopping done, raring to go, so let’s get this show on the road Steve McClaren’s last season as the manager of Middlesbrough Football Club.
After the euphoric scenes following that penalty save by Mark Schwartzer against Manchester City, it was obvious that having had a taste of Europe, the supporters of this club wanted some more. Steve McClaren’s main summer signings were Yakubu Ayegbeni from Portsmouth, Fábio Rochemback from Barcelona after his loan spell with Sporting Lisbon, and Abel Luís da Silva Costa Xavier from AS Roma as Boro had a tasty opening fixture at the Riverside – Liverpool. Memories may have been coming back to 1996 when Boro last started their League campaign at home to them and that fabulous 3-3 draw with Fabrizio Ravanelli making his debut with a 🎩, but this time it was to be goalless draw before a crowd of 31,908 which was going to be biggest crowd of the season until the penultimate match against Steau Bucharesti.
Boro lost their first away match 0-2 to Spurs, but three days later redeemed themselves with a 3-0 win at Birmingham where Mark Viduka scored a couple, one of which was a real stunner. But Boro were so inconsistent and lost their next match at home to Charlton Athletic with a woeful display. Thankfully the International break came at the right time, and typically Boro won their next game at home to Arsenal 2-1. Five days later Boro began their second venture into Europe with a 2-0 home encounter with the Greek club FC Xanthi with goals from George Boatang and Mark Viduka before a modest crowd of 14,191. A draw at Wigan and a 0-2 home defeat to Sunderland was not Boro fans expected, but a goalless draw in Greece meant that Boro were once more into the Group stages of the EUFA Cup.
Boro’s inconsistencies continued with a fine 3-2 win at Villa, and after another international break Yakubu scored against his old club Portsmouth in a 1-1 draw. Boro then travelled to Switzerland to play Grasshoppers of Zürich where Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored the only goal in the match. He scored the only goal in the match again as Boro started their League Cup adventure at Goodison Park. Then followed what at the time we might have expected to become the match of the season as Gaizka Mendieta capped a brilliant display by scoring twice in the 4-1 home win against Manchester United to move Boro up to 10th in the League. Boro then overcame the Ukrainian club Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, but in the League Everton got their revenge for their League Cup defeat by reversing the scoreline. After the third International break of the season Boro beat Fulham 3-2 at home before visited AZ Alkmaar where monsoon conditions in Holland ensured a goalless draw which effectively meant that Boro would participate in the knockout series despite having one fixture remaining.
After a 2-2 home draw with West Bromwich Albion, Boro beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to reach the Quarterfinals of the League Cup, but entered December with away defeats against Chelsea and Liverpool. The dead rubber EUFA Cup match against the Bulgarian club Liteks Lovetch understandably attracted a crowd of less than 10,000 to the Riverside Stadium but two goals from Massimo Maccarone saw Boro home as now Boro now could put aside their European travels until mid February. An entertaining 3-3 home draw with Spurs with another brace from Yakubu preceded two home encounters with Blackburn Rovers, the first in the League Cup and the second five days later in the League, and Boro lost them both. Boro ended the year with a goalless draw at home to Manchester City, and had already played 28 matches.
January started with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle before visiting non-league Nuneaton Borough. The two Boros shared the spoils though our Boro won the replay 5-2. However Boro lost the League match in between to Arsenal 0-7 with young Lee Cattermole in tears at the end. Boro’s League form by now was causing some concern as they lost 2-3 at home to Wigan Athletic which put them just outside the relegation places. Boro managed to earn a replay in the next round of the FA Cup as they drew at Coventry, and a midweek 3-0 win at Sunderland brought some relief to their League position, but four days later an abject performance at home to Villa is probably more notable for one supporter entering the field and throwing his season ticket at Steve McClaren with a mouthful of verbals as Boro lost 0-4. Next up was an FA Cup replay with Coventry as Hasselbaink scored the only goal of the match, but the next match was a home encounter with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. Despite one supporter having disposed of his ticket in a moment of frustration, over 31,000 attended the match against the Blues, and what a surprise most of them encountered. Fábio Rochemback scored early on and Stuart Downing scored a second before halftime. When Yakubu scored the third, Boro were in dreamland. The final 3-0 scoreline was at that time Chelsea’s biggest defeat under Mourinho.
This win perhaps was the starting point to what Boro could achieve as they resumed their EUFA Cup journey in Germany against VfB Stuttgart. Portuguese TV decided to televise this match so I was able to watch it in my apartment. Hasselbaink scored for Boro and when Stuart Parnaby scored a second just after halftime, Boro seamed to be coasting to victory. But Daniel Ljuboja’s free kick late in the match had Boro in some consternation, but they prevailed. Three days later Boro rather luckily won 2-0 at Preston in the 5th Round of the FA Cup. They then faced VfB Stuttgart in the second leg of the EUFA Cup. Boro started tentatively, and the visitors soon scored with a goal from Christian Tiffert and Boro needed some last ditch defending to see them through to the next round on the ‘away goals’ rule. Boro then eased their near precarious League position by winning away to West Brom and at home to Birmingham.
Boro next entertained AS Roma at home in the EUFA Cup and a Yakubu penalty gave them a slight advantage going into the second leg. Boro lost again to Charlton in between the two matches, but there had been some warnings from the Roma supporters how they were going to intimidate the Boro fans. A Hasselbaink header doubled Boro’s overall advantage, but two goals from Amantino Mancini, the second a penalty, had Boro hanging on in a bad tempered match. They had Mark Schwartzer to thank for keeping the score down with two stunning saves as Boro advanced to the Quarterfinals on the ‘away goals’ rule once again. I don’t propose to go into the scary moments that some Boro fans encountered from the Italian police and the Roma fans as they’ve been well documented by the Gazette at the time.
Eleven days after having visited The Valley Boro were there again, this time in the FA Cup but this time with a different result as they earned a replay after a goalless draw. Boro continued to ease their League position three days later with a televised 4-3 home win over Bolton Wanderers before revisiting Switzerland to play FC Basel in the Quarterfinal of the EUFA Cup. Boro lost 0-2, but a Lee Cattermole goal, his first for the club, was enough to beat Manchester City away. Then came the second leg of the EUFA Cup Quarterfinal with FC Basel. One felt that to win by 3 goals without conceding would be a tall order, but when Stuart Parnaby was unable to cut out Boris Miljanic’s headed cross midway through the first half it left Eduardo da Silva with an easy tap in. Mark Viduka equalised before halftime and Steve McClaren decided to play three up front with the introduction of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in place of James Morrison for the start of the second half. When Viduka scored again to put Boro ahead and breathed fresh belief in the crowd. McClaren then replaced Franck Queudrue with Massimo Maccarone midway through the second half and wave after wave of more pressure resulted in Daniel Majstorovic being sent off for raising his hands in the 73rd minute. Six minutes later Hasselbaink scored and Boro were level on aggregate but needed a 4th goal to win the tie. It came in the 90th minute when Fábio Rochemback’s shot was blocked but fell to the previously out of favour Massimo Maccarone and he made no mistake. It was hardly believable, but Boro had reached the Semifinal 4-3 on aggregate.
The fixture list was now becoming extremely congested as Boro travelled to Newcastle three days later. By now though Boro’s League position seemed fairly safe, so despite it being a local derby a 1-2 defeat seemed no big deal as Boro still had to entertain Charlton Athletic in a FA Cup Semifinal replay. Despite the match being televised Charlton provided dozens of free coaches for their supporters. In an entertaining match Boro won 4-2 with goals from Rochemback, Morrison, Viduka and Hasselbaink. Boro lost at Portsmouth in a match they could have done without as two days later they had to play West Ham at home. They won 2-0 with goals from Hasselbaink and a penalty from Maccarone before travelling to Romania for their EUFA Semifinal with Steau Bucharesti. A 0-1 defeat didn’t seem a bad result at the time as they prepared for their FA Cup Semifinal against West Ham at Villa Park. Boro had much more of the play and looked the better side in the first half but just weren’t able to score. West Ham came more int the game in the second half and took the lead from Marlon Harewood with just over ten minutes remaining. Even then Chris Riggott should have equalised but scuffed his shot.
Four days later Boro played the second leg of their UEFA Semifinal match, and as Boro only had a one goal deficit to overcome the match attracted the biggest crowd of the season 34,622 despite the match being televised. Boro were without Mark Schwartzer for this match so Brad Jones was called up as goalkeeper. Once again though Boro conceded first after 16 minutes as Petre Merin was given too much space as he cut inside and Brad Jones was only able to parry his shot for Nicolae Dica to score. Worse was to follow as 8 minutes later Dorin Goian scored a second. Gareth Southgate then had to come off and was replaced by Massimo Maccarone and it was the Italian who pulled a goal back after 33 minutes. Mark Viduka equalised midway through the second half and when Alberto Carlos could only push Stuart Downing’s shot into the path of Chris Riggott he had an easy tap in. With just 18 remaining surely Boro couldn’t score again, but they did and it was that man Maccarone again scoring from Downing’s centre with just over a minute remaining. Boro managed to play out the last minute without too much trouble and Boro proved that lightning can strike twice. We’re all aware of Ali Brownlees joyous comments as they have now been etched on a wall around the Stadium.
The season was played out with 4 more League matches where Boro lost at home to Everton, drew away to Manchester United and Bolton, before playing a team of mainly Academy players against Fulham before the trip to Eindhoven and the UEFA Cup Final against Sevilla. Boro were 0-1 down to a goal from Luís Fabiano at half time, had a chance of an equaliser in the second half, but three goals in the last 12 minutes from Enzo Maresca twice and Frédéric Kanouté probably put a flattering look to the scoreline, but it was probably a bridge too far for Boro. Neither the FA in hastily appointing Steve McClaren as the new England coach before the EUFA Cup Final, nor the fact that Boro had to play 13 matches in 5 weeks from the 30th of March to the 3rd of May didn’t help Boro’s cause. But a total of 64 matches over a season was far too much to endure. Boro finished 14th in the League and their leading goalscorers were Yakubu with 19 (13 in the League), Hasselbaink 17 (9 in the League), Viduka 16 (9 in the League), and Maccarone 7 (2 in the League).
It’s been a long journey from the early years of 1882, through the Northern League, and up to Premier League of 2006, and whilst I’ve enjoyed doing it, it’s taken up a lot of my time. The continual research of referring to Wikipedia is the most tiring part, and perhaps now there is no mileage in continuing the history of our great club as the past 13 years are too recent and well within the compass of people’s memories. So with that in mind I feel that I’ve come to the end of the line. I may come up with some useful historical information on Boro’s FA Cup runs as most of these have occurred in the last 45 years, so you haven’t quite heard the last of me. So finally it’s been a pleasure to share my Boro memories with you, and let’s hope there will be many more for you to share after my demise. So finally, Up the Boro, and here’s now to the future.
Thank you so much for the entire catalogue of memories and history you have shared with us Ken. Just like your poems, they have been “must reads”. I’m really hoping you will be able to keep contributing for a long long time to come. But for now my small acknowledgement to you:
There was this young lad from Southbank
Whose writing would fill any blank
His poetical prose
And historical nose
A legacy for which we thank.
As ever, Ken, many thanks indeed for all your amazing efforts! Have a good rest now. Then maybe, batteries recharged, you might do a Boro v Steaua and come back with some more gems!
And we thought MFC dithered over appointing a manager. I doubt JW was the eleventh choice.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7255977/Newcastle-confirm-Steve-Bruce-clubs-new-manager-three-year-deal.html
And while they were managereless, they sold two main strikes. And they are the only PL club that have not signed a player this summer.
I know we have signed only a reserve keeper so far. But we have a manager who knows his squad of players and what we need. We know what we want.
I am looking forward to the season but would like to see a speedy winger coming soon as well as a fullback who can play on both sides.
Perhaps we need to sell first. But Sir Gibson said there is money available when Woody was appointed.
Up the Boro!
Jarrko, he may know the type of player he wants, but will MFC deliver them?
That is the most important answer. The clock is ticking.
Didn’t Aitor find himself in a similar situation and we all recall how that turned out.
As we now know JW was the cheapest and only choice.
I have to say that I’m looking forward to the posts from our doom and gloom squad should JW actually turn out to be a good manager who introduces some youngsters into the team and gets Boro playing attractive attacking football.
Am I looking forward to the season…..of course I am and nothing would give me more pleasure than to see a few of the Academy lads turn out to be genuine Championship level players.
A question for everyone…..if you had to pick a potential breakout player from the current squad, who would it be?
I’m going with Ashley Fletcher.
UTB
Connor Malley
OFB
My impression is ,its going to be a long season , if we rely on kids to improve the team it will be hard, they will have good games but many poor games ,
I admire the staff having a vision of entertaining football ,but we don’t have the persnel right now, we will really struggle defending counter attacks , we have some players fairly good on the ball, but are poor at reading what’s around them.
Flint had a poor season but Friend made him look worse as he had to cover him because he was chasing all over the place and giving the ball away too often, and to think he is guaranteed a place boggles the mind .
Howsen is a good pro ,but teams will suss his defending out.
To get promoted you need at least a couple of players of real quality , players that lift the team when needed ,I don’t see that right now.
It seems the clubs owners are resigned to a reset and don’t expect super Boro.
If we were listening all Pulis talked about the last six month was the saving the club money he must of wised Steve Gibson up on the money other clubs were paying out and shocked him, those players on 20 to 30,000 here were on 12 to 15000 in the prem .
Gibson needed someone like Tony ,who has been around to sort the incompetence out that as been going on for too long.
So you have to admire Woodgate for taking on a job were he’s on a hiding to nothing at least we can support him.
That my view on things , I don’t see any big signings , I hope im wrong ,
But when you need at least five better players than we have , it won’t happen.
I’m actually looking forward to see how it all pans out, but I’m also resigned to mid table at best.
We have Breithwaite and Wing. So we have some good players like Assombalonga, too.
We need space and a fulback. Up the Boro!
Ken
Keep going while you can, Even though the years since winning our major trophy and getting to a European final have seen us slide they are still history.
It is much appreciated
During the Karanka era, I started to ponder if we have two players per one position – who we have during the season to rely on. In previous posts I mentioned a winger and a full back is needed.
So here is my thoughts at the moment in a 3-3-4 formation:
Braithwaite, Gestede, S. Walker, Fletcher, Assombalonga & another
Saville, Tavernier (M. Johnson), Wing, Clayton, McNair & another
Friend, Reading, Fry, Flint, Shotton, Ayala, Howson & another
Randoph & Mejias
We also have Coulson, Spence etc. some promising defenders coming up but I think they will mainly fill the gaps and hopefully some of them go on loan for six month to get experience about the men’s game.
We will see a player or two leaving – and we definitely need a right winger/striker (or two) in there. And most probably a right back who could play on the left, too. Before we buy, we might need too know who is leaving as that generates some money but also a gap to be filled.
Interesting weeks coming up. In about two weeks we have the first match against Luton Town and then exactly three weeks to the end of the transfer window.
I still think we still have a decent squad but need a couple of speedy players. On paper – that does not always help I know – our squad is as good as Norwich or Sheffield Utd had last summer. Teemu Pukki was bought on a free transfer, for example only last summer. We need to buy wisely now.
Up the Boro!
Thanks Ken for a great marathon effort. Your labour of love will be there to illuminate our history for Boro fans for many years to come. A brilliant, selfless and irreplaceable contribution. Thanks again.
Totally agree Len. Ken deserves a knighthood.
If we think JW has a lot to prove to win over the doubters, spare a thought for Steve Bruce facing the wrath of the Toon.
Football has turned into a circus. Another reason why we love Ken’s recollections of the “golden age” .
Having my coffee break as I was passed fit to continue on my ‘projects’ by the physio (Mrs Werder) and just read that Boro are set to sell Flint to Cardiff for £6m today – looks like funds are being raised for incoming deals (hopefully).
Though it seems it’s an initial fee of £4m that could rise to £6m depending on clauses (presumably appearances, promotion and him scoring 10 goals) – at least with Shotton now moving into the centre of defence in what may be just a centre-back pairing under Woodgate we are well covered with Ayala, Fry, possibly Friend and young Wood. It makes sense to sell where it’s likely players will be mainly on the bench.
Quick thanks to Ken for admirably revisiting the McClaren years after losing his original post a few weeks ago – I look forward to reading that later!
Flint to Cardiff for £6m today.
Come on BORO.
Seems fair enough. I like Flint; he seems honest and like someone who will always give their best. He was mostly poor last year but so were 80% of the players and you always got the impression that he never stopped trying. But we need to recover some costs and he’s not a bad option.
That said, I would rather have sold Ayala. Assuming our centre backs are some combination of Fry, Ayala, Shotton, Friend and Wood I think Flint is a better partner to Fry than Ayala.
Money back on Flint, no problem with that. I wouldn’t put him as my number one, I would be happy if he stayed but wont shed tears if he leaves.
Exactly my thoughts, Ian. UTB!
May be the catalyst for a few other moves. 😎
Boro allegedly bought him for £7million, we sell him for 4million a year later, rising to £6million apparently and that is good business?
Was it Pulis who wanted him? I’m glad Tony Pulis hard a hard look at what was wrong with Boro and recruitment. I’ll sleep better on the back of that transaction.
UTB,
John
It was £5M with £2M in add ons, of which you’d have to think have not been triggered. Therefore £4M rising to £6M for a centre half who doesn’t fit in the new playing style and is now in his thirties sounds like decent business to me.
Also Villa have apparently offered £12M for Randolph 😐
I suspect Randolph will have a price at which the club would accept an offer – £12m is already a £7m profit but others may be interested. The problem for Boro is if Randolph decides he wants to play in the PL on much higher wages – it would be hard to keep him in those circumstances.
Randolph probably saved Boro a fair few points last season and if he leaves will Mejias be the new number one or would Boro look to buy a better keeper? If so the profit on Randolph could be minimal but right now the club need to raise funds to buy. I suspect if decent offer arrives he will go in the current financial circumstances.
You can also add in the fact players are depreciated in the books over the length of their contract. We probably haven’t lost on him, nor have we gained.
If Randolph goes that would worry me more, if we make a good profit that sweetens the deal.
Woody on the recruitment process at Boro:
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jonathan-woodgate-sheds-light-middlesbroughs-16605981
Up the Boro!
I think selwynoz might consider me one of his ‘doom and gloom’ squad. I don’t mean to be a doom merchant all the time, but I have been a bit pessimistic over most of Pulis’s last year (weren’t we all?) and I am worried about the coming season. However, I do think we have to give Woody every chance of success and get behind him fully. It’s just very disconcerting that the switch to a new, rookie manager coincides with a massive retraction in terms of spending, so it looks like a lowering of expectations, even though the necessity to cut costs is entirely understandable. We may yet get in some good new blood, but it’s getting a bit late in the day, and of course, that lack of strengthening in key areas adds to the worry. And yes, I know that many other clubs are in the same boat. And thankfully, I’m not a Toon fan…….
I do always try to be objective, and I know my views go up and down as the season progresses, so that sometimes I’m depressed and gloomy, whilst at others I radiate good cheer and (over-)optimism. The joys of being a Boro supporter – I guess that’s the DNA.
Selwynoz: in answer to your question about one to watch – I agree that Fletcher has a good chance. I can see him forming a strong partnership with Britt, if we can hold onto them both.
I’ve been thinking about the team and squad for Luton. At present, I think our strongest 11 is as follows:-
Playing 4-1-2-3, with Clayton in the holding role:-
Randolph,
Howson Ayala / Shotton Fry Friend
Clayton
Wing McNair / Saville
Fletcher Assombalonga Tavernier
I’ve left out Braithwaite, as I can’t imagine him staying, though I hope he does. Flint will have gone.
I think that’s a strong side, especially if Tav provides pace and width. Beyond that, however, the squad lacks depth. That would leave us with half a bench of relatively experienced players: Mejias, Shotton/Ayala, McNair/ Saville, Johnson, Gestede. After that, unless I’ve missed anyone, we’re down to the youngsters. And we have only George in the squad who is a specialist full back.
Thoughts, lads and lasses?
If they sell Randolph they wanted Darlow last season?
Darlow should end up at Darlo.
Selling Flint to Cardiff at what appears to be around break even seems like good business to me.
I was never impressed by his performances and it would appear his strengths wont suit Woody’s new style of play.
So, a good deal all round it would appear.
A bit of cash in the bank now to start making some purchases.
If Randolph does go that will be a blow, but I’d like to think there’s a plan B in place if he does that doesn’t include Mejias.
Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts. I’m now on a long four day marathon watching the Open Golf. However Rory McIlroy’s attitude must disappoint his Irish fans. He drove out of bounds at the first hole. Okay, that can happen, but to then play so carefreely and take a quadruple bogey 8 was very poor. But his worst attitude was at the 16th hole where disappointed at missing a short putt he nonchalantly tried to tap in a 3 inch putt within addressing the ball and missed. I’ve seen golfers do that before, but it shouldn’t ever happen. It was absolute careless and he’s let all his home fans down. No matter how disappointed and frustrated he was, it appeared he’d given up. Like him or loathe him, you’d never have seen Nick Faldo do that, nor Benhard Langer either. It was reminiscent of the last days of Yakubu and Ramirez.
Ken
Best wishes I hope you thoroughly enjoy your marathon!
As someone who often chases a little white ball around a field, I was surprised to learn that a pro golfer could make such an amateurish mistake.
Just goes to prove we are all human. 😎
As Werder said, Randolf gained Boro a number of points last season. I would in-fact say probably around 8/10.
Meijas is in my opinion is not good enough to be a number 2, never mind 1. I wonder if Leo had any input in his arrival?
So baring in mind that we will not be a tight at the back probably with JW and his new system, a decent goalie is paramount. Who is available for say 5mil or better still as Sheff Utd did, somebody on loan.
Selling Randolph would be great for the coffers but a disaster for the first team’s prospects.
As the best keeper in the division we have little hope of replacing him with similar quality and not having him would add serious pressure to the rest of side to both score more and concede fewer chances. Tall order.
It would be very difficult to deny Randolph another shot in the Premier League and, no doubt, a pay rise. At least Robbie Keane’s role with the Rep. Ireland national team may be influential in our favour.
If the reports are true, you’d have to say that £12m is a pretty good offer but I feel that’s an area where we need some stability amidst all the change.
Something different.
Following on from Joey Barton being charged by the FA for some unseemly behavior in the tunnel, I recalled a complaint about Barton by Paddy Barclay the journalist. He was incensed, tongue in cheek, that Barton came up with the solution about how to integrate Lampard and Gerard in the same team. Barton’s solution was to give them a ball each.
That made me chuckle but the best newish quote I can remember was by Noel about his troublesome brother, Liam Gallagher.
‘He’s like a man with a fork in a world full of soup.’
It may have been borrowed but even so it is a great line.
Flint like a few others wasn’t a success and won’t theoretically be missed but its anther weakening of the squad unless the money is reinvested in a better replacement. That squad replacement could be at RB or LB if Shotton or Friend were to shuffle in one but that level of disruption at the back and crucially in the heart of our defence doesn’t bode well for intuitive understanding.
Adding more defensive woes I suspect its nailed on that Randolph will go and I can’t blame him for like as not collecting far more money than he currently enjoys. He is also probably one of our highest earners that the club no longer want (or can afford) on the wage bill so “inevitability” seems the key word in his case. I expect to see some confused and comedic defending as a consequence along with a few leaks.
Britt likewise also seems likely to be sold to pay off the loan sharks in an effort to keep a roof over the Riverside or perhaps the roof over the money pit that is now seemingly Rockliffe. Braithwaite I suspect will depart in a budget clearance deal or another loan somewhere exotic to try and keep costs down despite high praise for being the best trainer which whilst not fit was either a bit of a conundrum or a superhuman effort.
Maybe we will get Lonergan back in from his summer sojourn with Liverpool, Billy Sharp on loan from the Blades and the return of Emilio Nsue from the super Cypriot league after being dumped 6 months ago. I’m waiting to see who Bausor, Bevington and Gill bring in to mitigate for those dearly departed, albeit admittedly more for comedic value than any genuine belief or trust in their individual or collective recruitment abilities.
Whilst I believe we could cope quite adequately without Flint, Randolf would be a completely different scenario.
Given that George has been made Captain and thus probably assured a first 11 place, then the loss of Randolf, injury prone Dani, Howson at RB and all of a sudden I can see a very leaky defence.
As we have no pace up front, little creativity apart from Wing, assuming Braithwaite leaves, and things are looking decidedly “dodgy”. Lose Britt to fund Rockcliffe as RR said and the season is starting to look a little shaky.
OK we may get some incoming replacements, but would you place much faith in Bevington and Gill delivering want we would need?
No, I did not think you would.
I would like to point out that not all Gill’s are involved in recruitment at Rockcliffe..
But there’s a welcome Gill or two In every Pub!
OFB
Sorry Ian, next time I will add Gary.
I think this season is going to be a comedy of errors, starting almost with everyone connected to the club.
Plus Margaret Rutherford/Alastir Sim/Sid James/Tony Hancock/Les Dawson/Tommy Cooper (oops sorry) they have all passed away. Let’s hope the club don’t!
And to think I wanted Pulis out because things couldn’t possibly get any worse 🙁
As the chairman of MFI said, ‘as one door shuts another drops off’
Just Malcolm
What only this season! 😎😂
I wonder how many posters can remember MFI?
Ian
Remember MFI ?
I bought all the blue curved reception seating which was used by the staff for the kitchen designs sales areas. It was brand new and is still being used today by my old firm after 11 years and still looks as new.
OFB
Boo-hiss. Doom and gloom and woe is me all around!
This season is going to be brilliant! Slick passing, attacking menace, aggressive pressing from the front, half a team of Academy kids desperate to impress and goals, goals, GOALS!
Sure, results will be crap, but come on?!
With Mejias back in the fold I can certainly agree with the Goals, Goals, Goals bit!
Back in October 2009 Chairman Steve Gibson said: “This has been the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make in football.” I predict he will be facing a similar decision again in the not too distant future and will continually be doing so until he realises and accepts what the cause of our continued ineptness is.
Can’t wait for the blog where we predict where we’ll finish…!
I will hold fire Andy until I see who we sign or worse, who we lose.
Ian
I most certainly remember MFI, as the first new furniture (as opposed to the family hand me downs) of our early married life were bought there. Quality it wasn’t but, at the time, we thought it was great. The predecessor of Ikea.
Just seen a picture of the container being situated as a fan Zone at the Riverside, not far from the statues. Couldn’t they have found a better place to put it. Amateurs !
MFI
I remember making my son’s furniture with the father in law. Sunday afternoon opening the boxes and it was all there!!!
My wife brought us a regular supply of beer which was much appreciated. But therein lies the rub. As an HR manager for staff at Bass in Burton she had responsibility for the staff shop and had put a load of booty in the garage, it was all pukka but as well as their normal staff allowance, they could buy stuff such as Red Stripe with faulty packaging such as no red stripe on the tin for silly money.
By 5.30 Norman and I were distinctly unimpressed by the leaning wardrobe. Was it MFI or our workmanship?
It transpired she had been feeding us generous quantities of Tenants, you guessed, it was falling over juice, Tenants Super!.
I tried that drink Ian, blew my head off !
Boro should look at John Murrilo winger played for Venezuela in copa ,
Right age 23 , cost about £1 to £ 1.5m ,
Started at Benfica plays in Portugal for other team now, but quick tricky ,and can improve.
Note!
He plays for Tendelo ,Portugal
Good shout
It’s all well and good all the golf commentators praising Rory McIlroy for his round of 65 today, but he’s missed the cut by one stroke and not one of them has remarked that his nonchalant missed putt from 3 to 6 inches on yesterday’s 16th green has caused him to miss the cut. He hasn’t learnt his lesson either, as after missing a putt he tapped in one-handed from the a similar distance today and luckily for him it went in the hole. I for one have no sympathy for him,
Ken
In any sport it is dangerous to start slowly, from what I have seen and heard McIlroy was sloppy on day 1.
It is good to see a leaderboard with plenty of British players featuring but isnt Saturday called moving day when the shakedown occurs? Lots of US big guns lurking.
Obviously I would like someone British to win, failing that a European golfer, rather than an American. It is good for the sport to have winners from a range of countries.
Ian
There is also the Pulis philosophy, start the season well and then gradually manage it into submission!
Randolph didn’t train with the squad yesterday nor did braithwaite. Neither played in any of the two games today and Assambalonga was missing today as well
OFB
Nice to see Tommy Fleetwood playing with Lee Westwood. I’ve always been a fan of both players. Tommy has plenty of time, so would love to see Lee do it. With six top 3 finishes in the Open he deserves it. If only his short putting was as good as the rest of his game! His best mate Darren Clarke won the Claret Jug after being completely out of form previously, so why not Lee? Come on Lee I’m rooting for you.
PS When I say British I include all of the British Isles so that includes Ireland just like the Lions in rugby.
Ian
The last time the Open Championship was played at Royal Portrush it was won by an Englishman Max Faulkner in 1951, an omen perhaps for this weekend. His daughter married Brian Barnes who was notable for beating Jack Nicklaus twice in singles twice in one day in the 1975 Ryder Cup when the format was different to today. After Faulkner’s win it was 18 years before another Englishman won the Open; that of course was Tony Jacklin at Lytham St Anne’s. Severiano Ballesteros was the first European to win the Claret Jug ten years later in 1979 and my wife and I were there to watch the last two days play. We had to stay in Fleetwood as finding accommodation in Lytham and Blackpool was difficult to find.
Seve’s second win in 1984 was the start of European dominance in the Open with 6 Europeans winning in 9 years – two more for Seve, one win for Sandy Lyle and thee wins for Nick Faldo. The following 14 years produced only one European success, Paul Lawrie in 1999 at Carnoustie. The renaissance for European wins started with Padraig Harrington’s double in 2007 and 2008, followed by Darren Clarke in 2011, Rory McIroy in 2014, Henrik Stenson in 2016 and Francesco Molinari’s last year.
Strangely the last Australian winner was Ian Baker-Finch at Birkdale in 1991, and only one Aussie (Cameron Smith) has made the cut this year as opposed to six South Africans. Just to complete the statistics, 24 from the USA and 32 from Europe including 15 Englishmen have made the cut this year. You might have guessed by now, as well as my being interested in the history of Boro and Cas Tigers, I’m a Golf historian also. How boring is that?
Funny little trivia.
There is a village in NI called Clough, and I’m currently near Cloughmills.
Clough and Mills.
Boro legends everywhere.
Remember this …………
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-man-city-boss-stuart-16606223
U23’s (including Friend, Clayton and Johnston) win 7 – 1 against Bishop Auckland while a strong but small squad travelled to Germany to play at 3.
Question, where is Randolph ?
Come on BORO.
Was Braithwaite involved in either of the games or has he done himself a mischief with all his Training exploits?
GHW
It wasn’t me who posted the score as Bishops but it begs the question when can you post scores or discuss events?
Not everyone has a sky subscription or is able to listen to live events, this is why in the evening there is usually a highlight programme. Last weekend there were three major sporting events, Wimbledon Men’s Final, Cricket WC and the British GP. This is where the option of recording programmes comes in. As this is predominately an MFC football blog, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask posters to refrain from revealing the results of non football events to those who wish to watch it later, “live” so to speak.
GHW
That is why I asked the question, that seems a fair guideline unless it is on free to air.
Those three events were on free to air, but the timing clashed. That’s where recording and highlight programmes ( which are invariably on free channels) come in.
But once again, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to wait until the following morning to discuss/refer to them.
Ian, I don’t see the U23 match being televised, maybe highlights on MFC website on Monday.
Come on BORO.
So Boro lose 5-1 and the opposition score all the goals.
It may only be a friendly but it doesn’t seem to have instilled the new way of playing that JW was looking for! 😎
At least we won 8-6 on aggregate tonight.
Awful result in Germany as we played our strongest team so far except for goalkeeper and Braithwaite.
A lot of questions to be answered in Germany now.no comment yet from Woody.
Up the Boro!
Jarkko
Do you think we will be watching either Randolph or Brathwaite in a Boro shirt again?
At least we have Friend and Clayton to add to that German squad to boost things!
Didn’t expect my premonitions to be borne out quite so quickly and accurately!
Two separate posts yesterday:
“I expect to see some confused and comedic defending as a consequence along with a few leaks.”
and then
“With Mejias back in the fold I can certainly agree with the Goals, Goals, Goals bit!”
Regardless of it being only a friendly it was against Bundesliga 2 opposition and at this stage some sort of shape and structure should be taking place. Reality is that the squad as we all know isn’t geared up for the slick passing, high tempo game that has been shoved down our throats since the folly that was the Managerial “search” appointment. Good luck to the Gazette lads for polishing this one up, no doubt a brief reference and concentrate on thrashing the mighty Bishop Auckland.
With like as not more departures weakening the squad and the clock ticking down, any incomings are going to have to be of an exceptional nature and capable of converting a solid squad into a fast exciting one. Good job we have the BBG to rely on then. Still we could be Bolton right now with only four players and a 12 point deduction and that is one premonition that just doesn’t bear thinking about!
Unlike you I didn’t see the game therefore I can’t comment, but surely this is why clubs play freindlies, to try things out and get match practice for various formations and tactics.
Better to get a tonking in a friendly with nothing at stake, than a game with three points on the line.
I didn’t see the game, perhaps we were just really unlucky and the 5-1 flattered the opposition?
Have to admit not seeing many games in over 50 years of watching football where a side has been unlucky conceding just the five goals and were genuinely robbed and not stuffed. Always a first time.
It’s one thing to be negative based on watching a game, but to just take a result in isolation to fit a narrative is a bit unfair.
As I said, the reason for friendlies is to try different things and promote fitness, I’m sure the coaching staff will have learnt quite a bit from the game. I recall Jack Charlton’s team getting a 5-1 tonking, when it was a real game. I’m sure there were lessons learnt that day too.
Its not a narrative, the Club is presently unfit for business from top to bottom but I’m happy for anyone to tell me just what exactly we are excelling at?
The squad last season had glaring gaps and was unbalanced. These issues were not addressed then or in January in fact it was incredibly made worse by bringing in unwanted, underperforming players making us incomprehensibly overloaded in midfield. That weak unbalanced squad was we were repeatedly told by the then Manager not good enough for promotion. We now have that same squad severely weakened by loans returning and experienced players departing and nothing coming in to address the existing gaps let alone replacing any outgoings.
That those responsible for continual weaknesses in recruitment are still in-situ is farcical especially when they sit with a straight face telling us about the exciting new vision. Woodgate was appointed because he was the cheapest option and also because any experienced Manager faced with the hand Woodgate has been dealt would have laughed in SG’s face. That it was dragged out in the manner in which it was ridiculous, that they believed they could fool all of the people all of the time in doing it was indicative of their collective competences (good or bad I suppose depending upon individual perception).
I’m happy to be proved wrong (but cringeworthily confident that I won’t be) but so far I have seen no reason not to be cynical and untrusting of everything that is currently being spun. I do hope that SG, BBG and Woodgate will prove me wrong but I have been waiting for over a decade for MFC to provide that moment. Maybe this will be their year!
The result in Heidenheim, particularly being exposed defensively, was hardly surprising given that our back four comprised of a returning from injury Ayala and Howson playing full-back rather than wing-back and two youngsters filling in at left full-back – plus no Randolph.
The match report seemed to suggest that Boro were poor defensively on the flanks and perhaps that will concentrate minds at the club over the lack of decent full-backs. Howson worked quite well as a wing-back last season but that was always with a back three to cover the wing-backs. The youngsters are still learning and while they may have performed well against the likes of Hartlepool, a German second tier outfit would always pose a greater challenge.
Also a front three of Gestede, Fletcher and Tavernier doesn’t exactly sound like a Championship equivalent of Salah, Mane and Firmino. Woodgate has much to ponder in the next two weeks and he must decide whether the notion of playing a high pressing 4-3-3 formation is possible with what he currently has. It may be likely that the 4-1-4-1 is a more realistic approach and hopefully the club will have some deals for decent full-backs and a some pace lined up – plus a good keeper if the missing Randolph is on his way.
btw given that Heide is German for ‘moor’ and Heim is of course ‘home’ – were Boro perhaps playing the German equivalent Moorsholm?
I may be wrong but I thought I read a headline on Newsnow or elsewhere this week that Woodgate has announced Howson as the new RB? Why was Friend at Bishop this afternoon surely the team needs to settle and start to gel?
The omission of Randolph I fear is perhaps a longer term problem and maybe Mejias hasn’t come in as number two after all as some of us feared at the time? There have been far too any questions all Summer that even at this late stage haven’t come close to being answered. PR spin can only cover up glaring holes let alone cracks for so long.
“Stadium: Information about a VAR check will appear on the big screens at the 18 grounds which are equipped with them ie ‘Checking red card’. When a decision is overturned, a video of the incident will be shown when appropriate. At the two grounds which do not have screens – Anfield (Liverpool) and Old Trafford (Manchester United), announcements will be made via the scoreboard and PA.”
Surprising that two of the richest clubs in the world don’t have a large screen at their grounds.
Reading Woodgates comments over the last few days and tonight, my thoughts are that he is out of his depth even at this early stage. Prove me wrong JW.
Yes, Malcom. It’s very worrying that he now knows exactly what we need after a salutary thrashing in Germany. Surely he would know that already, having been Pulis’s right hand man for so long? Or perhaps this squad has never been given the opportunity previously ever to play in a 4-3-3? So, perhaps now he has learned that this might not work as he hoped? Whatever, I find it a rather astonishing admission.
Well in my limited technical football experience the current Boro squad have nowhere near the players needed for 433.
Our last season full backs are not good enough, that is FB’s not WB’s. Shotton and George. The middle 3 do not have sufficient creativity and the front 3 not enough pace. This format at present is doomed.
Will we bring in the necessary players to make it work? I doubt it.
To be fair to Woodgate he did say a week or so ago he would prefer to play 433 but maybe hadn’t the players to do it. We are where we have been for several windows, looking for pace, width, guile and full backs.
It does then beg the question why he has persevered to play 433 in the friendly games.
It may that he has done so to confirm his thinking and may now have to abandon 433 until he feels he has the players who can deliver results via that formation. Given the state of the finances that may be some time away.
With only two friendly games left he needs to settle on a formation and first choice eleven now if he is to try and get them working as a unit by start of the season. 😎
Received my season card yesterday and one for Mrs OFB
Also going to the friendly next Sunday
Not expecting anything but the worst this season I’m afraid !
OFB
OFB
I think many of us are fearing the worst but we still stick with them through thick and thin.
No doubt the company and crac will be good if nothing else! 😎
Apparently Braithwaite was missing because he had sickness and diarrhoea!
Didn’t someone on here say he was a little shxt?
OFB
Quite a few young players were playing on trial for Boro i23s Yesterday
Stevenage player Andron Georgiou started the game and scored a goal in the 7-1 win while Alex Storey, who was released by Sunderland, and Auxerre defender Iban Cossou linked up in the heart of defence in the second half.
Meanwhile Sam Folarin, a recent signing from non-league Tooting and Mitcham, came off the bench at half-time and scored a goal.
OFB
The big fear is that we lose Randolph and Assombalonga before we have enough time to sign the players we need. I discount Braithwaite as there is no way that he’ll be staying, for one thing we just can’t afford him, but we appear no nearer to selling him than we were in January. Whilst friendly results mean nothing (didn’t Hartlepool beat Manchester United 6-0 a few seasons ago?), we haven’t got a preferred line up yet and unlikely to have before we play St Etienne a week before Luton, so can’t see anything but a defeat at Kenilworth Road.
Even if we manage to buy the players we need, it will likely be after the Luton match. Talk of relegation though is just as daft as talk of reaching the playoffs, and I would settle now for a mid-table finish with a push for promotion in 3 years time, but will the fans have enough patience for that outcome? Or indeed will Steve Gibson?
Ken, I wont be putting #daftquid on a play off place.
It will be interesting to see the next line up, I would like to see the likely starting eleven for Luton on the pitch at Salford.
And then putting the French side to the sword but mi am not holding my breath! 😎
Should be “I am”
It has been a long day saying farewell to a neighbour and best friend for the last 14 years in Spain so sorry for the typo.
Life can be a bitch at times and whatever happens at MFC is in most cases insignificant! 😎
GHW
I know what you mean above trying to avoid the results of sporting events on Diasboro. I nearly always record sports events and watch them the following day, especially golf in America. At the weekend when there are so many sports being simultaneously taking place, I save Monday for a reserve day in catching up. I’m reminded of an episode of ‘The Likely Lads’ when Terry and Bob were intent on avoiding the result of an England football match somewhere abroad and despite being able to do so, sat down to watch the TV highlights only to find that the match had been postponed due to fog.
When I visited Belfast I refrained from visiting the Titanic Museum before I had seen the film in case the ending was revealed. But seriously in the 1950s when cinemas used to show a film with continuous performances and the queues outside were so long, it was quite common to enter the cinema mid-performance and after watching the ending remain until one had caught up with the story in the next performance before leaving the cinema, or even watch right through to the end again before leaving.
Here’s that very episode Ken………
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MEumvfKaL_w
GHW
I was a shift manager in a factory in the Cotswolds. England we re playing an international and we came to the agreement no one would listen to the radio.
Recorded the game on good old VHS. As duty manager we stayed on to get maintenance and cleaning well underway so got home at 1.00am.
Mrs G went off to work, I studiously ignored TV and radio and sat down with breakfast at 9.30am. Started to play the recording and at ‘10.30’ came the announcement ‘We were due to show highlights of the football but due to industrial action are unable to do so’.
At this moment, I think JW will possibly struggle to put out an effective side capable of a result for the Luton match.
Defensively we are short of players after losing Flint. He may not of been everybody’s cup of tea, mine included, but his injury record is good. At the moment we have Dani having to catch up, Fry not being available for sometime possibly, Leaving Shotton as a step in. George is probably not 100%, and struggles at CH, never mind FB. We have no RB to speak of, and as RR said, JW has indicated Howson for that role. A disaster waiting to happen as a RB.
So unless JW knows something we don’t and there are imminent arrivals for the defensive back line, the Luton game will be tough. We can only hope and pray that Randolf stays.
The Squad as it stands doesn’t have the requirements to remotely attempt 433. The best we could field with what we have to work with for me would be 5131. Three at the back, Howson and Tav as Wing backs, Clayts protecting the CB’s, Wing, Fletcher and Saville behind Gestede:
Mejias (Randolph sold?)
Howson Shotton Ayala Friend Tavernier (Fry still out or sold?)
Clayton
Wing Saville Fletcher
Gestede (assuming Britt and Brathwaite are gone)
Not great but to try 433 with that lot for the sake of a new vision would be tantamount to footballing suicide.
In the end Woodgate will accept whatever hand he’s dealt and I suspect despite some of the banter around him being not the brightest, he’s probably no mug and nor is Robbie Keane.
I’m hoping the result yesterday will focus minds on dealing with the shortcomings of the squad and whether that means putting the Liverpool-lite aspirations on the back-burner and working out what formations the squad can play – or preferably seeing some good young incoming players on loan that may be a notch up on what we currently have.
I think the economics of this season will see the likes of Braithwaite, Britt and sadly Randolph move on to create the funds to address the requirements of squad as a whole. We probably will struggle to shift the Gestede’s and Johnston’s and one or two defensive midfielders and it may be that they are ‘loaned’ out to help the wage bill.
I only hope that any notion that this is a transitional season is avoided as that’s a sure way to have a bad season as expectations are lowered and subsequently standards drop accordingly.
Boro can salvage this season with 3-4 good signings on loan – it’s what we did under Karanka but it’s going to be hard to attract them if we give the perception of a club that will be not in the promotion mix. We may have spent the parachute payments but the club still has saleable assets and I’m still not convinced the Gibson-Adama-Bamford money has been sucked up to pay the wage bill.
We need some kind of statement of intent from the club hierarchy that doesn’t look like it’s preparing for mid-table obscurity by default – though time is running out before the transfer deadline seals our fate. If we start the season with Mejias in goal and makeshift full-backs and Fletcher as the main striker, then it will convince few that Boro is the place to come on loan to for a shot at the big time.
It’s going to be a critical few weeks now that will probably define the season – I’m rather hoping for surprises rather than watching the reality of downsizing under a compliant head coach biding his time for a better future.
The NE headline ….
Jonathan Woodgate expecting arrivals at Middlesbrough
Could it be a bus or a train, ?
Howson at right back isn’t the end of the world. He’s got the energy/stamina, crosses a decent ball and has the experience to cover the positional side of the role. It’s far from ideal – particularly in a side trying to play progressive football – but no more or less of a concern than Friend at left back in my opinion. Likewise, two from Ayala, Fry and Shotton holds no fear for me.
These are not the makings a promotion challenging team but I don’t see that as the objective for this season.
Losing Randolph would be a different story but we have nothing but a single rumour and a bit of conjecture on that one at present. It’s credible that he could leave but a long way from certain. As it stands, I expect him to start the season with us. The same goes for Britt.
If JW is determined to play a 433 – and I agree that it doesn’t suit the squad at present – then I would expect the following against Luton;
Randolph
Howson Shotton Ayala Friend
Clayton
Wing Saville
Tavernier Britt Braithwaite/Fletcher
That is assuming that Ayala and Friend are fit (which I’m guessing they will be) but Fry is not (which I’m guessing he won’t).
It’s a perfectly reasonable Championship side but lacks the ball-playing skills, pace and energy of the high-tempo, front-foot style that has become the new tactical mantra.
I’m therefore expecting a longer term transition to the new way and a muddling through of the early fixtures at the very least.
If it’s to be 433, then two attacking fullbacks and a winger are a must to bring in. If JW can be persuaded to adopt the wingback system, then I think only one signing (left wingback) is an absolute must.
Either way, Randolph has to stay for the foreseeable.
What I have heard in Twitter, Randoph has a niggle and was out injured. It was also mentioned he could play against Salford, though.
And as mentioned before, Braithwaite was ill.
I hope to see one or two players coming in this week. Of course they do not go into the team immediately, so we must start at Luton what we have at the present.
So plenty of thinking for Woody and Keane now. Up the Boro!
I do hope Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff, Derby, Fulham, West Brom have also lowered their expectations for the next two to three seasons otherwise they will be accused of not playing fair. Likewise Swansea, Stoke and Huddersfield. Here’s also praying that Wednesday and Forest both continue as “sleepers” in the Championship as well so we don’t develop an inferiority complex up at the Riverside.
What if the likes of Charlton, Luton and Barnsley don’t know their place and harbour ideas above their station and want to push on in the Championship? Thankfully Charlton will probably implode at this level and maybe Reading will do us a favour and become this seasons Ipswich and perhaps Millwall could occupy one of the bottom three if Barnsley start showing too much unfair ambition and desire.
In answer to Malcolm’s earlier question above; the “new arrivals” at Middlesbrough will likely be the 63 (formerly 263 for those of us of an older vintage) that Woodgate has been thrown under.
RR
I used to get the 63 from Mbro to Eston after going to the cinema as it stopped outside and was the only bus out of town after 10:30. Dropped girlfriend off at Eaton (Mrs OFB) then walked home to Ormesby Bank. Pleased when I got my car back on the road but I was slim and fit then!
On a different matter Newcastle after Ben Gibson!
That will be the Steve Agnew influence who can get Ben back to his best .
OFB
Not sure how well the signing of the nephew of the Boro owner will go down with the Toon fans. Still, if he finally gets another game in the PL I’ll be happy – providing Boro don’t sign Mike Ashley’s nephew in response…
RR
Gut feeling at present is that most of the sides you mentioned may well finish above us this year. Sheff Wed are an interesting one with the plans presumably out of the window now that Bruce has gone.
As a pick-me-up, maybe we need a pre-season Exmil Challenge-type event – predict the final Championship table, 24 points for each club’s finishing position correctly predicted and -1 for each position out?
A third event and we can have the Exmil Triple Crown, which has a nice ring to it.
Hoping that GHW isn’t a golf fan as I give my thoughts on the Open Golf Championship, so if he or anybody else doesn’t want to know the final outcome, please read no further,
I’m pleased that the Irish golf fans having had to wait 68 years since hosting their last Open Championship, witnessed a home winner albeit from the South of the island, not that that should really matter. There were possibly more people from the Republic anyway, but when it comes to Sport, especially golf and rugby, they are a united island. Although they quite naturally wanted there man to win and were more vociferous in their support for him, they were also fulsome in their praise for the four English players who finished in the top nine, and indeed most Europeans and Americans too. I don’t know whether Simon is a golf fan, but today he should be proud of his fellow countrymen.
As for Shane Lowry I must admit that in the past I’ve never been as fulsome in praising him as much as the Irish commentators have been. After all, here is a player who before yesterday had yet to qualify for a Ryder Cup place, and a player who had failed to make the cut in the last 3 Open Championships, but this week showed his credentials by blowing away the best golfers in the World by 6 shots.That is some achievement which has happened twice before in this century by Tiger Woods in 2000 and Louis Oosthuizen in 2010 both at St. Andrews. So I now have to say that he has definitely arrived.
The next Open Championship is at Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, Kent. Wouldn’t it appropriate if an Englishman could win on an English course, though it hasn’t happened since 1969 when Tony Jacklin won at Lytham St, Anne’s.
Not a problem Ken. I watched the highlight package on BBC2 last night.
I’m not trying to make any rules on here, and posters can discuss anything they want to. I merely asked if they could refrain from putting scores/results until the following day( as you have).
Ken (and GHW)
Lowry was the first bearded winner of the open since Bob Ferguson in 1882.
Even if winning by 6 clear strokes is hardly what you would call winning by a whisker…
It certainly wasn’t a close shave.
In the unsurprising absence of any news or spin after the weekend emanating form either the club or the local media I will throw in a few bits of tittle tattle below.
I’ve heard whispers about supposed bids in for Braithwaite but Boro are apparently playing hard ball. Nothing more than I know a man who knows a man who knows someone’s granddad that used to clean Camsell’s Boots and whose Mother in Law once cleaned the Ayresome Ticket Office kind of rumour. There are supposedly two clubs courting him which is probably more plausible than the trots over the weekend story.
I wonder if Wheats is being considered as a budget replacement for Flint. He was a free agent at the end of the season and has been linked with tomorrow’s opponents Salford but he knows the Club, knows the calorific content of a Parmo, knows the Area and is a local Lad. Maybe the Sunderland lad Alex Storey is already the replacement in a Maximillian Haas sort of way?
At least the Randolph to Villa or Stoke rumour hasn’t resurfaced but I note that Dean Henderson is not definitely returning to the Blades on loan this season meaning Chris Wilder will be looking to fill the gap between the post.
So, like Godot we are still waiting for a LB and a RB to come in and some quick, pacey wide players with movement and a creative, mercurial number 10. Cue tumbleweed to roll past.
All of old. Nothing else ever. Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
It’s so nice to know where you’re going, in the early stages. It almost rids you of the wish to go there. 😉
The good thing is if you dont know where you are going you are sure to get there.
🙂
If you don’t where you are going try the next gate (to plagiarise Lewis Carroll)!
I did notice MFC had highlights of our win at Bishops but none for our trip to Germany.
After last season with Pulis, they must be careful how many goals they are gone show to the fans. We might get an over dose as we are not used to see goals. Up the Boro!
Ian
“Unpopular ideas can be silenced, and inconvenient facts kept dark, without the need for any official ban.”
I like the idea of Wheats replacing Flint. It fits into the new operating model of “sell one get one free” I said “sell one get one free”. 😎🤣
WBA look to be very much ahead of MFC in their pursuit of players of the new criteria.
Albion’s recruitment team, technical director Luke Dowling and head of recruitment Ian Pearce, are making a concerted effort to sign players in the mid-20s age bracket this summer.
Signings for lowish fees, one a RB. Don’t we need a RB? Plus at least four others.
Pedro
We don’t need a RB we have a converted midfielder and a converted CB for that position to herald in our new vision of “winning the ball back quickly” football. All that West Brom Technical Director and Head of Recruitment stuff is really over rated when we have BBG in our corner. Just wait until their Parachute payments run out this season and they start casting envious glances at us and our recruitment model.
I see the Robins are chasing a bright young Winger Owura Edwards from Newport County. We could have signed their entire starting eleven and still had change from the Flint fee and it would probably be an upgrade on what we have based on how they ripped us a new one down there in the Cup.
On a positive note it looks like Fulham are selling top scorer Ryan Sessegnon to Spurs for £25M. Lets hope they waste it all on overpriced Championship journeymen plodders like Boro do to even things up a little bit all in the spirit of Fair Play.
Meanwhile we have the lad from Sunderland and the other one from I think Tooting and Wherever on trial so there is something for us to get excited about. They could be two budding Lewis Wing’s for all we know!
Wheater may be cheap(ish – don’t know about his wages) and a local lad but I don’t think he fits the ball-playing centre-half type you would think we’d be pursuing. He’s more of a like-for-like replacement except older. Not for me.
In fact, I don’t think we should replace him at all to be honest. We appear to be returning to a back four and have Fry and Ayala as likely first choice picks plus Shotton, Friend, Wood, Stubbs and perhaps McNair in reserve. Replacing Flint wouldn’t be a good use of the club’s limited finances whilst other areas need addressing.
I’d also agree that we don’t need another centre-back if the objective is to try and bring on youngsters such as Nathan Wood – although Woodgate stated a few days ago that he plans to bring in a centre-back. He’s also said that he’d like to hang on to Randolph but added that he’s good enough to play in the PL – we shall see if his current niggle is one of those convenient ones that avoids risking a high ticket price sale.
There is the danger that the likes of Wood and Stubbs aren’t quite ready yet and with Fry struggling for fitness or maybe a recurrence flares up in late August then we are looking light with the ever dependable Ayala and a card just waiting to happen. We could get to September and have Fry still struggling and Ayala with a niggle or a red card as a consequence of being more exposed and therefore desperate and reckless in a lunge.
We have no LB apart from Friend and a couple of youngsters who looked OK in a couple of Friendlies. Therein lies a massive problem, our friendlies are against the type of lower or even non league opposition where these lads should look good and should stand out. Hartlepool, Gateshead and Bishop are hardly indicative of the level of opposition we are going to be facing. If judgement on suitability is based on that level of opponent then we will have problems or perhaps just get really lucky. When Tav was breaking through he was bullied and kicked off the Elland Road pitch and never to be seen for some time. If Friend needs to be the LB then we are in bare bones territory at CB.
That said there are other far more needy causes that need to filled in the squad just to balance it but it has been that way since Karanka was dismissed after the January shafting of him. Those glaring holes are still there despite Agnew imploding, Monk scatter gunning, Pulis’s reign relieving what little was left up the wall and now Woodgate dependant upon those from the same “Inner Party” who spectacularly failed all of the above.
If Woodgate is planning on having a conventional back four then we probably only need four centre-backs plus we have Friend and McNair who can also cover that position. So it probably depends on whether Wood is going to be part of the squad or be sent out on loan. Maybe Wood will go out on loan until January to see how he develops and we get a Danny Batth type on loan to fill the gap. Whether we unearth any full-backs in the next two week may determine if Friend is an option or not.
Andy
I agree my post was more a light hearted jibe at our new recruiting policy!
I am old school and prefer a back four with specialist in each position across the 4 and not some one who has been shoe horned in. We have had too much of square pegs in round holes for my liking. 😎
Since Boro are playing Salford today, here’s an excuse to post a link to the Desert Island Discs podcast of one of Salfords famous sons that aired at the weekend with the rock poet John Cooper Clarke. He’s always an entertaining listen with his honest wit and ability to be profound but down to earth – I remember seeing him perform back in 1983 and he’s now at the ripe old age of 70 and still going strong despite his rock and roll lifestyle. Look out at the end for one of the more unusual luxury items he requests on his desert island…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000701x
I’m quite close to Salford’s ground so I plan to pop up there tonight.
Hope you enjoy the game GHW and are able to post some truthful and positive news from the Boro perspective.
Better than that we receive from the Gazette spin machine.
With it only being the one game tonight we may see the basis of what Woodgate sees as his first team and tactics.
A resounding victory over another lower league side is the minimum expected especially after what happened in Germany to prove a point along with some evidence that there is some sort of shape to the new set up. I have my doubts but happy to be proved wrong.
What I don’t want is mid way through the season the realisation hits that the youngsters weren’t ready for the Championship after all amidst claims that our season was based on bringing the kids through and in pre season it all looked very feasible.
GHW
Have a good trip and let us know your thoughts.
I believe commentary is on MFC tonight so I will have a listen after the bbq.
It will be another cross pennine battle on the TV as Yorkshire take on red rose county in the 20 over cricket.
I had a quick look at Salford City website.
In their last match (a9th July) they lost 3-1 at home to Woking, the only other friendly I could see they won 1 -0 at Atherton Collieries on 1st July.
That bothers me because I can already hear that it was getting time out on the pitch as line ups (notice the multiple) give us not a clue as to the starting line up, formation and style of play for Luton.
I see we are being linked with Todd Kane who has been released by Chelsea after having been on their books for eight years but never played for them. He has had loan spells over in Holland as well as playing 39 games for Hull last season. A RB come midfielder CB come LB I understand. Could be reasonable and low cost cover with the hope that he might make a go of it I suppose. He will be 26 in September so its now or never for him.
When it comes to the youngsters being ready or not, the first question has to be “ready for what?”
If we’re talking ready to be part of a promotion winning squad, I would suggest it’s very unlikely that they’re ready.
if talking about being ready for a mid-table team in transition, yeah, maybe.
As ever, it’s all about expectations. Around this time last year I was hoping for a good go at the playoffs but then we sold Gibson, Traore and Bamford. Immediately expectations dipped (I think I predicted 8th, which wasn’t far off in the end). This year, I expect worse.
Andy, my expectations are dropping by the day. In fact I was convinced Mr Pulis would stay as the easy option, not realising the obvious toxic relationship the finally ended the relationship.
Under TP I would have thought a play off position possibly especially if he tweaked the squad.
Now with JW, his inexperience, a poor hand of cards being dealt initially from the pack, it does not bode well. So unless he gets to successfully change a number of his cards, them I cannot see him making a hand that would get us more than mid table..
If we were to lose Braithwaite (hopefully, and not after our transfer date closure) may be lose Britt and then Randolf, well if I was JW, I would resign as it would certainly be damage limitation.
I can’t really comment on JW as I’ve nothing to go on, though that in itself is a concern of sorts.
I just think there’s too much change to expect immediate progression. The squad is light years away from some sides that have been promoted in recent years – probably including our own under Karanka – and adding the fact that we’re going to try and play in a completely different way makes it several steps too far.
My hopes for the season are:
1. Stay out of any kind of relegation trouble
2. See the playing style take shape
3. See a handful of youngsters make their mark and gain experience
4. Show progress and finish the season with more hope for next year
Since ’86 and through the nineties and noughties and then again after the Strachan debacle and Mogga’s unceremonial departure SG has been trying to build and improve, admittedly very badly at times but the trajectory was at least of an upward intention despite the hiccups in the end with AK, Agnew, Monk and Pulis.
The delayed announcement of Woodgate was intended to try and get back some of those disillusioned Season Card holders after Pulis had left knowing fine well that announcing Woodgate at the same time would have been tantamount to shooting themselves in the foot. The spin was orchestrated, blatant and cringeworthy but worked on a few for a short while at least. Its now losing it gloss and becoming tarnished as the start of the season gets closer and the reality of the budget rather than open football message sinks in.
It would appear that for the first time since ’86 MFC is no longer planning or chasing dreams and now content to simply exist, batten down the hatches and see how we get on. Maybe Brexit is impacting on the rest of the Gibson O’Neil empire and now isn’t a time to speculate or gamble. Rockliffe seemingly isn’t the commercial success intended at least thus far and with constraints comes an understandable measured approach. Nevertheless it does all feel a little as if SG has had enough and become fed up and bored with it all and some of the actions of late would indicate building frustrations.
It may be that those previous alleged talks a while back with potential new owners will reignite as he enters his pensionable years. Getting rid of the club and losing as little financially as possible in the process is perhaps the real objective and hopefully avoiding relegation in the interim. Its a dangerous strategy, football is a short term game, fans of any club are not usually renowned for patience and the vitriol starts when results become hard to stomach. Finishing a disappointing season with sub 12K crowds will be very difficult to bounce back from as we know from bitter experience not to mention devaluing the club in the process.
The next few weeks could be very telling and very decisive in more ways than one.
The Todd Kane rumour is interesting. Certainly has plenty of experience at Championship level and looks to be a square peg for a square hole.
Sounds as if there might be plenty of other clubs interested so not counting any chickens. 😎
KP
As ever, we seem to be chasing a train that has left the station.
If we are trying to skim a young player from a giant, then we should only go for a youngster who has been swept out with several others ( in a numbers exercise)
And we should have seen him and believe that he is better than they think.
The history of this 26 year old suggests that he fooled Chelsea about his ability, as they certainly tried all sorts of tactics to find his ability (if it existed?)
Hands up those who think our heroes will uncover a jewel? Thought not.
🙋♂️
Sorry it is Leicestershire v Yorkshire and it isn’t on TV.
Greetings from your roving DiasBoro reporter….
Glorious sunny evening and a lovely compact little ground. Think Guisborough with a couple of million spent on it.
No giving away the score before we’ve seen the highlights, GHW 😀
I like the way you used the plural, bit of positivity on the blog for a change.
Bosh 💥 #UTB https://t.co/2UDAehRLoh
Not sure if this will work, but it’s a great strike from Britt 😲
Well, came in from the BBQ and logged in to the MFC webshite.
Logged in to my account to be told I had to pay £1 for the match. Ok it all helps the club. As I now use Edge the system didn’t like it but could manage to take the £1. Tried internet explorer and managed to log in, accepted that I had subscribed but no commentary,
Tried the tablet but now want another £1.
I will not and never will accept the argument I should use this browser or that browser or have this or that setting. If I pay 1p or £100 then it is up to the provider to give me a system I can use. Having someone helpful who will sort it out in time is nonsense.
I am not bothered about the Salford commentary or the £1, it is the sheer irritation and incompetence.
Can the club do anything without a problem, they probably cant even grow tumbleweed on the road to Rockcliffe.
Made worse Ian when games can be accessed for free if you know where to find them on the net. Putting the morality of that aside how is it that other suppliers can provide sources with seemingly less complexities?
The important thing is that Britt seemed to be looking like a Striker bagging a hat trick tonight especially his second from Paddy’s cross and surprisingly Johnson was impressive along with young Hayden Coulson. Its still only Salford but much needed after the Deutsche disaster.
So Boro back to winning ways after seeing off the the mighty Salford – though does it mean they’ll be ready for Luton? We’ll find out in just over a week. Anyway, I’m heading for the coast early tomorrow to escape the blistering heat – it was 30 degrees today and is set to rise close to 40 in the next few days with the temperature being forecast to be over 30 for around ten days!
Not really football weather but the season is almost upon us – even saw a Christmas advert on the TV the other day (apparently they wanted people to start thinking about buying Christmas trees and decorations) – I’m afraid I was forced to use unseasonal language. OK, there’s no internet where we’re going and have promised to leave my laptop at home – it’s a bit of an impromptu trip so will probably be back Sunday. Hopefully, there will be a new signing by then…
Braithwaite finally gone. €5M to Leganés
I’d heard it was 5 million Euros and ten boxes of Immodium?
That will be helpful as he has reportedly got the quits. 😎
Sounds as if realism is setting in. Braithwaite was an error that needed to be resolved and, in accounting terms, the hit is reduced by his purchase being written off over his contract. Big salary off the books and time for another step forward.
Will be interested to hear GHWs view of Coulson. It sounds as if we have a couple of good young left backs who might be ready to step up. It seems to be a position where youngsters can fit into senior football. Also, Pears seems to be a top class young keeper but I still hope that we hang onto Randolph. It will be interesting to compare the various niggles of Braithwaite, Gestede and Randolph.
Of course, the big plus is the news of Assombalonga banging in goals for fun.
I know that it’s not the accepted view, but it would be good to think that we are slowly getting some shape. The big loss is Fry’s ongoing lack of first team fitness. I sense that he will be the key at the back. What would the club do if someone offered 15-20 million for him. Unlikely but a real nightmare scenario.
UTB and on to the French
I’m not usually a fan of friendlies, but as it was so close to home I decided to go and take a look. Normally these games are at a sedate pace, with neither side wishing to incur any injuries so close to the season starting, which is why I was somewhat surprised that the Boro started like a house on fire forcing two corners within the first minute.
Despite dominating the game they fell behind to a goal that should have been prevented. It would appear that JW has a new defensive tactic that is a mixture of man to man and zonal marking. The recognised defenders pick up their man while Assombalonga and Fletcher zonal mark.
Normal service was resumed when Assombalonga notched two, the second being an absolute peach. From then on it was pretty standard stuff and Boro won in a canter. In the final quarter of the game their superior skills and fitness meant Salford were totally outclassed.
Boro lined up in a 4-4-2 and that’s fine if you have two full backs, but we didn’t even have one. Howson couldn’t seem to forget that he’s really a midfield player and kept moving inside and forward leaving a huge gap behind him. Young Coulson likewise kept bombing forward and looked quite good, but once again at the expense of leaving vast areas of empty space behind him for the opposition to utilise. He looks like he could well be very effective as a wing back, but unfortunately we don’t have three central defenders to play 5 at the back. In fact we only have one, whilst I’m reluctant to criticise players Shotton can’t be allowed to continue as a centre half, he has too many mistakes in him. Mistakes that when made as a full back can be covered, but when made as a centre half invariably lead to a goal.
McNair looked strong and Wing only performed in flashes, but the star of the show was Adam Clayton, back to his best. I’d give him MOTM but I expect that Assombalonga’s hat trick will clinch it for him.
Yes it was Salford, but the frailties were there to see. We need to sign two proper fullbacks to play 4-4-2. or two central defenders to play five at the back. We can safely forget playing 4-3-3, as we just don’t have the personnel.
It was good to see Britt score a hat-trick but unfortunately I’m sure there were lots of representatives from other clubs watching, and on that display we may find it hard to hold onto him. The young Pears acquitted himself well, but we really do need to keep Randolph.
The bench looked pretty sparse, so I think it is pretty obvious that the club will be actively seeking new players before the window closes. All in all a comprehensive win, but against sterner opposition it could well be a totally different matter.
A big thank you, GHW. I enjoyed reading that.
If – and it is still a big if – Braithwaite would leave and with Flint gone, I don’t think we need to sell any more players.
Two big earners and some loan players gone, we should be able to concentrate on bringing in new players.
I think Shotton was signed as a centre back. But perhaps we need to sign a centre back, too as Woody told we now need one.
Already last season we were light on numbers in the desensive end of the field. We have a couple of good young players to fill the gaps, but need about two senior signings in there.
Up the Boro!
GHW
Thank you for your excellent match summary which is much appreciated.
You make some very valid points with which I totally agree i.e. We need to forget about playing 433 and against sterner opposition it could be completely different. 😎
GHW
Thanks for match summary. Out of interest did anyone catch your eye for Salford? Sometimes you can see someone with potential.
There is a player being released on a free, the problems are his age and current wages. Wonder if Gareth Bale would fit in to our wage structure?
A very interesting, incisive and illuminating analysis, GHW. Thanks for going and reporting on behalf of the blog. Yet again, the kind of points made on here go well beyond the stuff of conventional journalism.
Ian re your post on the 23/07/19 at 8.59
I was sorry to learn that you had problems and totally understand your frustration. I am not an apologist for MFC as I have experienced problems in the past myself.
I have found, however, that if you contact the right individuals then they do try and resolve issues and are often grateful for bringing matters to their attention. I did so recently relating to log in problems of which they were unaware and eventually they resolved it having referred the issue to their media partners.
I would suggest the best people to contact are either Alex Thompson (Alex.Thompson@mfc.co.uk) or Bob Tait (Bob.Tait@mfc.co.uk) should you feel inclined to do so. I am sure neither you nor MFC want a recurring problem when the season is in full swing. 😎
I had similar issues as Ian. But I had no time to see the match anyway, so did not spend much time on it. UTB!
I have just been on the MFC website and clicked to see the highlights of the Salford match unfortunately it said I did not have the right subscription, yes I am a digital member and have not had trouble watching highlights before, anyone else having the same problem.
Come on BORO.
PS. I have sent an email to Bob Tait and will update any reply I receive.
Come on BORO.
Just tried again and the problem has been resolved and I was able to watch the highlights.
Come on BORO.
Just tried on both my lap top and the iPad and have been able to access the highlights without problem. Hope you get a speedy response/resolution Exmil.
Same here. No problems with the highlights. Up the Boro!
Interesting that GHW did not believe we had two” proper” full backs out against Salford. Howson yes, but I was hoping that one of the younger lads would be good enough or there abouts!!
Is Coulson therefore more of a WB and not good enough at defending. That is a difficulty in the modern game especially with flexible systems.
The Gazette keep plugging 443 and yet against Salford, GHW thought we set up 442. Either way your two FB’s are just that….defenders first and foremost. I also agree whether we set up 433, 442, or 531 we need another CB. As GHW said, Shotton isunfortunately is not reliable enough for a CB. Dani tends to have two longish injury periods each season and Gerorge, well we all have our own opinions on him at 31.
JW appears wedded to 433, but possibly deviated last night, may be he will also have to consider other line ups. Lets hope Braithwaite leaves, Britt and Randolf stay and JW gets some of the available cash to expand his sqaud.
KP
Thanks for the info, I have already emailed the contact email from the website.
It wasn’t to a specific person but as someone who lectured in service marketing for 15 years (alongside my main employment in the service industry) I am intrigued to see how they deal with the issue.
It will tell us if there is any joined up thinking and a service culture at MFC. The Luton match is on TV so there is plenty of time. Let us give them some rope before we get serious.
Ian
I like your strategy. 😎
The rope is getting longer.
Is there any info about iFollow for the coming season? All that i can see is the audio pass for St Etienne.
Selwynoz
The club advised me on Monday that they were still investigating if they could broadcast the friendly match against St Etienne.
I have been unable to find anything which indicates an audio broadcast.
Still waiting details on Riverside Live for this coming season. I expect we will hear in the next few days. 😎
So it is official at mfc.co.uk now – Braithwaite has left the house.
Perhaps this is best for all concerned. We have sold two high earners in Flint and especially the Danish forward. After the balancing of books made last season by Pulis, I hope we do not need to sell anyone any more.
We have a thin squad now. Let’s concentrate on bringing in a few new players. A couple of defenders, a winger and a striker.
Up the Boro!
Scorching hot in Teesside this morning 33%
Took my youngest grandson down to Rockiffe to watch the Boro training and passed Randolph just driving away from the Park.
Leo seemed to be taking centre stage in the middle of a training session two teams playing each other. Emphasis was on high energy passing which looked pretty good.
No George Friend or Fry but Ayala was playing.
Assombalonga was quite energetic and seemed to be enjoying his football which should make his contributions next season in front of goal even greater
Woodgate and Keane watched from the sidelines then Keane joined in the tactical discussions with 3 out of 4 words an expletive!
The midfield of McNair Wing Saville and also Fletcher stayed behind for shooting practice. It’s better that I make no comment about the shots !!!
The goalkeepers were all together on another pitch and were joined by Keane who started firing on at them from all angles and showed ow it should be done.
Pity he’s not playing still !
An enjoyable morning and they all seemed happy but this is not a big squad !
OFB
On a lighter note, I have noticed Newcastle have signed a record buy.
Is the new striker from Yorkshire? Is he one of the Lintons near Wuthering Heights.
I wish well for Joe Linton at Newcastle.
Up the Boro!
Braithwaite leaving is good news. If the reports of his salary are accurate (and we are not paying anything towards it) that will be the single biggest boost to the bank balance.
By my fag packet maths, the loss of Downing, Braithwaite, Flint and the loanees will have saved in excess of £10m from the wage bill alone. No doubt JW is somewhat cheaper than TP was too.
I think we can afford to lose one of the centre-midfielders if the right bid came in but that is probably it now.
It will be interesting to see if there is now some room to bring a player or two in in those key wide areas.
Having been at the Salford game I can report that there was some encouraging interplay going forward and Britt looked a real handful. The third goal was a genuine classy effort too, excellent work by young Coulson. However, the defending looked decidedly ropey on a number of occasions and if we are stuck with Shotton and Ayala as the central defensive pairing, clean sheets will be a collectors item this season.
Further evidence, as if any was needed, of the importance of retaining Randolph.
It will be interesting to see how Britt responds to encouragement rather than the regular kick-up-the-backside TP dished out to him – one of the oddest segments of Pulis’ time in charge.
Are we really ready for football yet? The match at Luton is the earliest since the War that Boro have played a League match. It gets even earlier in Scotland where this season’s League Cup matches started on the 13th of July. The norm in England used to be mid-August for the beginning of the football season. In fact in 1990 it was as late as the 25th of August in a 24 Club Second Division and as late as the 31st of August in a 22 Club League in 1946. I blame it on the number of International breaks. We haven’t even started the 5 match Ashes Cricket Test series yet. Can’t we just enjoy our Summer sports a little longer?
Marcus Browne signing for Boro from West Ham Thursday
Right Wing Right Midfield
OFB
Nothing on the club website yet. I assume info is from a reliable source?
More importantly, is he any good? 😎
Fee £300k
Apparently it is an article on Footbal Insider.
https://www.footballinsider247.com/medical-scheduled-west-ham-browne-on-way-to-middlesbrough/ 😎
EG now posting article. Just hope he is better than the last recruit from the Hammers i.e. Hugill.😎
And the one before that, KP.
And the one before that one as well!
Who was that ?
People questioning the signing of Browne might like to read some of the comments by West Ham fans on the move
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/07/25/west-ham-united-fans-react-to-reports-marcus-browne-could-join-m/
Agreed he only has potential but isn’t that what we should be looking for now, Young exciting players who could, as WH fans have said be a Premiership player one day.
Come on BORO.
Yep – on paper, many boxes ticked:
1. Young/potential/sell-on value
2. Winger
3. Pace
4. Football league experience
Has anyone seen a fee quoted? If he’s cheap it’s surely a full house?
Good spot, exmil.
We may just have done something right.
Or maybe it’s just the laws of probability working in our favour.
For a change.
At 300K, Yes
That is three times more than we paid George Friend. We did we got the money now?
At least we have bought a right sided player. A usual problem for Boro since Geremi days. Except Traore that is.
At least better than the wingers Pulis was able to sign. Up the Boro!
An inexpensive gamble at £300K and if it doesn’t work out then much better than the amounts spent on Gestede, Brathwaite and countless others over the years. Reality however is that at that sort of fee he is more likely to be a gamble if he is intended to straight into our starting eleven and like Carlos de Pena and others his potential might be somewhat less in reality.
He may turn out to be a George Friend type bargain but as we have seen with Marvin Johnson it is a big step up. Still at £300K one that is worth taking but the reality is that if the new Manager is having to pin his hopes on this sort of deal it is a big ask of even an experienced astute wise old man.
Let’s give credit where credit’s due. This looks like a solid piece of business that has no negatives. He might not turn out to be a star but, then again, he might and its a sensible move and exactly what we wanted to see the club doing.
I note differing views of young Coulson with quite a few people admiring his contribution going forward and others complaining about defensive gaps. I think that we all have to accept that 4-3-3 is an inherently vulnerable structure unless the full backs are told not to cross the half way line.
Played as an attacking structure if will always leave gaps down the wings and the logic is that the extra attacking pressure will prevent the opposition from having the players available for overwhelming counter-attacks. It does mean that the central midfield holding player has to cover between the two centre backs and the two centre backs have to be sharp.
Without Fry that may be a concern and looks like a vulnerable spot at the moment. However, one solution is to use the opposite side full back as extra defensive cover.
Alternatively, we keep on winning 3-2 🙂
UTB
A very good post (again). Up the Boro!
Thanks. I do tend to look for the positives and so we have a similar view of MFC.
Totally agree on the new lad (has it been confirmed yet?). We need pace, we need wide players who can create, we want cheaper, younger players on their way up and with a point to prove. It all makes sense and we just have to hope that he settles quickly and has the quality and attitude to deliver on his promise.
I would disagree on your point re a 433 being inherently open. Mourinho employed it at several clubs with a distinctly defensive edge. Formations are all about how you employ them.
I’m also slightly concern that we may be over-egging Dael Fry. No doubting his potential and importance to JW’s preferred playing style but I wouldn’t expect him to solve any defensive frailties. He’s a far better footballer than Ayala or especially Shotton but I’m not sure he’s a far better Championship centre-half, if you know what I mean?
RR
Another good spot.
SD was the one before the one before that.
The ‘one before that’ was Randolph, about whom we can have no complaints.
I’m lost… where’s Ashley Fletcher in all this?
Andy,
Lost down my memory hole I’m afraid.
Having spread Boris-like confusion, I think I’d better leave, rather attempting to bluster my way out.
Well Ashley Fletcher was training with the first team squad yesterday because I saw him !
OFB
Hugill, Fletcher, Downing, the gift that keeps on giving although admittedly Randolph is a class above anything else in this division at least for the time being. Maybe this one is when Karma balances things out and we bag a bargain hopefully.
Downing was one of our best players in the first half of last season. And Fletcher was good in the latter part of last season.
Randopg is class.
Have West Ham taken over from Villa as our feeder cluB? Up the Boro!
On SD Jarrko, we will have to disagree. Or you could remind me of his goals and assists.
Well the frustrations have been building in the Peters’ household these last few months.
Nothing to do with our lack of signings but because Alfred (aka Mrs P’s tumour) has still not departed despite being discovered in January and seeing the anaesthetist seven weeks ago!
We have this week attended a private hospital half an hour away in Elche and, having been impressed by them, arranged two consultations and a CAT scan. I then booked Mrs P and myself in for a four night stay at the IMED Hospital Elche.
Alfred is due to depart on the 6th of August so looking for a good Boro result at Luton on the 2nd and a good outcome a few days later. 😎
I was never a fan of Alfred And I will be especially pleased when you will be reporting back on his successful transfer away from Mrs KP.
I will light a candle for you both on 6th and look forward to hearing that everything goes well, Alfred is gone and your wife is strong.
Having been naughty stepped lets hope Alfred and his agent take the hint and clear off without a trace on the 6th!
Best wishes with all of this KP.
Sky’s Sports reporting Todd Kane in discussion with QPR following discussions with Wigan and Boro.
Sounds like another southern based player who does not want to move north. 😎
KP
I am looking forward to the Elvis line, ‘Alfred has left the building’ never to darken the door again.
Best wishes.
I got 5/7….
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49056967
Also 5/7.
Me too
4/7
On behalf of Mrs P and myself, we just wanted to say a big thank you for all your messages of support.
Mrs P is not really into football albeit happy to attend a match if there is a good meal involved such as at the Riverside, Portman Rd, London Rd (Peterborough) and Fratton Park.
She is, however, deeply touched by all the lovely messages from people she has never met. It has given her a lot of courage at a deeply worrying time, especially for someone who has never undergone an operation before!
Thanks guys much appreciated.
Btw good to see the Browne deal finally over the line. Let’s hope that after all the comments about his ability/promise he is able to turn it into actual delivery on the field 😎😊.
KP
Your Diasboro family all over the world are rooting for you at this time
Take care x
OFB
I think we all see this as a a clear and undeniable second booking for Albert. There’s no place for that in this game.
Best wishes from downunder. Hope that all goes well. We showed Albert the red card in the last couple of years and my wife is powering along.
OFB, Andy R & Selwynoz
Thanks for your best wishes from us both. 😎🙂
Been sidelined with this weather for a couple of days so just catching up and would like to add my best wishes for KP and his wife. I’ll be thinking of you both on the day of Alfred’s departure.
Thanks Ken we can’t wait to get him out of our lives. 😎
Ken,
Hope you are doing Ok, the hot weather really can knock you out.
Ken,
Hope you are doing Ok, the hot weather really can knock you out.
Been otherwise engaged recently, so belated good wishes to the KP’s.
As Bob always says, Diasboro is a family who try to look out for one another.
Thanks Steely.
Mrs P has been very touched by the comments from across the Diasboro.
Whilst there have been many tears over the last few months, the ones last night and this morning were as a consequence of the compassion,consideration and best wishes from people she has never met.
Can’t express how much the encouragment and support we feel from one and all – thank you seems so inadequate but thank you. 😎😊
KP in Spain,
Just read your post and I hope both Alfred and his cakes get burnt and depart permanently. Like Steely we’ve been otherwise engaged. 101 year old Mum-in-Law was despatched to hospital a week ago, not the near one that is 28 miles away but the one that is another 30 miles away. A fair old round trip every day to Peterborough.
Praying that the Doctors do a great job for you both.
UTB and down with Alfred.
All the best,
John
John, that must be a right nuisance. Hope that MIL gets out soon.
My MIL has just moved nursing homes with her severe dementia and my wife has a 25 mile round trip to see her which is bad enough so can’t imagine yours.
Thanks John and best wishes for a speedy recovery for your MIL.
Sorry that your having to go P’Boro and not the more local hospital. Having lived in Suffolk for 20’years I know that getting around East Anglia can be awkward at the best of times. 😎🙂
Thanks KP but your problems are greater. At least today it was raining and not in the high 30’s Centigrade. Just for OFB the 4WD Fiat Panda just soldiers on, it may not be a Range Rover but it is brilliant!
Have a good weekend everyone.
UTB, down with Alfred.
John
KP
It’s times like these that you find out who to rely on and the people who support the Boro are compassionate and have an empathy for each other and the area which manifests itself in our love for our team.
We stand together as one and help each and everyone of us whenever and wherever we are in the world.
OFB
OFB
Thanks OFB – your words have brought a lump to the throat and tear to the eye.
I used to think I was a roughtie toughtie northern but events recently have proved otherwise at times! 😎
Ref our potential signing from Blackpool Marc Bolam
Sorry Marc Bola
Hopefully this LONDON BOY is going to be a TEENAGE DREAM so let’s CELEBRATE SUMMER with THE WIZARD and TRUCK ON as CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION because I’M A GROOVER and I LOVE TO BOOGIE !
OFB
OK friends, need your help here. I am travelling to Argentina in October and doing my research on all things football. I need a side to support in the lead up to my trip and hopefully one that I can then go and watch during my trip. Of course I will see through their campaign on my return home because loyalty is important to me. The season kicked off last night with a 0-0 draw between Racing (pronounced “Rassing”) and Union. I don’t have much to go on, just a trawl through Wikipedia and a few episodes of the excellent ‘Hand of Pod’ podcast. I was tempted by the magnificently named Defensa y Justicia (Defence and Justice) but was put off by the Norwich City colours. Estudiantes was my next pick, but then I discovered they played in a Sunderland kit so a non-starter. I’m currently down to Independiente or Argentinos Juniors. Both play in red so a good start. Slightly put off by the fact Independiente are one of Argentina’s “big five” and the fact their nickname is the Red Devils (always disliked Manchester United!). I’m still undecided. Any thoughts on who I should follow? Any Boro connections that might be of interest?
KookaBoro
If you’re looking for teams that play in red shirts then Independiente are the nearest red to Boro you’ll find. They also have a white sash reminiscent of Boro’s shirt of 2 seasons ago. If you wish to support a club with Boro connections it has to be Boca Juniors from where Boro bought Carlos Marinelli in 1999. Billed as the new Maradona he flattered to deceive although he did make 43 appearances for Boro over 4 seasons but only scored 3 goals from midfield before being sent out on loan to the Italian club Torino.
Boca is a district of Buenos Aires noted for its range of colourful wooden houses. I actually found them very picturesque when I was there, but not to everyone’s taste, so I would recommend a strong pair of sunglasses when visiting this region.
I should add that the stadium has a capacity of 49,000 and that their matches against River Plate are the most highly contested in Argentina, lost Classicos if you like. Also that when they were formed in 1905 they played in white shirts with a pin stripe of black, not exactly like Newcastle. But for many years now they have played in dark blue shirts with a yellow chest band, blue shorts and yellows socks, the design synonymous with the layout of Boro’s shirts albeit in different colours. One might associate the colours as those of Leeds United who played in yellow shirts with blue sleeves in the pre-Revie era, but I prefer to associate them as being the colour of Yorkshire. Anyway, happy travelling.
Thanks Ken. Yes I thought of Boca given their place in history and their working class roots, but I always tend to be on the side of the underdog rather than the established big teams.
I worked and lived in Argentina for two years and there was only one team to support
Boca Juniors !
It’s up to you but I loved them !
OFB
OFB
What did you think of the colourful timber houses, las casas abigarradas? As I mentioned, I liked them.
Yes Ken I loved everything about Argentina and I used the railroad quite a lot to get around the area as driving in Buenos Aires is deadly !
It always made me homesick when I went to the railway station and saw all the steelwork stamped with
DORMAN LONG MIDDLESBROUGH
OFB
OFB
What about las casas abigarradas? As I mentioned I quite liked them.
All the local guys I worked with supported Boca !
Didn’t want to be an outsider !!
OFB
Thanks OFB. Seems there’s a little Boro Boca group forming!
Well, I am been trying to keep radio silence over summer whilst I enjoy the weather, camping trips and other little jaunts out.
The departure of TP and the appointment of JW had left me feeling a bit underwhelmed and to be honest, not particularly interested in the new season or any of the other goings on.
However, have periodically looked in to see what is going on and as usual some great pieces from Werdermouth and all the other contributors. Haven’t read them to be fair.
My first thought on the situation is that to misquote Eric Morcambe, we may have all the right players but not necessarily in the right order!
As the start of the season gets ever nearer, I can’t help but get slightly more interested and am planning to be at the first home game of the season to see what JW has achieved.
The more that transpires, the more I feel that SG ‘s plan was always not to get promoted and to hunker down in the Championship on a much much reduced cost base. I don’t think we will get promotion this season and mid table will be fine providing we play decent football, win at home and score a few goals along the way. No doubt letting a load in as well, looking at the defence.
At the end of the day, it is only football – at the risk of repeating myself, my late father always used to say at the beginning of each season, this is the year and at the of it, well, there is always next year! He never saw us win the cup or play in Europe.
Finally, to KP and especially Mrs KP, I hope all goes well with the departure of Alfred. He has been warming the bench for too long and disrupting the team so needs to hang up his boots and disappear into a land far far away! A couple of friends have recently had major ops to remove their Alfreds and are now playing with a lot more freedom and doing well.
BBD
I’m always amazed that people can think that Steve Gibson would rather not have an extra £100m from Premier League football.
I’m amazed and staggered that SG still has confidence and belief in individuals that have done a fantastic job in ensuring our continued Championship status (and feeble brief Premiership status) whilst simultaneously relieving SG of tens of £millions up the wall. In any other walk of life they would have been told to clear their desks. I hope none of them ever apply for a role with Alan Sugar!
During our Premiership sojourn Bob Mortimer I think it was said “Boro showed up, farted and left”. Nothing like Teesside truism’s.
Thanks BBD your words and those of our other Diasboro friends help us both to keep positive.
Just picked up from the club website that the match tomorrow will not be shown on Riverside Live but there will be an audio commentary via MFC and provided by BBC Tees sport at a cost of £1.
I hope we all have better luck tuning in than Ian did last time! How long is the rope now Ian?
I feel that this is a missed opportunity by MFC as it would perhaps enabled them to iron out any remaining glitches and fine tune their presentation.
There may of course be contractual reasons which prevents them providing a video broadcast of which I am unaware.
CoB 😎
KP in Spain, 6th August also happens to be my girlfriends birthday so I am positive I will have double the reason to celebrate.
My Exmil Challenge for Mrs KP in Spain, is to recover quickly and have a long and enjoyable life in the company of Mr KP in Spain. My best wishes to you both.
Come on BORO.
Thanks Exmil
I will drink to that and wish you and your girlfriend a lovely day.
We are both up for the Exmil Challenge! 😎🙂
I hope Exmil’s wife doesn’t read this blog……..
GHW
If my keyboard doesn’t dry out you owe me a new laptop! 🙂
Some interesting online articles in the news today
Mike Ashley interview with the Mail
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7290821/Mike-Ashley-insists-impossible-hold-Rafa-Benitez-Newcastle.html
La Liga to ban Friday and Monday night games without permission, saying the fans do not like them. Do you think that could happen here…….doubt it.
Birmingham to pay 6mil £/Euros? for Croatian Midfielder. Where have they got the money from. I thought they were hard up like MFC?
Now I don’t know if I’m preaching to the converted but I’ve just discovered today that there are two channels on Virgin Media that I didn’t know existed. First of all there is a Channel called ‘North East Live’ on 159, and the BBC red button can be found on 991 which is useful particularly for viewers who wish to watch ‘Final Score’ on a Saturday afternoon as it usually starts at 2.30 a couple of hours before BBC 1. It means also that both these Channels can be recorded whereas Sky Sports red button can’t as far as I’m aware.
I realise not everyone has Sky TV, but for people like me who rarely watch any programmes live it is a godsend. For example I rarely watch programmes before noon so today was able to record the Ladies Rugby League Challenge Cup Final this morning and watch it later. I’m unaware whether the red button on Sky Sports has a separate channel, but it would be useful for folk abroad to record Boro matches that sometimes take place mid-week if there is such a facility.
GHW
I laughed out loud at your note above. Nice one 🙂
Whilst not trying to be flippant at such a serious time for Mrs KP, sometimes laughter can be good medicine. It goes without saying that my best wishes go to both of them, along with everyone else here.
GHW
Thanks for your kind words much appreciated. I am pleased to say that the laughter continues to outweigh the tears in the Peters’ household at present.
I did find your post highly amusing but as I don’t know the parties personally I dare not respond in case it were true! 😎
# metoo
re-lol
Sky news confirming that we have signed Marc Bola from Blackpool and also on club website.
CoB 😎
Sounds like another one that ticks all the boxes – young, quick, inexpensive, plays in a position for which we need numbers.
Whilst there are a lot of unknowns for the forthcoming season and we don’t know how JW will do, I think we’re having a very sensible summer so far. We needed to forget about all the loanees, let Downing go, get Braithwaite out, get a reserve keeper in and add some young, hungry players, especially in wide areas. Give them their due, they are following the plan.
I was surprised to see Marc Bola come on for the second half and he linked up well with Haydn Coulson who loved up from left back to play on the left flank.
mom for me had to be young Haydn Coulson who was terrific.
I was talking to my old refereeing sparring partner Jeff Winter after the game along with Jim Platt.
Jeff has seen all the Boro friendly games and said that Coulson has been terrific in all the games and expected to see him start the season as our new energetic high pressing left back.
Jim Platt and I asked Jeff what he thought about the penalty awarded against Boro. Not surprisingly Jeff didn’t see the incident !
Jim and I both agreed it should either have been a free kick to us or no penalty.
Woody had a right old go at the linesman during the incident who to be fair never flagged and it was the refs decision alone.
Jeff and I did the BBC quiz and got top marks but you would never expect to tell you all anything else really would you ???
OFB
Andy
Interesting today that Lewis Wing was wearing No 19 shirt which of course was Downing’s …
OFB
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0EMjavl5Zmg
Thanks GHW
Nice one, GHW.
Thanks GHW for finding this televising of the match. I’ve put my iPad on mute whilst watching but listening to the commentary on Radio Tees. Unfortunately the two are not quite synchronised, the pictures being 5/10 seconds behind the commentary. However Neil Maddison is quite pleased about the pressing system Boro are adopting. The one observation he is making is the lack of height compared to last season. Nevertheless quite impressed.
One for you Ken
Mrs OFB and I shared a table this afternoon with the grandson of Johnny Spuhler.
He showed me some family photos which he has promised to share with us on Diasboro.
He had a look at our website and was impressed with the quality of the articles and the blogs
OFB
OFB
Maddo also couldn’t understand the penalty award, nor the free kick from which Wing scored to be fair.
OFB
Ah!!! Johnny Spuhler, one of my favourite footballers from the post-War era. Pacy right winger converted to a deep-lying centre forward in the Hidegkuti or Don Revie mould. I think Boro bought him from Sunderland, but could be wrong.
His grandson had photos behind the scene which were brilliant
I gave him my email address and Diasboro details so hopefully he’ll be in touch
OFB
GHW
Thanks for the link. Paid by £1 yesterday for MFC audio commentary which did not work!
Found out I could listen free via BBC Tees and the saw your post – brilliant.
Some promising moves in the first half and we haven’t been outclassed. Good to see most of the game being played in the opposition half.
CoB 😎
Not seen any of the game, but it appears we played quite well and 1-1 against a team, that I believe, finished fourth last season is a good result. Assuming they had their main players out also.
Still concerned around the CB positions though.
I gather that RG was not included in the match day squad.
Let’s hope that he has got the squits like MB! 😎
Mrs OFB & I watched the game from the West Stand today and afterwards heard JW give a talk
He said he was pleased how the two new players had shown energy and high pressing during their performance today.
He stressed it was not all about Assambalongs scoring goals for the team he wanted Lewis Wing to score at least 8 or 9 goals from midfield and he also pointed out that Ayala had once scored 8 goals in a season. Other players like Howson and Saville had been goals scorers for their previous clubs and expected them to wade in with contributions this season.
He also pointed out that Randolph was not the only player to help keep clean sheets and whilst he obviously had the major role to play he expected all of the team to ensure no goals were scored against the Boro.
The fact he mentioned Randolph a coupe of times was interesting in that of Randolph was going would he have mentioned him?
He said that more players were definitely signing and would shortly be joining the club and that he felt confident of having a good season.
Randolph was sat near to me so he wasn’t away from the club having a medical or anything?
The Preston Manager and Coach were watching the game and were scouting the Boro players. It was rumoured that they could be interested in Johnson who had a good game for Boro
Whilst leaving the ground I had chance to talk to Marcus Browne’s family who are moving up from London to be with him. His brother said Marcus saw the move to the Boro as a step up in his career and was excited by the training facilities and Stadium and how big Boro were as a club. I pointed out the Boro was always known as a family club and hoped that he enjoyed his time with us.
OFB
Great snippet of insider info as ever, OFB. Always appreciated.
Nice one Bob👍👍
It is the quits we need!!
Thanks GHW.
OK I’ve seen only seen highlights of recent games , but I can’t figure this Fletcher out, I wonder does he want to be a footballer or what?
He seems to be half hearted ,he never makes that extra effort it takes, whether getting open or busting to finish a move , closing down , he doesn’t look like he’s up for anything ,
I was hoping and willing to see him make that transformation but it I’d be moving him on,
Wonder were Rudy is headed , I’m thinking overseas , they put him the window early.
Need CB cover , striker and no 10 , I’d go after Forestieri on loan, g
Well see COB.
I watched Fletcher train at Rockliffe on Friday but he was nowhere near the ground today !
OFB
GT
You are mistaken as Fletcher did not play yesterday. 😎
It won’t surprise regular bloggers to hear that I’m now in optimistic phase, having recently been in darkest despair. Despite my 52 years of constant support for Boro, I must be one of the most inconstant (is that a word?) when it comes to emotional outpourings! Apologies, friends. It’s a roller-coaster ride supporting Boro, but it must seem like a similar experience reading my occasional contributions!
I really enjoyed the Salford game, which was played at a good pace and with a degree of competitiveness unusual in a friendly. I was especially impressed with Britt, who played a blinder, and with Coulson, who was excellent, particularly going forward. For Britt’s marvellous third goal, he nutmegged his man, played a neat one-two down the line, ran on to collect the return, beat the full-back for pace round the outside, then pinged across a peach of a cross (from BEHIND the defence, note!!!!) that just begged Britt to smash it into the net. Superb. The round of applause from Boro’s fans behind the goal was prolonged and expressed genuine admiration. After all, this was a style of football we haven’t seen for 2 or 3 seasons. A word, too, for Marvin Johnson, who also had a really good game. I hope he can reproduce this form and live up to the early promise he showed when he first joined us.
I couldn’t make today’s match. It sounds like we were unlucky to concede, but that we were otherwise mainly on top. A good work out? And it’s great to see two new, promising arrivals in Browne and Bola. Let’s hope we get a few more in. As someone said earlier, it seems Boro are sticking to the plan.
So, we may not be quite ready yet, but I’m already a good deal more optimistic. Bring it on!
By the way, Marc Bola may be a gamble, but not as much as his brother, Tom.
I’ll get me coat……….
Haven’t seen the game but, from the various comments here and elsewhere, it seems as if progress is really being made. It’s also the first time for a while that we have some new young players who are more than just projects. They have lived full seasons in League One which is no stroll in the park. Is there any hint of the fee paid for Bola?
Optimism is always bubbling just below the surface so I’m nervous but positive for the season ahead.
What does seem clear is that JW is demanding versatility from his players with a lot of positional changes during the game.
Also, hats off to the recruitment team for making sure that we can reuse all that MB kit.
UTB
Rio Ferdinand Rang JW acting as the Agent for young Marcus Browne insisting that he sign him.
Rio of course has still a lot of contacts at West Ham and is big mates with Woody after their time together at Leeds
So the old boys network is still being used hopefully to our benefit !
OFB
Good stuff, Bob
Back to my Pro’s and Con’s.
Both new signings were not mentioned once in the gossip sections, got to be another tick in the Pro’s column.
Con
Saville played in midfield first left hand side centre then further up. He looked lost and not a £7m player.
Fletcher and gestede missing today
OFB
Bob
According to Boro website Fletcher was on the bench. Also who played up front after Assombalonga went off as there didn’t appear to be a striker on the team?
Well I was above the bench and I didn’t see him and why when we took Britt off didn’t he come on?
Just sayin like !
Don’t believe everything you read !
OFB
Tav went up front
OFB
Tav went up top after Britt went off. He was lively enough with his movement and got in once or twice. I thought his brief cameo up front looked better than playing deeper in midfield to be honest. Also agree with OFB that it still hasn’t quite clicked for Saville.
As well as Johnson to PNE another story (dressed up as rumour) is circulating about Saville being used as a makeweight for Eze at QPR in swap plus cash deal. Another one is that Fletcher could be sold off at a 50% sale price (Leeds). No truth however in another rumour that Gestede was being offered as part of a Bogof with Fletcher.
With the window closing soon there like as not will be some late and strange panic buys and swaps all over the Championship (and Premiership).
RR
The Fletcher deal could have legs as he was nowhere to be seen at the ground yesterday and he’s not injured as I saw him train on Friday at Rockliffe
I always think there’s a player in there somewhere but even in training he doesn’t seem bothered
OFB
If Fletcher could get angry, mean and hungry I think he could go far but that is why he is at the Boro and not in the Champions League. He has all the talent but seems to play within himself. A little bit of arrogance and swagger would help immensely, if he stays maybe Keane can snarl it into him.
OFB
Couldn’t agree more re Saville. On that performance he brought nothing to the party and for me he is the weakest link in midfield. 😎
Mr and Mrs KP let’s hope Alfred’s departure is like TP’s a lifting of the doom and gloom and the beginning of a brighter more vibrant future.
Good luck ✊
Here,here. Best wishes to you both.
Len
Thanks for your best wishes. 😎
Michael
Thank you for your kind comments. We are trying to remain positive and would love to pay another visit to your beautiful city where we were made so welcome on our visit in January, just before the discovery of Alfred! 😎
Tavernier also went up front to replace Assombalonga at Salford. I’m afraid he looked like a fish out of water.
Assombalonga is only 26 and a proven goal scorer approaching his prime. It would be pure folly to let him go, irrespective of the price. Prolific strikers are hard to come by, we already have one.
As I’ve said I watched training on Friday and he was running around and laughing and looked very happy
Talking to a few of the ex players yesterday and they all thought he looked rejuvenated
Here’s a link to Robbie Keane Interview
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7295311/Football-news-Middlesbrough-No-2-Robbie-Keane-gives-outspoken-interview-Sportsmail.html
OFB
I don’t believe Britt will go. II don’t believe anyone would offer enough in any case to be honest. If he starts the season well then I wouldn’t be surprised if we received a panic bid in January but I don’t think it will come before then.
Fletcher is an interesting one. He’s definitely got something but appears to be too passive to make the most of his potential. I like him and would be happy to hold onto him but I can understand if the club feel they can replace him with a much cheaper alternative. He would need replacing though I think – perhaps that’s why Tav has been tried up front.
Well as you know, I have always championed and defended Briitt. Not sure about Fletcher, may be JW has reservations along with Keane. That would mean we would probably need another forward in but need to off load Fitch and Gestede.
Saville is unfortunately a big disappointment especially given his fees.
I am slightly concerned that we may be placing too much of a burden on young Tav’s shoulders.
I am also concerned that he may be plateauing as to my eye he has not been as effective as some of his earlier performances.
I don’t believe that he has yet nailed down a regular starting position and this could turn out to be a big year for him.
I would keep Fletcher unless an offer comes in which is too good to refuse and providing we have a better replacement lined up. 😎
Just been informed by MFC that they hope to be putting details of the Riverside Live details for 2019/2020 onto the website later today.
If any of you had problems listening to the audio commentary provided by MFC at a charge of £1 yesterday as I did (before finding it for free on Radio Tees and then on Video via GHW’s link posted to the blog) please see the response to my complaint to MFC:
“I’ve been told that the issue was caused by encoder hardware at Media City in Salford which is where our streaming providers are located. It was resolved 20 minutes in to the first half with the streaming partners working to get it resolved ASAP! It sounded like an unnecessary issue to have that shouldn’t happened in my opinion.
The Radio Tees commentary is available for free if you wished to tune in via the radio. However due to our payment platform we were unable to offer the service for free for the friendlies. The idea was that we could publish the subscription for (£0.00) however you would still have to go through the payment details and it looks rather ‘dodgy’ putting card details in for a service which is (£0.00). So that was just due to our payment platform, we did want to offer the service for free. However due to EFL regulations we do have to charge a price for our Live Audio service within the 2019/20 Season, but you are correct that you could tune into Radio tees yourself for free.
We did not video stream the game as we have yet to announce our Live Streaming service for the 2019/20 season (this will be coming very soon) and we weren’t fully prepared, so we didn’t want to put out a service which wasn’t fully ready. I’ve heard St-Etienne did broadcast the game, this was supposed to be geo-blocked to just France however it seems the stream managed to make it’s way outside of the restrictions.”
I am not bothered about the loss of a £1 but disappointed that they couldn’t have just said that audio commentary would be provided free of charge via BBC Tees on the BBC Tees website and not involve the club. Or perhaps that is an indication of how desperate the club is for money.
What is, however, more annoying is that having paid the £1 it didn’t work for 20 mins of the first half!
Well done to GHW for finding the video link from St Etienne as it was much more enjoyable and informative to be able to watch and form ones own opinion of the team and individual performances. 😎
If the club really wanted to offer the audio for free, then they could have just pointed punters to the Radio Tees option.
A blast from the past from OFB being in the company of the grandson of Johnny Spuhler. I’ve already mentioned that he was one of my favourite Boro players, principally because as I often used to stand in the corner of the Holgate end and as he was a right winger in his early days, he was one of the nearest players I ever came close to in those days. Today footballers are more accessible to schoolchildren, but it wasn’t like that in my very young days. I guess if face painting had been in vogue then either he or Boro’s goalkeeper Rolando Ugolini would have been etched on my face.
It also got me thinking about the favourite players that today’s fans would remember most – Wilf Mannion, George Hardwick, Brian Clough, Graeme Souness, Tony Mowbray, Juninho, etc. It all depends on which generation you came from I suppose. But what about one’s favourite players from the past that one’s read about but never seen play. I make no excuses that George Camsell would top my list, and perhaps to others who had heard of his goalscoring exploits. I’ve previously reviewed the Camsell years, but I’ve recently become aware of other bits of information about the great man.
First of all Boro bought him from Durham City for the ‘princely’ sum of £600, yet according to the Office of National Statistics an annual inflation of 4.65% would put his transfer fee at a modest £37,000 by today’s standards. Of course Camsell would only receive a £10 signing-on fee. After failing to dislodge Jimmy McClelland from the centre forward spot in his first season, he was placed on the transfer list at £200. It almost sounds typical of some of Boro’s recent losses in the transfer market, although of course all players in those days received the same wage. Barnsley actually made a bid for Camsell but couldn’t raise the money.
In the first 4 matches of the 1926/27 season Boro only gained one point and McClelland failed to score so was dropped. Despite Boro winning the next game 2-0 Camsell also failed to score, but as we all know scored 59 goals thereafter. In fact that included a sequence of 12 consecutive matches during which he scored a remarkable 29 goals – 5 once, 4 three times, one hat-trick and one brace. The 5 came in a 5-3 Christmas Day win against Manchester City. The Manchester Guardian reported ‘A forward of considerable speed and splendid ball control, a marksman to be feared from any reasonable range’. The Evening Gazette played it down though ‘He scored 5 but did little else’. Maybe a bit of Tony Pulis in that remark!
When he scored twice against Notts County in February, his 44th and 45th goals of the season he broke the Football League scoring record set only nine months before by Jimmy Cookson for Chesterfield. Poor Cookson, his great record struck from the history books in less than a year! In that match which Boro drew 2-2 Camsell missed a penalty costing Boro a win and Camsell vowed never to take a penalty again. As Boro were awarded 6 more penalties that season scoring from 4 of them, it could reasonably be assumed that Camsell might have added to his 59 goals. At the end of the season the Manchester Guardian opined that Camsell’s record may stand for all time. When Dixie Dean broke Camsell’s record by one the following year, George probably reflected that he now knew how Cookson must have felt. If only he had continued to take penalties! Those two little words which we all must have said at least once in our lifetime – ‘if only’.
Strangely Camsell spoke freely about having an inferiority complex especially during the next season in the First Division when he ONLY scored 33 goals as Boro were relegated. 92 goals in two seasons, and he had an inferiority complex! I bet that a certain Mr. Brian Clough didn’t have one. However he left a legacy not only with his 325 goals in 418 matches for Boro and his 18 for England in only 9 matches, but in his discovering Brian Clough at a young age. It takes one to know one as they say. I wonder though had face painting been around in 1926/27 how many kids would have had his name daubed on their foreheads or indeed men having his name tattooed on their arm.
Although not a Teessider having been born in Framwellgate, Durham I think I can safely say he would still have been regarded as one of our own.
As it’s the school holidays at the first few games of the season, the club could offer free entry to a child accompanied by a full payment ticket paying adult.
This would boost the attendance, attract people who wouldn’t normally attend, and who knows perhaps snare a fair few number of future fans. The loss incurred could be outweighed by future bums on seats.
GHW
If they did that it would require some imaginative commercial thought and a modicum of intelligence.
That the North Stand has dwindled in no small part because of the 18 year old age threshold and consequent Season Card prices rocketing shows the level of collective acumen we are faced with. Obviously 18 year olds in the North Stand are considerably richer than those in the Corners or in the South Stand.
The old Holgate has become older and is dying, literally. Those youngsters coming along with their Dads once turned 18 can no longer join them unless of course they are earning mega bucks and so instead of continuity the Club are effectively smothering the youth and with it the future of the North Stand.
No doubt when the North Stand becomes even more sparse the Club will eventually have a big think on why this has happened (after missing an entire generation), offer incentives to attract them back and with it claim that they are on the ball with their fingers on the pulse.
Yeah I know KP
But the games in Austria and The one at Salford were he could have had a tap in if he had been determined enough, strikers have to be determined and brave he isn’t.
If Robbie can’t get it out of him I don’t know who can.
On a positive note ,sometimes you can see a player ,even almost after a few touches and think he’s got it, watched young Walker at Darlo , hilites, but his movement and touches looked sharp playing with better players would help him,
Maddo loves him, also Maddo let it slip he’d been away on euro trips , I know he’s the kind of follow up guy on players ,interesting.
Maddo has been watching players in Holland
OFB
This may be of interest to some of our https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/matchdaylive-streaming-service-for-201920-season
Come on BORO.
Barnsley interested in Tav , try a swap loan deal for Cameron mcgehee he as a kind of Ross Barkley game about him, needs work but he could be coached up ?
Boro want Ben Gibson back on loan.
Taking into consideration that Burnley will still owe us instalments on his fee it could be a way of us financing within FFP rules and Woody could make him into an International Player.
OFB
Would be a good move for us OFB.
But could we afford his Premier wages, loan fee which would be considerable, (remember Hugill cost us1mil) and most of all, no disrespect meant to Boro, coming here would be a backward step.
Better heading off up the A1M.
Well back from our min-break on the coast but it’s still 30 degrees here but have nevertheless managed to find a bit of time write an article for the start of the new season that unbelievably kicks off in three days!
Feel free to add your thoughts on where you think Boro will likely finish in the Championship this term but for the moment I’m reserving judgement until the after the transfer window closes 😉
So here’s the first discussion blog article for the 2019-20 season as Jonathan Woodgate prepares to start his managerial career with the hopes of Teesside resting on his shoulders…
https://diasboro.club/2019/07/30/2019-20-weeks-1-2-low-budget-top-flight-journey/
Loved the story of George Camsell at Man City.
The golden (and correct) assessment by the Manchester reporter
Then the worthless (and wrong) garbage by the boro reporter.
” he scored five, but did little else”. Sorry to say it, but stupidity such as that is death to finding talent.
In the recent spate of Boro cost cutting they have made redundant some of their long term scouting team.
Some scouts who are highly rated in the industry have gone and are looking for jobs.
I can only repeat that at recent schoolboy District games the only scouts have been from Hartlepool and Sunderland who have signed a lot of local schoolboys to their academy
It doesn’t take rocket science to spot a good player o could give them names now
I also saw Proctor Cummins and Hodgson as schoolboys and knew they would make it.
Out of the academy joins Hadyn Coulson a star in the making who has been mom In all Boro pre-season games
If we get Ben Gibson and another striker I think we’ll be in for a good season
4th !
OFB