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Garry Monk’s major reshuffle ready for Riverside unveiling

Garry Monk has embarked upon a radical overhaul of the Boro squad that got relegated from the Premier League last season and I suspect he’s not finished yet – as I type this sentence Boro have currently made 17 changes to the first team squad, with ten leaving and seven arriving and two looking close to a Boro exit (Downing and Ripley) – as well as the future of at least a further seven players looking uncertain, including the £3.5m panic buy Guedioura who has been limited to training with the under-23’s. This doesn’t seem on the face of it the usual manner in which newly relegated teams plot their return back to the top-flight – it’s actually more akin to a club that’s just been taken over and had an injection of cash and looks to build a new improved team. (Continue Reading…)

Does the wind of change also need a Category One storm?

The wind of change is blowing through the Riverside and there are hopes that with the help of the club’s Premier League windfall Garry Monk is building a team to blow away the Championship this season. After last season’s punt on projects, Boro supporters have been pleased to see the arrival of tried and tested players though the door at Hurworth – though they would I imagine also quite like to see some of our brighter prospects from the the much hailed Category One academy storm their way into contention for starting places. When Garry Monk arrived at the club he stated he wanted to give a clear pathway for young players to make the transition into the Boro first-team squad. The recent pre-season friendlies have given opportunities for some of Boro’s promising young players to shine and impress the new boss with the likes Dael Fry and Harry Chapman, fresh from England duty at the FIFA under-20 World Cup squad in South Korea, notably hoping to catch the eye. (Continue Reading…)

Class and status mean a great deal – Monk is grasping this

In going for what seems to be the correct combination of character and talent, the new Boro manager is already winning Simon Fallaha over

My favourite Aitor Karanka signing was David Nugent. Not, it must be said, because there’s any concrete statistical evidence to prove it: it’s doubtful that Nugent, or Nuge, made more runs, completed more passes, won more aerial duels and made more tackles than any other Boro player in 2015-16. His goals per game ratio definitely wasn’t the highest either. But he was the shot in the arm that a team looking to overcome the tag of nearly men needed. Being born with the ability to score and create is one thing, knowing just where and when to pop up, on and off the pitch, to raise everyone’s spirits immeasurably within a matter of minutes or a split second is another. (Continue Reading…)

Monk gets ready to change the names on back of Boro shirts

Boro supporters are holding their breath as they await the rush of fresh air to arrive through the transfer window to add life to their recovering club. However, Garry Monk has already had a busy June ahead of the official opening of the transfer window and has now presumably completed his assessment of his inherited Boro squad in order to determine whether they match up to his requirements. His initial view on the players when he was unveiled as Boro boss was that the quality of the squad was a factor in attracting him to the post and that there existed a good core to succeed in securing promotion – though it seems now the heat is on for the task at hand, that core appears to be melting away faster than the barely credible lump of butter that Aitor Karanka often placed in his mouth before one of his bizarre press conferences in the forlorn hope it would remain intact. (Continue Reading…)

Monk’s appointment greeted with almost universal joy

On Monday, we finally saw the long-anticipated unveiling of Garry Monk as the new Boro manager – though not in the more recent position of head coach I would guess since he referred to himself as being in management. It had appeared from the outside to be a rather protracted process where several candidates had been supposedly interviewed and asked to prepare detailed plans for the purpose of taking the club forward – though perhaps they were only being lined up as a plan B in case the Monk deal hit a snag. It sounds like he had been identified as the right man quite a while ago but there had been problems with his contractual position at Leeds United that had caused the delay rather than Boro being unable to make a decision – whilst Monk had decided not to extend his contract with the Elland Road club under it’s new ownership, it’s quite possible he may have still been theoretically employed by them until his existing contract expired at the end of June – which I imagine would have been quite late to install a new man at Boro given the need to make preparations for the coming season. (Continue Reading…)

Is it time to put your new shirt on Monk heading to Boro?

As Boro launch their new broad-band shirt for next season, there are strong rumours traveling along my suspect bandwidth that Garry Monk is about to take over at the Riverside. If the stories are true – and until there’s an official announcement – then it’s probably best not to head off to the bookies to put the money you’ve set aside for your new Boro shirt (in the currency of your choice) on the former Leeds boss. (Continue Reading…)

Boro must make the right appointments at the Riverside

I read online in one local morning paper that Boro are in pole position to acquire the services of Garry Monk from other clubs because “Middlesbrough are stronger contenders because of the greater stability at the Riverside”. What? Has the word stability suddenly take on a whole new meaning – perhaps they meant stab-ability of in-the-back variety? From the stories that are continuing to leak into the press as we are swamped with revelations it’s painting a picture of a club where the foundations are looking extremely shaky to say the least – even Theresa May would struggle to utter the words ‘Strong and Stable’ within earshot of the Riverside at the moment in the fear of being drown out by howls of derision or ironic laughter. (Continue Reading…)

Apart from relegation – where does this now leave us?

Forever Dormo has put his thoughts together to assess where relegation has left the club following our disappointing season in the Premier League.

The table doesn’t lie. We might have been unlucky in this incident (failure to be given a penalty at Anfield, unfortunate to concede one against Man City at home etc), but that is not the reason for our relegation this season.  We were simply not good enough, not well enough led, and on balance the results over the season reflect that. (Continue Reading…)

Eyebrows raised at referee as browbeaten Boro bow out

Champions League tantalisation via the excitement of a Premiership ménage à trois with Arsenal and Man City ensured high stakes for Liverpool but Chambers aside Boro really couldn’t give a stuff. Any away terrace talk was focused on AK’s Sky interview and bookie inspired speculation on the next Boro manager. So the scene was set for an anxious afternoon in the Kop whilst listening to other scores coming in and a deckchair mind-set for those who “honoured” their purchased away ticket making the trip across the M62. (Continue Reading…)

Boro relaxed ahead of crucial end-of-season TV encounter

The importance of our final game in the top-flight literally cannot be overestimated – a win will see Boro finish above north-east rivals Sunderland, yet defeat will leave us end a disappointing season second-bottom below near-neighbours Hull – however it’s still possible a draw may be enough to finish in a tantalising nineteenth spot. Though surely the predominant reason our trip to Anfield has been selected for final-day live coverage is no doubt in anticipation of whether Boro can overcome their premiership pygmachophobia (fear of boxes) and net one more elusive goal to avoid becoming the lowest scorers in Premier League history – though it’s not clear if current holder George Graham will present the award after the match. (Continue Reading…)

The cult of the manager, its contents and discontents

Sometimes looking the part can be more than enough. Simon Fallaha explores managerial image and how it seems the answer to everything… until it all goes belly up

The contrast between the two head coaches during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Boro at Stamford Bridge was extremely interesting.

Antonio Conte, an Italian legend, the animated magician who crafted a title for the previously faltering Blues in his first season in England. A saviour and hero for his visible passion, confidence and charisma as much as his dedication to the football. (Continue Reading…)

Boro’s unoriginal sin of losing continues as Saints march in

Well today represented our final Riverside game in the Premiership. Tough as it is for some of us the stark reality is that we may never see Premiership football in the Stadium again! Bouncing back is not guaranteed and it could be decades (if ever) before we grace the World’s greediest league again. So making the most of it should have been the order of the day but it was tough to motivate oneself to get up, leave all the DIY jobs and get along to the Riverslide sorry “Riverside”. Regardless of current League positions this fixture was never going to be at the top of anyone’s “must see” list. (Continue Reading…)

Does Steve Gibson need to restore faith with Boro fans?

I suspect even St Jude – the patron saint of lost causes – will be planning on giving this game a miss if he’s glanced at the fixtures. Though when the Saints come marching in at the Riverside on Saturday it will be a timely reminder for sections within the broad church of Boro supporters as to whether Steve Gibson can still be regarded as being in their number. Whilst many will regard as heresy the notion that the previously sanctified saviour of Boro is having his credentials openly questioned, many lost souls are looking for signs of salvation after the club appears to have been left wandering aimlessly in the gloom of Premiership purgatory. (Continue Reading…)

Boro bus crash finally ended by Chelsea Dagger

When the Premiership fixtures came out last summer this was one of the first ones Boro fans went searching for and upon finding it we realised it was part of a very tough end to the season. All the big boys loaded into the final few weeks predetermined our fate. If we didn’t pick up points and wins during the season building a buffer zone these final few weeks would be punishing. (Continue Reading…)

Boro ride to Stamford Bridge as hopes hang by a thread

The Battle of Stamford Bridge Society are in the process of producing a complementary tapestry to the Bayeux and Fulford ones to commemorate this historical event and have recently been sending test designs to ‘enthusiastic embroiderers’. Though Boro’s season has already been well and truly stitched up due to a prolonged lack of a cutting edge and no amount of embroidering will create a picture other than one of an opportunity missed. Though before they finalise their designs they may want to consider saving a corner of the canvas in anticipation of Monday evening’s epic encounter as our Premiership future hangs by a ever-fraying thread. But Steve Agnew’s men must soldier on – so as they march south for the potential king-maker skirmish at the Bridge they must try to be brave in their approach. (Continue Reading…)

How did our humble jury’s pre-season deliberations fare?

Before the season kicked off in August a number of learned regular posters proffered their thoughts and expectations back on Untypical Boro – So before we pass judgement on the evidence brought before us as Boro’s season enters the dock – I’ve briefly disabled the WordPress swear filter and retrospectively swore in a jury of 12 yet-to-be-angry men (or possibly women). These distinguished pillars (other labels are available) of the blog sat round a virtual table to deliberate and give their pre-season verdict under an oath of an unwavering allegiance to the mighty Boro. They stroked their virtual beards and raised their furrowed browsers as they anticipated the trials and tribulations that lay ahead in the return to top-flight football. (Continue Reading…)

Boro look to heavens after City helped by a Friend and Jesus!

Hull clinging to a draw yesterday PM with a last gasp penalty save seemed a tipping point perhaps. Although it was only a single solitary point with games running out fast Boro would now appear to require snookers to have any chance of overhauling a seven point gap at this stage of the season. Meanwhile our NE Neighbours had confirmed for certain what they had known for months that next season their football would be in the Championship. (Continue Reading…)

Will Agnew decide to drop Ramirez ahead of City game?

When it comes to dropping players perhaps Steve Agnew could take advantage of Teesside’s iconic Transporter Bridge when sending out a message to signal his displeasure at the under-performing Gaston Ramirez for his quite frankly ridiculous display at Bournemouth last weekend – though the only questions for many exasperated supporters would be is whether it is high enough! (Continue Reading…)

Desperation derby duo in final Premiership death throes

I’ll admit, I wasn’t looking forward to tonight’s game and it took a huge effort to motivate myself to get there. The display of respect to Ugo and the thought that young Bradley would have loved to have been there rather than in a hospital ward convinced me that I should drag myself along. (Continue Reading…)

Agnew and Moyes stare the fear of relegation in the face

As Steve Agnew and David Moyes attempt to coax one another into grasping the less-coveted prize of the Premier League £100m wooden spoon, they may at least take comfort from the knowledge that Boro and Sunderland are close to seeing come to fruition their cunning plan of preventing Newcastle from enjoying a north-east derby next season – though for both sets of supporters the only hope for the following year is that Baldrick is no longer charged with coming up with the plans. (Continue Reading…)

Bournemouth supremacy demands Boro ultimatum

No Bamford in the squad was a surprise considering that we needed to score goals. Stuani in his place on the bench was fair enough I suppose but I couldn’t understand why Gestede was even on that same bench. It appeared to me that the deep psyche was that if we are losing throw everything including the kitchen sink into the box, great tactical masterplan! (Continue Reading…)

Sun sets on Boro’s season as survival hopes head south

As Boro approach the twilight of their Premier League year – and head off to a less depressing footballing climate on the south coast for a sunset stroll along Bournemouth pier – they are no doubt starting to contemplate an early retirement in sheltered accommodation from the top flight. (Continue Reading…)

Boro’s top-flight survival hopes shot down by Gunners

Ominously Arsenal had scored in 85% of their last 20 away games and also kept a clean sheet in 25% of those last 20 away games, Boro can’t score so on paper Boro were lambs to the slaughter. All the pre-game media hype was about Arsene and the Arsenal fall from grace. Board meetings coming up and decisions to be made about Henry returning and Arsene exiting along with a few of his playing personnel no doubt as a Summer overhaul is predicted. (Continue Reading…)

Time to resurrect season that’s been crucified by lack of goals

Boro it appears are now looking for a miracle to maintain their Premier League status as we contemplate at Easter our seemingly entombed position at the depths of the table – talk is about needing four or five wins but the doubting Thomas’s out there will point to the simple fact Boro have not managed a single top-flight victory since before Christmas. (Continue Reading…)

A satirical re-boot of some ‘highlights’ in Karanka’s reign

As Boro’s post-Karanka plight continues to take on a rather gloomy tone, I was reminded by Craig Hignett’s recent interview on his departure of a few satirical posts that I wrote on Untypical Boro that gave an alternative view of some of the more bizarre moments of Aitor Karanka’s reign – including Karanka’s ‘apology’ after being dismissed against Blackburn, the post-Charlton-gate statement and Leo’s tussle on the sidelines against Preston. (Continue Reading…)

Ref ruins run in as Boro’s winless run continues

Bright Spring sunshine bathed the Riverside with a warm glow at least for those of us in the North, South and East Stands. The atmosphere was building nicely beforehand with both sets of fans finding their voices no doubt aided by some liquid refreshment to quell the heat stress. Boro as suspected went with three at the back perhaps as a deliberate tactic or the fact that it was barrel bottom scraping time when it came to defenders. (Continue Reading…)

Boro look to rebuild belief as Dyche arrives with Fat Lady

Hot on the caustic heels of the Flamingo Land dance into oblivion comes a chances to pick up the pieces with the Legoland encounter with Sean Dyche’s Burnley. Whilst The Clarets have been quaffing the points on their own turf down at the moor they’ve been unable to construct a single victory away along the Lego-brick road. Though should Boro go in search of the fabled wizard it won’t be a quest for a heart or courage, as that is something that the team is not evidently lacking – though perhaps a new brain is needed at the club that can be picked at over the summer in order to find a new way forward. (Continue Reading…)

Boro’s survival hopes now at last chance saloon

Boro may have been quick on the draw this season but it’s now time to start winning games as that well known gambler Slim Chance just rode into town and doesn’t like the way we are looking at him. Our situation is certainly looking dicey as we approach the last throws of our Premiership survival prospects and Boro’s gunslingers have spent most of the year in the corner of the Saloon shooting craps – or something similar. (Continue Reading…)

Soporific Swansea stalemate

The bright South Wales sunshine brought a small chink of hope when we found out Llorente was injured and wouldn’t make the game. For Boro it was pretty much a fairly predictable line up with no surprise returns for Ayala or even a Husband or a Bamford. Barragan was on the right, Fabio left with Bernardo and Ben in the middle of the backline. The main difference to an AK side was the inclusion of Downing in the central No.10 role leaving just two DM’s in Clayts and de Roon. Negredo was up front supported by Traore right and Gaston left. (Continue Reading…)

SOS (Save Our Season): All old Boro hands on deck

There’s been a new dawn at Boro with a new crew in charge and a few familiar faces back on board as the club embark upon journey this week that will hopefully keep our season afloat. These next three fixtures potentially offer the team a safe passage out of the bottom three but it won’t be by any means plain sailing. The supporters have been in the Doldrums for many weeks now but following Karanka’s mutual decision to walk the plank it is hoped by many that it’s now all hands on deck and we can avoid that sinking feeling. (Continue Reading…)

A Team needs personality and heart as well as brain and skill

Too many players too soon, poorly thought through recruitment, and lack of integration spelt the end for Aitor Karanka after three years of steady progress, writes Simon Fallaha

In the near-immediate aftermath of Aitor Karanka’s departure as Head Coach of Middlesbrough FC (phew – long sentence!), perhaps we should take a breather and briefly review 2016-17 to date. We may well find that we should not permit ourselves too much surprise at the Boro’s failings. (Continue Reading…)

Preserve something about Boro or consign it to Room 101

In the interminational break our thoughts tend to wander as bizarre topics appear on the blog. As days get longer thoughts turn to impending gloom at MFC or the glorious pending cricket season now unhindered by admonishments by blogmeisters who believe the earth is flat and started in 1986. (Continue Reading…)

Boro show some fight against classless Mourinho

This was one of the games instantly underlined in Boro fans diaries when the fixture lists first came out, the sorcerer versus his apprentice. The TV Company would have had the same intrigue although I’m sure that was well before Boro’s usual defensive paralysis had been fully considered as verging on anything remotely suitable for entertainment before the watershed. With AK now departed the game had taken on a new perspective and one that I would suspect was much to the relief of BT Sport. Man United will always get the punters in but a bus parking Boro bore draw isn’t a great advert for plugging a box/package/bundle/landline/broadband services. (Continue Reading…)

Boro need a united front to begin a post-Karanka revival

This weekend’s game was originally billed as the meeting between Aitor Karanka and his friend and mentor Jose Mourinho – now it is the beginning of a new phase in the club’s history and the start of an urgent quest for Premier League safety. The most obvious thing about Aitor Karanka’s departure is that he is no longer the focal point of the club and that in itself leaves Boro and their followers wondering what direction the club is going to take next. It’s hard to tell at this stage how much of the Spaniard’s methodology will be retained in the coming weeks. (Continue Reading…)

Karanka departs Boro

So Aitor Karanka has left Boro today and Steve Agnew is in charge for the game against Manchester United. There hasn’t been that much light shed on the unexpected departure by the club but they are adamant that it was by mutual consent – which basically means they both decided it wasn’t working. (Continue Reading…)

Boro are heading for a soft PLexit in comparison to 2009

For Steve Gibson the last seven years were all about returning to the Premier League, but now there’s a strong possibility that Boro are going to be heading back to the second tier as the bad run has turned into a slump and the games are starting to run out. OK, it’s not a forgone conclusion but I’m sure the prospect is starting to be planned for. This appears to be the nightmare scenario for all the hard work getting to the promised land, though there’s even been some suggestion from a few that relegation may be part of the chairman’s master plan to bolster the club’s finances and regroup. (Continue Reading…)

City Slickers prove too pacy for Boro battlers

The team announcements asked a few question for those of us gathered in the concourse pre kick off. Downing obviously is still on the naughty step yet Gaston was on the bench, go figure as Brad would probably say. Clearly Stewy must have been very, very naughty compared to Gaston. Incredible that not only was he allowed into the Riverside after recent showings but also got one of the best seats in the house. One rule for one and another for another it would appear, whatever the reasoning for the Uruguayans inclusion and the omission of Pally Parks finest it left a bitter taste with many. (Continue Reading…)

Karanka attempts confidence trick with one eye on Wembley

This weekend we enter the parallel universe of the FA Cup once again, Boro have nudged to one side the trivial matter of a home game to bottom club Sunderland for a chance of glory against the pale blue side of Manchester and the prospect of a trip to Wembley. After seeing off at the Riverside Championship, League Two and League One opposition, those in charge of the numbered balls have decide if Boro are going to win the cup then we’re probably now going to have to beat three of the best sides from the Premier League. (Continue Reading…)

A big club methodology for a small town in Europe

It’s no secret that Aitor Karanka is a disciple of the self-styled messiah and self-anointed ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho – in fact it is essentially the USP of the former Real Madrid number two, who spent three years as his apprentice learning the Mourinho methodology. For a club like Boro, having a manager who imitates the most successful coach in Europe is the nearest they will get to the real thing – but is it possible to get the whole package or is it even desirable to roll out a big club template on a small town in Europe? (Continue Reading…)

Aitor’s feet of clay unearthed at the Potteries

Looking at the fixture list at the start of the season an away game to Stoke was hardly a stand out game in Boro’s Premiership season. As the months and weeks have progressed and we are now well into the final third of the season this game could be make or break not only for Boro but also our Manager. Before Kick-off Ladbrokes had odds of 6/4 that AK would not be on Teesside come the last game of the season. (Continue Reading…)

The heat is on as fired-up Boro head to the Potteries

Watching Karanka’s press conference yesterday he appeared in confident mood ahead of the trip to Stoke and there was little sign of a man under pressure – he actually made the point that he sets the example to his players by walking with his head up and showing belief in what they are doing. (Continue Reading…)

Where did it go wrong Aitor?

When Steve Gibson summoned Aitor Karanka to take charge of Middlesbrough FC, he was hiring more than Boro’s first foreign manager. He was hiring a symbol. Someone who would take Boro beyond their parochial shell and into the dreams, and realities, of twenty-first century top flight football while retaining the local pride that made Boro unique. (Continue Reading…)

Pointless predictable passive passing paralysis at Palace

The line-up caused a few questions before hand, was Stewy playing as a wing back with Fabio on the other flank or was Ben playing as a traditional LB and Stewy playing central pulling the strings in midfield?

And so it was apparently three at the back which won the day as Boro lined up in their unfamiliar Yellow Championship away kit. The early action was a taste of things to come as Cabaye and Zaha took it in turns to trouble Ayala but it came to nothing fortunately. In the 5th minute Dani was lucky not to give away a penalty after a shove on Zaha which Ref Madely deemed as a shoulder “nudge” followed by a bit of a grapple. We were penned back and looking short on outlets, finally in the 11th minute Espinosa released Fabio on the flank and his cross led to a Stuani chance but de Roon eventually blazed over. (Continue Reading…)

Boro hope to make an exhibition of Crystal Palace

So Boro are heading down to London this weekend for an appointment at the Palace where his royal high-and-mighty-ness the Duke of Lost Causes will hopefully bestow on our humble club the honour of three points for out long service in the defence of the clean sheet. Having made a right royal mess of his public duties as King of England, Big Sam abdicated his reign to allow a young former courtier at the Palace, Prince Gareth of South Gate to inherit his crown. Being caught jesting appeared not worthy of an excuse for a man who has seemingly waited longer than Prince Charles for the top job and the lords of the FA duly sent him into exile. (Continue Reading…)

Time to get out the runes and make your calculations

Many of you will be familiar with the Exmil Challenge but for those who are not it has become somewhat of a tradition for fellow posters as the season reaches the sharp end. It’s a welcome chance to channel nervous energy by chewing over the possible outcomes of the upcoming games that involve Boro and our rivals. (Continue Reading…)

Boro’s Oxford Circus nearly gone in 60 seconds!

As expected a much changed Boro side saw Guzan back between the posts with Ayala in for Ben, Stewy restored along with Grant in midfield and Fischer given a chance to show the longed for potential we have heard so much about with Gestede leading up front. A full away end (or corner) will have had their hopes raised as Lincoln had just toppled Burnley in the lunchtime KO. That said the very same result brought much amusement to the faces of the gathering Boro fans, a warning though if ever one was needed for Karanka’s men. (Continue Reading…)

Karanka will be hoping that Oxford miss the boat

So this week it’s back to the distraction of the FA Cup – a chance to see Boro score goals (can they top Downing’s beauty from the last round) and do that thing which doesn’t involving losing or drawing – I think ‘win’ is the word we’re looking for.

The metaphorical hat has been kind to Boro again and we are once more at home to lower league opponents – though in my book any team that dispatches Newcastle by putting three past them should be regarded as welcome guests rather than opponents.

(Continue Reading…)

A Brief History of Time in football management

It’s around about this time in the season that some football managers glance over their shoulder and discover a huge black hole is in danger of swallowing them up. The gravity of the situation means some may be in danger of crossing the Premiership survival event horizon, from which there is no escape. Their best hope is the journey through the wormhole into the Championship will not stretch their credibility as managers to breaking point. (Continue Reading…)

Toffees leave Boro fans with something to suck on!

The optimism on Teesside for this game was probably only bettered by the dark depressing rain clouds that refused to clear all day. Everton were a team on the ascendancy and Boro perilously slip sliding away. Like Spurs last week it was a nothing to lose game, a draw was possibly the most the rain soaked Boro masses could hope for though for some there was that niggling “Typical Boro out of adversity moment” that just might deliver points from unexpected places. With results over the last few weeks going against us if something was going to break then today had to be the day. (Continue Reading…)

After Costa Blanca, Boro now need to escape Costly Blanks

The Boro squad have been preparing for Saturday’s important game at home to Everton with a team-bonding mini-break in Benidorm – hopefully the sun, sea and setup in the micro-climate of the Costa Blanca will have our boys relaxed and ready to relaunch their season. (Continue Reading…)

The Story of a True Underdog that wasn’t Unleashed at Boro

Modern football is as much a game as a personality contest. It is the most appealing personalities that endure in tandem with footballing gifts. Results, statistics and even technique alone are not enough in a world where fans need heroes to believe in – those who allow their intense desire, desperation even, to succeed their way at the expense of everything else are in danger of alienating the fans. Aitor Karanka is learning this the hard way. (Continue Reading…)

Daylight above bottom three fades as Son goes down

The headlines before KO was all about Boro going 6 games without a win which for a team fighting at the wrong end of the table is not all that remarkable but with Hull beating Liverpool 2-0 and Sunderland’s 4 goal demolition of Palace fresh from the video printers that gap had suddenly closed and the pressure was on before a ball was even kicked. (Continue Reading…)

Boro a bed of roses but thorny issue of relegation remains

Aitor Karanka’s demeanor in Thursday’s press conference was one of relaxed contentment and there were no signs of the prickly character of the previous week where he showed his displeasure at Boro’s January transfer activity, or more precisely the lack of it. Gone was the furrowed brow and the smouldering eyes as he wandered linguistically along the boundary of what was acceptable in his blunt criticism of the club’s performance. (Continue Reading…)

The Penalty of the Prodigal Son as Baggies trouser a point

The backdrop to the evening was certainly unlike any other I’ve known at the Boro let alone it also being Transfer deadline day. The Stadium seemed very quiet as I got there around 6.45 which an hour before KO the place is usually busy. I strolled through the quiet concourse and my thoughts were that it was looking like a sparse crowd. It must have just been the hassle of people getting home from work and then getting back out in time for the game because as it turned out there was around 27,000 in attendance come KO. (Continue Reading…)

The clock is ticking on shaping Boro’s season

What happens in the next 24 hours may well define Boro’s season – firstly the transfer deadline day clock is ticking but will we sign the attacking midfielder that Karanka feels he’s been lacking? Or will it be goodbye Gaston as the player who has so often been the creative link between our midfield and attack leaves the club to join a relegation rival? (Continue Reading…)

Stanley “downed” by one of our own

The hope before kick off for the 23,500 or so Boro fans was that this was the game that would kick off our 2017 and provide a springboard to a Season bereft of goalmouth action and indeed goals. Well for those that missed the game (presumably the 6,000 or so plastic newcomers that don’t respect the Players) the temperature dropped quite dramatically after KO as the Sun set behind the West Stand. I started to lose the sensation in my fingertips after around 30 minutes. I was sat thinking I wished I’d put another layer of clothing on as my ears began to join my fingertips in losing all signs of life then I remembered there was a game on and not for the first time during the afternoon I had drifted off with my thoughts elsewhere. (Continue Reading…)

Karanka to select ‘Best XI’ for FA Cup cake walk?

Boro have been handed a great chance of making the last 16 of the FA Cup with a home tie against a side languishing fifth bottom of League Two – though Accrington Stanley appeared to have saved their best results for the Cup with victories against League two promotion hopefuls Luton and at League One play-off contenders Bradford. (Continue Reading…)

How many still believe in a happy ending for Boro’s story?

It’s January and Hollywood is celebrating its own. “La La Land” is already dancing down Sunset Boulevard clutching seven Golden Globes and is hotly tipped to be singing out at the Oscars after similar success. The best musical since “Singing in the Rain” some proclaim, while others wonder what this throwback to 1950s, MGM self-indulgence is doing on the contemporary film circuit, let alone in winning awards. (Continue Reading…)

Hammers silence Boro with unseasonal Carroll singing

I’ve paused for thought before writing. Part of me could see a lot of running and huffing and puffing but deep down I knew what I was watching was dross. A great game for Hammers fans or the neutrals but as a Boro fan two attempts on target sums up everything there is to say about AK’s 2017 Boro. (Continue Reading…)

Can Boro steel help hammer home survival advantage?

The results at the bottom of the table have been relatively kind to Boro since we last won in the Premier League five games ago – albeit against a poor Swansea side. In the last four games the four clubs below us have only amassed ten points between them (Hull 4pts, Swansea 3pts, Sunderland 2pts and Palace 1pt) and have allowed us to remain four points clear of the relegation pack. (Continue Reading…)

Loyalty, heroes and sentiment in football

It’s the transfer window and the silly season is in full swing.

As I write this, current fan favourite Emilio Nsue is on the verge of being sold, but former fan favourite Patrick Bamford is close to returning, this time on a permanent deal. That news, though, is somewhat overshadowed by not only Nsue but also the presence of the sometimes maddening yet sometimes magical mavericks Adama Traore and Gaston Ramirez in the transfer headlines. Cue panic. (Continue Reading…)

Boro and Watford unsurprisingly draw a blank

Our pair of happy-go-lucky Boro-mad muppets (aka John Powls and Ian Gill) have made their way home, no doubt with the assistance of their carers, gathered their thoughts on what was hopefully was a trip to remember. After all the excitement of the day they’ve had a short nap before putting their heads together and giving us their verdict on the game…

Pre match much discussion centred on Poison Burger or Chicken Balti pie. The vote went for the pie and a pint of Tetley’s. The pie was a clear favourite but the drink was the lesser of evils – Cider or Carlsberg – probably the worst kept lager in the world. (Continue reading…)

Two old regulars look ahead to the game at Watford

Second-half magic puts Boro in the hat