Will fans get on board Boro’s low-budget top-flight journey

by Diasboro, posted in Uncategorized

Championship 2019-20: Weeks 1-2

Fri  2 Aug – 19:45: Luton v Boro
Thu  8 Aug – 17:00: Transfer Window Closes
Sat 10 Aug – 15:00: Boro v Brentford

Werdermouth looks ahead to the start of the new season…

It’s still July, the kids on Teesside have barely packed away their school books, some are even anticipating the start of the Ashes series, while others have only just stopped watching a Columbian clad in inimitable pre-obesity-epidemic yellow lycra ride his bike expertly into Paris and the newspapers are running out of superlatives to describe the latest record-breaking heatwave that certain world leaders still claim is a Chinese hoax.

However, it’s time to put down that pint of Pimms with its five-a-day portion of fruit plus the rather annoying eye-poking mini-parasol and reach for your mood-enhancing Bovril inhaler. Yes, we must gird our loins (or indeed anything else in need of restraining) in preparation for the start of the mentally-scarring football season that some may once recall heralded the imminent arrival of autumnal sunshine and the simultaneous deflating of both paddling pools and dreams. Sadly, the requirement to shoehorn in plethora of international breaks and still play around 50 gamed means we must put summer relaxation to one side and once again exchange safe words with our families as we begin the journey of self-inflicted torture that being Boro supporter is all about.

Nevertheless, it’s not altogether an unusual experience in early August for many on Teesside to be getting into the party mood as they head to Luton – though admittedly it’s normally to hop on an Easyjet flight to Mallorca rather than expecting an uneasy evening on the terraces hoping their team is ready for take-off and not further delayed. With the loss of parachute payments, it’s possible this season could well be the last call to board the top-flight as our budget appears to be well and truly in the no frills category. It used to be that there were normally no baggage restrictions for players wishing to travel club class at Boro but it looks like many of those are gradually being ushered towards the departure lounge as there is no longer room for expensive passengers.

Indeed, following the end-of-season exits of Messrs Downing, Hugill, Besic and Mikel, our man Flint is now no longer ours and the long-running soap opera that was Martin Braithwaite has finally seen him written out of the script. It would have been daft to seriously expect the club’s highest earner would remain on the payroll given his previous desire to want out and despite all the media feeding that the Dane was “the best player in training by a country mile” and that “his attitude has been fantastic” it wasn’t long before this barely credible positive vibe changed when Woodgate explained his absence from the Heidenheim trip by saying “he’s had a sickness and diarrhoea bug” and followed up the classic throwing a sickie excuse by concluding “We pay Martin’s wages at the end of the day. He said to me he wants to be here, I can only take him at face value, but I’m not daft.” Perhaps ‘face value’ was quite an appropriate turn of phrase as in the end his market value was only half the price Boro paid as he returned to Leganés to join his Spanish tummy and former Saints boss Pellegrino – though who could blame him for opting for life in Madrid and playing in La Liga instead of going through the motions (incidentally not another tummy bug reference) on Teesside in the hard slog that is the Championship.

At least we learned this summer that it was not the club’s fault that some players had previously joined on big transfers and lucrative contracts. Apparently, the club’s hierarchy claim that they may have been duped by former manager Garry Monk and his agent James Featherstone into paying more than necessary for players – arguing in one case that the club paid West Ham £3.5m more for Ashley Fletcher than they should have as Monk knew the Hammers valued him at just £3m when he was Leeds manager. Although, it seems odd that the Boro recruitment team were reliant on the manager for valuations of players – surely this what a chief executive should be deciding as this seems akin to simply signing blank cheques to please your manager. Perhaps we could just diplomatically say that a lesson has been learned – though the subsequent signing of Saville for ten times his valuation of just 12 months earlier would suggest otherwise.

Anyway, this summer the club has hardly (as the new prime minister would say) ‘spaffed up the wall’ any money whatsoever. So far just the free transfer of keeper Tomás Mejías, an undisclosed fee for left-back Marc Bola from Blackpool who has previously been valued at around £100 grand and seemingly a bargain for the pacey Marcus Browne with some London papers reporting an initial fee of only £200 grand – perhaps West Ham have taken pity over the Fletcher deal or even maybe were politely told by Boro to make amends. With still over a week to go before the transfer deadline, few are expecting to see Gibson’s cash being splashed anywhere near a wall by Boro but there hasn’t really been much in the way of demands from impatient supporters to make big (or even moderate) signings either.

It’s as if the faithful have bought into the notion that there is no money even after seeing potentially close to £60m raised in sales during the last 12 months with Gibson, Adama, Bamford, Flint and Braithwaite – perhaps there really isn’t as the wage bill sucked it all up. Boro have possibly entered a phase of what is technically known as ‘managed decline’, it’s an acceptance of the reality of the situation while trying to give an impression that it’s some kind of plan to get more for less. OK, some may believe you can have a better team by slashing costs and spending a lot less than your rivals but that would seem to fly in the face of the fact that success in football is normally bought.

Although, many clubs (including Boro) have proven over the years that success can not be bought – especially as most find it difficult to distinguish between price and value. Despite constant promises not to be held to ransom, it seems the mechanics of the transfer window ultimately encourage supposedly successful businessmen owners to make strange and random financial decisions. It’s like entering a casino with a determination not to spend more than you had decided but then getting caught up in the fervour to win and then making risky gambles until your pockets are emptied. The example of Boro paying £6.5m for Fletcher, along with a lucrative contract, without seemingly putting too much serious work into calculating his actual value was some admission. It essentially means clubs can be persuaded to believe that any price is a good one – it’s an emperor’s new clothes market, a bubble nobody thinks will burst. Someone, somewhere will always pay the price before shortly discovering the goods weren’t as advertised and can’t easily be shifted.

It’s not that Boro have somehow wised up and will now operate on a sensible financial strategy – it’s more that they no longer have the money to gamble it away. Jonathan Woodgate was most likely appointed because he wasn’t going to demand the club spend money – it’s not the same job that Garry Monk was mistakenly trusted with. The question is whether energy, hunger and enthusiasm can overcome the financial handicap. It’s hard to quantify how much money the club have overpaid or wasted since they picked up their PL bounty but at least they’ve opted to avoid making one last gamble that would take years to overcome. If the club can make the play-offs by spending a lot less than their rivals, then it would expose the folly of thinking the quality of players that are not coveted at the top level are reliable or consistent enough to pay a premium for.

Boro appear to be focusing on creating a squad of young players, both from their own academy and through transfer deals. The argument against this strategy is that young players are inconsistent and can’t deliver often enough to provide a promotion platform. However, this is the Championship where those who ply their trade in the second tier are here for precisely that reason – it’s just the market has been inflated by increased parachute payments and financial fair play busting accountancy loopholes used by billionaire investors. While some players may lack quality, others lack speed and a few lack a brain capable of avoiding making the same mistakes – indeed some may even possess all three attributes. Few players in the Championship tick all the proverbial boxes and in the end it’s about finding the right balance between what your players are capable of and what you are asking them to do.

Are Woodgate, Keane and Leo going to achieve more with less and do what Monk and Pulis couldn’t? After some mixed pre-season performances, the last outing against St Etienne showed promise and the team at least now play on the front foot after the predominantly loss-avoiding Pulis tactics. While Woodgate’s team scored goals against lower league opposition, they didn’t manage to score from open play against better French and German sides. Unsurprisingly, they also looked less solid defensively than under Pulis and it will be the ability of the team to score goals that will counteract a less mean defence.

The return of Randolph in goal and Fry in front of him will improve the defence but whether new signing Marc Bola at left-back and Howson as right-back will ultimately leave us exposed on the flanks is the fear with the more progressive 4-3-3. As it stands only Britt looks capable of scoring regularly as both Fletcher and Gestede seemingly lack belief and ability respectively. The addition of pace to the side is welcome but goals still require a goal scorer and unless Woodgate is to avoid talking about missed chances like his predecessor, then he will need another finisher.

So as Boro prepare to start their campaign at Luton on Friday under the glare of the TV cameras, the squad looks like it could provide the new head coach with a decent starting eleven but still contains players who ideally should be moved on and youngsters that are probably not quite ready. What happens in the next week before the deadline could determine whether this will be anything other than finding out if the new plan can work on a modest budget. At least the opening ten fixtures appear to have handed Woodgate a less demanding start to his managerial career than it could have been. Expectations of the Boro faithful have probably been reduced but the hope of promotion still lurk at the back of the mind as optimistically they believe that before a ball is kicked it’s going to be a good season. The sun is still shining, the dark clouds have not yet arrived – it’s the best time to be a football supporter as your club has yet to disappoint!

635 thoughts on “Will fans get on board Boro’s low-budget top-flight journey”

  2. Thanks for starting us off on the latest marathon Werder. It does seem to me that it is ridiculously early to be starting the football season, but as you say squeezing in all those fixtures and with the inclusion of 4 2-week international breaks, it is inevitable the opening fixtures are moved so far forward.

    It seems only a few moments ago there was much talk in here about whether or not Woodgate was the right man for Boro. Now we are here at the season and despite the negative opinion of many in here at the time (including myself), Woodgate is the man and we are all behind him and the team (I least I hope we all are!!) as we hope for the best over the next nearly 10 months.

    I have left my concerns behind for now and put the rose tinted spectacles back onto my nose with my foam encased hands. I have to admit I am feeling more excited and hopeful for the coming season than I ever expected. At this point we have no idea what the competition is really going to be this year. So, I am backing Boro to surprise a few people and to achieve a top six finish. I’ll leave it for a few months to consider if we will be contenders for top two or not.

    As for Friday. Surely we can’t miss out on yet another opportunity to go top of the league. It will be tough. Luton are the team on the role with all the momentum a promotion gives you. All the same, I am going to stick with my hapless optimism and predict an opening day victory for a new-look, forward thinking Middlesbrough side. A brace fro Britt to win it for Boro 2-1.

    1. A Luton supporting colleague reckons much of that momentum has gone as they lost their manager and two fullbacks, whilst they have a new, unproven goalkeeper. Mightn’t be the worst time to play them.

    2. Thanks Powmill, yes it seems far too early to be starting the football season and I wonder if it’s time to reduce the Championship to 22 clubs. I don’t think Leagues One and Two stop for the international breaks and the PL has 8 games fewer. I’d have been happier to wait another couple of weeks at least as for most people the school holidays have only just begun and many will still be heading off on holiday.

  3. Well I’ve seen a few players going through the motions ! In fact they were crap!

    Welcome back to the new season Werder do I not like that ?

    Yes please!

    OFB

  4. Welcome back, Werder.

    I agree with the vast majority of your points and yet am still looking forward to the season more than the previous one or two.

    The squad does indeed look thin, we don’t have a natural right-back in the squad with any experience, the front line looks a bit bleak if Britt gets injured, I’m not sure we have an adequate replacement for Clayton if and when one is required, Tav and Browne look to have a lot on their young shoulders – the list goes on.

    However, the intent – both in terms of recruitment/wage structuring and the way we want to play – is finally the correct path after years of nonsense really. That counts for a lot. I know people will always say that football is a results business but I’ve never fully subscribed to that. You need enough results, sure, but a club like ours will never threaten to win a Champions League – we will never prosper on results alone because we can’t possibly get those results week after week. Therefore clubs like ours needs something else, be it a clear identity, a lot of local players or just being good to watch. I think the club is now driving at the right things so long as we can get “enough” results.

    I don’t think we will get too much this year though. There’s a lot of change, an inexperienced management team, a squad that doesn’t fit the method…It’s a year of transition and I’ll go for something like 13th place (10th – 14th feels about right).

    1. Thanks Andy, I think it’s about time for the club to contemplate the enjoyment factor after the functional Pulis offerings. However, it that comes at the expense of a top-half finish it would possibly be counter-productive – Boro should at least try to keep in touch with the possibility of a top six finish and often the table is quite tight until the last third of the season. But I’d agree there’s a lot of inexperience with the staff and players and it will be much harder to break out of bad runs if or when they happen.

  5. Welcome back, Werder. A fine opener.

    As with Brexit, It will be interesting to see what happens when PR comes into contact with reality. Will Johnson’s expensively- backed optimism count for anything with lorry drivers sitting in a 30 mile queue, Welsh farmers slaughtering their sheep or Ellesmere Port car workers losing their jobs? And will Bevington’s golden thread of pacy attacking football played by the kids survive a couple of disappointing defeats, let alone the harsh reality of a long and hard Championship slog.

    I doubt it. But I will be offering no criticisms of Woodgate, whatever happens.

    He is not to blame for his appointment. He will do his best, and give everything he has. I’m optimistic about Keane too. He certainly seems a lively lad and a good addition to the coaching staff. But Woodgate is not responsible for the agenda he has been set, the players he has inherited, the limited powers he has been given, or the fact that he has been denied the title of manager, all presumably major stumbling blocks for any of the higher profile candidates originally touted for the job.

    I hope that the excellent and admirably fair folk of this blog will commit to supporting Woodgate and wishing him well and every success, whatever doubts have been expressed in the past about his appointment.

    And, if perchance things go less well than we hope, or there is any kind of unravelling, that we will be slow to jump on a young man who is learning his trade and is bound, in the nature of things, to make some basic mistakes,

    And in such a case to place responsibility where it properly belongs, and not with the young and comparatively innocent fall-guys.

    1. Len

      Woodgate spoke well on Sunday night and the audience were very appreciative of his direct talking and supported him whole heartedly

      I think that all the crowd will give him a few weeks to settle in and who knows we could suprise a few people

      OFB

    4. Thanks Len and I did contemplate making comparisons between the ‘can do’ sentiments that Boris has substituted for having thought out solutions to what is essentially a self-made problem. Optimism and positive thinking are what Boro hope will bridge the gap of their own financial downturn and until reality says otherwise that will convince many that there is no problem.

    5. Ken
      I am glad that Woodgate stated that he is a coach, not a manager.
      I agree with that arrangement, the very idea of a new manager doing a supermarket sweep and coming back with half a dozen players of all shapes and sizes has dragged us into the mire, and will keep us there if we continue.
      As said here before (no apologies) a well run club has a duty to search for new talent continually, never stopping, even when on a golden run, there is no saying when a true star will emerge, or where.

  6. Just been advised by Bob Tait at MFC that the undermentioned streaming company has purchased the rights to stream matches in Spain when they are selected for international broadcast and makes the match unavailable for broadcast via Riverside Live.

    DAZN is available in the following countries: Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Italy and the United States.

    In Spain, subscribers get the first month free then it is €4.99 per month but you can cancel at anytime.

    This may be useful for some Diasboro colleagues across the globe to be able to watch on those occasions when the match is chosen for international broadcast. Given last season’s displays I do not see us being selected too often! 😎

    1. GHW

      I travelled up from London St Pancras with a group from the Boro Supporters Club London Branch as I believe we were called in those days.

      We were waiting to access the ground when a taxi pulled up and out stepped Eric Morecambe who was immediately mobbed by Boro supporters.

      He spent 10 mins chatting and signing autographs before wishing us well and departing to the main entrance.

      The Boro supporters had been allocated one end of the ground behind the goal and completely filled the terrace but there were groups of fans all over the ground.

      David Mills scored at the Boro end and history was made as we won the league by a country mile. Happy days. 😎

  10. Welcome back Werder another belter of an article to start the season.

    I, like Powmill, am fully behind the team and have to accept that JW is in charge and despite my reservations, on his appointment, hope he does well.

    The realist in me says we have a core of the team which has failed to deliver in the past. A lot of inexperience both on the field and off and that coupled with a change in playing philosophy is going to need a miracle to pull together and make a success of the season.

    I believe that we are going to ship more goals than in the previous couple of seasons and it remains to be seen if the new playing style and midfield can start to contribute more to the goals for column than previously.

    A lot will again be asked of BA and my concern is that he can be prolific against lower league and lesser Championship sides but struggles against the stronger and more organised sides. I believe last season the only side in the top six he scored against was WBA.

    I cannot see us making the top six (I would be delighted if we do and given the background to the season would regard it as a success) but see us more mid to lower table. I think even with everything I have mentioned as challenges, we should be able to avoid the dreaded R word.

    As far as Friday is concerned, I can see BA scoring but the Hatters will remain on the crest of a wave for a few games before reality hits them.

    So regrettably, Luton 2-1 Boro.☹️

    CoB prove me wrong. 😎

    1. Thanks KP, the club will need some luck with injuries and hope that some young players learn quickly and some of the under-performers of last season rediscover their pre-Boro form. We definitely need to sign a credible striker as I dread to think what would happen if Britt got injured – which given he’s had very little in the way of a summer break is a distinct possibility. We’re still good enough for a top-half finish and with a few decent signings could do pretty well – we’ll know more once the window has closed.

      btw Regards to Mrs Peters and hope the op goes well next week!

  11. What will OFB’s score prediction be now that Pulis has gone – surely can’t be more 0-0s? 4-4 perhaps?

    I’ll go for Luton 0-2 Boro for Friday. Typical Boro will start the season on fire before the slump..

  12. I sat in the cinema waiting for the performance to begin. The music faded, the lights dimmed and the screen tabs opened and there was Werder for the first time this season with a fabulous introduction. It was welcomed enthusiastically by the sell out crowd and a standing ovation then ensued. The Screen tabs closed then opened a few minutes later for the main feature. Thank you Werder.

  13. Werder,

    A fine ‘Intro’ and I thoroughly enjoyed it, we await the ‘Outro’ to paraphrase The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band’. What with the 70 mile trip to and from Peterborough Hospital and OFB predicting a 0 – 2 I’m feeling a bit disorientated.

    Never mind, I do remember the first game of the 1970/71 season, I was in Newcastle and having got married earlier in the day and we were being given words of encouragement from the Newcastle supporters as we were being driven to the reception. Memories eh?

    Anyway I’m waiting until the window shuts and we can see what is what. Keeping the powder dry I suppose.

    I wasn’t enamoured with the appointment of Mr Woodgate but he has my support as does the club, I just hope they have learned several lessons, belatedly admittedly, from the Monk fiasco.

    A happy and a given gut-wrenching season to the DiasBoro.

    UTB,

    John

    1. Thanks John but I’m still disorientated given July hasn’t ended and we’re already back to contemplating Boro’s upcoming fixture – Stevie Wonder will be thinking June was hotter next…

  14. Welcome back Werder . Will the new attacking Boro mean that the football will come near the quality of your previews? I am setting a low target for this season and just hoping that we stay out of the relegation battle but have a lot of entertaining matches along the way.
    I completed my own pre-season fitness check with a bottle of Malbec during the St Etienne match and can report that I am ready for the fight.

  15. I’ve been amazed at the number of bloggers on social media around the country tipping us for top six.
    I Think its a reach ,as most of us know defensively we are very vulnerable , if Brit goes down its a relegation dog fight ,
    However its a new season and the fans wanted a more exciting fluid progressive team ,
    Lets hope a surprise awaits.
    COB.

  16. Thanks Werder for the first Headliner of the season, as others have said, too much football in limited weeks. Still it is what it is.

    My stance on JW is known, but I will support him and his staff and give him more than a decent chance to prove himself, given the poison chalice he has been handed and asked to drink from.

    I am still not optimistic and would not of been with a more experienced Coach. I think KP’s post spells it all out rather well and I think we will struggle, especially when playing the better clubs. The defence will leak goals, certainly more than under Mr Pulis and the question is how many more can we score with what we have at the moment? I am not confident that the midfield, Wing possibly apart, will step and do something they have not done since they came the MFC.

    It could be easier for JW, given the start and give him time to tighten things up. But with quite a few inexperienced youngsters in the side I do not think it bodes well for the season overall.

    Bottom half of the table, however we will see and I would be delighted to ever so wrong.

    1. Thanks Pedro, it will be interesting to see if Woodgate persists with his high pressing 4-3-3 if results went badly – I must admit I’m a little worried that defensively we’ll concede too many and not score enough goals. Also, will the ingrained tendency to sit deep from many of the more defensively-minded players negate the effectiveness of the high press. I think it will only work if the team as a whole changes its mindset.

  17. Will somebody tell me what’s going on?
    Bristol City sell us Flint the stiff for £7m, only if they get a Webster from Ipswich.
    That concludes.
    We sell Flint for they say £4m,
    Guess what?
    Bristol! now about to sell Webster to Brighton for LISTEN! £25m.
    Don’t worry the three amigos upstairs in suits have it all! down.

    1. And probably Bristol will unearth another “gem” at a relative snip to replace him.
      Can you really imagine our lot doing something like that? Let’s hope the youngsters we have just signed can elevate their fees upwards.

      GHW….I really hope your predictions have turned a corner this season. We could all do with something to cheer us up with regards the Boro.

  18. Another great article from Werdermouth. He sees it as it is, a top 6 would spell success but realistically a mid-table position beckons. Despite Luton losing at home 1-5 to Norwich at the weekend, I still reckon a point gained for Boro would be a good start. But any result from 2-0 to 1-2 would not surprise me. It’s all about the performance really.

  19. Well done and a great opner. Thats now the standard set for the season, all it it needs is the Boro to live up to our expectations.

    So here are mine – after 10 games I want 22 goals scored, 18 points and hopefully that will give us a top six position.

    I will not be satisified with a mid table performance, I think the squad looks fine enough to me, what they need is determination and stamina, the goals will come if everything else is in place.

    CoB!!!!

  20. Great article. Realistically this looks like a mid-table squad but Norwich fans would have said that at the beginning of last season and look what happened there. Optimistically, if we get one or two players having a blinder of a season then there’s no one to fear in the league.

    At this time of the year I’m about 60% realist, 40% optimist.

    1. Not just Norwich fans, I suspect that Sheffield United fans would have been hoping for Play Offs at best but thinking just missing out.

      The RB slot now needs attention as Howson can do a job but I feel more as an attacking WB with three CB’s than a conventional RB. Charlton’s stance on Anfernee Dijksteel has been admirable but his contract is up at the end of the Season and whatever they offer him I would guess even broke Boro could better. He and his agent will also be thinking that surviving in the Championship is more likely with Boro than with Charlton and career wise playing for a side that is established would be better than one that will be happy to cling on.

      Roland Duchâtelet is firstly and foremost a Businessman with a great passion for Football Clubs (I think he owns four) but he will also be a realist and its very likely that once a figure in his head has been approached Dijksteel will be on one of those new Newton Aycliffe trains heading North.

  21. If we are going to use the Norwich example, let’s bear in mind the abysmal start they had to the season. It’s a long stretch of 46 games and each one shouldn’t be taken in isolation.

    1. Around 7 games in and their abysmal start ended with the visit of Boro to Carrow Road and they never looked back since. It was probably the early warning sign since the Villa Play Off debacle that Pulis still didn’t quite have the appetite or ability for promotion from the Championship.

  22. Reports in the Telegraph that Villa have agreed to buy Tom Heaton from Burnley, so that puts and end to the Randolph to Villa rumour thank goodness. 😎

  23. I’m convinced that if Woody adopts Mourinho tactics that we’re very familiar with – cultism, a siege mentality and a “you’re either with me or against me” approach – he will attain a level of success that might trump anything we’ve even seen in the last ten years.

    As I’ve said, and experienced, The Cult Of The Football Manager has such pulling power that fans and newspapers believe in it rather quickly. And, as players like Kevin Moran have confirmed, once the team starts to get results they too believe in it.

    The first catch is that the runs are such that the Big Boss falls for his own myth and doesn’t work as hard as he did to begin with, or worse, trades on it to strengthen his own hand in dealing with the media, players and the board.

    A question Jack Charlton surely asked during his Ireland reign was one I often asked during the Karanka years against the rampant ranting on the internet: why on earth would anybody want to criticise the means if the ends are comparatively glorious? I guess had the Pulis reign paid off, I would have asked that too. Because when you’re Boro and Ireland, you take what you can get and you enjoy it. Right? Right?

    Or not.

    Every cult reaches a natural end when more and more players, and owners, want to pipe in with their own voice. And “wobblies” are more common than you think. Big Jack would adopt a habit of storming out of press conferences if someone asked him a question he didn’t like.

    There’s also the Neymar problem. The famous Neymar problem. You take one look at his amazing stats and you think, “What problem?” But he was also the reason for his national team’s under performance in 2014. Reason being, the focus was on him. The other players in the team submitted themselves to his game instead of focusing on what they could do.

    Indulging someone, hero worshipping them and going along with their theatrical histrionics… it’s all so tempting, because they are doing so much right and they feel like one of us. But at the expense of stifling everyone else’s progress? The biggest example of this was Brazil 1-7 Germany – even though Neymar wasn’t playing, he was still there in spirit, because the players didn’t know what to do without him.

    In spite of this, I’m still divided over cult leadership, on the pitch or off it.

    Because if it gives us our best memories – why fight it?

    1. You can’t have it both ways Simon. On the one hand you blame Neymar for the Brazil teams underperformance and on the other for being equally poor in his absence.

      If the players were stifled by playing to his strengths then surely if he isn’t playing that obstacle has been removed and they can play their own game.

      Perhaps it’s just that other than
      Neymar, they just weren’t particularly any good?

      1. Maybe it didn’t come across as well as I wanted it to. If you build your success around one man, manager or player, you’ll be successful – to a point. But will you get beyond that point? Either way, the players are submitting themselves to one person’s ways.

        I’m looking at it from two angles. On one hand, a team in thrall to a cult or built around one person can do better than they’ve ever done – on the other hand, once that person is absent, what do they do?

        Boro case in point: Juninho, 1996-97, and Wembley in April.

        Less an intention to have it both ways than viewing it from two sides of the coin. An alternative view, as the late Bill O’Herlihy called it.

      1. The Cult Of Pu? Hm. That’s probably not too far from the truth, actually.

        The price was there was a lot of Pu on the pitch as well as off it, and now Woody has to clear it.

  24. Alternatively.

    One of the best things about Woody is that… I’m curious. We don’t know what his “voice” for the team is going to be, so I’m looking forward to seeing him develop one.

    The catch with Mogga and Karanka is that while all their methods are fine in theory – they are backed up and proven to succeed by football books everywhere – practice and playing personnel are another thing.

    It’s reminiscent of that great moment in The Wrath Of Khan where our logical friend points out that the titular foe is “intelligent… but not experienced. His pattern indicates… two-dimensional thinking.” That theory, while understandably popular, is not *entirely* correct – I’ll be happy to illustrate why at a later date.

    But anyway. I would also like to raise some (slightly paraphrased) points made by our own Anthony “Paulista Park” McCarthy – a voice of reason amongst the rampant, rabid ranting that drove me up the wall.

    “When have we ever had a sustainable long term model? Medium term thinking for the Boro is who to bring on in the second half.

    “As long as I’ve been going each managerial appointment has been a reaction to the last and not part of some grand plan or strategy. Woodgate is a classic example.

    “Looking back to the Robson era, even, what was sustainable or long term about it? It was fun and exciting, but based on levels of spending that couldn’t possibly be sustained long term. Boro couldn’t continue to buy the Brazilian player of the year and a Champions League Final goalscorer every season.”

    And it continued into the McClaren years, where we bought lots of high-profile names, or not, with no sell-on value. The likes of Riggott, Parlour and Mendieta were still hanging around in the backdrop while their generous contracts were running down. Genuinely good academy products, say, McMahon and Taylor, were on PL wages so had to be sold or let go.

  25. A “for me or against me” mentality only works if and when the leader of the cult is successful. I prefer the merits of “synergy” over “phenomena” every time, Phenomena for me lacks stability or foundation.

    A Phenomena tends to be short lived, incredible and surprising but unsustainable and not built on anything that will stand the test of time. Gestede had one phenomenal season in his career and arguably up until now so has Saville. Nigel Pearson created that “for me or against me mentality” with Leicester and had one phenomenal season and a brief cameo reprise. Following him Ranieri also had his famous incredible and phenomenal season. OGS may have already outlived his phenomenal period at Old Trafford, time will tell on that one.

    A young inexperienced Manager relying on a “for me or against me mentality” is only going to build barriers and with it the growing disenchantment and longing for his or her downfall which we witnessed here at the Riverside not so long ago with AK. Without a credible back catalogue of success, patience and time afforded to such an individual would be a very rare commodity in football. The Joey Barton’s of this world will never achieve what the true Managerial greats have achieved. The Stein’s, Shankly’s, Busby’s, Ferguson’s, Wenger’s, Robson’s etc. and today possibly the Klopp’s and Guardiola’s are simply a class above in so many more ways than just one. Their range of abilities and styles totally differ but they all relied/rely on true ability rather than illusion.

    Building on what you have achieved and raising a Club, Business or Institution to the next level and becoming established is to me a preferred outcome (not that Leicester fans would swap that famous season for anything). The problem for Leicester and Ranieri was that they couldn’t sustain and build on it.

    Mourinho perhaps is the classic illustration of how it all fizzles out. Once the hype and manic control is doubted replaced by open dissent what is actually left? If Woodgate attempts such a mantra he will be very short lived in Management. Despite my huge distaste, dislike and total disagreement at his appointment I can at least see that what he is trying to build is more based on a structure, belief and a buy in rather than my way or the highway. That is neither an endorsement or belief that he will actually be successful as there is an awful lot more to management, just merely an observation.

  27. Just wondering if OFB knows anything further about us getting a Steel Dyke in place at the Riverside any time soon with all these flood warnings?

  28. It looks like Jamal Lowe has travelled up to Wigan today to reunite with Paul Cook for around £2.5M. At 25 (albeit just turned 25 last week) he is probably at the tipping point of young and hungry with a resale value. The Browne and Bola signings are at a lower cost and with the likelihood of recouping the initial spend as a worse case scenario. Lowe represents a gamble at that price and after say a three year contract would be 28 and either worth ten times the amount or a waste of what is now seemingly serious expenditure for Boro. It is however interesting that Paul Cook (whom I rate) believes in him and that he is value for money.

    There are a few rumours (probably more like wishful thinking on the part of some) linking Gestede with a move away and simultaneously Fletcher still being touted. It appears that should one (or both) go it opens the door on Argentinian Lucas Boye joining from Torino. The lad was on loan to AEK Athens last season so may be available on a loan deal as a try before we buy offer which may be useful if we get to late in the window.

  29. That one season Gestede had shows that there is something there but we’re not the club to bring it out of him. The catch is, I really don’t think we’ll even break even.

    1. One good season in ten doesn’t make for great footballing stats in the case of Gestede. The chances of us breaking even are nil, offloading him from the wage bill for an “undisclosed” amount is the most likely option at very best.

      That said the lad Lucas Boye doesn’t exactly have me thinking what a coup if he landed here. Being honest I think if he does come its probably because we have a years supply of carrots in storage somewhere going to waste. He is a bustling, bruising and busy unit but a headless chicken with little end product.

      The heart of David Nugent with the finishing skill of Gestede mixed with the awareness of Traore. Another for me stamped with there is a footballer in there somewhere but not quite sure as what or where. His best displays from what I have gleaned from YouTube seem to me to have been his early promise at River Plate and then more as a number ten for AEK rather than as a Striker or Wide Player which is perhaps what he is seen as by MFC.

      Interesting that after two seasons River Plate loaned him to Newells Old Boys for a season before then selling him to Torino who after a season then loaned him to Celta Vigo for a season and then last season to AEK. 159 appearances and 14 goals is hardly the stuff to excite and salivate over. I think there is far better out there under our noses.

  30. The other issue for Gestede is that he’s now about as far removed from the type of striker we should be going for as could be possible (and I don’t just mean the lack of goals!).

    JW’s model appears to a bit like Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, with a mobile, energetic, quick front three required who press high and interchange positions. Suarez and Firmino are the type of strikers at the very top end.

  31. Away in Durham and in the last few days have passed the Riverside which was fine but visits have gone past Sid James and the Stadium of……..

    Great piece to preview the season, we are tucked in just behind Luton in the table, staying separated alphabetically would not be the worst result.

    May well go 4231.

  32. Aaahh! A new season. Lots to look forward to then and no doubt there will be lots of discussion about how the Boro are doing under the new manager.
    This is a good time to make a shameless shout out for Werdermouth to remove the “Reply” function which lurks at the bottom of every post. Why? Well it’s a simple enough reply from me, but the issue that I have is perhaps not such a problem for those who constantly reside on the blog and have it open at all times.
    I generally come back to read the blog several times over the course of a day. (Yes, I’m one of those regular readers who only posts infrequently, mainly because being 8 hours behind UK time, everything that I wanted to say has already been said.) Every time I return, I try to come back to the last post I read and continue reading down from there. I find it impractical and too time consuming to re-read the numerous posts prior to the one I am looking for but occasionally, in that search, I come across new posts that were written as a reply to a previous post, as opposed to just being added to the main blog. This means that on a regular basis I and perhaps many other readers too are missing out on posts that were written as replies.
    My solution is that if you want to reply to a particular post, it’s easy enough to reference the name of the poster and the time of the post at the beginning of whatever it is you want to write and le voilà, all posts will appear in chronological order.
    I know we had a discussion on this subject when AV was hosting ‘Untypical Boro’, so I’d like to revisit this subject and see how everyone else feels. Can we have a vote ladies and gentlemen? Reply Yes or Reply No.

    1. I’m of a similar thought Johnny it is really frustrating at times to have to scroll up to the top and click the new posts in sequence by poster name when there are say eight new posts but only two “new” ones at the bottom of the thread. This then leaves you to search around for those elusive other “new” posts. Then when finding them, clicking on them again because they followed another new one in mid page.

      It does however keep things in context and avoids confusion on who is saying what to whom and about what especially when the debate gets tasty so I can see it both ways. My preference would be for new posts to just follow on sequentially but I’m not sure how others feel or indeed if it can even be altered?

      Then there is the “in response to Billy’s posts at 23.45 on the 6th” then having to scroll up and trying to find it so its probably as broad as its long.

      I think I’ve just fallen out with myself arguing the toss on this one?

      1. You probably also annoyed Johnny by replying to his post 🙂

        Though, the reply function is useful to keep context without having to repeat the point – most comments sections use the reply button and I restrict to just three levels (i.e. you can reply to a reply but no further)

        I could possibly increase the number of ‘Recent Comments’ (Which are listed in chronological order) in the right column – it’s currently at 15 comments if you wanted to navigate comments using that.

        No system is perfect and it’s normally a balance between what is best for frequent visitors and occasional ones – plus readability.

      2. I think the recent comments help to a degree but you are never quite sure which recent comment you have clicked on if someone posts say four or five in succession.

        Is it possible to have the opening few words of a post as well which may help identify that you have just read that one (or not) rather than extending it to more than 15?

        1. Having just checked the WordPress settings for recent comments – 15 is the maximum and there are no options for including some of the text from them. I’m also unsure at this point what would happen to all the historical replies during the last 32 months of Diasboro if I changed the setting to not allow replies.

          Something to look into but the problem with a free WordPress template is that you are limited to the amount you can customise – if I had a ‘Business’ subscription (which is about £50 a month) I could probably program all kinds of fancy features and use style sheets and Javascript. Though keeping things simple (and cheap) is probably better.

  33. Woody prefers 4141 so team for Luton, and I would pick certain players I’m not a big fan of ,but horses for courses you might say
    Randolph
    Howsen Ayala Shotton Friend
    Clayton
    Browne Wing McNair Assombolonga
    Gestede.
    What !
    Gestede ?
    I’d pick Rudy to help out on defending corners etc, we are a small team and you expect the home team to get the ball forward more , Randolph is a good shot stopper but doesn’t dominate his area crosses wise.
    Brit and Browne could floiat and switch at times when we have the ball.g
    A draw would be a start, for the new management.
    COB

  34. 433

    Randolph
    Howson Shotton Ayala Coulson
    Wing Clayton Saville
    Browne Assombalonga Tavernier

    …. is the side I’m expecting, though Johnson may start ahead of Tav or Browne.

    I don’t think Friend has seen enough action in pre-season. Same could be said for Randolph but keepers are a little different and he’s arguably our best player.

  35. A thought

    Take Andy R’s line up.

    If Browne and Tav give us width, Wing pushes on, that looks remarkably like a 4231 because someone will have to mind the shop alongside Clayton or we would get over run..

    433, 442, 4231 are all basically the same.

    A 442 which has two wide men and one of the front two is Peter Beardsley or Teddy Sheringham becomes a 4231.

    How you perform depends on skill sets and physical attributes.

  36. A great start to the season Weder although not sure how we have got to the start of the season so soon. Hardly seems worthwhile the players having any time off really!

    I have kept my powder dry on the JW situation and until I have seen a ball kicked in anger, any comment is arguably pointless. SG has made the decision to retrench and that is not JW.s fault, he has to manage and coach with what he has got in front of him.

    Yes, it is going to be a hard season and no doubt a roller coaster ride but what’s new, this is the Boro you know! My 50 odd years of support has seen many ups and downs and my expectations are relatively low to be honest. As long as we are not in a relegation battle, then that’s ok. Top 6 would be a fantastic achievement and who knows, it may happen.

    Didn’t someone once say that you don’t win anything with kids? Well, it’s got to be worth a shot and could be interesting to watch. Plan for the worst and hope for the best and you won’t be disappointed.

    I am now actually looking forward to the season more than I thought and compared to the last two, I won’t be frustrated if things don’t go well. It will be what it will be as Mogga said!

    I can recall going to Luton as a 9 year old back in 1970 with a box to stand on, just in case we couldn’t get a seat! The same season that we made a late dash from Essex to Watford for a Friday evening game that my Dad hadn’t realized was being played. Not sure we would make it in time now!!

    Anyway, I am hoping for a 2 0 victory for Boro followed by another 2 0 win at home!

    UTB

    1. BBD,, we are the same age. But you have started to support Boro a few years before me. I saw Boro a few years later on TV playing Arsenal in the FA Cup at Ayresome in the sun.

      Since that day (and the excotic name by my Finnish roots) i have been hooked to Boro. Up the Boro!

      1. Jarkko – I am still amazed that you have had such loyal support for Boro when you have no connections and back in the early 70s, we we hardly a glamour club like Liverpool or Man U!

        You have my admiration or should that be sympathy!!

        UTB

    2. Thanks BBD and from my personal point of view I’d have preferred a more traditional late August start as few more weeks without football would have suited my schedule – especially as I’m currently catching up with a few urgent projects. This Saturday is our annual summer street party so at least a Friday kick-off means I’ll be able to watch the game – I’m hoping for some more exciting games this season now Pulis has returned to Sandbanks!

  39. You can argue that pretty much every player who isn’t in the top 5% in the world pretty much has one or two golden seasons in their career. It’s more obvious in goal scorers but the same holds for defenders and keepers too. Outside of that patch and the occasional flurry of top form, they revert to their average.

    In my opinion Gestede is a reasonably skilful striker at around about a Championship standard who can get you maybe 10-12 goals in a full, average for him, season in the Championship. I would say Hugill is about the same only he doesn’t have the same level of skill. Both of them had a golden season and ended up with big money moves on the back of it. I strongly suspect that Billy Sharp, Teemu Pukki, Bamford etc are about the same; Championship level players who go on the occasional streak.

    I think we have had a bad habit (as have nearly all clubs in the last few years) of buying players on the back of a golden season then being disappointed when it doesn’t continue. Buying players before they have their golden season is the key but let’s face it, if it was easy, everyone would do it.

    Looking at our first team squad, I would say that they are mostly decent, mid-range Championship players. Wing, Tav, and maybe Fletcher have the potential to become top championship or even Premier league players. Randolph is the only one who is clearly Premier league quality. Britt is a top championship striker. The youngsters like Bola, Browne, Coulson certainly have potential but hard to know how much at this stage; you have to assume that most of them won’t make it at a top championship level, let alone Premier league.

    Team prediction for Friday based on likely injuries:
    Randolph (Meijas)
    Howson Shotton Ayala Coulson
    Wing Clayton Saville
    Tav Britt Browne

    1. I agree Deleriad, football valuations are a bit like a dot.com boom and are based on a linear progression projection that rarely arrives. Like I said earlier, if some of these Championship players were as good as the asking price then they would be playing at the top level of football.

      What’s amazing is that so many clubs fall for the golden season syndrome when shelling out the cash – you’d probably be better off doing a low-budget Chelsea and hoovering up all the cheap promising lower-league talent in the hope that a few make big improvements and then you’ve probably paid the same as one big purchase that fails to reproduce their form.

      As for team selection, There aren’t too many options at the moment but I’m not sure if Tav looks in form at the moment and he could lose out to Bola as an attacking option on the left.

  40. Ken

    If we draw I think we will be second as Luton will be top with one point and we will have a point but they are ahead of us in the alphabet by my reckoning. 😎

    1. KP
      I did say equal 12th, but it could be argued that Boro should be above because an away point might be construed as more valuable than a home one. Some folk write about points gained and points lost (not that I agree with such terminology), but in that case Boro would have 1 point gained and Luton 2 points lost, thus minus 2. As you can see, I’m clutching at straws to argue my case.

      1. I think the possible outcomes are:
        top if we win;
        2nd alphabetically + higher number of goals scored than the rest it it’s a score draw;
        14th alphabetically if it’s a no-score draw; or,
        bottom on goal difference if we lose …..(let’s not contemplate that one !)

  41. Great point by Johnny at 6.03pm. It’s a pity to miss good posts when they are replies organised out of chronological sequence.

    So it’s a Reply No from me.

  42. Thanks for that Len
    Fair shout, but as RR says there are cons for changing.

    Of course if we did remove the reply button, one could just have pen and paper handy and make a note of your interested post, that you have just read, then you can reply to it at the thread end.

    1. Maybe we could do it in the old BBC style and send it by post and wait for it to be published:

      Dear Sir

      I wish to register my extreme displeasure at what one can only describe as a thoroughly disheartening and rather poor performance yesterday evening when I switched on to watch what I thought would be a thoroughly enjoyable and classical evenings entertainment. Settling down in comfort only for my wife and I to recoil in abject shock and horror at witnessing what one could only describe as horrendous tactics obscured only by the merest layer of filth caused by the excessive watering of the playing surface. This is really not good enough and not what I pay my Season Card fee for.

      Yours faithfully

      Mr. Angry from Redcar

  43. A possible answer to the “reply” button, if it is possible werdermouth, is that when a person posts a reply, as well as appearing below the relevant post it is also duplicated in chronological order, just a thought.

    Come on BORO.

  44. So now that the various club journalists have given their verdicts on which clubs are likely to be promoted we have the following results:-
    PROMOTION
    Fulham 17 votes
    Cardiff 14 votes
    Leeds 13 votes

    RELEGATION
    Charlton 18 votes
    Barnsley 14 votes
    Reading 13 votes

    Thankfully no one has suggested that Boro will be relegated, but strangely Nottm Forest received 1 vote for relegation and 1 for promotion, but as that came from the Forest reporter it should be discounted, whilst the Luton reporter was hedging his bets stating any 3 from 4 for promotion.

    What a lot of pifflle! It’s about as exciting as the European Song Contest.

  45. Werdermouth at 11h43 today observed that “… keeping things simple (and cheap) is probably better” which is what my wife said when someone asked her why she married me ;-), so that has to be right then!

  46. Boro have released the new squad numbers today – Tavernier has now got the number 7 shirt, Fletcher 11 and Browne 10. More worrying is that Gestede has gone from number 39 to 14 – although the unfortunate Sam McQueen wore that number last season so perhaps the number 13 shirt would have been a better choice.

    Incidentally, the number 2 shirt is still vacant and maybe it’s been pencilled in for free agent Alan Hutton who is being strongly linked with a move to Boro – he’s not quite in the young and hungry bracket at 34 but played right-back for Villa last season.

    1. Hopefully its just a negotiating ploy to persuade Dijksteel and his agent to sign rather than dither over Bristol’s late bid. It was rumoured to be just about agreed in principle until the Funds and Pensions Tycoon down by the Severn started flashing his comprehensive Investment Portfolio package!

  48. I hope all the talk about Alan Hutton is just that, talk.

    If not then what has happened about the new methodology of buying young and developing for on sale at a profit?

    I understand the need for a blend of youth and experience but we have the latter in spades eg Randolph, Ayala, Shotton, Friend, Howson, Clayton, Saville and Assombalonga so why do we need Hutton?

    Yes we need a RB but if Dijksteel is the preferred choice then go and get him. Money talks and with the target being out of contract at the end of the season and so far no indication of signing a new one then we should force the issue.

    There again, we have typical Boro who pay well over the odds for average players and then shut up shop and can’t see the need to push the boat out now and again when they do have the opportunity to acquire the appropriate player.

    Hutton would be a stop gap, why do we need a stop gap at this stage? 😎

  49. I think that as the window comes ever closer there will more outlandish rumours and “more over the top” fees (gambles) requested for players unknown within the Championship.

    The story of Boro probably missing out for Arsenal’s Bielik, who played for Charlton last season, going to Derby for 10mil is,…..well unbelievable.

    Like wise other links to Charlton’s RB, Bristol now sniffing with lots of cash when they offload Webster, will push up prices of any decent players beyond what MFC can now afford, or what Mr Gibson will sanction. JW won’t complain and just get on with it.

    We definitely require another CB as JW has stated and a RB. What will MFC be prepared to pay to get these required players?

    1. Hopefully not over the odds!

      Bielik and Dijksteel like Lowe, Boye’, Browne and Bola are all unproven at this level and therefore represent a gamble. Buying Bale, Kane or Messi could be cautiously classed as not being a gamble but assuming that they may be too rich for our blood we need to keep in mind that low cost budget replica items don’t always fit as well as an original and more expensive, refined part.

      Put a top end value on them and when its reached move on to plan B and C and don’t waste time or breath on them. The fear of losing something at the last minute is what inflates prices on Ebay and it often results in panicking buyers paying more for second hand items that they could have paid less for a brand new fresh one. Once Clubs, Players and Agents get that message they will know, make your mind up with Boro or they won’t wait around.

      Previously Clubs and Agents knew that they could haggle quite easily with MFC because they were a known soft touch and routinely paid over the odds. Reputations can also work in the opposite direction once the message gets out there especially with Players from lower Championship and League 1 levels.

  50. Interesting thought on tomorrow nights game. As it is the official Season opener there will probably be far more hungry football fans, players, agents and managers tuned in to Sky than if it was say on a wet Friday night in December.

    A resounding comprehensive victory would make a statement in the minds of many including some who are yet to sign or considering options. A dull, turgid draw or worse defeat may of course have the same effect in the opposite direction to the desired one but nevertheless it still represents a fantastic marketing opportunity.

  51. My guess, for what it’s worth, is that the team will be built up as below. What is also interesting is to speculate how the bench might look. Other than Randolph, I don’t think that anyone will start who didn’t play against St. Etienne. It’s an unnecessary risk for an outfield player and so I see Friend on the bench.

    Randolph with Meijas on the bench or, if Randolph is not fit, Meijas with Pears on the bench

    HOWSON, AYALA, SHOTTON, COULSON with cover on the bench from Stubbs, Friend, Bola and McNair. I thought about Spence instead of Stubbs but, if necessary, Shotton can go to right back and any of Friend, Stubbs or McNair could fill into the centre.

    WING, CLAYTON, SAVILE, with cover from McNair, Johnson, Bola, Tavernier. It’s worth noting that Clayton may be the hardest to replace within the current squad.

    BROWNE, ASSOMBALONGA, TAVERNIER with cover from Fletcher and Johnson. I could even see Johnson starting instead of Tavernier.

    That gives a bench of
    Meijas/Pears
    Stubbs
    Friend
    Bola
    McNair
    Fletcher
    Johnson/Tavernier

    Ever the optimist, I’m looking for a 2-1 win for Boro with Britt and someone else scoring the goals.

    Can;t wait for 4.45am tomorrow.

    UTB

    1. I’ve unspammed it but can’t see anything wrong with your login details – maybe it was the use of caps or the spelling of ‘Can;t’ – who knows with spam filter 🙂

      btw like your green ‘M’ gravatar!

  54. I think the team for tonight almost picks itself if Woodgate plays 4-3-3, especially if you regard the midfield three pecking order is Clayton, Wing and Saville.

    Defensively, there aren’t that many options with Fry ruled out and Friend just about fit. In theory Bola could start at left back but it looks like Coulson has impressed enough in pre-season to keep the shirt for now – Ayala and Shotton are the only experienced centre-backs fit and Howson the only player available to play right-back. Randolph is also hopefully fit.

    Up front, that means Assombalonga and two attacking mobile players either side of him to do the high press – Browne will likely be on the right and it may well be Tavernier who gets the nod but he’s not shown too much in pre-season and Bola would also be an option. OK, Fletcher has been given the number 11 shirt so he may be regarded for a front three position but again his pre-season hasn’t seen him push on and demand to be picked.

    I suspect ideally Gestede and Johnston would be moved on and they will fall behind any new arrivals in the next week. It’s not a strong squad and just how many youngsters will get a chance to prove they’re ready is as yet unclear.

    It may well be an open game tonight and we may see goals at both ends – wouldn’t be surprised to see a 3-3 but I hope Boro can edge it. An early goal would be ideal but we probably won’t see Woodgate shut up shop like Pulis if Boro score a second – therefore it’s possible we may see Boro scoring 4s and 5s this season if they can put the ball in the net! Let’s hope they don’t concede too many either!

      1. Sorry, I’ve read this morning that our new head coach said we should get excited – maybe I’ve made a schoolboy error and overdone it slightly! Though we did start last season with a 2-2 at Millwall under Pulis so 3-3 just takes into account Woodgate’s more attacking approach and less defensive solidity…

    2. OK, but you may feel a bit edgy after a pint of coffee but give it a go – though hang on GHW, didn’t you predict a 3-1 win for tonight’s game so I’m just being less optimistic defensively with 3-3 🙂

  56. Looks like we will have to get a move on if we want the lad from Charlton as Bristol City have just agreed to sell Webster to Brighton for £22M! That’s the way to do it! 😎

  57. “therefore it’s possible we may see Boro scoring 4s and 5s this season ”

    That’s foam hands , feet, and Elton John size rose tinted glasses!

      1. Monday mornin’ feels so bad
        Ev’rybody seems to nag me
        Comin’ Tuesday I feel better
        Even my old man looks good
        Wed’sday just don’t go
        Thursday goes too slow
        I’ve got Friday on my mind

  58. I can’t believe that it’s prediction time already. Now, Ihope Mr Keane has shown the forwards which side of the posts to shoot at, the midfield are upwardly mobile and the defence are ready to play forwards on the front foot. Will sideways be banished? I hope so.

    I’m going for an exciting 2 – 2, Luton will be up for it but fortune favours the brave so here’s hoping…

    Now to re-start the rally to Peterborough Hospital yet again.

    UTB,

    John

  59. I am in Milan now. Anyone knowing if the match can be seen here during my mini holiday in Italy.

    My prediction is a 0-1 win, a difficult match as ever in the Championship.

    Up the Boro!

    1. Jarkko

      It is available on live stream with DAZN.it. You have to register with them and agree to pay a monthly fee but the first month is free and you can cancel your subscription any time. 😎

  61. Just for the hell of it, I’m going to predict the final Championship table. Lets see just how wrong someone can be…

    1 Leeds
    2 Cardiff
    3 Fulham
    4 West Brom
    5 Stoke
    6 Bristol City
    7 Brentford
    8 Derby
    9 Sheff Wed
    10 Swansea
    11 Blackburn
    12 Huddersfield
    13 BORO
    14 Nottingham Forest
    15 Hull
    16 Luton
    17 QPR
    18 Preston
    19 Wigan
    20 Charlton
    21 Reading
    22 Birmingham
    23 Barnsley
    24 Millwall

  64. I would still like us to take some leaves out of the Burnley book.

    – Spend what we earn.
    – Make sure the club exists above all else.
    – Ensure that the manager is given time and security to build.

    I also think that were we rational, we’d understand that…
    – Dips in form happen, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
    – Players get dropped, it’s a squad game.
    – The heat of the moment drives us to say things we don’t really mean.
    – One defeat isn’t such a big deal when you’ve won four in five and you’ve still done better than you have in a long time.
    – People deserve fair time to rationalise and reflect, and change their minds.

    Sadly, football and football forums aren’t always rational.

  65. Someone once said that Ireland and their fans were delusional in Italia 90. That Eamon Dunphy was saying it as it was, telling the truth, and those who craved mediocrity didn’t “get it”. That it was simply a case of, “sure, we’re here, aren’t we?” and “whatever happens will be fine”, and that Ireland, who could have punched more above their weight than they did, were simply content with scraps.

    As if it was the limit of Ireland’s, even Northern Ireland’s, ambition. To turn up at the tournament, make a name for themselves with one memorable win (for example) and come back for a big party.

    But there’s another way to look at it.

    The limit of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s ambition, if you can even call it that, should be making sure that the frequent opportunity to compete with the best exists*. Something Billy Bingham and Jack Charlton certainly did, and did well. Under Eoin Hand, Ireland’s Tony Mowbray if you will, Ireland had ideals of playing the game “the right way” which, while admirable, were countered by opposition sides who were simply much better at it than Ireland were. A Charlton was necessary. A Charlton was vital. To rough the opposition up and tell them, whether we win or not, we will not be messed with. And the public, players and press bought into that.

    It doesn’t mean the north and south of Ireland lack ambition. It just means we know what’s possible. And how to appreciate it.

    *I still remember the night when Northern Ireland secured qualification for Mexico 86 with a 0-0 draw at Wembley. There were accusations that it was a fix, to ensure both teams qualified. The late Alan McDonald wasn’t having it…

    “”Anyone that says that’s a fix can come and see me, and I’ll tell them it wasn’t a fix, because we… earned that, and anyone who says different is a joke.”

  66. I’m on the edge of Snowdonia on a holiday with the extended family, whom will be gathering around a tv this evening to watch the match.
    A score draw is most likely result, but I’ll not be too despondent at a narrow Boro defeat, as long as our team’s actions bear some resemblance to Woodgate’s words.

    1. Well Never seen the Boro get so many corners

      Johnson playing well

      Coulson will be hard to shift out of this team

      High pressing game in evidence

      Poor defending from free kicks and corners

      Need another centr back and right back

      Assombalonga lucky for his goal and their keeper looks demoralised after it

      Best game I’ve watched all season !

      Thanks for the link Werder!

      OFB

  70. Has anyone consulted the cardio thoracic surgeons at James Cook before the appointment of Woodgate? I think they’re going to be getting a fair bit of extra business if this first half is anything to go by!

      1. Typical Boro

        Howson very slow and not a full-back, we need one urgently

        Britt no more penalties

        Wing brilliant goal lucky to get away without giving away a penalty

        Typical last minute save from Randolph

        OFB

  72. How did Boro not win this game? Lots of chances. Assombalonga gifted a goal, flukes a one on one with the goalkeeper and then misses a penalty to crucially make it 4-2. Meanwhile Shotton fails to head clear and Luton go on to score and Randolph makes a super save late on.
    However the main positive was the players energy and quickly closing down the opposition .
    Philip

  75. First shout is, does Werder have a crystal ball, second shout, GHW’s predictions have not improved one iota.

    Great game for a NEUTRAL, poor game for a Boro fan.

  76. Good point Pedro.

    Reminds me of Barry Davies’ commentary when South Korea pulled it back to 3-2 after being 3-0 down against Germany, circa 1994.

    “It’s delightful for the neutral – but certainly not for the Germans.”

  77. Wow.

    When they were good they were very very good and when they were bad they were horrid. Well, not horrid perhaps but sloppy. The second half they controlled the game and could have put it to bed. The penalty was possibly karma because the foul looked to be outside…or maybe on the line which counts, I know.

    Our high press will cause a lot of teams problems this season. Everyone had good moments and we will have to accept that there will be space on the flanks for the opposition. Both sides found space with diagonal balls which comes from the opposite side fullback covering the middle. It will come down to how the defence copes.

    Randolph made his usual world-class save but may be could have cut out their second. Ayala and Shotton were solid most of the time and it may be indicative that their second goal was scored by a smaller player being marked by a forward. Their first goal was unstoppable and he’ll probably never do it again in his whole career. Third goal was a mess.

    Howson was good and made some important defensive interceptions. Coulson did well getting back into position to make tackles and looks dynamite going forward. Johnson had a very good game and Fletcher looked promising. These two and Assombalonga got better as the game went on. The midfield were a bit quiet in the first half but much better in the second half. Maybe they need to believe that they are good enough. On this performance, I’m not sure that a creative number 10 is that much of a priority.

    Finally, I thought that Browne looked top quality when he came on. Fast, direct, clever touches. He could be a real impact sub this season.

    All in all, frustrating that we didn’t win but it should certainly be a fun season. The next game should be a cracker.

    UTB

  78. A good match to watch with some friends in the English Sports Pub in Milan tonight. I got some stick from my friends, though for the result after Assombalong missed the pen. Three of my four friends have been to Boro to see a match and are now supporting Boro as their second team.

    BBC wrote: “Woodgate achieved something that his seven most recent predecessors, going back to Steve McClaren in 2001, had failed to do by avoiding defeat in their first league game as Middlesbrough boss.”

    So well done to everyone in the team and Woody in particular. After the total change in attitude and formation, the result and especially the performance was better than I expected in the first match of the season.

    Nice football, a single mistake by Randoph, Shotton and Assombalonga cost us two points. But this is work in progress – an away point is a good point in Woody’s debut.

    Up the Boro!

  79. Whoa !

    Let’s look at certain points:

    1. First game of the season.

    2. Away to the newly promoted top team of Div 1.

    3. Live on Sky.

    4. New style of playing (much Improved)

    5. A hostile crowd.

    6. 6 goal thriller involving Boro.

    7. 3 goals away from home.

    I was not in favour of the appointment of Woodgate but I throughly enjoyed what I saw tonight and a better penalty (not blaming Assombalonga as anyone can miss a penalty) and we could have come away with another two points. Let’s enjoy what we have and see how it develops throughout the season, we have all been crying out for exciting attacking football, win or lose, that’s what we got tonight. True, people might say that after awhile teams will exploit our defensive weaknesses but that’s up to the coaching team to put right, let’s all give them a chance.

    Come on BORO.

  83. To answer Jarkko’s question, in a sense – 14 3-0s, two 4-1s, two 4-0s and a 5-1.

    Under Mogga and Venus it was four 3-0s, three 4-1s and two 4-0s.

    Admittedly that doesn’t prove everything. One Boro fan did say – “Watching a Karanka Team honestly bored me. You can throw around 4-1 and 3-0 score lines all you like but does that mean it was great to watch?”

  84. I was hoping that some sort of exiting High scoring match would result from the total change of outlook and attitude, and it did. So well done Woodgate and his backroom team.
    Now for a few points which, if not put right, will surely cost us dear.
    You cannot run a team if you do not plan for penalties, who takes them? and plenty of practice in the right method, and there is a right method, ask Alan Shearer?
    The ball should be given to the captain, and he hands it to the nominated taker.
    As for Britt, he must never take another penalty. This is not the first time he has done this to us, but it must surely be the last. Just as a follow up, he went for the near post yet again when faced with an open goal, and made a mess of it, lucky us that his scuff wobbled into the net.
    Now, about Lewis Wing, we know that he has the touch of class which makes a difference, so why is he taking endless corners? He should be around the box getting shots away, there is also a case to be made for him to be further forward up the pitch, with his ability to score goals it is a mistake to have him too deep.
    Britt undoubtedly cost us a riproaring start to the season, but any fan could have foreseen it. Silly errors of preparation and planning.
    Hopefully they will be stamped out, because ultimately it is planning and preparation which will do the job.

  85. RR

    Thank you for your match report as welcome and as detailed as ever

    The frenetic football was conveyed through your descriptive report and the “reverse backwards nutmeg” by Browne was a delight to see and read about.

    I’m not too upset about losing two points but I hope I won’t be at the end of the season.

    A long way to go thank you again

    OFB

  86. Redcar Red,

    A great report and perhaps some signs of good things to come. I’d have taken a draw before the game and predicted a 2 – 2 but it’s good that bloggers can comment about missed chances because at least Boro are making them and there seems to finally be a recognition that if you don’t shoot you don’t score.

    Infinitely preferable to the tedious anaesthetic football of the previous era and a great advertisement showcasing the new philosophy for any potential recruits who may well be thinking ‘I’ll have a bit of that’.

    UTB,

    John

  87. The problem with Britt taking penalties is that he has time to think.

    The obvious candidate would seem to be Wing.

    I said I would not be unhappy with a point but it does feel like it was two that got away. Currently in second place, can we end the season now?

    2. Great penalty takers have a technique be it Franny Lee, Alan Shearer, John Hickton or Grant Leadbitter. Britt unfortunately has no technique or planned, rehearsed thought process. Watching him ready himself for a penalty gives me that recurring Southgate/Pearce feeling. Body language is a good indicator of whether its likely to be scored or missed. Even before the ball is kicked you can often tell if the penalty taker is going to succeed.

      The mentality, methodology and state of mind to take a penalty is not automatically or mutually the same skill set as that of an instinctive striker, it can be but not necessarily. Grant wasn’t a Striker but had the required steely, focussed, determined and confident mindset to step up.

      Britt bless him has very little or indeed any of those attributes. Someone on the Coaching side needs to take him to one side and break the bad news to him and/or spend weeks and more likely months teaching and instructing him. Meanwhile Woodgate and Keane need to identify who in the squad does have the prerequisites for the here and now. Shockingly it could be Clayts but for me more likely Wingy or even Johnson now after his MOM show last night who looked like a new signing.

      1. Don’t agree about Britt and penalties. He has a very clear technique in that he tries to wait until the keeper commits then passes it somewhere else.. His life time stats are (https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/britt-assombalonga/elfmetertore/spieler/186172_) scored 15 missed 5. (miss 25%)
        When it works it looks fine but when it fails it looks awful. In this case, Sluga kept his nerve.
        The alternative is to do it Leadbitter style; ignore the keeper and hit it low and hard into the corner. Laws of physics say that no keeper can get to the bottom corner in time without starting to move before the ball is kicked.
        Leadbitter’s stats are: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-leadbitter/elfmetertore/spieler/13796 scored 26 missed 7 (Miss 21%)
        One thing that is notable is that half of Leadbitter’s misses came early in his career; clearly he refined his technique. So although his and Britt’s stats don’t look that different on paper, in practice they are.
        Finally, Britt’s miss rate is 3/10 in the Championship 2/10 in lower leagues. It is likely that his technique doesn’t work that well against better keepers. The thunderbastard technique works equally well against all keepers.
        The Boro coaching team will know all this.

  88. Thanks RR, nice to have you back on your first report of the season. Totally agree with everything you say. Nice to see Marvin Johnson back and being man of the match.
    Marv Johnson the singer, had a song in the 70’s called (you got what it takes) certainly applies to our Marvin.

  89. Thanks RR for the report. Top stuff.

    I was a little disappointed with the first half performance but very encouraged by the second. Two points on that:

    1. JW and his backroom team clearly got their message across at half-time and the players took it on board. A good sign.

    2. That the playing style was so markedly different in that second half to anything Boro have done in the past 6 or 7 years is hugely encouraging. JW and his coaches are largely working with the same players as last year and have only had a few weeks to work on shape and style. It’s remarkable that the difference was so apparent in such a short space of time. Encouraging.

    Clearly lots of work to do and could (should?) have been even better but you don’t peak in game one.

    Overall, pleased.

    1. My gut feeling is that three at the back with wing backs would still allow the high pressure pressing game but tightening things up just a little bit more at the back.

      If it is 433 then the obvious glaring gaps are for a solid RB (Howson was very good by the way by being industrious but the defence didn’t look like a joined up unit) and another CB in (even though Fry will return). Shotton just doesn’t look comfortable in a CB role. If Dijksteel does arrive that is one position sorted. The conundrum though is if we get a loan CB (as rumoured in some circles) in then his parent club is likely to want him to be getting game time so if Fry and Ayala are the two default CB’s then how to add to the squad without destabilising the our own CB’s?

    2. One difference between these coaches and the team is this

      When was the last time you saw the players run to the bench and celebrate a goal with the coaches ??

      OFB

  90. Thanks RR for providing us with another excellent report despite your misgivings on JW’s appointment. I was concerned that you might decide to hang up your pen!

    It was a performance of both exhilaration and frustration. Great to see us attack with pace and intent but equally disappointing at the lack of game management and some rank bad defending at times.

    The latter needs sorting quickly and hopefully this can in part be addressed once Fry and Friend are fully fit. If we did go to a back three then Fry, Ayala and Friend would be my first choice. If we are sticking with a flat back four then we need to recruit a RB to compliment the other three or even play Coulson in place of Friend.

    I was pleased that I was wrong in predicting a defeat but then disappointed when we did not take all three points.

    All in all, more positives and entertainment than in many a year and it is only game one and work in progress.

    CoB 😎

    1. KP it was a very close run thing but I figured why should I stop following the Boro when Managers come and go, always have and always will. Mrs Red pointed out the transient nature of the post and that just because I may not like a part of something shouldn’t mean that I cut my nose off to spite my face. In 6 months, 18 months or 36 months there will be someone else sat in the dug out. No Season Card though got to draw the line somewhere (even if it costs me more).

      2. RR

        Thanks for changing your mind it’s appreciated

        You can always get a half season card at Xmas if we’re doing well !

        I’m looking forward to moving into my new seats next week OAP specials !

        I should therefore get value for money !

        And a free drink 🍷!

        OFB

  91. Firstly congratulations to Redcar Red on a great report, and to Werdermouth on predicting the correct scoreline. I cannot imagine anybody else predicting that; I wonder what odds the bookies were giving for that score.

    Secondly a brickbat to myself for suggesting that a draw would have Boro mid-table at 10 pm last night, when it was obvious to me later that such a result would have Boro joint top. Surprised that nobody else picked me up on that, but nevertheless grateful to those bloggers who knew I’d made a fool of myself refrained from telling me so. I suppose everyone is entitled to make one mistake, so I’m not going to castigate Britt for missing a penalty which would surely have given Boro all 3 points last night.

    However in all fairness I think a draw was a fair result and am not too disappointed that Boro didn’t win. The match was a throwback to how Boro used to entertain some of us but infuriate others. Boro just don’t score 3 goals away from home, it never happens nowadays, does it. Oh hang on, didn’t we score 3 at the Hawthorns last season and 5 times the season before at Bolton, Preston, Hull, QPR and Sunderland, all wins except the last one. The difference is that the style of football is more enjoyable and entertaining than what we have endured recently.

    It takes me back particularly to the 1962/63 season when Boro had a 5-4 win at Plymouth, 4-3 wins at Grimsby, Charlton and Norwich, a 3-2 win at Leeds, but a 3-4 defeat at Luton which might easily have been duplicated had it not been for a wonder save from Randolph last night. But Boro also suffered some heavy defeats that season, 0-5 at home to Huddersfield, 1-6 at Newcastle and 0-6 at Southampton. Of course I didn’t see any of those away matches, so only have Cliff Mitchell’s reports as a guide to how mercurial Boro were, but Boro did finish 4th and we’d all take that this season wouldn’t we.

    However it’s the home form we need to improve on. It would appear that though the new Boro might find it easier to break down teams than last season, I can’t see Boro’s defence at the moment being able to hang on to leads against the better teams as things stand. I’m sure Dael Fry will make a difference, but neither Ayala and certainly Shotton give me no confidence at all. Brentford will be a difficult fixture and at the moment I’d settle for another draw. I’m fairly confident that Boro won’t be in a relegation battle, but doubtful that a playoff place can be gained. I’d gladly accept a mid-table position for this season, and a playoff position for next season, but a return to the Premier League is way off. Nevertheless I’d settle for the new exciting approach.

    Some fans on the BBC website are even suggesting that the Championship is more exciting than The Premier League. In some ways I can see their point, as it’s the unpredictability of the League. I hope you all enjoy the next few seasons, but let’s not beat ourselves up when Boro come occasionally unstuck. After all it’s only a game. I imagine many of us have more pressing concerns than games of football even though good Boro performances and wins can raise one’s spirits.

    1. Ken

      Jack’s promotion winning team had quite a few high scoring wins away from home. I remember we won 4-0 at WBA on the Saturday and I was at Fulham for the following mid week game which we won 4-0 on Bobby Moore’s debut. I think we then won at home 8-0 on the Saturday. O happy days. 😎

      2. KP
        True, but my point was the excitement engendered by ‘close’ high scoring matches which was commonplace throughout football in the dim and distant past. Matches that had you on the edge of your seats, not easy wins.

    1. I think in Britt’s case the measurement for Boro fans is only what he has done whilst a Boro Player. I’m sure he must have scored penalties for Forest and Peterborough but the memory of him arguing with Grant against Reading and then blasting it over the bar is still fresh in the minds of many.

      His exact carbon copy repeat last night of blasting it over the crossbar could have been just coincidental or biased evidence that he is extremely limited in his execution depending on perspective and opinion. Of late Boro don’t get that many Penalties although if we play like we did last night I suspect that stat will change which is all the more reason to give it to a calm and calculated head.

  96. I liked it when Boro seemed in command, in control and composed at the back. An attempt, whether it succeeded or failed, at football as art. But after the negative responses of fans and the drudgery Of Pu we do need entertainment, so last night’s game made me very happy.

    It’s like the Lost In Translation vs Die Hard comparison. Both are very highly rated but fans of the former must really accept that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Though it makes them happier if someone else agrees with them.

  97. Please
    Mr Woodgate, would you please get yourself into full managerial mode, and by that I mean, tell it like it is.
    You have a most serious penalty problem, why? That’s easy, penalties are a very serious part of the game.
    When you get a penalty, the situation is always critical, it is not a bit of fun, it is deadly serious.
    If you are one down, its life changing, if you are one up, its a finisher, if you are two up, its three points and goodbye.
    You have a not very good finisher who likes to boost his annual total with any penalty that comes along, he thinks he is entitled to grab the ball and blast it over the top. For that is his mode of operation, bright? not very.
    Should you indulge him? not on your life, this nonsense should end right here. We need plenty of practice on the training ground, select your man, tell Britt to keep well away from the whole scene, it really is not his thing at all. And while you are on the subject of tactics will you tell that very same Britt to stop going for the near post when in the box and ready to shoot, we got lucky yesterday, he has cost us a lot in the past with his bad habit, tell him to watch match of the day, lots of goals scored by going for the shot inside the far post, none at the near post.
    To sum up, it was a bad move to say, “Britt still takes them”
    Oh no he does not, or our optimistic start will wilt and disappear.

  98. Redcar Red:

    “Mrs Red pointed out the transient nature of the post and that just because I may not like a part of something shouldn’t mean that I cut my nose off to spite my face. In 6 months, 18 months or 36 months there will be someone else sat in the dug out.”

    Maybe Mrs Red just wants you out of the house on Saturdays and some weekday nights. 😂

    Come on BORO.

  99. Watching Coulson reminds me of another young left back- Bennett who I think Mowbray introduced into senior football. I think he is now at Cardiff but I could be wrong.

  100. Perhaps it may have been more diplomatic for JW to say……. I’m more than happy for Britt to continue being the designated penalty taker, but if he feels he’d like a break from it and let someone else take them, then that’s fine by me too.

    1. GHW
      I am pleased that we have hired a young manager in his first job, even more pleased that he has got a good friend at his side, pleased that they are determined to attack and score goals.
      The first game was great, but young coaches must correct any and every fault as it happens, there is no time to waste, their control must be established over the entire playing staff quickly, or not at all.
      I like your pleasant and diplomatic approach to the penalty problem, but I do not think that it will suffice.
      Consider the following, Saha “won” ten penalties for his cub last season, those penalties kept them clear of relegation in a tough league.
      This season playing attacking football we are very likely to get ten penalties, a possible twelve points extra (if we score with them) two of those points have already gone whistling down the wind. We all knew that Britt has no idea, so why is he taking them?
      He grabbed the ball plonked it down and approached it crabwise like a man trying to slide it past the keeper into the corner, no shape to his body, no resolve, like he expected the ball to magic itself into the net because it was only twelve yards, the fact that he got under the ball and into the stand it went is neither here or there.
      He has a history.
      Coaches have problems, and this is his first, so fix it and never mind hurt feelings.
      After all the above, I think we have some good young players, and can look forward to some fun this season.

      1. Let’s not forget that what a manager says in public and what he says in the dressing room can be two different things. Up until his miss Assombalonga had a better conversion rate than Alan Shearer ( albeit with far few penalties). I would say that if Britt still wants to take them, then let him continue.

        I would imagine first thing in the morning, JW will have him practicing penalties with the goalkeepers.

  101. Surprised but pleased to see your match report Redcar Red. I was thinking how much I would miss your reports as a Boro supporter but who gives an unbiased version. I listened to the game on Radio Tees while watching on an Arabic TV channel running a couple of minutes later and the only word I recognised was ‘goal’ which came up often. It was certainly the exciting football Woodgate promised and it would have been great if Britt had scored the penalty which should have given us the 3 points. It will be interesting to see if we can keep scoring but stop conceding goals following from set pieces and start closing down opposition players before they can steady themselves for a shot as this was a problem last season even with TP’s defence.
    Although the papers and the BBC and Sky praised the exciting match, the BBC morning highlights only showed Luton’s last 2 goals and Quest only had about 30 seconds well into the programme. Typical!

  102. Well.

    Fulham, Brentford, Stoke and Cardiff all lost to Barnsley, Birmingham, QPR and Wigan respectively. So much for favourites. I think that we can say the Championship is up and running.

    UTB

  103. A premiership club calls up next week and expresses interest in Wing , they want to know the asking price .
    What is your reply ,
    Do you give them one or brush them off.

  105. Shocking scenes in Perpignan in the last few minutes of the Catalans v Warrington Super League match between fans and players. Rugby League has always been a family sport for fans to intermingle, too much drinking in 30 degree heat might have been cause, but parents with young children from Warrington must have been terrified for their safety. Players from both sides to blame also for the brawl and swearing on the pitch. I’m ashamed that Rugby League has somehow reached the depths of what was common in football years ago.

  106. Many thanks for your great report, RR. It’s a joy to have them and a relief that you are still willing to write them for us, despite your understandable earlier misgivings!

    I’ve nothing to add to what everyone has said above. I just want to say how much I enjoyed the game and Boro’s new attacking style. Let’s hope that brings a couple of thousand missing fans back to The Riverside in games to come. For sheer boldness, JW deserves nothing less.

  107. Still recovering from yesterday’s street party and just catching up with the other Championship results. Surprising to see both Fulham and Cardiff lose and a few other fancied teams and so far no other games ended in a draw. I guess this is the nature of the league in that any team can beat any other – it’s about putting in a team performance and perhaps the odd bit of luck.

    Belated thanks to Redcar Red for his excellent match report and analysis – I suppose I’d agree that keeping an open style of play and not adhering too much to game management could cost us points. Although, it may also bring that missing belief to the players that they can win games too. I seem to recall last season Norwich always appeared to get late goals to secure wins and draws – something we rarely thought Boro under Pulis would do.

    OK, it may have been a little naive at times but it’s a kind of reverse philosophy of building from the back – Woodgate appears to be building from the front and then trying to bolt on a better defence. You could argue that if Boro build a reputation for scoring goals teams may become a little wary of attacking us. Under Pulis, teams always started on the front foot as they knew his team with ten men behind the ball offered little threat and could push their full-backs and midfielders forward.

    Early days but it makes a change to enjoy watching Boro again and not feel like you’re undergoing a re-education programme that you need to enjoy the purity of clean sheets (quite often at both ends). I was also interested to read RR’s thoughts on reverting to a back three – it could be an option if our full-backs remain more in the wing-back mould – though playing a back-three and still having Clayton as predominantly a defensive shield would leave just four places for attacking midfielders and strikers. It could also be a 3-4-3 with perhaps Wing and McNair as a central pairing. However, I suspect Woodgate will persevere with 4-3-3 for some time yet or until our goals For and Against remain at three a game 😉

  108. Many thanks to Redcar Red for his excellent alternative match report, certainly very similar to how I saw it.

    Credit to JW for his philosophy to entertain through attacking football, which they did, but with bated breath. One for sure I doubt we would have come back from 1-2, to lead 3-2 under Mr Pulis.

    However as much as I enjoyed the game, there were periods were we were very naive and undisciplined. OK, JW and the coaching team may be able to work on that area and improve it, but if we play like we did at times on Friday night against some of the better sides, we will get turned over. Unless we can add some better defensive players.

    As much as Howson and Coulson had decent games, the former will never be a FB and the latter was exposed far to many times as Luton exploited that side with Shotton very poor in my opinion. We also lacked height at the back which was probably why McNair was chosen, although I thought he had a good game overall.
    Whilst many may not agree, I also thought Clayton did not do enough in front of the defence and in reality we are short of an alternative that position if JW is going to continue with a defensive midfielder.

    The team going forward was a joy to behold, though I was hoping to see a few more crosses into the box from the by-line. Johnson was a revelation, but can he sustain it or will he fade like he did under Monk?

    Overall a fair result. Britt should of put it to bed, though the foul was outside the box and if the Wing foul had been the other way we would all have been complaining.

    Roll on Saturday and I think a tough game against Brentford.

    1. Thanks Pedro

      In fairness to Coulson our defence was far more exposed than it has been since before Karanka. He had no recognised experienced old head such as Downing in front of him to support and cover. His immediate defender nearest to him was Shotton who is right footed playing as a left sided CB in a position he doesn’t usually play and was struggling to settle in himself let alone help out the youngster.

      Judging him purely on defending he done a decent job considering that McManaman is experienced and a threat at this level against any defender and that Jones had set his side up to target and try and exploit the young lad. He was offered no further tactical cover or support from our bench and had to just get on with it yet still managed to offer an attacking threat and even winning a penalty. In the opening few minutes he handled himself extremely well during several early onslaughts without looking out of place. That the onslaught then continued as an opposition tactic without any counter management strategy to assist is a credit to the lad that he stuck to his task and in doing so the Managers game plan.

      If we line up and play the way we did on Friday night I suspect our full backs will be kept very busy and under pressure for a lot of the season with our midfield and attack being up the opposite end of the pitch. We have been used to having three at the back with the two wing backs in an almost 5 at the back line up and also two defensive midfielders in front of them breaking up and supporting with the two attacking wide players under strict instructions to get back and keep things tight leaving a lone striker isolated. Its a price we have to pay if we are to see more attacking football this season so under those parameters I thought the lad had a credible evenings work.

      1. RR

        I strongly agree with you about Coulson. He was really excellent going forward and organised in defence and i think that we have a very talented player. People have to accept that the fundamental logic of the high press is to avoid the counter-attack that leaves the side exposed. If that fails then there is risk.

        The counter strategy is for one the centre backs to be ready to go wide with the central midfield player dropping back and the full back from the other side getting back as fast as he can. That’s where Shotton’s relative lack of mobility and right—footedness didn’t help although man on man and doing regular centre back duties he was solid. George may be a better bet purely because he is left footed. its an interesting question. Will we see Ayala and Fry or Fry and Friend as the regular pairing.

        If we keep our attacking structure and are prepared to take the risk inherent in that not only will it be good to watch but other teams will be wary of attacking too much and leaving themselves vulnerable to Boro’s attacks. It’s a fine line but it will be entertaining and that’s something to value. It also shows the potential valuer of someone like Browne who looked fast, clever and a real threat. is he our new Adama but with more football nous? Already West Ham supporters are complying that he was let go for a song.

        UTB

  109. In light of the troubles Bury and Bolton are facing, if Huddersfield found themselves in financial difficulty, would the Official Retrievers be called in?

    Start the car, I’m getting my coat…

  110. If you thought we were a little too open at times, v Luton,
    Our defence was a little shaky, I watched some of the Dortmond v Bayen game and that was exactly the same ,both teams attacking and near misses everywhere ,
    I’ve noticed Bayen in the past still leave three up when defending maybe its the way to go, but you do need defenders with speed who read the game.
    COME on the NEW BORO , we hope?

    1. Leaving three up front gives your opponents a real dilemma. Break out, push forward and attack knowing that one hoofed clearance or worse still a perfectly weighted defence splitting pass bypassing your midfield will leave you wide open and likely to concede. Attack “could” be the best form of defence after all?

  111. So, a good result for Leeds today. When I see that Bamford scored, it sticks in my throat that why the hell did we sell him. Look at we are left with, Assombalonga/ Fletcher and Gestede. Rather have Paddy than them three.

  112. Nice work RR. Also meant to say, enjoyed the discussion on phenomena vs synergy. I’ve a lot to say on that.

    I was just re-watching that episode of Derry Girls, series 2, episode 2. Dead Poets Society literally meets The Usual Suspects. Inspirational teacher and all. Erin’s furious at the teacher supposedly showing her true colours at the end, but the reality is somewhat different – she’s just not the inspiration and friend that Erin thought she was or could be. That was why Erin felt the pain – she’s seen a guiding light and gotten her hopes up only for the cold hard truth in life to extinguish it.

    Football, life – it’s the hope that kills you.

  114. Credit to JW, he said we’d attack and try to play front foot football, and we certainly did. And haven’t we all been complaining of a lack of entertainment?
    Three goals away from home is never to be sniffed at, and a draw was a fair result.
    Luton demonstrated the fluidity of a long-standing system and played as a team well versed with each other, while we looked exactly what we are, a team transitioning from a long-standing system to a different one, with a couple of square pegged players doing their best.
    Until he scored his wonderful goal, Wing looked as if frustration was getting the better of his decision making, and looked most likely to be hooked for his own good. Perhaps he should be played further forward for his and the teams benefit.
    Coulson showed ooldles of confidence, though JW’s commitment to playing out from the back gave me the heebie jeebies on more than one occasion.
    I’m more confident about enjoying this season than previously, and imagine the Riverside will be a more fun place to visit this season.
    Many thanks to Werder and RR for their work.

    1. Yes I would agree Chris about Wing. At times he was playing deeper than Clayton.
      When Luton scored their third goal he was defending in front of Collins. Where was Ayala and Howson?

  115. Have or are the media finally erasing the real football fan ,
    We know all they talk about is the premiership and usually the top four .
    The media types on TV or radio are biased southerners for the most part.
    The reason I say this , is only two teams in the Championship on Saturday had a bigger crowd than Portland Thorn of the US women’s soccer league .
    You can’t make it up.
    Will football sustain itself going forward seeing the Bury and Bolton situations .
    Nat Lofthouse will be turning over in his grave?

  116. Interestingly the good old Northern League is leading the way in a change of the laws of football. It has decided to adopt a 10 minute sin bin for minor yellow card offences this season, Redcar Athletic being the first club to suffer when their new midfielder Stephen Jackson created history to be sent to the sin bin to cool down after kicking the ball away after the referee had awarded a free kick against him. A sensible new law/rule adopted by Ice Hockey and Rugby League many years ago. Maybe football can now catch up with the real world by having a timekeeper to stop the clock for injuries, etc instead of the outmoded ‘Fergie time’.

  117. Latest transfer rumours suggest Boro are interested in Spurs young centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers – the 21-year old played on loan at Swansea last season and is renowned as defender with good passing ability. Would seem to fit the profile of Woodgate wanting to play the ball out of defence.

    Other rumours suggest Boro have made a third bid for Charlton right-back Dijksteel and also have made an offer for Fenerbahce striker Michael Frey, who’s deal to Turkish rivals Caykur Rizespor fell through last week. Frey has been out of form in recent seasons so seems to fit the profile of a Boro striker 🙂

    1. The Michael Frey link is an eyebrow raiser and looks to have the usual suspects fingerprints all over it. A middling Striker who has never really set the heather alight apart from early form back in Switzerland. 25 years old so will likely be 28 by the time his contract comes up and by that time confirmed as either a late bloomer or another waste of money.

      Throw in the required cultural readjustments and its a gamble that after a series of disappointing similar types of acquisitions doesn’t make a lot of sense. More so in the context of the new model being to buy young, cheap and develop. I’m guessing that it means Gestede must be departing and we are looking for another big lump as a plan B.

      1. To play devil’s advocate, Norwich fans would have said the same about Teemu Pukki. 26 years old, released for free by his club. Never set the heather alight and a spell with Celtic regarded as a failure.

      2. Agree Deleriad but its Bausor, Bevington and Gill we are talking about here not Kieran Scott and Stuart Webber. Their past hasn’t exactly filled us (me at least) with reasons for belief or confidence. If there was a two horse race and they bet their shirts on the thoroughbred, I’d put mine on the three legged shire with cataracts and OFB as its Jockey!

        Still as the old saying goes even a broken clock is right twice a day, maybe Frey can be the one they finally get right!

  118. So much Sport yesterday but I’ve become a dab hand at multi-tasking. I had TV on mute watching the Ashes Test, whilst listening to Radio Humberside for Hull KR v Cas Tigers and keeping an eye on Flash Scores following Yorkshire’s Cricket match against Birmingham. Unfortunately all three went against us with England from a strong position now fighting to save the match, Cas let a 26-14 lead slip away by missing an easy penalty kick with 4 minutes remaining and losing to a drop goal in extra time scuppering any Playoff hopes, and Yorkshire from a seemingly strong position requiring a mere 46 to win with 39 balls remaining scrambling for a tie. Not good for my blood pressure at my age. However I recorded the Polish Speedway Grand Prix which produced some spectacular racing. All this after witnessing a rejuvenating Boro performance on Friday night. I’ll need to lie down now.

    1. I wouldn’t worry too much, Liverpool’s record with Keepers at times has made our Recruitment team look positively outstanding so not much chance of them identifying Randolph.

  121. If the desision of Boro to sell Bamford to Leeds was strange, the following is even more strange:

    Leeds forward Kemar Roofe will undergo a medical with Anderlecht on Monday ahead of his move to the Belgian club.

    How can a Belgian club afford to buy a player from a top Champioship team?

    Up the Boro!

  122. We don’t need to worry about Liverpool coming in for one of our keepers – reports suggest they’re about to sign former Hammers keeper Adrian – he appears to only have one name so must be decent. Don’t know much about him but I seem to recall he’s good with walls…

  123. The Gazette are reporting that London-based journalist, Richard Cawley tweeted that Boro may have had a third bid for Dijksteel ‘accepted’ – However, I noticed a subsequent tweet by him is less clear with: “Got a bit more clarification on the Dijksteel situation. Another bid has definitely been made but not clear yet if it has been accepted/rejected yet.”

    So make of that what you wish but you may want to put on hold ordering you Boro number 2 shirt with Dijksteel on the back…

  125. Oh dear. Normal service resumed at Edgbaston. From having them reeling at 122 for 8 to ignominious defeat. At least we’re consistent I our inconsistency.

      1. After the excitement of winning the Cricket World Cup some of the England batsmen have forgotten how to play Test match cricket. Jonny Bairstow has only scored 14 runs in 4 innings and Joe Root seems still unable to convert 50s into centuries. The BBC website has 1,835 blogs already and counting, not that I can be bothered to read most of them as I imagine most will not be any better than the blogs last season from Boro fans on the Gazette forum, nor on the Cas Tigers forum for that matter. Thank goodness I can get back to the sanity on Diasboro where diverse views are usually intelligently discussed without any name-calling.

  126. I see Maguire’s move to Man Utd has finally gone through for £80M or thereabouts and to think we allegedly or supposedly baulked at the time over a million or two on his fee a few years back.

  127. KP
    I have, over many years, applied the term Typical to Boro, England (football and cricket) and Yorkshire with good reason, by and large, they all have the ability to frustrate the hell out of us.
    Hopefully, Boro games will be more entertaining this season but, as Friday showed, one failing remains: they cannot “kill off” the opposition when given a gilt edged opportunity. If JW can solve that one, we could indeed be in for an exciting season.

  128. Rumour mill gathering pace with talk of Gibson coming back on loan and that Bausor and Bevington are presently on a booze cruise for a few crates of Duvel and those shiny sea shell Guylian chocolates, obviously stocking up for the Christmas Party rather than just winging it!

    Personally I don’t see the point of Ben Gibson coming back, that ship has sailed and the lad needs to push on with his career now. We can’t afford him and if he does come back then he will only have to return to Turf Moor at the end of the season. By coming back he would be holding his hand up that he can’t cut it at Premiership level and tantamount to resigning himself to Championship football at best for the rest of his career. It would be a strange mindset for a young Pro and not one that I think would be conducive to trying to build things on or around. I think he should stick it out and fight for a place at Burnley unless Dyce has him reduced to tears as well?

    I’d much prefer to land a Danny Batth type CB from somewhere or better still land a Danny Batth permanently for around the £3M that I believe he cost Stoke. Even that amount might be too rich for our blood at the minute but to me for the longer term sake of the club it makes more sense than another former Hero returning. They always say you should never go back and you can’t face the future looking backwards.

    There are also tenuous tales about Murphy who has failed to live up to his hype but unfortunately is rumoured to have lived up to being a bit of a pain. If true then that is the last sort of apple you want to introduce into the barrel. Due diligence now could save a lot of histrionics and disruption further down the line.

  129. RR

    I take your point on Ben Gibson in terms of what it means for his career but I have to say I think it would be a terrific signing for us if it works financially.

    He may need some time getting back up to speed but once there he’s an outstanding centre-half at Championship level.

    As commented in the past, though, whilst his defending was always very good his best quality was his leadership. I can see younger players like Fry, Bola and Coulson hugely benefiting from playing next to Ben Gibson. Very important in a defence that will be more exposed than in previous years.

    1. Ben will be 27 in January so a season back in the Championship at that age will define him for the rest of his career more than likely. Its not a move I would advise at this point in time if he still harbours hopes of proving himself. He made one appearance in the Premiership for Burnley albeit a 5-1 defeat to Everton (even if he did score the goal).

      Its rumoured that Tarkowski is being targeted so he could have his opportunity this season if he sticks around unless he knows that his face doesn’t fit.

      1. Don’t disagree. Great signing for us, maybe not the best career move for him.

        Who knows how he feels though? Maybe having tried something else he thinks that turning out out for his hometown club is what he enjoys most.

        Maybe being a Premier League also-ran centre half is the same as being a Premier League also-ran club – a bit meh in the end.

  130. Middlesbrough FC are cutting down on big wages, so why would they have BG back. Looks like the Charlton left back is having a medical tomorrow at Boro.

    1. Dijksteel has already checked in at Rockliffe apparently ready for his medical tomorrow (according to the Oneboro site). At least I hope it is Dijksteel because we desperately need a RB and don’t need another LB with Bola, Coulson and Friend.

      I don’t think that Purrington the Charlton LB has checked in or maybe he has and Malcolm has maybe put a fly tenner on it? Ben Purrington was however born in Devon so maybe he’s a friend of Friend 🙂

  131. Well it looks as though Woodgate will finally have achieved what the last 3 Boro managers seemingly failed to achieve – sign a tricky winger (Browne) and a right back (Dijksteel). Throw in another full back (Bola) and you would think someone is trying to give the fans what they want! Whatever next, a tricky attacking midfielder and a young, pacy and hungry striker? Crikey.

    It would be great though if Woody/Keane can use their contacts to find us the next Abraham or Kane. Kane had his now famous loan season in the Championship, and Abraham smashed them in for fun last season. If we can land someone in a similar part of their career trajectory it would be low cost, low risk and potentially high reward. Our record with loan strikers is patchy, however when those loanees have been young premiership players (i.e. Bamford) we got a good return.

    A lot of the season’s hopes and dreams will rest on what happens before Thursday. For my reckoning I wouldn’t be sad to see Saville leave, Gestede obviously I don’t give a fig about, but any other departures would be a bitter pill and potentially derail us.

    As for incomings I feel we need another winger, one with out-and-out pace, probably 1 more centre back (I don’t trust Shotton or Friend there – they’re not quick enough to make up for their lack of positional knowledge) and definitely the aforementioned striker. Plus Dijksteel of course. If we land all of them, and they’re all young and hungry, we might have a Boro we can all get behind!

  132. Well catching up again and a belated thank to RR for the report. I was trying to watch on BBC website as wasn’t in to buy my Now TV pass. I don’t subscribe to Sky, much as I would like to watch the cricket, and other sports, I begrudge having to pay for all the other channels that we never watch!

    Given the Way the cricket panned out, probably a good thing and I do enjoy TMS on the wireless.

    Typical Boro throwing away 3 points but if the game was a sign of things to come, bring it on. Looking forward to Saturday when I will,be making the trip north to see the JW Boro.

    Hopefully by then we will have a RB as much as Howson sounded like he had a good game, he is not a RB in my eyes.

    It will be shock to they system to see, hopefully 3 forwards on the pitch as long as one isn’t Gestede although maybe with some support he may come good? Clutching at straws perhaps but ……….

  134. Latest big rumour is Wayne Rooney in talks to join Derby as player coach, maybe they are going to sell their stadium to themselves 😂

    Come on BORO.

  135. Hope there’s no mileage in Burnley buying Fry ( £8 million is ridiculous bearing in mind the Bristol City centre back reputedly going for £25 million) and Gibson being loaned back to Boro.
    I have to say that in his last season he was not impressive.
    Philip

    1. I think Webster and now Maupay at 20mil?? each, have now set the bar.

      Nothing less than Webster’s fee. Typical Dyche. Remember he only offered 8mil for Britt before we dived in. Mind you may be he was right.

  136. Things are starting to hot up. Apparently Burnley have bid Pds8 million for Fry. A ridiculous figure but what happens if it was, say, 20 million. I’d love to think that the answer would still be no but how about 10 million plus Gibson? It’s going to be a nervous few days.

    Talking of players going out on loan, with Bola, Fletcher, Johnson, Browne and anyone else who comes in, what are the odds on Tavernier going out for six months to bring him on a bit further. He does seem to have stalled a little.

    If we can get Dijksteel for the reported 3 million, that could be another excellent piece of business.

    UTB

    1. Fry has time on his side and I think if he were to move to a PL club he may want to wait and join a top eight club. Also given that Gibson only got one game at Burnley last season, he may not think it’s a great career move. Although, it would be interesting if Burnley offered £10m plus Gibson – Boro would then have to decide if they thought Ben was still worth £15m – I suspect not plus he’s now on PL wages and would have to take a substantial pay cut. I think Boro don’t need to sell Fry and it may be easy to rebuff Burnley.

      1. So correct Werder. Fry is still quite young so has plenty of time to improve and best do that in the Championship.

        Gibson was a good leader, left footed, but not a ball playing CB that most PFL managers want now. Brave with many attributes, but not a ball playing CB.

        Strange situation at Burnley, I remember Dyche saying all the right things about him.

    2. Selwyn Oz
      We need Fry if we are going to play attacking football, in addition to needing the money he will bring in due course (After two season’s )
      We really have not a clue about the market in young classy players.
      Poor old Burnley wish to sneak in and grab him, then collect fifty Mill? After two enjoyable seasons.
      Think what Leicester achieved with their cunning buy.
      Think what we will collect when Wing goes.
      The market is God, so we had better play it well.
      The very idea of Gibson returning is nonsense, he is a premier league player, and must insist on going to a premier club.
      He cannot have failed because he has not played yet.
      I still say the players are out there, just find them and sign them.
      The business of nearly signing McGuire says a lot about our scouts, or lack of them, After all, had we truly scouted him, i.e, watched him over quite a few matches home and away, every kick, never taking our eyes off him, then the scout who watched him would have been able to put a value on him, transmitted to the chairman, that value would have told them to close the deal a.s.a.p.
      This rings true when considering our rag bag of signings over the last three managers, no system, no standard to measure them by, no idea how to use them, consider the absolute missuse of Wing at this very moment.
      Being played too far back, being used to put corners in, instead of being fed the ball from corners near the goal.
      And of course being still totally unaware just what a jewel we posses.
      But rest assured the big boys know all about him.

  137. On the Dijksteel move – our London-based journalist, Richard Cawley, has now tweeted “Middlesbrough have met #cafc’s [Charlton’s] asking price for Anfernee Dijksteel. Anfernee Dijksteel has agreed personal terms with Boro. Medical should be completed by tomorrow morning.”

    Sounds a done deal!

  139. Thanks to all for your very best wishes, unfortunately getting rid of Albert is proving as difficult as Boro getting rid of Gestede!

    Arrived at hospital at 7.40 this morning to be told that operation is on Thursday despite all our paperwork showing today! Not best pleased to say the least. Mrs P is shattered given she has been building up to this for sometime.

    In footballing terms we go again on Thursday and intend to kick it out once and for all. 😎

    1. Oh no KP. That is awful for you and, especially, your wife. So today’s candle is to help give you both a lift today and I’ll get a new one burning for Mrs.KP on Thursday.

    2. KP,

      That’s not funny, re-scheduling operations plays havoc with the emotions, especially your wife’s. Best wishes and good luck to you both for Thursday, I hope all goes well. Now it’s time for the East Anglia rally.

      All the to you both.

      UTB,

      John

  141. KP
    It would seem that the Spanish Health Service has the same problem as here in Britain, lack of bed space and overworked surgeons. I had a similar situation recently for the removal of a troublesome cyst, it’s the hanging around that’s difficult to take. Of course my experience pales into insignificance to your wife’s, so shall be thinking of you both on Thursday. God bless you both.

  143. Thank you to all of you for your words of support which we both appreciate very much.

    Ken, we have owned a property in Spain four fourteen years and have been resident here for seven. In all that time we have not made much use of the health service but have listened to countless friends and colleagues who have extolled its virtues and how much better it is than the NHS!

    When we have needed it we feel very badly let down by it and that despite my wife’s tumour having been categorised as a case requiring “preferente” status in January!

    At least we should have Albert despatched on Thursday by going to the private hospital, we are still waiting to hear from the health service hospital regarding a date for the operation with them! 😎

    1. Thoughts, prayers and best wishes for Thursday KP although I have to confess that my prayers with the big fella will probably be just as effective as a Britt penalty. Still with a bit of luck one of them must go in some time and lets hope its Thursdays!

  145. Best Wishes to your Wife, KP. It is so hard for you both with this cancellation and you having to be both controlled and positive for Mrs P.

    I think in today’s pressurised living, all Health Services struggle. As I posted some while back, for all the UK’s NHS problems and the criticism it receives, the Spanish Health Service can be just as bad and even worse at times.

  146. So with Derby winning at Huddersfield yesterday, it means all three relegated clubs lost their opening Championship fixture. It also meant that Luton v Boro was surprisingly the only drawn fixture and I’ve subsequently adjusted the league position in the match report graphic to 12th= instead of 1st= 🙂

    There’s now a little over 48 hours to make signings or hold off the giants of Barnsley and Burnley from stealing our young talent. Maybe we could offer the Tykes Gestede instead and possibly the Clarets could be persuaded of the merits of Shotton for half the £8m they’re looking to spend…

  147. just read that the lunatics in charge of our asylum have set a price on Fry, it is getting very nearly time I ceased to support this bunch of idiots.
    Fry is going to be one of the greats, and I expect to watch him for at least two seasons before he moves to higher things, and I do not mean Burnley.
    First of all sack the person who put a price on him.
    Then tell the world that he is going nowhere.
    Then tell them that he will be the most expensive central defender in the world when he goes. Oh! And the only people who will set the price will be the Boro.

  148. I think I’m missing something here. Boro say Dael Fry is not for sale and then they put what I think is a low price on him. Talk about mixed messages. Why not say he’s not for sale, he has a contract and impart of the planning towards promotion so go away. Politely of course.

    Just when you think things are settling down and there is a little coherence and joined-up thinking at the club they contradict themselves. This must have come from one of the untouchables upstairs.

    UTB,

    John

    1. Every Asset or Player has it’s price. If Webster is worth £22M to Brighton then Fry is worth at least £25M as a minimum. Add in the fact that we don’t actually want to sell him should mean it would take something north of £30M to cause us to blink. I think its unlikely that we will get that type of offer but Leicester could do worse if they were seriously looking for another good CB that they could then sell on for another good profit. Just a shame that not so long ago Leicester and ourselves were battling in the same Championship together as were Brighton.

      Meanwhile it appears that the Dijksteel deal is complete so I’m just wondering if there is another one in the pipeline so MFC can have a multiple announcement?

      1. RR,

        I agree with you, the young man will improve and we probably will sell him but two years on please and for serious money. Whoever it is saying these things doesn’t seem to have a business brain fitted. Well not yet.

        UTB,

        John

  149. I’m not getting the Lyle Taylor link and especially not at the rumoured £3M!!!

    Plenty of other 30 year old Strikers for a lot less with just as mediocre a goal scoring record. I’d rather we spent it on a younger prospect with a future because at that age £3M is dead money after a three year contract. All of course made worse by the likelihood that he may well struggle and spend his time either imitating or comparing splinters with Gestede.

    1. Exactly RR, …I thought that the club had said our new route is to purchase potential and watch his value grow.

      Taylor is not worth anywhere near 3mil. Surely there must be some 22/23 year olds worth a punt in the EFL. Or pay a reasonable loan fee as any fee for Taylor is dead money as RR said.

      1. Pedro
        We are not in the business of signing 30 year old, they have told us that, they said that they have changed and are now going to manage the club as a serious business. Therefore, no 30 year old, never again, so can we be told just who made the call to the (astounded) owners of this aged non scoring striker, just so we can get him of the premises a.s.a.p.

  150. I cant see where Boro have set a price for Fry but that they have rejected a bid from Burnley.

    Whatever happens, we have to remember that the academy has to support the club by producing players for the first team. It also provides money from sales.

    Gibson went for £15m and didn’t play last season. Hopefully he will play this year but a player is one serious injury from wiping out his value.

    It is a tricky balance. If Fry had come in from Peterborough for £200,000 two years ago and we sold him for £15m that could be considered an astute piece of business.

    I would value him well above £15m but what do I know.

    The Charlton player, Lyle, is an interesting deal. Moved from AFC Wimbledon to Charlton. Charlton are in the same division as ourselves. Would he want to move up here rather go to Brentford and stay in London?

  151. If Boro are serious about building a team of young players with defenders able to play out from the back then the Club should be announcing that Fry is not for sale. Obviously he is not the finished product but is a player to build the team around.
    Together with Wing and Randolph these are the 3 players who should be kept at all costs.
    If offered serious money for the rest and suitable cheaper younger players lined up then let them go.
    But if Fry was sold then a lot of supporters would be immediately disillusioned.
    Philip

    1. As RR said, every player has his price.
      However if we were to let Fry leave for around 25mil, I could reluctantly accept the move.

      Anything less and I would be disillusioned and be sending a note to MFC asking for a refund on my ST.

    1. Taylor doesn’t fit the mould. Seems to me it’s most likely agent talk, trying to get a a bit extra for their man, especially given that Brentford have sold Maupay for £20m. I’d be surprised and disappointed if we brought him in, horrified if we spent £3m in the process.

      I can’t see much mileage in selling Fry at this stage either. It’s hard to imagine his value going down over the next twelve months though if we do concede a lot of goals maybe it could.

      1. Doesn’t Taylor have a Teesside based agent in common with a few of the Boro players?

        It may just be something misappropriated against a Teesside link because of his agent or his agent has been dropping hints from up north and lazy Journo’s have put two and two together and got five? Either way I can’t see the club being so stupid as to ration out money for signings over the summer and then splashing £3M on a player who is approaching his 30th birthday.

        There again MFC spending stupid amounts on mediocre Strikers?

  153. Strong rumours that we have made an offer for Wes Burns a 24 year old winger come striker from Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town. Scored 7 goals last season and was their Clubs Player of the Season.

    Apparently the lad can run a bit and has a decent turn of speed albeit not in the Traore class but if he as a footballing brain that would more than make up for it!

    1. Rooney has all the hallmarks of an indulgent whimsical sad signing at a huge cost with no viable benefit from it not too dissimilar from when SG splashed out for Ray Parlour or Gazza. I get that he is supposed to be coming in a Coaching capacity but at least Gazza could actually drive a Coach, well to a degree 🙂

      Just glad to see them deposit all that money from the sale of their ground up the wall. I’m no expert in body language but Phillip Cocu didn’t exactly look enthralled at the prospect in the news video.

  157. As well as the Fry to Burnley for peanuts there are whispers about bids coming in today for Britt that were knocked back but the Britt one might have some legs judging by his apparent absence from training today.

    Offloading Britt’s wages and recouping most of the money if not all of it may be too tempting even at this late stage plus it may shed some desperate light on the Taylor and Burns links?

    1. That would make more sense. If Britt left, we’d only have Gestede as an experienced striker so you could understand if they wanted a more senior-type replacement.

      £10m for Britt (?) then £3m on Taylor might not be the worst swap in the world.

      More concerned about Fry although I really don’t think he’ll go.

  158. It’s going to be a nervy few days.

    Personally, I think that keeping Fry is a fundamental line in the sand for the club and for the new coaching setup. He is a top class player and will improve under Woodgate’s tuition. He could be instrumental in helping us get promoted which would be a huge windfall but, even setting that aside, there is no way that he won’t be worth substantially more in twelve or twenty four months and so there is a solid business investment reason to hang on.

    If the reports are true and Dijksteel is in for around 2 million, then hats off to the team. Seems like a very reasonable price to pay.

    I’m also not against adding one or two experienced players as cover – Hutton for example – who wont expect to play much but can pass on their knowledge and provide cover for a reasonable wage.

    Finally, Mr and Mrs KP, all the very best with todays operation. Will be very happy to hear about Albert leaving.

    UTB

  159. I’ve defended Britt on here often enough, and should he leave then his work rate should be lauded, even if it outshone his conversion rate.
    However I’m not convinced his skill set matches JW’s style of play. For all his efforts, he’s never been accused of lightning pace,and such is his build he’s never going to get the benefit of the doubt in a fifty-fifty challenge, even against the biggest of defensive units.
    If we can recoup something near his outlay and replace him with a younger more fleet-footed and much lower cost attacker -or even two – then that would not be a poor deal.

    Fry leaving would be a blow, but for £25m one which hopefully we could live with. If Burnley would be prepared to subsidise BG’s salary, then as a left-footed CB who is more than competent at this level, I could cope. It may not be a great move for his career, but I don’t think it would be a terrible move for us. I suspect part of the attraction to BG on Burnley’s part was his Englishness which helped their national quota, plus at Prem level he was for them a cost effective punt.

  160. Chris,

    I suppose my real objection to Fry’s sale comes from the small voice inside of me that is saying that we might be at the start of a very special 5 years or so for MFC and selling Fry would be against all of that. Absurd optimism, I know, but it’s these dreams that keep us supporting the club for years. For me it’s well over 60 years and there’s still a sense of excitement about potentially being in at the start of a new era.

    UTB

  161. If we sold Fry, especially at this late stage, then we would require TWO good replacement CB’s,

    Even in the event we got 20/25mil for him, we would be a hostage to fortune having to pay way over the odds for second rate replacements, again even if we could identify two.

    We have been rumoured to be interested in a Spurs youngsteron loan.

  162. Interestingly we have not signed any players on loan yet. If we sign Anfernee Dijksteel for about £ 2 million, we are still to sign anyone on loan. I like that as then the players are more committed.

    Hope to see a centre back arriving as well as a quick nr 10 arriving before Thursday. On loan is OK but let’s see.

    Ultimately Gestere could be sold – on a free transfer? – but that is easier said than done. Anyway, he could still improve under Keane as did Marvin Johnson.

    Up the Boro!

  163. I am a little puzzled as to why the club have not announced the Dijksteel signing.

    Is it because they are waiting for the Rooney frenzy to die down or are they waiting to announce more than one new recruit?

    For me Fry has to be a no go at this stage as we will have difficulty in replacing him and are in danger, as previously, of making too many changes all at the same time.

    Dijksteel in and a couple of offensive buys/loans should be enough providing we do not allow too many departures at a late stage. 😎

    1. KP

      It may be because they are close to a few more deals which I believe to be the case but also because there may be some bad news mixed in with departures and perhaps best to just do one mega announcement with happy snaps rather than a series of drips. Problem with drips of course is that they leak out regardless.

      Fry going would be a blow but if we can bring in two Danny Batth’s (should have signed him in hindsight) then it will be workable. It also looks like George Friend will now be a left sided CB rather than a LB and we know that he can run with the ball and play it out so maybe the logic is that he and Ayala can form a partnership. In fact George’s mature, calm, level headedness may be the perfect accompaniment to Dani’s somewhat more emotive style.

      If we can recoup decent money on Britt then I’m OK with it. I always rated Bamford as the better all round Forward but that’s history now (pains me as it does to say it). We know that Britt needs four or five gilt opportunities for every goal he scores. He has a particular style which didn’t suit Pulis but I don’t think its a great fit for Woodgate and Keane either. If he goes I genuinely wish him the very best as I like the guy but I think we cab replace him with a greater all round contributor for a lot less which in turn would lead to more collective goals in the side.

      If we are playing three up front we saw evidence on Friday night that goals can and will come from across the pitch. Wing will can nudge double figures I suspect, Fletcher seems to be growing since the end of last season and Browne had an impressive brief cameo then there is of course Marvinelli Johnson. There will also be others arriving who will up the ante.

      Meanwhile I think Fletcher is a better fit with fast pacy wide men running at defenders and putting crosses in and linking up than Britt is in the same set up. That style of play needs fast reactive thinking, fleetness of foot and brain neither of which are characteristics I associate with Britt. Open goals which require instinctive reaction rather than a thought and then a response at which point the element of surprise is lost is one is one of Britt’s failings. That Forest away game illustrated that in abundance and as for Penalties well I’ll keep my powder dry for the sake of repetition.

      Reality is that Britt could and should have had a hat trick on Friday night. Had he done so than there would be burning pitchforks outside Rockcliffe today. The fact he didn’t perhaps was very timely unfortunately or fortunately depending upon your perspective.

    1. I was blocked from this because I have Ad blocker.

      But I can recommend Gary Sweet’s programme notes from last Friday’s Luton game.

      AV has reproduced it in his tweets column on here, and it’s a model of good sense and excellent communication with the fans.

      Boro board- read and learn.

  171. Dijksteel seems like a good signing. Untested at this level – as is everyone we’ve bought so far – but no reason to think he won’t do well.
    Assombalonga. I think you need to judge forwards by the goals they score not the ones they miss. Bottom line is Britt scores you goals; partly because his ability to be in a position to score a goal is premier league class. His execution is why he’s not in the Premier league. Although I think Fletcher *might* end up being Premier league class or at least a top Championship striker, I’m not convinced he’ll make it, and anyone we buy to replace Britt will score fewer goals than Britt will.
    Fry. I would be gutted if he goes but realistically, if the club receives an offer of £15m+ and Fry wants to go then the club has very little choice in the matter. Hopefully, Fry will look at what happened to Gibson last year and think he’s better off playing regularly. That said, if Fry keeps progressing and we don’t get promoted then I suspect we’ll lose him next year.

    1. I think there is a concern that his contract is just at that tipping point. Sell now and recoup most of what we paid (perhaps all if its a Premiership side like Palace) or let another year run down at which point his age and an inauspicious midtable Boro finish seriously diminishes an asset who I would guess is also probably one of the top three or four earners (or drains on income). We also have to factor in that if we can’t shift Gestede and a few others then money for wages has to come from somewhere.

      If the Club’s mindset is genuinely on a three year plan then he represents a cash injection now rather than a depreciated asset next summer. Players contracts are like MOT’s, more valuable when there is a full twelve months left on them. Of course keeping him in the hope that he scores us to promotion is another thought but not so tempting perhaps when all that’s coming up from the back of the settee is a handful of fluff, some pesetas, fossilised sweetcorn, Grandads lower set, and a thrupenny bit.

      2. I’m not sure that the Club can afford a contract extension at his current rate of pay. He was bought when we were awash with cash and spent it all very unwisely.

      3. Spend £3million on a 29 yr old striker from a lower league or invest it in an extension for a proven 26yr old prolific championship striker?

      4. I’m guessing that the difference in Brit’s wages alone and the possible incoming £3M 29 year would equate to £3M in two years of Britt’s contract. Factor in Britt depreciating in that time at say least £1M to £1.5M per annum and that cost difference is considerable without parachute payments. As a contrast Billy Sharpe is 33 and was still doing the business in the Championship (24 goals in 42 appearances last season). I think the Sharpe type and costs are more in line with what MFC are now targeting.

        Charlton are notoriously low payers in this league so it wouldn’t take much to tempt Taylor and like as not at circa 20% of Britt’s costs. I’m not saying I want Taylor over Britt but if I have to find £70+K a week to fund Britt and Gestede then getting serious money in for one now and cutting at least half that off the wage bill would be tempting for a Club seemingly on the bones of its backside.

        There is also talk of the Club paying up Gestede and making him a free agent which again will cost money so cashing in on Britt could be tempting.

      5. Why would Britt’s value depreciate? If he keeps up his strike rate he will still be only 29 in three years time and supposedly as a striker be in his prime.

        We know he is prolific at this level
        whereas Taylor has no stats at this level.

      6. Depreciation purely on the basis of I can’t see him being valued at £15M in three years time. Granted Taylor may only be worth £500K then but that would mean losing £2.5M or even all £3M max. Britt I fear may be worth say £7M or £8M max for a 29 year old Championship Striker. We have the potential to gain more should we get promoted with Britt (putting aside we may still get promoted with a journeyman Striker) but I suspect the thinking at MFC right now is prudency and battening down hatches.

      7. Just thinking that there may be FFP considerations as well unless of course SG does a Mel Morris and rents his Granny to Bulkhaul as the new Coach Driver come Physio for £10M a year.

  173. I think if we sold Britt it should be in January if we are comfortably outside the top 6 having lined up a lower league or youth team replacement. January is a seller’s market and if it seems unlikely we’re going to be in the play-offs then I think you cash in then. Unless of course we get a silly money bid now.
    On the other hand, if Britt is scoring goals and come January we’re in the top 6 and doing well, absolutely don’t sell your most prolific striker.

        1. Unfortunately Zoe’s place is struggling for funding at present and is only opening on reduced number of days per week

          Irrespective of who we all bet for they could do with a welcome financial contribution

          OFB

  176. AV wrote a few minutes ago about the potential Assombalonga transfer:

    “Tabloid tales about him are mandatory in transfer windows because of his impressive Championship goal record but none of the mooted interest has ever been firmed up.

    Woodgate has bigged him up as ‘my No 9’ and the player seems genuinely happy here and with the prospect of playing in a system geared to creating chances. There has been no indication at this end of an impending exit.”

    This was a live chat at 11.53 today. Up the Boro!

  177. So Dijksteel has finally been officially announced – we certainly needed a right-back but I was surprised to read that Charlton originally signed him as a central midfielder and he only switched to right-back at the end of last season to cover an injury to Chris Solly. Apparently after a difficult start he looked good in the new position but not exactly much experience at right-back.

    I wonder whether Jonny Howson will now return to midfield and if so who will make way – likely to be McNair but it may mean we could shift one of either McNair or Saville in the transfer window.

    1. I agree that we can look to let one of the midfielders go and for me it would be Saville as we have good cover on the left now with Dijksteel, Coulson, Friend and
      Johnson. 😎

    2. Werder

      Much as I dislike criticism of Boro players unfortunately Saville has not been a success in a Boro shirt

      If anyone in midfield has to move on I would suspect it would be him

      Funnily enough he plays well for his country

      OFB

    3. Saville and Dijksteel looked good in training today and so did George who put some full blooded tackles in

      Expect to see George in Central Defence and Captain on Saturday

      OFB

  180. One consideration for which central midfielder would be best to move on is which out of Saville and McNair would be most able to cover for Clayton? That holding midfield position is the one we are light for.

    Off course, the determining factors will be financial: wages, transfer fee and most importantly, will we get an offer?

  181. Apparently Zaha has handed in a Transfer request at Palace with Everton supposedly offering him £200K a week. Apart from Football going mad and those amounts just being obscene, with the likely knock on that Sky et al will be putting packages up another fiver soon to pay for the excesses that would leave Palace with dosh and a hole that needs filling along with their existing ones.

    Leeds, Bristol and Palace were/are the three clubs supposedly “interested” in Britt. This transfer window is definitely going to go down to the wire and I suspect with a lot of deals pre-prepared in readiness and “done in principle” just waiting for the first domino to roll. Britt and Paddy were best mates during his time here, selling Britt to the dirties would take some swallowing and choking if it came off.

  182. The club has posted pictures of today’s training session on the website and no sign of Britt, so perhaps the rumour that he is off to Palace has some legs…….😎

  184. KP

    All the best for tomorrow, all our thoughts are with Mrs KP and yourself.

    As the window closes tomorrow I will settle for getting rid of the unwanted lodger as the must do business.

    Gestede as well would be a bonus!

  185. I think, even if no one else comes into the club tomorrow, this has been one of the better transfer window in recent times. The club seem to be investing in young “hungry” players with potential and the ability to play the high tempo game, keeping our own young players mixed with a splattering of experienced good players, shows me the club at last is moving in the right direction.

    Let’s hope the fans keep within realistic expectations for this “first” season of the new Boro. I was not impressed when Woodgate was appointed manager (or head coach) and predicted that the Exmil Challenge 2020 would more likely be about relegation but after being at Hartlepool and the St Etienne matches, watching on TV the Luton game I think we could be in for an enjoyable season, lots of ups and downs but entertaining. I think we may finish mid table with a chance of top ten depending on how long it takes the new players and new system to bed in, the one thing that must happen is that Woodgate, his staff and MFC stick to their principles, irrespective of results, which also means the fan base has got to support them through thick and thin. I don’t know how many times over the last few seasons, I read on the boards, how “fans” wouldn’t mind losing games if they had attractive football to watch and got entertained at the Riverside (and away games) now is the time for “fans” to put their money where their mouth is and not expect us to win every game.

    If the Luton game is a taste of what is to come, I am looking forward to this season and anything above mid table will be a good first season of transition.

    Come on BORO.

    1. ExMil
      I have to agree with your sentiments though some of the younger fans having grown up through the Robson/McClaren eras may not be as patient as we older supporters. There’s an old saying that a happy club is a winning club, and looking at the pictures of the Boro players training with smiles on their faces, not to mention the interviews with our most recent recruits, suggests that the camaraderie bodes well for the future. The testing time of course will come if we suffer heavy defeats, but at the moment all the players seem to have bought into Jonathan Woodgate’s perception of how the game should be played. I’m not expecting a playoff place this season, but possible next season. However the potential is there as the younger players develop, that the long term future is better than some of us may have perceived after Woodgate’s appointment. I would hope that patience will be countenanced with the realism that promotion is not on the agenda for at least 3 more years. Nevertheless it’s great to see that Boro have got their mojo back.

  187. Britt to Palace? That would be an interesting one for many reasons.

    Firstly, I don’t see him as a PL striker, not in a team where he will be expected to harry and chase, although on the flip side he will likely be playing against higher defensive lines and could have chance to get in behind.

    The second issue is how on earth do we replace his goals? I agree with RR, his “value” is a function of his goal scoring, his contract length and the needs of clubs for his skill set. In those terms, he would definitely be less marketable as his contract runs down. To offer him an extension at his current rates is by no means guaranteed, as our only striker what is there to stop him either (a) refusing to negotiate a new deal or (b) asking for more money as he perceives his hand is stronger. At that point we get into really tricky territory with a player who won’t sign a new deal (which usually indicates they think they can earn a move somewhere else) and now you are almost obliged to sell. Added to that, agents talk, and you can bet if he turned down a deal it would then be represented in the price we were offered.

    All that being said – there is no way I’d sell him in this window, it would be crazy and could mean we’re out of the promotion race by the time January comes round and everyone knows we have money burning a hole in our pocket. That would see us back in panic buying land and paying over the odds. I much prefer the idea of selling in January and driving his price up higher to all of the relegation threatened PL clubs.

    On the midfield, doesn’t McNair also play at CB? I think his versatility and ability to cover CB, Clayton and other midfield positions means we should hang on. Saville I haven’t really warmed to, so wouldn’t be sad to see leave.

  188. I can see RR’s thoughts on possibly George filling in as a left CB, leaving Coulson to continue at LB with his better attacking skills it appears than George.

    What happens when Fry is fit, I am not sure. GF does not now have the skills that JW wants in the progressive system.

    Assuming we keep Fry it appears another CB probably won’t be signed. Possibly just a forward?

  189. For me, I would be happy to see Britt go and get some money back ..never really rated him and we paid way over the odds. Sell while the going is good.

  190. Money spent is water under the bridge. If we sold him now for, say, 8 million, can we guarantee buying somebody better or even the equivalent at this late stage. I’d be very happy to see no more losses from the squad and maybe we will pick up one more young attacker who has an eye for goal. Then we can start to build with what we have.

    UTB

  191. I have to agree with Smoggy, Selwynoz and previously GHW re Britt. Who in our current squad is going to get anywhere near his goals tally? Or even Taylor if the rumour is true?
    Losing him would I think dent confidence in the team and what we could achieve.

    To date we have only lost Flint of any significance in the scheme of things. Britt would be a big loss, although I can understand RR’s point of view, wait until January and see then.

    Given the above, I expect us to be in the top 8 at least. Any lower would be worse than under Mr Pulis and very disappointing.

    1. Britt came in 15th equal in the Championship goal-scoring charts last season with 14 (inc. 2 pens) and 7th equal the season before with 15 (inc. 1 pen). OK, that was in a low-scoring team but to put that in context 31 Championship players scored 10 or more goals in 2017-18 and 33 in 2018-19. Also Britt has seemed to get most of his goals for Boro against bottom half teams – the question is whether he is a £15m player and could the club manage with a let’s say a less expensive player who could get into double figures if the rest of the team have goals in them.

      It seems quite a premium to pay for a handful of extra goals – OK he could get 20+ in a more adventurous team but should the club turn down any offer close to £15m in the hope he will be more prolific. We’ve seen that he’s prone to miss quite a few and is not a clinical striker when he’s one-on-one.

  192. Everyone talks about KPIs these days. How about this..I’d like to see us average close to 2 goals a game. What would that mean by comparison with successful teams in the Championship.

    UTB

  193. KP. I hope there was no further delays this morning. Hopefully
    Alfred or Albert or whatever his agent is calling him these days will be big exit we all want as transfer window closes.
    For Mrs.P … 🕯️

    1. Thanks Powmill. Mrs KP who is also KP (Karon Peters) is in theatre as we speak so got another 2.5/3 hours to wait before I receive confirmation that Alfred has been evicted!

      Thanks for your thoughts which are all appreciated at a stressful time.

      Like deadline day I just want it all over and done with and a good outcome! 😎

  194. Re Britt. I would keep him because I don’t believe we will find anything Hong any better as the window closes.

    I think if he needs 5 chances for each he actually converts, then in a team that we are certain is going to create at least twice as many scoring opportunities as under the previous regime, we could see him scoring mid to high twenties by the end of the season.
    It would be interesting to see if there are any stats about scoring opportunity conversion rates rather than just goals scored. . Even the highest goal scorers in the world miss chances (and possibly more chances) than they score.
    I’m very happy to see the man given the chance this year, but maybe not penalties 😉

    1. Agree, to let Britt go would be a mistake unless JW has confidence in the rest of the strikers. You never know, he may have seen something in Gestede that none of us here can!!

      The scary thing for me in all these transfers, is the money that is paid for the players. Makes me think that actually, even being competitive in the Championship, let alone the top flight, requires a significant amount of money. if we can build a team from younger up and coming players who can play entertaining football, score 2/3 goals a game without losing, then that suits me.

      Not expecting promotion this season but a play off place would be fine.

      UTB

  197. Sky reporting that Boro have made loan offer for Nahki Wells from Burnley but competition from QPR, Birmingham, West Brom and Bristol City.

    Experienced at this level and could be useful back up but not a long term project.

    Just hope our offer does not stir the pot re a certain defender we need to keep. 😎

  198. Hope all goes well for Mrs KP and Albert is finally given his marching orders. Should have been sent off before but clearly the ref was Mr G Poll last time.

    It will be a stressful wait for KP but having seen how a friend of ours recovered after a fairly major op to remove his Albert, then I am sure Karon will be soon back to normal. If she is anything like Mrs BBD, then being laid up will be a real frustration and KP will be somewhat busy!

    All the best.

    BBD

    1. I am knackered already just keeping the family & friends informed as to what is happening.

      Goodness knows how I am going to fit in all the cooking, cleaning, ironing and nursing duties!

      I am sure however that I will find time to keep abreast of all things Boro!

      Wi-fi is a bit hit and miss at the hospital so I am not sure how I will get on trying to watch Saturday’s match! 😎

  199. I wonder if this line up is in JW’s thinking?

    Randolph

    Fry Ayala Friend

    Clayton/McNair

    Dijksteel Wing Bola/Coulson

    Fletcher Assombalonga Browne

  200. KP

    You can add Tav somewhere in that mix.

    I will be out for the last hour of the transfer window so will miss the exiting news of the new wonder kid. Or not!

    1. Great young Urauguayan Hope Diego Forlorn-Esperanza is being met at Manchester Airport as we speak (so long as ManU have not intercepted him at passport control)

    2. RR/Ian

      Yes both good points. I agree that Johnson should start and Tav on the bench.

      If Tav stays this is a big season for him and he needs to look to nail down a starting place. I feel that of late he has stalled a bit so now needs to kick on. 😎

      1. I don’t think we would want to pay a loan fee (dead money) which would be in excess of £1M plus I think the lad gets a nose bleed past the Watford Gap Services so heaven knows what state he would be in by the time he hit Wetherby and like as not in need of CPR at the Tontine.

        Crucially I also thinks he is the wrong type of player for the squad that Woodgate seems to be building in terms of attitude and background. Everyone that has joined thus far seem to see Boro as a step up and a great opportunity. Ibe may (or may not in fairness) see us begrudgingly as somewhere that he has to come to and feel it beneath him in the Championship.

  202. I think what RR says is not far off the money!

    JW does seem to be creating a team of up and coming players combined with stalwarts who know the club rather than bringing in overpaid mercenaries who have no loyalty.

    That policy could work wonders as the motivation is there to achieve great things rather than take the money and run!

    Let’s see what today brings both in and maybe out…….

  204. If we sold Shotton to Wigan, I think we definately need a replacement. Ayala and Friend are too easily injured that me need more bodies in. Now we only have Fry and Wood. Up the Boro!

    1. I think if we sold Shotton today it would mean we could bring Hutton in to fill the gap. Personally I would be fine with that then there is also Paddy McNair who can deputise as a CB. Shotton worked OK as a RB to a degree but his CB performances have always had me buttock clenching.

      I noticed that Charlton have brought in a midfielder and a Striker on loan from WBA. I don’t know if that means they are anticipating Taylor maybe going somewhere? Meanwhile there was even a story linking Britt with Olympic Marseille this morning and that Palace’s first choice Russian Striking target has fallen through. Worst case there is we promote Fletcher into the lead Striker role and then bring in a cheapish back up like Taylor or a slightly overpriced Toney. Then there is the Gestede conundrum, he is costing a fortune literally so is it best to use him rather than leave him rusting?

      Getting the wage bill down is perhaps of more value than the actual transfer fees themselves which is why I’m guessing moving out Britt and Shotton will possibly be of more benefit than Fry.

  205. If Shotton does go I would like to see McNair knuckle down and try to make the centre-back position his own. He’s another one of our non-scoring attacking midfielders but could make a really good centre-back who is comfortable on the ball. Especially if we do go to 3 at the back. Thing is, he seems a bit precious about playing as an attacking midfielder.

  206. EG confirming that BA did miss training yesterday but due to a niggle.

    Shotton possibly on way to Wigan but will not be replaced as JW thinks he has enough cover at the back which I tend to agree with.

    Gets another big earner off the books and a square peg out of a round hole albeit I was never convinced by him in any position.😎

    1. I thought he was very poor when he first arrived and had a nightmare debut at home to Brentford. As he settled in I gradually warmed to him in the RB role in seeing that he always gave his best. I suspect that Spence would probably be just as effective if called upon and with Dijksteel we also have Howson as a RB back up.

  207. Rumour is there will be only one arrival at Rockcliffe.

    He is a midfielder with great movement but a bit lightweight. He has featured in the Mid West at Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake.

    Look out for Mr T Weed.

    I have my coat on already.

  208. It makes sense to allow Shotton to leave. It seems JW has the RB position covered now and unfortunately he has too many mistakes in him to play at CB.

  209. Just spoken to the Surgeon and can confirm that Alfred has departed.

    Operation went well and no complications. Karon in ICU and just waiting to visit and give her the good news. She will be delighted to hear that RS may be on his way too! 😎🤣

      2. KP,

        thanks for your concern. Well we’ve now moved her into a local home as of today, after 250 miles everyday for two weeks even that driving burden out of the way makes things better. At 101 she’s losing her marbles a bit and has lost more weight after two weeks in hospital but in herself she’s happy and at that age you can’t ask for more.

        We could now do with another trip to Murcia, up in the mountains behind Cehegin, a bit of fishing in the reservoir and meals in the wonderful restaurant in Valentin. We’ll get there. The villa we stay in has its own pool too. If you can’t dream you’ve got nothing. A bit like supporting Boro really!

        The important thing is your good lady gets well. A white Rioja for us tonight.

        All the best.

        UTB,

        John

  212. Well with just 2.5 hours to go before the deadline, I suspect it’s unlikely we’ll see more than a single signing – deadline day is probably better for selling rather than buying. Although, I would have thought Boro may have got a couple of loan deals done from PL clubs – I wonder if that young spurs defender, Cameron Carter-Vickers, is still on the radar?

      1. As I understand it the loan window closes today as well for the Premiership and Championship. It is still open for League 1 and League 2 sides I believe for a while longer so we could send young lads out on loan next week should we wish.

  213. Shotton will be 31 in Oct, we bought him 2 years ago for allegedly £3m, so to recover £1.6m and get his wages off the books for the next year is not bad business.

    Come on BORO.

      1. I agree, too.

        But having lost Flint earlier, we are light in numbers there. I like Wood but he is about 17 now and cannot be counted as a regular yet.

        So we need one defender in. And a attacking midfielder or striker. There should be a few available on loan, for example.

        Up the Boro!

  214. Two hours to go and if we have kept hold of Randolph, Fry and Assombalonga that has to be a result of a kind. Of course there is still time for a last minute panic bid from a Premiership side offering a stupid wad of cash.

    Overall we seem to be a little light still in some areas but we certainly have a slimmed down wage bill from Monk’s and Pulis’s time here. It would have been great to get a few more out of the door and freshen things up with at least a loan or two but I’d rather buy at a lower level and take the risk than rent at a higher level with an equal risk but no return on investment. Maybe the Burn’s lad from Fleetwood or similar might be a late reinvestment of the Shotton sale.

  215. This time last year we waved goodbye to Gibson, Traore and Bamford. I won’t remind you all of who Pulis brought in but things have been worse!

  216. Talksport linking us with Isaac Success from Watford, it just never gives up flipping transfer window teasing us until the bitter end. Then of course there is the possibility of announcements after 5.00pm once they are certain the paperwork went through in time! Just hope the EFL have a better IT system than British Airways.

    Meanwhile Bury have until August 23rd to satisfy the EFL that their finances are in place after two League games postponed and now their League Cup game with Sheffield Wednesday has also been called off. They were served a notice of withdrawal of membership last month and had a deadline yesterday to provide a viable plan to settle their debts which the EFL rejected. The pains of a Football Supporter made worse by the ridiculous sums just being paid to agents today let alone clubs!

  217. Maybe if we’ve kept Britt when the window closes we’ll offer Gestede a deal – say half his remaining contract in cash – to go away, and he’ll be able as a free agent to go and persuade some other mark, sorry, club, to take him on.

  218. Great news KP and hope the recovery period goes well.

    Let’s hope that the Shotton deal goes through as I have just seen Sky’s ticker tape saying that Wigan have signed a defender?
    Along with Flint that will leave us short at CB I believe, as George will not IMO be good enough there.

    Still disappointed we have not done better with at least a couple of loans coming in. One or two injuries, never mind suspensions come October could leave us a little threadbare.

    Probably not losing Gestede and Saville say has put a brake on things.

    Lots of action though it seems from other Championship clubs.

  219. I think what this window shows is just how much we have overpaid in the past both in terms of fees and wages.

    Whilst we do not know what offers may have been received/rejected we still have Assombalonga, Gestede, Saville, Howson, Randolph and possibly Shotton. The only known bids received and rejected being for Fry & Tav.

    It is good that JW has managed to get in three youngsters but disappointing that we have not shifted a few and replaced them with offensive players. It is what it is and we now have to make the best of it.

    CoB 😎

  220. Sky reporting that one of the deals outstanding relates to Besic to Sheffield Utd. I wonder how much his agent has demanded at the last minute! 😎

  221. Great news, KP. Best wishes to you and Mrs KP.

    If Shottinho has gone, who will take all those really great long throw-ins, that created so many goals for us last year? Oh hang on, I can’t recall a single one, and because we habitually rehashed the same old tactic match after match, defences very quickly got wise to it and easily snuffed it out.

    However, I do think this leaves us very short at the back, even if he wasn’t over-comfortable as a centre-back. Perhaps we should try Gestede there? Loads of height! Then again, maybe not ……….Heading ability questionable! Pace of a rhinoceros! Turning circle of a walrus! Tackling – no idea- never seen it happen! Bags of cement used in training remain untrapped! Can’t we loan him out to Sunland or the Barcodes?

  222. When is a window not a window?

    When its a jar (ajar)! The old ones are the best.

    Apparently if a club/clubs have completed a “Deal Sheet” after 15.00 hours this afternoon then they have until 19.00 to finalise the deal. So it is possible that there will still be some comings and goings up until 7.00PM tonight. Theory and logic would dictate that these are deals (perhaps like Shotton) that were almost completed but stalled for whatever reason (loyalty bonus or greedy agents cuts) that could still be resurrected and completed.

  224. Good news not got Nakki Wells.
    . Saw him a number of times locally at Bradford and then Huddersfield. Very lightweight , no good at holding the ball up, first touch not good, not blessed with lightning pace and needs 3 chances to score one.
    Having reread the above I could be describing a current Boro forward!!
    Philip

    1. Fully agree Phillip, never saw what all the hype was about with the lad in the early years and haven’t seen anything since to change my mind.

  225. Clive

    Thanks for your best wishes.

    Just thought I should mention that
    Gestede has the ability to tackle with both feet and get red cards rescinded! 😎

    1. Great news KP…I think we should all have a wee dram tonight to celebrate that all is well with your good lady. All the very best to you both.

  231. I know that all of you will come down on me for saying this but, in tactical terms, having Gestede on the bench does give a Plan C or maybe even Plan D for those occasions when we’ve battered ourselves to a standstill trying to play through an 11 man defence.

    I’m glad that Woodgate set out the philosophy and the recruitment team have followed it. No stupid buys and no illogical sales. As I understand it we still have until early September to loan out players to League 1 and 2 and even to European clubs.

    Now on to more important things…

    Is it Howson or Dijksteel at right back against Brentford? Are we assuming that Ayala and Friend will be CBs with Coulson holding his place at LB? Otherwise, no changes from the opening day with Browne, Tavernier etc champing at the bit to show what they can do and keep Johnson and Fletcher on their toes.

    UTB

    1. Sel

      I don’t disagree with your point about Gestede it makes sense

      I think George will play as centre back and Howson will play as right back

      Dijksteel will probably need a few more training sessions in the system before making his debut

      Coulson will play and possible Browne

      OFB

      1. Yes I cannot see Shotton continuing at CB, and George stepping in is for me a cause for concern.

        Remember him playing there once or twice in recent years and he looked out of place.

  233. Having read that £1.41bn has been spent on player transfers in the recent window, I was shocked by the undermentioned article on the BBC website.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49288182

    Football really does need to get its house in order.

    I applaud those that do much to support their local communities but as the well know phrase says, charity begins at home.

    If clubs can spend millions on players then they should be providing a living wage to all those that work hard to enable the game we love to watch go ahead week in week out.

    Rant over……. 😎

  234. I’m probably in the minority of thinking that Gestede is a decent Championship level striker in the right set up. I would never play him at the same time as Britt and Fletcher because he needs pace around him but if he is up front with the likes of Tav, Browne and Johnson (providing Johnson is capable of more than 2 good games per season)* then I think he’s a decent option.

    I would rather we had sold him because he’s not worth what we pay him but that’s not his fault.

    *If Harry Chapman manages to stay injury-free and reach his potential with Blackburn, selling him is going to be a cause of regret.

  236. Thanks Pedro. A good sensible survey. The concerns over the current indifference to genuine communication with supporters, and its replacement by a misplaced PR machine which seems to be specifically designed to mask what is really going on is particularly timely.

    1. Apparently there was an overwhelming majority who voted in favour of retaining the Goal Music!

      Or 2,006 out of 2,640 who responded voted in favour of it so that’s less than 10% of the typical attendance at the Riverside last season. Clearly an excellent way of communicating with fans and getting a great understanding of how they feel.

      I just find it incredible that in this day and age the Marketing and PR department didn’t feel in any way at all uncomfortable about only contacting those with Season Cards who ticked they want to receive communications from the Club and that they clearly believed 2,000 was representative.

      How about simply asking the fans at half time to cheer if they want Goal music or boo if they don’t, mind you with MMP at the volume controls its maybe not such a good voting idea either.

  237. I don’t like transfer windows, most of them are centred on the Premier League anyway, but I can’t get excited about reading that ‘Boro are in for’ etc., hate the newspaper speculation, boring in the extreme.

    Am I despondent about the lack of incoming transfers? Not really, as our record on that score has generally been underwhelming. The only negative I can see is that Mark Page hasn’t been given a free transfer. I certainly couldn’t put up with his racket if I was still able to visit the Riverside.

    Nevertheless there have been positives. Firstly KP’s wife getting rid of Albert for good. Same goes for Boro getting rid of Martin Braithwaite. Secondly, Boro have retained the services of Darren Randolph, Lewis Wing, Marcus Tavernier and Britt Assombalonga (was there really any doubt?) And lastly on a personal note, I was able to have a new catheter tube inserted without any trouble, and more importantly I was able to purchase my Football Bible, the new season’s Nationwide Football Annual which often doesn’t appear in the shops until after the Premier League has started.

    This is particularly good news for me as on Monday I’m travelling by coach to Koblenz to start an 8 day river cruise of the Rhine (my 4th visit) and will have something to read on the coach journey from Redcar (I just can’t cope with air travel anymore, so sadly goodbye to Capetown, South America, Havana and particularly Portugal). The only downside is that wi-fi connection is spasmodic on the rivers, so if I do find a cyber cafe it will be purely to record the Football results in my aforementioned Bible, so unfortunately maybe not enough time to read or contribute to Diasboro.

  240. This constant slagging of Gestede is starting to become unseemly. He’s nowhere near as bad as people are making out. If he was played to his strengths he’d probably be more than adequate.

    1. GHW – I wholeheartedly agree.

      Every player and manager has weaknesses but they’re neither an angel nor demon.

      But, what was it AV once said? “Some are branded Judas and others – Juninho for instance – Jesus.”

    2. I agree in part but if he isn’t going to feature it is a drain on resources. You can thro in the fact doesn’t have a great fitness record.

  241. Mike is a good man and, to me, a good friend. And that was a very good piece indeed.

    I don’t believe Downing was a “ringleader” in anything, as he was rumoured to be, but what I do believe is that his arrival upset the train. I sense he had the “this (insert your chosen word) is going to tell *me* what to do?” mentality.

    The kind of player Ireland’s own Mr. Dunphy would stand up for: any “great” player who was “tossed out of the team” or “played out of position”.

    When I hear that, sentimental Si rises to the surface and recalls the full streets of Dublin in 1990 and the pitch invasions of 2015 and 2016. And thinks… sometimes, maybe to “lighten up and enjoy the ride” isn’t such a bad idea. Especially when success isn’t common.

  242. “You’re not Brazil or Italy, or even France. The whole country is happy. It’s about results. And Jack is *getting* them.”

    – Patrick Guilbaud, a French chef who loved Ireland, trying to get his friend Mr Dunphy to chill out a little in 1990. It didn’t work.

  243. I’d go three at the back….

    Ayala McNair Friend
    Coulson and Djiksteel as WB’s

    Howson Wing Saville

    ( with three CB’s do we really need a holding midfielder?)

    Assombalonga Fletcher

    1. My thinking is that as the WB’s drop back, McNair could move forward into the holding/defensive midfielder role. This allows a fluid change between 4 and 5 across the back.

      1. GHW

        Gosh this is turning into a real technical appraisal about tactics now !

        Above my threshold level I barely got above 442!

        Well done 👍

        OFB

      2. I’d be very surprised if Woodgate reverts to a back three – having moved on Flint and being prepared to see Shotton leave it would indicate he will only play with two centre-backs. I also think his high press game will utilise a front three so I suspect it will need some bad results or injuries before he ditches 4-3-3.

  244. The Makelele role, now the Kante role, is vital for any team with high aspirations. So I would say, personally, yes, a holding midfielder is advisable.

    It was often debated whether or not we needed *two* holding midfielders when we had them – Mustoe & Townsend, Boateng & Doriva, Leadbitter & Clayton. The paradox there is that while such an approach seemed legit because it “worked”, that didn’t mean the observers had to like it.

  245. A positive for me tomorrow is that the Riverside Live coverage will be synchronised with the BBC Radio Tees commentary team.

    Whilst Ali can never be replaced I do like Mark Drury and also hopefully Maddo.

    I sometimes found Gordon Cox and Bernie like two blokes down the pub and whilst a little bit of banter between them was good to my mind it became too much. Often less can be more!

    I just hope that the hospital wi-if does not keep dropping out as it has tended to do the last few days.

    Tight game 1-0 to JW’s mighty reds.

    CoB 😎

    1. I agree with that KP – I found the commentary last season often very self indulgent and they seemed to forget that they were there to describe the game – more like Test Match special in between the deliveries. Though having said, there wasn’t much to describe sometimes.

  247. GHW

    I suppose I must acknowledge that I am one of the Gestede slaggers-in-chief.

    It’s easy to do this on social media, of course, and probably grossly unfair in that sense. On any kind of platform it’s easy to snipe from the sidelines. The lad can’t respond to this criticism, I accept.

    If he gets in the side, either as a starter or as a sub, I will get behind him and wish him all the best, as I do with every Boro player. If he does play, then I genuinely hope he does well. And given we are short of strikers, there is every chance he will have a role to play – so I hope he gets a hatful of goals. Perhaps if Johnson and Browne provide him with some juicy crosses he will come into his own?

    Perhaps I should try to justify my views of him as a player? As Ian said above ( I think), he has not provided value for money. He must be on a very high salary, but we’ve seen him score very few goals ( I accept he has been injured a lot). I know he has a languid ‘style’, but there have been some games where he has hardly seemed to put in the necessary effort, times even when he seems to go up half-heartedly for headers, which is supposed to be his strength. Have we seen him tackling back? Have we seen him beat a man on the floor? Have we seen him have loads of shots? I just don’t see what he has offered us thus far. Most surprising, I think, is that he should have been a key player in Pulis’s long-ball system, but he wasn’t, and TP rarely started him. Why not? Did he not see what he needed to see in training?

    I do think he would have been better advised to go to Millwall last season when he had the chance, as their system might have suited him and it would have given him a fresh start.

    Anyway , enough. I’ll lay off the criticism online. And when he does get on the pitch this season, I hope he performs well.

    1. Clive, a good and nice post. I too have been critical of Gestede but he deserves a new chance. He has been too many times injured and could do a job for this team.

      I am not expecting miracles from this new team under the guidance of Woody. But I hope we see a win today as it would keep us nicely on a two-points-per-match target.

      So I will go for a surprice 3-1 win with Howson, Assombalonga and Ayala scoring. We are due to get a goal from a corner kick and I trust Ayala to do that. And a penna by Britt.

      Up the Boro!

    2. Clive

      Spot on, my thoughts exactly. If Gestede is on the pitch I want him to do well, I just cant see him getting on the pitch in the way we are set up and his poor fitness record for us.

    3. My thoughts on him predates his signing for the Club after “that goal” and the subsequent OTT celebrations. Nothing has changed with me since and if anything Karma has intervened with both him and the Club. A terrible insensitive signing for me.

  248. Werder / KP….as a MFC ST and overseas subscriber I received a request from MFC to complete a survey of questions and answers about the streaming service.
    You also may of received one?

    One or two questions were about the commentary. I replied in no uncertain terms, about, IMO, Mr Slaven’s constant banal chatter that had nothing to do with the match in hand, but about HIS past football exploits. The ongoing football and whom was doing what, seemed an irrelevance……to him anyway.

    May be MFC got the message from the subscribers?

    1. Pedro

      Yes I too responded to the survey and clearly they have taken on board some of our comments.

      I also raised the question about being able to watch matches which are not available to us due to them being broadcast elsewhere in the world. I was able to do this with iFollow as the EFL did not have a broadcast partner in Spain at that time.

      The club did reply to me and advised that Spain do now have a broadcast partner DAZN so they were unable to unblock me as iFollow use to.

      DAZN provide live streaming for a monthly subscription so may be an option, depending on cost, for the odd match which is not available to us via Riverside Live. 😎

  249. Whilst we all have our views on the suitability of JW’s appointment for varying reasons. I do wish him well today and hope the Riverside crowd give him a rousing welcome and really get behind him and the team.

    It will be great if this is the season where the atmosphere and vibrancy of the Riverside is restored as it has been sadly lacking for probably 4/5 years.

    CoB 😎

  250. I also replied and said exactly the same thing about Bernie as a commentator. He added nothing to the experience. As the Luton game was on pay Tv here and so I could record it for later viewing, tonight will be my first live try of the new MFC streaming service.

    I agree with many of the points made about Gestede but, on balance, feel that there is a footballer in there somewhere.

    UTB

  251. Well first home game of the season and I expect a few will be getting excited as they contemplate another goal fest. Not sure if the predicted weather conditions of strong winds, rain and possible thunder will affect the game but Woodgate will be looking to build on Luton.

    The team will be interesting and if Fry is not yet fit I wonder if Friend will replace Shotton as Coulson probably won’t lose his shirt – plus perhaps the game will come too soon for Dijksteel. Up front if Britt is struggling with a niggle then Fletcher may start in the middle. Johnson should also keep his shirt and I wonder if Browne will get a start on the left of the three.

    Predicted team:

    Randolph
    Howson, Ayala, Friend, Coulson
    Wing, Clayton, McNair
    Johnson, Fletcher, Browne

    As for the score – well I’m inclined to think we’ll see goals at both ends again and maybe something like a 3-2 win for Boro – much will depend on the conditions and if both sides can pass the ball. Although Typical Boro would see a 0-0 Riverside opener after all the hype of total football 🙂

  252. Morning all,

    A chance to get my first home prediction wrong so here goes. I’m going the same as Werder with a 3 – 2 home win but I have a feeling that the team with with coolest head will win, wouldn’t be surprised at 2 – 2.

    UTB,

    John

  253. One of the best days for a footy supporter, the first home game of the season. I think the crowd will give JW a rousing welcome.

    3-0 High tempo game that sends the Boro faithful home, with a new sense of what’s to come.

  255. If Liverpool can do it so can we….4-1 today. There, I’ve done it.
    A brace for Brit, with Johnson and Ayala on the score board.
    Let’s hope I’ve not made too much of a fool of myself with this foam fuelled prediction!

  256. Soon to set off northwards to the Riverside – hope the weather doesn’t make the drive too bad for me and others who have long trips.

    Hoping to see fast flowing football although weather may make it more of a challenge but will go for 3 1 to Boro and a happy trip home.

    Still remember first game of the season a few years back against Palace, I think, where we lost after a poor game and I was not a happy bunny! Chuntered all the way home about how much it had cost me for 3 tickets (at least kids buy their own now!), food and petrol money. Still keep coming back though, can’t help the addiction!!

    Hope that the WiFi in Spanish hospital works for KP although more important that he keeps Mrs KP well on the road to recovery.

    UTB

  257. It might appear inconceivable how Jonathan Woodgate (an admirer of Tony Pulis and a member of his coaching staff could turn full circle in his approach to how Football should be played) has been true to his word and delivered. It was only one competitive match, but he has gained enough brownie points to almost become a hero overnight. Of course there needs to be some fine tuning, but the change in style considering that most of last week’s starting eleven were the same players that finished last season (albeit some in different positions) was quite astonishing. But as always it makes forecasting Boro’s results no easier.

    However, it would seem that although results are no less important, most supporters are quite happy to see more attractive football and accept the odd hiccup. Boro’s away form over the past Championship seasons has been excellent, but it’s what is viewed at the Riverside that will determine how Boro perform overall. There may well be a downturn in away results, but a vast improvement in home form is essential to appease most fans.

    When the fixtures were announced most fans thought it was a kind start for Boro and that 18 to 20 points from the first 10 matches should be achievable. But we just don’t know which are the easier fixtures. Last season most fans thought that Sheffield United were one of the poorest opponents in the first 8 matches, and that Norwich were likely to struggle also. The majority of tipsters had Stoke, Villa and Boro being favourites for promotion, and this season it appears to be Fulham, Cardiff and Leeds. So who will be the surprise team this season? Could it be Boro? Well I’d be delighted if it was.

    Last season I expected Boro to win promotion rather easily and was hopelessly wrong. This season despite playing a more attractive form of football, I’d be pleased with a mid-table position. Nevertheless, I hope I’m wrong again but in a more positive way. As for today I rather fancy a 2-2 draw, but as I’m pretty useless at forecasting Boro’s results, any scoreline except a heavy defeat wouldn’t surprise me. Let’s hope though that the crowd don’t turn on the players or head coach if the unthinkable happens, a defeat.

    Come on, Boro!

  258. I guarantee that within the first minute after a, poor throw in/ misplaced pass/or just any example of poor play, one disgruntled fan will say…..” bloody typical Boro, absolutely useless as usual! This team is going nowhere , you’ll not see me back here this season!”

  260. Not sure what to expect from my visit to the Riverside this afternoon, hopefully not a soaking as the forecast is rain. Going with a neighbour who has not attended in three years and has purchased his old ST seat. Hope that is not a bad omen!!

    Nice to GHW out again with his ever optimistic forecast, 3-nil? I will accept a win, any win. What will not happen, I can guarantee, is Boro keeping a clean sheet, not with the anticipated line up.
    There will be goals at either end. GHW will be hoping that they are all at the end Boro are attacking in both halves.

    1. Pedro

      Enjoy your visit. My brother did not renew his season ticket but I have just learnt he has borrowed a mates! Typical Boro supporter. 😎

    1. Reference to GHW’s above point about dishing out “Typical Boro” comments there are two in that line up who will be like a magnet to those exact observations and comments.

  263. Of general interest it is quite warm and humid with clouds clearing then just as quickly becoming grey and omimous over the Riverside this afternoon.

    There have been a few sporadic showers thus far after a deluge last night but of more importance is that it is very blustery even at pitch level. Strong gusts are suddenly picking up from nowhere. Expect a few balls catching Players out especially Keepers.

  266. just got back from the match, looked not bad, second half, they had done their homework and ran riot, got the lead and then played clever to hold onto the three points.
    That was them, now to us, we failed to cash in last week with a makeshift fullback, bought a fullback this week and did not play him, as they scored their goal via the non existent full back, I think we are operating a policy of ‘ don’t upset anyone’
    Which never ends well.
    Britt cost us last week, and this week was poor, so why did we bring on a non scoring striker and leave Britt on, was it for company?
    We must not think we were in this game, because they kept us out until half time then grabbed the game, took the lead, and packed their defence to take the points.
    Sorry to say a few frightening things are happening, to wit, gestede on the pitch, Britt a regular, still playing the fool around our own area, very slow to make changes, still making ten passes just reach the half way line.
    Sorry about this, I know it hurts, but it smells of Pulis ,and is not pleasant.

    1. I am just back from match and felt that first half we played some good football at times but not consistently. Second half we were very poor indeed and towards the end, it was almost if we had given up. Didn’t seem to be any urgency and we were ignoring wide open spaces.

      Defensively, the lack of experience showed and Howson is no full back – actually looked better when the new RB came on. Shotton was shocking with many misplaced passes and as someone said, keeping him was Wigan’s gain and our loss!

      Hopefully when Fry is fit, Shotton won’t be part of the team…….

      Coiilsom made good challenges but was partly to blame for the goal in my view.

      Having just seen a replay, Fletcher did not handle the ball and if anything was impeded by the defender. He said he was inside for the other one too.

      2nd half we seemed clueless going forward and something needs to be worked on. Wing was playing far too deep at times.

      Still it is early days, 2 games in and JW Is no doubt learning as he goes and I am sure we will see improvements. At least he kept the same side rather than tinkering a la Monk and Tuesday in the fizzy drink cup will hopefully allow him to assess the situation.

  267. Watched via Riverside Live and with a good internet connection saw the whole match!

    Riverside Live was like the team a bit disconnected. The commentary was not 100% in synch and the half time and full time scores came up on screen whilst the match was still going on!

    First half started promising and we appeared to be going to build on last week’s displays but it wasn’t to be. The second half we disintegrated and lost our way completely.

    I am afraid that some of the same old failings began to appear i.e. poor execution in the final third; it doesn’t matter what system is played or how we press if at the end of the day players make wrong decisions or execute passes, crosses and shots poorly and these were again in abundance particularly in the second half.

    Positives were that McNair is clearly one of our best midfielders and that together with Wing and Howson we should have some strength and creativity in this area if they are played together. The front line still remains questionable on today’s showing and it remains to be seen if the goal tally will improve significantly on previous seasons.

    Johnson was disappointing and a shadow of last week, JW has already alluded to his inconsistency. Shotton was back to his shocking best and the sooner we get Fry/Friend back the better.

    I accept that it is still early days, there is still time to get Fry/Friend back into the team and sort out the defence. We can also get the new guys more integrated.

    Despite all the talk of playing on the front foot and high pressing all is not rosy. Plato raises some very valid points in his post and there were clear warning signs in today’s performance.

    Most of us accepted that there would be ups and downs but I don’t think many of us expected a down this early which highlighted the same old deficiencies we have seen in the past.

    Let’s hope it is a bump in the road which can quickly be smoothed over. 😎

  268. Realistically, we have spent 2 months training players to play like Brentford. Then we had to play Brentford who have spent several years playing like Brentford. We have a young, inexperienced and naive coaching team and we have a squad full of players who have spent 5 years being frozen out if they lose possession and don’t stick rigidly to a pre-imposed shape. The result was never going to be in doubt. Being football you hope things will go well but for us to win today we had to have everything go in our favour.

    That all said, the coaching team is idealistic and full of enthusiasm. They want the team to play football the way we want to watch them play football. They have to learn on the job and hopefully they will learn quickly and well. I really hope it all works but it’s going to take a season just for them to figure out how to turn plans on paper into actual games. In the meantime we’re just going to have to take it on faith.

  269. Good post deleriad.

    The main problem is that JW was promised backing in the window by Mr Gibson and has been let down.

    A RB who looked OK in his short time this afternoon. Browne did nothing last week and nothing today. To be fair he was subbed into a team heading for defeat. And a reserve LB.

    In reality what more could we expect?
    As for Shotton, somebody must of shown Wigan a compilation video of him just before they signed him. What a get out of jail card. We would have been better playing with ten men.

  271. Great report RR, thank you. Shame it wasn’t a great result to report on as well. I’ve no Sky TV and not even QuestTV available at my current, temporary, address, so I’m really grateful to still have your eyes reporting for us all.
    I guess we have to take the positives as good signs and hope that as the team settles into a habit of playing in the front foot that it learns to pace itself better and that the coaching team are capable of finding the way to adapt.
    Two games in and disappointing that we only have 1 point, but on another day in this season we are sure to benefit from dodgy decisions from the officials as much as we might have suffered from them today.

  272. Great report RR which covers the good, the bad and the worrying.

    I posted yesterday evening so do not have much more to add other than to agree it could be both a long and concerning season and that we look as bereft of a Plan B as we did under TP.

    That really is a worry as you soon get found out and exploited in this league. 😎

  273. Redcar Red,

    Thank you, as always a truthful report, warts and all. There’s promise there that’s for sure so the sooner the injured players are back playing the better.

    For me and a lot of Boro fans always hoping and praying for a win I reckon that at the back of our collective minds that little black shadow that flits around, but we suppress with optimism, could have predicted this result. I’ll file it under typical Boro for the time being and watch the highlights later. Watching them later will reduce the stress value(s), particularly with an Estrella to hand.

    Work to do on the work in progress.

    UTB,

    John

  274. The whole family were at the theatre yesterday afternoon for Mrs G’s birthday- restoration comedy suitably called the Provoked Wife at The Swann Theatre in the Royal Shakespeare building at Straford. A good cast including the likes of Caroline Quenton, Rufus Hound and even Les Dennis.

    It was very entertaining and at the interval it was 0-0 after ten minutes, that score was at the Riverside not the theatre. The play happy it’s happy ending but the same couldn’t be said of the score at the Riverside after 81 minutes and unfortunately there no happy ending by the Tees.

    Thanks to RR for the report to fill in what I feared would be the details. As a Boro fan since the days of Ian Gibson and Jim Irvine it has proved to the assumed scenario for Typical Boro. (I am told I saw Clough and Peacock but dont recall them playing)

    As I have still not heard from MFC I may not bother with the subscription for live audio.

    1. Belated birthday wishes to Mrs G.

      I never saw Clough or Peacock but confess I am old enough to remember watching both Ian Gibson and Jim Irvine! 😎

      1. I worked with Ian Gibson for two years in Zwijndrecht in Holland

        Alan Peacock I See quite often and even at 80 odd keeps trying to chat Mrs OFB up!

        Both nice guys

        OFB

  275. Excellent report (as ever), RR. Many thanks. Also loved the headline. Guess we’ll have to ” just whistle” for a win sometime soon,

    Incidentally one of Walter Brennan’s immortal lines from the film is also apposite: “Ever been stung by a dead bee?”.

    I’m old enough to have seen movies in which the likes of Walter Brennan and Gabby Hayes got the girl.

  276. KP

    Sorry it wasn’t a better result for Karon to enjoy but it is only football.

    It must have been a good match because we had 53% possession to Brentford’s 50%. The bane of the typo, been there, done that, I got the tea shirt but got the spelling wrong!

  277. Brilliant report, RR. Never fun to read about a defeat but an excellent write-up nonetheless.

    Yesterday seemed like a second mixed bag of promise-cum-work-in-progress. Reasons to be cheerful, reasons to be fearful.

    I remain optimistic overall, though. We have Fry to come back, Dijksteel to integrate and there’s a lot more to come from Browne. It’ll come.

    One point to make: JW said before the season started words to the effect of “I need to be brave and stick to my principles when the going gets tough”. Please do so, Woody – and that also means not going back to longball when you’re chasing the game. Stick at it.

    1. Malcolm

      Well I’ve had the good the bad and the ugly this weekend

      The good was the 45 minutes of the first half

      The bad was the disallowed goals and the second half

      The ugly was the incident this morning being rushed into JC Hospital for an emergency operation to repair a tear in my oesophagus and isolate a blood clot.

      Had the op can’t eat or drink for 24 hours and just passing the time talking to friends

      Up the Boro !

      OFB

      3. OFB

        So sorry to hear of your need for an emergency operation and I trust Mrs OFB is coping ok. It’s often as much, if not more of, a worry for family as it is for those who have the emergency.

        Best wishes from me and Mrs P for a full and speedy recovery. 💋 (that’s from Mrs P not me just in case anyone is wondering!) 😎

      4. OFB,

        Pathetic but true, yes I am jealous. Although tears, ruptures and things don’t sound good. There’s always liquids though,. I know not in JCUH.

        My mum was in JC and and wanted a Jack Daniels. Apparently she always went to bed with Jack Daniels. Anyway she got a Jack Daniels and in true Boro fashion when I asked if it was OK she simply said, ‘call that a measure, they don’t know how to pour a bloody drink in here’.

        Get well soon OFB.

        UTB,

        John

  280. Just seen the player ratings in the Northern Echo from Scott Wilson, Chief Sports Writer.

    Must have watched a different match to me as he has given Ryan Shotton a 7 and commented ” Retained his place despite the deadline day interest from Wigan and justified his inclusion with a strong display”.

    As Ian mentioned he was partly to blame for the Brentford goal through failing to close down and try and tackle the man with the ball, instead he retreated into no mans land and was not in a position to cut out the cross which led to the goal.

    Each to our own opinion I suppose. 😎

  281. KP, you write about people seeing a different match to you, and you write

    MJohnson was disappointing and a shadow of last week,

    Redcar Red writes

    Johnson was again proving to be a useful outlet and caused problems down the right flank including a wonderful strike that had Raya flying across his goalmouth to palm away an effort.

    Marvin once again looked the part. Indeed, it was difficult to be seriously critical of any Red shirt in those opening 45 minutes apart from those minor failings mentioned above.

    I suppose you have proved your own point.

    Come on BORO.

    1. Clearly we all have differing views and opinions on what we experience.

      I believe that I do always try and express them in a civilised manner as I believe does everyone else on here.

      Unfortunately it is not the same on other sites and people seem to take offence very easily and can become abusive if you express a different point of view. 😎

  282. RR

    Thank you for the match report absolutely cracking and exciting and the first half of the game was as well!

    Early days yet I can’t understand these other blogs who scream and shout and swear about our team it just shows what a civilised bunch we are.

    McNairs best game and Dijksteel shows promise

    How do we make that effort last 90 minutes ?

    I was puffed out just watching !

    Thanks Again it’s reallu appreciated by all of us

    OFB

  283. Boro have not yet officially announced the capture of the promising youngster but the player’s last club Tooting and Mitcham United FC confirmed on Friday that he has finalized his switch to Middlesbrough.

    A midfielder by trade, Folarin was on target for Boro’s first team after coming off the bench as they scored seven goals against Bishop Auckland in a pre-season friendly last month.

    The 2000-born player got on the scoresheet for the U23 team of The Teessiders as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Shildon in another pre-season fixture.

    According to Folarin’s agency, FW Group Consultants Ltd, he has signed a professional contract with Middlesbrough.

    The 18-year-old was in action for 13 minutes as Boro U23 began the new season with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa in the Premier League 2 Division 2.
    OFB

  284. OFB you are correct, it is a learning curve for both the management and players, if match by match we extend what we saw in the first 45 until we get it right for 90 + minutes. On Tuesday night I expect to see the 3 new players start and maybe Friend, if ready.

    As Andy R stated Woodgate (and all involved) have to stick with their principles through thick and thin but more importantly fans are going to have to be patient, it will not help getting on the players (and management team) backs in the early days.

    I think it is unreasonable to expect top 6 this season, yes we have a majority of the same players but they didn’t make the playoffs last season and we are changing the style of play and philosophy but it will not happen overnight.

    Come on BORO.

  285. I think everyone agrees that a certain amount of patience is required if JW is to be a success, but that should also apply to JW himself.

    It’s all well and good to want to play an adventurous 4-3-3 , but he needs to have the personnel to apply it. Let’s take a look at Brentford’s goal yesterday.

    A punt from defence is headed back into Boro’s half. Coulson is several yards inside the oppositions half, Shotton has moved forward to cover the left side, but far too forward, he is subsequently skinned by the attacking player. Ayala in turn has moved in to cover Shotton, this leaves a completely open space behind the defence. From there it’s a simple matter of putting the ball in to the box for an easy goal.

    JW needs to get the fundamentals in place before he gets too far ahead of himself. The Championship is no place to experiment with new systems. As a former CB he must realise all successful teams are based on a sound defence. If he insists on playing his two FB’s wide in attacking positions he’s going to ship a lot of goals from crosses in to the box as teams take advantage of the wide open spaces on the flanks.

    I appreciate he wants to play a different brand of football than the previous incumbents, but it’s easier said than done. Luton were no great shakes, neither were Brentford however they managed to exploit the defensive frailties quite easily.

    I would suggest he tries three at the back with WB’s on Tuesday against Crewe, with keeping a clean sheet utmost in his mind. We’re only two games in, but it’s quite obvious that we will leak plenty of goals playing with the current system.

    Patience indeed from the fans, but equally from JW also please.

    1. GHW, a good reasoned post and one JW needs to read
      However, three at the back with what we have will be difficult, especially as Fry appears sometime off playing and George can be nowhere near match fit.
      Saying that in the meantime I think we should adopt a more defensive system until their return and possibly the new RB settles in. That would mean sacrificing one of those playing wide.

      As KP said, Scott Wilson must have been at a different match. Shotton was poor in the extreme and that was the consensus in our area of the ground. NW corner.
      Johnson did not IMO play anywhere near as well in the first 45 as he did against Luton. Brentford were far better than Luton,

      Defensively we look very vunerable at times. I remember GHW saying at Sanford??, that Coulson looked weak defensively and I agree. Although he was not helped too much by Fletcher.

      Second half as we ran out of puff we reverted to long balls for Britt to try and do something with. A hopeless task, accepting he did not play overly well.
      The coaching team have made a few mistakes already with the team selections given the small squad available.

      We need some points on the board whilst playing these “easierteams” . When we play some of the better ones will could really struggle.

      1. I’m not being overly critical of the youngster, he’s only doing what he’s told to do. The fault lies with the lack of cover when he goes forward. We had a similar situation with Fabio. The crowd liked him, but the amount of space he left behind him led to a lot of defensive problems.

        I think he has the makings of a good WB, however in a 4-3-3 it’s a FB that we need.

  286. Glad to see that Redcar Red is still giving us his concise and unbiased reports. Both the reporters on EFL on Quest said that both disallowed goals were the correct decisions. I can’t comment on the offside decision as TV doesn’t give the whole picture on the screen, but the handball decision does look doubtful even though the Quest reporters said that Jonathan Woodgate hadn’t seen it from the same angle as they had.

    One question I’d like to ask though is what prompted the Brentford defender to appeal straight away? Did he see a handball, or did he think he’d been fouled? Again without close up stills I couldn’t see if Fletcher had used his hand or not. I agree that VAR would determine the correct decision, but would the system be foolproof anyway, because there have been some strange decisions given in Cricket.

    In Cricket and in Rugby League there has to be a compelling reason for reversing a referee/umpire decision and I still see wrong decisions being made by referrals in both sports. On Match of the Day the commentator said that all goals are referred to VAR, but that doesn’t happen in Cricket after every wicket, only if it is referred to the third umpire. I can see a problem that VAR decisions are going to extend Football matches by 10 to 15 %. We already have arbitrary extra time for stoppages, and for several years now, 15 minute intervals between halves in England (not in Scotland though where it is still 10 minutes). Perhaps if we had stoppages determined by the referee indicating to the VAR to stop the clock and reduce matches to 80 minutes we might see matches finishing dead on time. Just a thought.

    On another topic, attendances. The Gazette reporters stated that the new style of football that Boro are playing will enhance Boro’s, but I’m not sure that will be the case unless Boro are winning regularly. Only 4 matches last season showed a lower attendance than yesterday’s 21,911 where the season’s average was only 23,217 as opposed to 25,544 in the previous season. So maybe not everyone is buying into Jonathan Woodgate just yet. A pity really, as Boro are still a work in progress. Those that did attend Boro’s first home game of the season must have enjoyed it in comparison to the drivel served up at the Riverside last season.

    However the finishing is no better than last season, and once going behind one still gets the feeling that Boro won’t turn the result around at home. Maybe they should take a leaf out of some of our amateur regional clubs. For example Redcar Athletic were losing at home to Easington Colliery last Wednesday 0-3 at halftime but fought back to win 4-3. Now didn’t Boro twice do that against FC Basel and Steau Bucharesti under Steve McClaren?

  288. First of all, I hope that OFB recovers quickly. Sounds a bit scary to me, well,anything is when it mentions rushed to hospital and emergency operation!q

    Thanks to RR for the report which was the usual excellent standard and was similar to my take. No way was Shotton worth a 7 and it is a learning curve for all.

    As others have said, I am not expecting a top 6 finish. In 50 years of supporting Boro my expectations have never been high! The foray into Europe was beyond my wildest dreams and whilst I enjoyed the ride, all good things come to an end!

    Hopefully as long as we see incremental improvements, then that is ok for me. It is a marathon not a sprint and we have only played 2 games for goodness sake. Someone on Tees said that we will be in a relegation battle this season, really! Us football fans are a fickle lot but that takes the biscuit.

    What I have seen so far does give me some hope and I will be travelling up again on 20 August despite not getting home until the early hours! Mind you I don’t have to get up for work the next morning anymore so that helps!

  290. The squad is at present nothing more than a mid table team at best, Woodgate is actually taking a big risk asking them to do what he believes in , I applaud his vision, but they will be burnt out by November , and they don’t have the skills or nuance to dominate teams,
    Its about players very good players who can run the game and make the difference we don’t have them yet.
    The system itself requires athletic midfielders who see a pass , can close down, see danger and cover, fullbacks the same but the main thing is consistency from everyone, we are far away from that,
    I’d be happy top ten ,keep the hope alive ,most fans wouldn’t be happy with that.
    Note to Jonathan
    Stop talking ! Stop explaining everything ,you sound like you are trying to sell yourself to the fan, you’ve got the job, keep it brief ,and work hard on the training field ,with the players when they don’t have the ball in a game.
    UTB

  292. As early as it is there are some issues starting to come to the fore. The cynics will of course be pointing to the Management appointment process and how we ended up with the obvious candidate but as Mogga (and now Woodgate) would say “it is what it is”.

    The Transfer window like the Management appointment itself seemed to be based around saving money. I get the spin about a new way of working but I struggle with any business who wants to lose market share and drop down the sales charts with the supposed planned intent to reinvent itself and come back to the fore at some future point. Commercially its suicide and something that even Mike Ashley wouldn’t countenance. Tailspins are notoriously difficult to get out off without self inducing them.

    Letting any business decline in the belief that you can then at a chosen point in time reverse its fortune and regain lost position in whatever market you are in is not something that I would personally recommend. Now I know that Keane and Woodgate have said that their objective is sporting glory and mediocrity is not on their agenda (I was sorely tempted to insert “bless” in that sentence) but already I feel that their efforts in only a very short space of time have been effectively thwarted by the lack of recruitment. Clearly a few things went pear shaped last week when we were expecting around four new faces and then maybe one and then it was only Dijksteel all along?

    Bringing in a RB and a LB from a club that was in League One last season and one that is still in League One, a free Goalkeeper that many fans still have misgivings about from his previous time here and a West Ham kid who clearly has something but clearly not enough to convince the Hammers to hang onto to replace the Downing’s, Flint’s, Hugill’s, Braithwaite’s, Besic and JOM’s etc. does not give cause for celebration or belief regardless of all the Summer spin and hype. I suspect that even those who were cheerleaders in chief at the time have had a few dark thoughts over the last few nights.

    Personally despite my misgivings at his appointment I feel Woodgate was shafted last week and if so then what does that do to his psyche and that of his immediate team. Of course they will still be relishing the challenge but the fact that it was made significantly harder must have permeated even the thickest of skins. Already stories are leaking, dripping or just pure speculative rumour about what happened last week at Rockliffe. There are of course two sides to every story and the reality may be that at least one high profile outgoing was expected to fund those four incomings but its not a convincing foundation to this new era and smacks more than a little of the same circus with the same monkeys,

    Moving to another issue, tactically we saw first hand yesterday what happens when an experienced Manager changes tactics in a game and what happens when one Management Team didn’t have a Plan B, hindered in fairness by the above paragraph. The level of intensity applied in the opening forty five minutes is not sustainable for even the fittest of athletes. That in itself is a major worry in that its clear that that tactic is the one upon which the new Management have committed so much to. Not only is it an uncomfortable fit with the available skill sets of a much weakened squad it is reckless, cavalier and naïve. It is indeed possible to hunt further up the pitch but as any hunter will tell you its all about guile and cunning and knowing when to strike not imitating a charabanc emptying its contents of schoolboys at Scarborough’s South Bay in the summer of 1952.

    Fishermen amongst us would also agree that jumping in and thrashing about in the water like lunatics is not the most effective way to catch fish. Not wishing to pour scorn on the dream of exciting football (and Luton certainly was as was the first 45 minutes yesterday) it has to be a part of a controlled and measured exercise, it has to be holistic, all encompassing.

    If one Manager sussed things in 45 minutes (having just won three times on their travels last season) then what will the rest of the Championship Managers do once the excitable, defenceless, headless chickens come to their towns over the next nine months. A soft underbelly is very easily exposed, a team with a weak defence who push up can be very easily undone by playing balls over their heads into the vast open expanse behind.

    As romantic as some may find it all, harsh reality is that in life it is all about balance and at present we seemed to be “overbalanced”. Already after only two games there are some sounding hopes of look at Norwich and their start and what they went on to do. As laudable as that sounds Norwich were a little more controlled, disciplined and organised as a side. I’m in agreement with GHW above and his call for three CBs with Wing Backs. It would be more comfortable for the likes of Shotton and Ayala plus relieve some responsibility off Coulson. It does mean pulling a more forward player back but it would add a bit more resolve to the defence and of course at the same time educating the front players when to press but not incessantly. The sheer joy of seeing that level of closing down is only truly enjoyable if it goes hand in hand with victories but more importantly a shape and structure that looks to be not only believable but viable.

    Man City and Liverpool get away with it to a degree but their planning, organisation and experience both on and off the pitch is light years from where we are at present. There is also the other not so small point that the luxury of having the ability to recruit and pay for the very best in the League also helps. It appears West Brom, Fulham, Huddersfield, Cardiff, Derby, Forest, Bristol and probably Swansea, Stoke and Leeds all have seemingly greater financial clout than ourselves and there are three or four others who are at least a match for Boro as a minimum. History tells us that expecting to fix bayonets and go over the top screaming “For Boro and for Gibbo” is only likely to end in one way. Perhaps that non materialising “DOF” would have been the wise sage to have tempered enthusiastic ideals with a little mature balance but it appears that he too was a cost that could be dispensed with.

    1. Putting it exactly how it is, RR. Of particular concern is the transfer business conducted by Boro over the summer, clearly done to save money but not enough new faces and one attacking player added isn’t suddenly going to transform us into a different team. Most worryingly for me is the lack of room for manoeuvre. There are a few people to come back, but I don’t see the ‘hidden’ options that JW can turn to if things start going south.

      I’ll remain optimistic for now because it’s early days, and I’ve been told off before for not flying the flag, but we look exactly like what we are – an essentially naive set-up, managed by a rookie, wanting to do things the right way in a sea of jaded, gritty comers who know perfectly well how to exploit our shortcomings. Ah well….

      1. I could be wrong but I think our ills it extend far beyond MFC. A combination of Brexit turmoil and associated Commercial uncertainty with all UK businesses including Bulkhaul has created a battening down the hatches survival business mentality. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if SG’s bean counters have looked at various scenarios and indicated that now is not a time to speculate otherwise it could bring the entire deck of cards down with SG left in a one bedroom Housing Association flat let alone his newly renovated Gibson Estate.

        Then there is the issue of Rockliffe, undoubtedly a very nice place but commercially it hasn’t as yet been the cash injector originally hoped for and instead is like as not devouring the stuff that would otherwise have been donated to SG’s other great charitable cause MFC.

        Next we have those contracts let alone those fees and this is what really irks Boro fans. We have paid fees that even the most unknowledgeable football supporter would have raised their eyes at along with a few sharp breath intakes.

        The salaries associated with them were nothing less than eye watering and of questionable need. MFC must have been the footballing agents equivalent of a second hand car salespersons dream punter. Granted had they been for a 25 goal a season Italian superstar or a Dutch genius coveted by Barca and Man City then we could make some sense of it but they were for Players that fans didn’t want and scratched their collective heads with at the time and still do. The last “all on board” signing was probably Albert Adomah.

        That Premiership season was at huge expense salary wise for a few incomings that again were unnecessary. Valdes may have arrived on a free but I’m pretty sure he cost a darn sight more than Dimi and in terms of performance I’d have entrusted Dimi far more if for no other reason that he had some understanding and synergy with the likes of Ben Gibson, Dani Ayala and George Friend and don’t start me on Bad Guzan! Negredo tried his best but was so isolated he could have went off for twenty minute breaks and nobody would have noticed. Looking at Burnley as a fair and direct comparison and the flaw in the logic is clear to see. Of course its equally easy to look at Bolton with the same “fair” viewpoint of what could have been.

        Those big signing misfits continued in the now unfortunately labelled “bounce back” season. Monk seemingly signing and loaning with little thought, planning or strategy and more importantly none from those charged with actually running the Club. Fast forward to Tony “I’ve saved this club a fortune” Pulis bringing in overpriced players in areas that we didn’t need yet ignoring the areas we were bereft in (and still are) and it simply beggars belief. We all make poor decisions in business, making mistakes are part of everyday life but we learn from them and what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger but MFC just kept repeating the same errors again and again until the well ran dry.

        We had that farce over the Summer where the cheapest and most malleable won the Manager/Head Coach vacancy, quelle surprise! We then sat and listened to how things were going to be different with an entirely new approach but with the same surgeons wielding the scalpels. Sadly what many of us feared or indeed believed would happen has probably even exceeded the most pessimistic expectations. Its still very early and if Woodgate, Keane, Percovich and Coyne make a go of things then it is to their credit and much against the odds. There is reason to hope that tactically they mature and learn quickly plus get George Friend and Dael Fry back fit and soon. Whichever way its polished it does still have that whiff of eau de Southgate around the place after the transfer window shut last week.

        To balance things and to bring a wider perspective the below (although a little out of date now) gives some indication of what SG is up against in his efforts to support Middlesbrough FC in todays football market:

        https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/championship-richest-owners-efl-villa-2024729

        That list was only the EFL clubs at the time excluding the Premiership where he came in 21st. As a comparison Derby’s Mel Morris is worth two and half times one SG and Bristol’s Steve Lansdown is worth almost nine of him. Punching above his weight is the reality which is hard enough without having those uncomfortable transfer fees and contracts to live with. As annoying, vexing and frustrating as things are the reality is that SG can no longer spend his way out of the Championship especially when the supposed leveller of FFP is blatantly unfit for purpose.

    1. I also saw this story, and at first glance it looks like a case of over eager stewarding. However, I watched this show earlier this week and “ court-siding” is a problem faced by bookmakers.

      https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p07hjnl6/can-you-beat-the-bookies

      Of course I have little sympathy with them, I think they’re a scourge and prey upon the weak willed. Unfortunately betting companies are slowly enveloping football. It was laughable this week watching Derby and their sponsors trying to gloss over giving Wayne Rooney the number 32 shirt.

      It is not allowed for clubs to have gambling companies logos on children’s replica shirts, so it was a crass way of trying to get around it. Football sold its soul many years ago, and now it’s fair game for anyone prepared to put money in to it.

      And don’t get me started about Ramsdens sponsorship of MFC.

  295. Just read about your emergency op OFB. Hope it is as straightforward as you are making out and you will be home and munching your Parmos again soon.

  296. OFB, only just read about your op. Looks like everything went well and I wish you a speedy recovery. Nowadays they do not keep one in a hospital for long, so hope you are soon at home.

    I hope you won’t miss any matches – perhaps the Cup match will come too soon tomorrow. I see you are situated in a different part of thestadium this year. I wonder if you see Jim Platt as often anymore. I don’t know if he attends as often either as before now he is in politics in Kader.

    I wonder what Jim thinks about the current style. His motto is “clean sheets win matches”. We still need to improve, so I hope Fry or Friend is fit soon as we need a natural left sided CB soon.

    Get well soon, Robin. Up the Boro!

    1. Jarkko

      Thanks for the kind words

      Jim is on Twitter now so you can ask him

      He’s closed his Facebook account because he’s now a councillor

      I saw him last week and spoke to him he’s just been in Hospital himself for a skin cancer op on his nose which has gone well.

      It’s an age thing this getting poorly !!

      I’m in the recovery ward and they like to get you on your feet and out but I’ve still got two drips in me and. Still no food and drink for another day !!!

      OFB

      2. OFB

        Mrs P is down from four drips to three this morning plus me of course, the biggest drip of the lot!

        Good to hear your in the recovery ward and hope you escape soon. Best wishes. 😎

  297. No problems with the tream via Riverside Live on Saturday. Well done Boro and I liked Maddo on BBC Tees. But pity for the result.

    I wonder if the same ‘rules’ apply as last season. So we won’t see the cup matches via Riverside Live. I would like to know a bit before hand because of the time difference and it is an evening match.

    Up the Boro!

    1. Jarkko

      No cup games are only audio coverage via Riverside Live.

      If you have paid for the annual Riverside Live Video subscription then the audio is included so just log in as usual and click the audio button to liste to tomorrow night’s game. 😎

  298. All the best for a speedy recovery, OFB.

    I trust you’ve sent a deputy to bring us your snippets of inside knowledge while you’re laid up?! 😀

    1. OFB,

      Nobody does, some of the patients make a din to keep the staff awake and the staff do the same. Catch 22. I always take, or get the boss to bring, my shooting earplugs or the foam ones I use on the motorbike. Reckon you could make a fortune selling them usherette style. Usherettes will now visit all parts of the hospital.

      Get well soon,

      UTB,

      John

    1. Yes I can listen to it

      Had a visitor from the club This morning at 8 am.

      She works here in JC as well as in the Fenton Lounge on match days. So it was nice to see her !

      Hopefully out in a few days had to cancel Plans for Educating Rita with Steven Tomkinson at Darlington on Friday

      Mrs OFB May go with one of her sisters !

      OFB

      1. I hope Rita doesn’t mind, I am sure Steven will be able to cope by himself.

        I am tempted to give the commentary a go, I cant remember the email address to contact. Is it Bob Tait?

  301. I’m technically either still on holiday or fully employed on ‘projects’ – yesterday was a cycle trip to a lake to relax in the sun a cool off with a swim. Just read about OFB’s medical emergency and glad to hear you’re on the mend and keeping a brave face so as not to upset the blonde nurses attending you 🙂 Speedy recovery.

    Unfortunately, I was also almost laid up too – I did my lower back bending over to unlock my bike yesterday and could hardly move. Sadly no sympathy or nurses of any hair colour are in attendance and apparently the only treatment is to keep moving and remain active – so no respite on the projects 🙁

    Anyway, still found time to catch the game on Boro’s Matchday Live – the out of sync commentary was a bit irritating as they seemed to rise to a crescendo of excitement long after I’d moved on after another missed attempt. It certainly was the proverbial game of two halves as RR perfectly summed up in his match report. Whether anyone could keep up the intensity of the excellent first half was probably asking too much.

    While the second half was reminiscent of what Pulis served up at the Riverside, I was quite surprise to hear so many people booing at the end – especially given the first half was great entertainment and but for a few marginal decisions would have seen Boro win comfortably.

    Early days but I’m still encouraged that Woodgate is trying to deliver what he promised – I suspect he will need to tweak a few things and the return of Fry will hopefully improve matters defensively. OK, I’ve been sat down long enough now and don’t want to risk seizing up so back to work. I’ll hopefully fit in writing a new blog article this evening/tomorrow morning before the Caraboa Cup game. At least the school holidays end next week!

    1. Thanks !

      Keep Moving for a bad back don’t let it seize up !

      Feeling much better today but can’t go anywhere as they have to make sure I’m still not a bleeder !

      I thought that was bleeding obvious !

      OFB

  302. I’ve read that the likes of Hull and Sunderland, or any aspiring North East club that’s not in Toon Town, have to pay over the odds for players because no one wants to live there.

    Hull, I think, were happy to get Jimmy Bullard off their wage bill and on loan to Ipswich at one point, and he was on a relatively high wage of up to about £30,000 for week. I read somewhere that Britt was on at least double that, although I could be mistaken.

    I’m reminded of the old story of the player who wouldn’t even consider Sunderland because his wife wanted to live in London. The trick is for the council, for the people, to make a town a fine place to live. We have Jeff Stelling speaking up for us, but how many others?

    One thing I can say is that I’ve always been welcomed with open arms in Middlesbrough. Most notably by Sue Gardener and Sheila & Geoff Richardson. Sue and Sheila came to visit Northern Ireland (and Derry), once too – they really enjoyed it.

  303. I think the area and people are OK or better. The problem is getting them in for the first time.

    We have countless numbers of people who prefer the area when they have lived there. From McQueen to McClaren, from Mendieta to Juninho and let’s not forget Platt, Hendrie, Slaven or Karanka.

    The problem is to get people over there once. But good, exciting football will help.

    Up the Boro!

  304. That’s it, Jarkko. I’m not even from the area myself yet I feel part of it. If you *belong* to the community, or feel like you do, that’s a large part of the battle won.

    How I’ve grown to love Belfast is a big example in itself.

    1. Si

      Well I’m a Geordie !

      Sorry folks but it’s true

      Lived and worked in Holland Spain France Argentina Gabon Norway Kazakhstan USA Lowestoft Aberdeen London Royston Pembroke but always returned home !

      To my own folk THE BORO !

      OFB

  305. I also thought, some three years ago, that it was quite reasonable to argue that the class of 2015-16 lacked Premier League experience, that Grant Leadbitter’s legs and Dimi would not last forever, that transition with money spent on players is quite natural when you get promoted to the Premier League and it does take ample time to adjust to the demands of a higher tier, especially when you’d been out of it for as long as we had. That would have applied to all managers, not just our old Basque chum.

    Unfortunately the word reasonable doesn’t come, and to be frank, shouldn’t come, into the emotional arena of football. My mindset was wrong and I’ve since admitted that. As a saying goes, “If you want to be sensible, give up the game and take up competitive accountancy”.

  307. Belated Best Wishes Bob. However the old saying “no gain without pain” will come to fruition when you get out.

    Spoilt by your wife and family, hand fed grapes and lots of the liquid grape. Nice to look forward to.

    1. Pedro

      Thank you and it’s very close to the truth !

      After my enforced fast ended at lunchtime the nurse was giving me blood test whilst Mrs OFB spoon fed me Ice Cream to soothe my sore throat where all the technical instruments went down !

      OFB

  308. Read a notice on Saturday in the Riverside toilets, promoting jobs for match day stewards etc.
    I thought it strange as the turnstiles were bereft of any. Just as-well it wasn’t Derby, looking for sandwiches and coke. (of the liquid type)

  309. Fletcher offside goal

    I don’t know if this still will load but it clearly shows Fletcher timed his run well for the wrongly ruled offside goal.

    It really annoys me that bad decisions by officials can cost clubs promotion or relegation, leading to going out of business, yet the official concerned just shrugs and says sorry I made a mistake or nothing is said about the mistakes ever again.

    As for the alleged handball, I have watched the replay several times and cannot see Fletcher punching the ball in the net, if anything it appears to go in off the defender. If, as the linesman clearly indicates, he believes Fletcher used his hand to score, why did the referee not book Fletcher ?

    Come on BORO.

    🔴 I’ve uploaded the image to Diasboro Media Library to make it easier to see with the original link below – Werdermouth

    https://mobile.twitter.com/AshFletcher___/status/1160477695525998594/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1160477695525998594&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gazettelive.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fmiddlesbrough-news-transfers-live-woodgate-16739578

    1. Maybe looks just about onside but the angle is slightly deceiving – both the nearside defender and Fletcher appear to be in the middle of the light green stripe with Fletcher running forward and the defender pushing up – plus the ball has not quite been struck judging by the position of the kicking foot.

      Anyway, I’ve no idea how any linesman could judge all three simultaneously and I suspect they see everything a fraction later than the actual freeze-frame – hence the offside decision.

  310. On my way down to Dover for Channel crossing. It might be rough, but not allowed to take travel sickness tablets because of prostate cancer. Time to get the prayer mat out!

    1. Safe sailing, Ken. But there is also a train …

      Please correct me, Werder, but there ain’t many ferries left to the middle or Northern part of England. In the old days there were ferries from Denmark and Gothenburg Sweden, but not any more.

      Anything to Hull? Or from Hoek van Holland? Or is it just South of England and France?

      Up the Boro!

      1. Jarkko

        I think it’s Harwich, which is near Ipswich goes to the Hook of Holland. Newcastle to Amsterdam, Hull to Rotterdam and Hull to Zeebrugge.

        There are lots on the South Coast going to France and Spain. 😎

      2. Jarkko

        There are ferries from Amsterdam to North Shields and from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge to Hull that I know about there may be some others to the North of England but I’m not aware of them.

      3. Our only real choice is the Rotterdam-Hull ferry or sometimes the Harwich-Hoek van Holland – the latter are better cabins but is a shorter overnight trip that arrives around 6.00am and then a long drive to the north-east.

        The trouble with the lack of competition is that P&O put their prices up during school holidays and the that will double over the summer to around €800 for us from around €300-400 out of season. You will also lose nearly all your money if you need to change the ticket – it’s basically a rip-off monopoly and the boats are pretty old and dated in comparison to the Stena ones that sail to Harwich.

      5. Jarkko
        I usually use the Channel Tunnel when driving, but this tour is by coach from Redcar with Alfa Travel with an overnight stay in Lille and onward to Koblenz to meet the river boat. Apparently the ferries from Dover to Calais were suspended for 5 hours yesterday because of strong winds and rough seas, but now open. I’m not a good sailor though after a bad experience from North Shields to Bergen several years ago. Fingers crossed as I do suffer from ‘mal de mer’.

  312. I have to copy the ferry info for any furher use.

    For me the ferries from Sweden or even Denmark were great, but looks like those days are gone. It takes me nearly two days to drive down to Holland, then ferry over and up to Teesside. Mind, it takes me nearly a day and I am just is Stockholm.

    So I used to take the Gotherburg to Newcastle ferry a couple of times. The boat was small, old but charming. Went to Scotland once before visiting Ayresome Park. Or Victoria Park in a mark one Ford Fiesta in 1986!

    Is there any ferries to Norway? But then Norway’s Stavanger or Bergen are far, far away time wise from Oslo. And they most propable go to Aberdeeen or such.

    I checked one of the ferry companies a while back and a return trip was around 1 000 euros for a car and a couple. Flying looks a lot cheaper and there is a direct train from the Manchester Airport to Boro via Yarm.

    So it looks like flying in to the UK and renting a car is still most suitable for a weeks’s stay. But one day again, I would like to stay a few weeks in the UK on holiday. There might be other than Boro and Teesside to see …

    Up the Boro!

    1. Been to Ripon and etc. a few times. But not yet to Scarborough! Strange, do they still have the Fair down there. As song by Simon and Garfunkel and several orher before them.

      Up the Boro!

      1. There are no Ferries from Norway anymore Jarkko (as I found out first hand during the Volcanic Ash Cloud problem a few years back) and as you say getting from Oslo across to the West Coast would be probably around 6 to 7 hours drive anyway. On another negative note I don’t think Scarborough Fair has existed for well over 200 years.

  313. I once got a broblem with me VW Golf second generation in Harwich once. On the way back from Ireland, Great Ayton and Ayresome Park. I loved that Golf and they usually were very robust in the late 1980’s.

    It made strange noise when not accelerating. But is lasted all the way trough Europe and Sweden back here.

    The worry was that our doughter had fever, too. But she survived and is 31 next month.

    I and me wife went to see Boro play and we left our daughter to my friend’s neighbours at the Wheatlands, Great Ayton. Lovely couple over there.

    I love Teesside, me like. Up the Boro!

    1. What’s Sleep 🛏 💤 ?

      Buzzers and alarms going off all night

      Intercom voice systems

      Patients on drugs (not legal) being wrestled to the ground by 4 burly security guards. Other patients threatening to harm themselves with knives

      Patients moaning and shouting nurse every five minutes and playing The tv on loud all night!

      I’ll be pleased to get back home !
      OFB

      1. OFB,

        Just as I remember it! Hospital is no place to be ill. It’s always noisy but when the lights dim you’d think the full moon had come out. having had four stays in Hospital my stories are almost part of Christmas when I’ve had a few beers. The patients and the staff, bless them, all need a sense of humour. Reckon that the noisy buggers sleep all day so that they are refreshed for the night.

        When you get home it will be too quiet to sleep. Ask for a CD of ward sounds to take home then there’s always hypnosis!

        I did notice the time of your post by the way.

        Get well and out soon.

        UTB,

        John

  316. I’m back on line after spending a couple of days calming down after the disappointment of Friday night. The game finished at just before 2am here in Sydney and it certainly took a while to get too sleep.

    Firstly, a speedy recovery to OFB – fitting ailment for our own Deep Throat – and I hope all of our other invalids get better as soon as possible.

    Thanks to RR for an excellent report which was exactly how I saw it. McNair looks like a quality player who is not only good on the ball but doesn’t mind getting stuck in either. I’m not getting carried away but he and Johnson look like good Championship players at worst and maybe better than that. That’s already a gain from last year. When you add in Fletcher you have a trio of found talent. We’re still short of another true striker as backup to Britt.

    One area where we missed a trick was on substitutions. It was clear at the hour mark that the team needed refreshing and Browne and Dijksteel were a good option but they didn’t get onto the pitch until the 75th minute which was at least ten minutes too late. Also, moving on to everybody’s favourite whipping boy, Mr Gestede, it was no surprise to see him come on as Plan C and that’s fine by me but why, having brought him on, didn’t we get any crosses into the box. We had spent most of the second half failing to play through Brentford and the last ten minutes should have been back to basics and bodies in the box to try and nick one.

    Anyway, another tantalising glimpse of what the team could be when its settled. They look good going forward but will need to work on the transition back into defence. I and others have written a fair bit about the covering that’s needed when you play two attacking fullbacks and the real problem with their goal was that when the attack came down the left, Howson was also caught upfield and so we ran out of men at our right hand post. It’s a fine balance and had we been 3-0 up at the time it wouldn’t have mattered.

    The Crewe game could be at just the right time …… if we win well but could equally ratchet up the pressure if it goes badly. I assume that benchwarmers will get a chance and then its a question of whether any first-teamers start or if he gives the youngsters a go. One could imagine a defence of
    Pears
    Dijksteel – Wood – Friend – Bola
    The midfield and attack will be interesting. Who plays the holding midfield role? Saville will most likely be in there on the left with Tavernier but I’m not sure beyond that. Anyway, there’s no TV on this one.

    UTB

    1. Thanks for nice comment

      Good post I’m reading this at 2:40 am had no sleep at all good job I’ve got our Diasboro to keep me company !

      OFB

  317. OFB

    Good morning, hope you managed to get some shut eye and that you can soon escape. Hoping to get Mrs P out of bed today and a little mobile.

    I am sure that listening to the match tonight will make all the difference to your recoveries……… or not! 😎

    1. KP

      Thanks for the post

      No I didn’t get any sleep at all ! I was just settling down eye 👁 shade on earplugs on and they tested the emergency crash trolly outside our ward at two o clock in the morning! Absolutely crackers!!

      Nice to see you’ve got her a little mobile I think I’ll treat myself to a new phone as well!!

      You’ve got to laugh haven’t you though !

      Remember the motto live every day etc

      OFB

  318. I emailed Bob and Alex as soon as I got the info – I got an out of office reply from Bob (back in today) but nothing as yet from Alex. Lets wait and see, hopefully our current invalids will get to listen.

    As for the match, I view it as an opportunity to get a win. The problem is the fact it is the first of five games ending 31st August. What team do you send out?

    There are a few views, give game time to the squad, play your strongest side, do a mis of both.

    A good win would be a boost even if it is Crewe – no disrespect intended. A defeat for the second string will be a dampener, a defeat for the ‘first’ team a real kick in the proverbials. A draw, extra time and pens a drain on players so early (is the still extra time in the Reindeer Cup – other members of the family Cervidae are available)

    There is a two week break at the start of September, do you go all out now with that knowledge.

    My considered view is I dont know, no timber was hurt sitting on this fence.

    1. Ian

      Woody will use it to make sure everyone in the squad gets a good run out

      I expect George to lead the team out as captain and play centre half

      OFB

    2. I think we need to get a win under our belt. Our next two games are away to Blackburn and home to Wigan. Those are classic games where we could as easily lose both as win. Winning in the league cup then two wins in the league and the team will have enough adrenaline in the system to power through to the international break. Put out a 2nd string team against Crewe and lose then suddenly things start to look bleak and the players will start to lose belief.

  319. I found in hospital that when you actually fell asleep a nurse would wake you up to take you blood pressure. Anyway Bob hope you’re soon back home to get some sleep and make a speedy recovery.

    Meanwhile the torrential rain in Dover meant that the wind dropped and the ferries started running again with calm seas. Today it’s clear blue sky in Lille as we make our way to Koblenz to catch our river boat.

    2. Enjoy your trip Ken. Mrs P tells me that Koblenz is beautiful having spent many of her teenage years in Germany. She adores the country and has been telling me for years that she wants to take me and show me many wonderful places. Given the year so far it’s definitely going on the bucket list and in the not too distant future hopefully. 😎

    3. Ken
      I envy you, the wife and I stayed at a hotel in Kampf Bonoff at the Rhine river edge. We went to Koblenz a few times and saw the riverboats going up the Rhine or the Mozel as the two rivers meet at Koblenz. We also used to watch the boats sail past our hotel every day.
      UTB.

  320. In an effort to not be seemingly constantly moaning about MFC and their shortcomings I avoided the fact that on Saturday the ticketing for the Brentford game was a shambles. There were big queues for tickets (note the crowd wasn’t big compared with last season) and apparently to add insult to injury some Season Cards were not working which added further to the Ticket Office queues with many fans missing the first half hour or even the entire first half of the match as I have since read elsewhere.

    I deliberately sidestepped that in my report in an effort to try and provide a balanced article. I am now staggered to read this morning that the Club have now embroiled themselves into another ticketing fiasco with South Stand Season Card holders for tonight’s game against Crewe. You can read details of it on here in the upper right hand corner links here with an AV Tweet so I won’t go into the monotonous detail. I am sure that there was some logic to it initially and that only opening the West Stand makes perfect Commercial sense but how on earth does the club constantly find itself in these positions?

    They have now (love or loathe them them) found themselves once again in conflict with the Red Faction. This has been a pretty poor summer for the club in terms of hype, spin, trust and belief but they just seem hell bent on self destructing and imploding. I recall several past employments where my seniors would have left a trail of blood, snot and entrails on the walls of the business for some of the things that MFC just seem to routinely dig themselves into with regular aplomb. Is anyone managing or accountable for what goes on with the day to day running of the club or is the jobs for the boys perception without any recourse more real than we fear?

  323. I don’t know if Werdermouth can throw any light on this, but on the A4 autobahn towards Koln there is a big sign reading ‘F—- You All’. I understand that it was the first autobahn to be built under the Chancellorship of Adolf Hitler. It sounds like a political statement and wonder if it has anything to do with the English using coke for fuel which the Germans suggest causes acid rain, whereas the Germans use brown coal which is less toxic. Or maybe it’s something to do with Brexit.

  324. OK, as Woodgate and Keane look to get off the mark with their first win of the season, can they deliver both points and entertainment? Boro have looked good in spells and it’s certainly been more exciting to watch than last season. Still, the boos at the end of the Brentford game seemed to signal that many supporters still want substance over style – will the team deliver? Here is my take with the latest discussion blog…

    https://diasboro.club/2019/08/13/2019-20-weeks-3-4-can-boro-start-making-their-points/

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