A lot of those salaries look reasonable to me. Notable exceptions are Fry, Bola and Giles which all look much too low.
Of course Bola and Giles are not on the payroll now and when you add that to Steffen, Archer, Mowatt, Muniz and Ramsey, that’s half the wage bill slashed before the recent signings, all of which you’d expect to be relatively low earners.
From CJ
Middlesbrough returned to action this weekend as they started their pre-season schedule proper with a weekend friendly doubleheader.
Starting with a defeat at Hartlepool United on Friday evening, they then drew 0-0 with York City the next day as Michael Carrick divided his squad in two to get minutes into as many people as possible so early in the summer pre-season schedule.
While the results and performances weren't exactly what we've come to expect from Boro under Carrick, the head coach was clear after that this stage of pre-season was more about fitness and working on things to prepare for the new season. With that in mind, we take a look at things we learned and what we can take away from the games this weekend.
READ MORE: First impressions of Middlesbrough's summer signings after York friendly appearances
Carrick not expected to be too big of a tinkerman this summer
Middlesbrough established a very clear style last season under Michael Carrick, and it proved very successful. But the Boro boss has often spoke about evolving, while it was always appreciated that, with the exception of an unprecedented World Cup break, Carrick didn't ever have a full pre-season to impress his ideas fully upon his players.
He would often talk about not overloading players with information, and with that in mind, there was some intrigue this summer in terms of whether there would be any tactical changes. Based on two albeit low-key and low-tempo friendlies though, the suggestion would be not.
While Boro struggled to establish themselves in the game at Hartlepool with such a mixed team, they were more assertive at York, albeit without the tempo, which is to be expected so early in pre-season. The intention was similar to last term though, playing out from the back, working the ball through the lines to a forward four which lined up identically to Boro of last term.
Riley McGree gave the biggest indication that we shouldn't expect too much tactical tinkering after Hartlepool. He said: "We'll have a lot of players here from last season, and then with the players that do come in this summer, we have a clear identity of how we want to play. I wouldn't have thought there will be too much that we change, in terms of how we want to play and how we go about it."
Transfer work obviously still needed
While the club have made six signings so far this summer after an excellent flurry of arrivals last week, it's clear that Boro's business is not completed yet. Carrick said as much after the York game too, making clear that all involved in recruitment know how they want the squad to look come the start of the season.
While the club will naturally give little away in terms of targets and positions of priority, it seems blatantly obvious that left-back and striker need strengthening - with the two friendlies highlighting that. While the squad was stretched due to the two quickfire games, there was no senior left-back in action with Hayden Coulson nursing a knock and Marc Bola sold. Re-signing Ryan Giles or finding an alternative remains a priority, but given Giles' importance, you can understand why Boro will be willing to hold off a week or two while Wolves make their assessments.
It's a similar situation up top where Cameron Archer was so important in the second half of last season. As Aston Villa make their mind up on his short-term future, Boro progress with their season preparations without a first-choice number nine for now. Josh Coburn missed the weekend games through injury, meaning Sonny Finch and Morgan Rogers was the two starting strikers in the two games respectively.
Finch is a bright young prospect but wasn't quite able to make an impression as his physical limitations were highlighted, while Boro failed to make use of the strengths he has. Rogers, meanwhile, showed flashes of his quality, but lacked the same kind of mobility as Archer and didn't quite look like the natural fit for the role Boro will want.
Beyond that, midfield is potentially an area for strengthening too, though Jonny Howson was absent through injury while Martin Payero could get an opportunity to reintegrate into the squad having returned on Thursday from a year-long loan spell at Boca Juniors.
As far as forwards go, three have been signed so far in Rogers, Sam Silvera and Alex Gilbert. There was no chance to see what Gilbert could offer this weekend, but Silvera showed some exciting signs. Whether they're deemed good enough to carry Boro through a season where they wish to challenge for promotion will continue to be assessed over the course of the summer.
It's clear that the deals to do have a little more to them in terms of moving parts and things that have to fall in place for Boro. It means a little more patience might be required, but the hope will be that they benefit from the patience in the long run.
Improvements needed
While this is so early in pre-season and the minutes and fitness are the most important things, McGree's post Hartlepool comments rang true as well. He was clear that the expectations were higher and the performance was not good enough. Things improved a little at York City, but not enough.
It's true that as the games progress over the summer you would expect to see improvements as familiarity and match-sharpness grows. There's plenty to come to improve that, with four games in the next two weeks, mirroring a typical Championship schedule well.
As the games go on the quality of opposition steps up too, starting with fellow Championship outfit Rotherham United on Wednesday. Expect Boro's squad to be more condensed with not as many youngsters involved with no need to divide the squad anymore. And with the step up in opposition and sharpness, we'll hopefully see the competitiveness of the games improve too.
While it's nice to win and it's the expectations set by Carrick and his team, ultimately the first result that matters is Millwall on August 5. If this weekend's games to do little more than provide fitness, sharpness and also a little encouragement that a step-up in standards are needed then they will have served their purpose.
Young trio catch the eye
With Boro's squad divided in two, plenty of young players had an opportunity to showcase what they're capable of, and three in particular caught the eye. The first was Ajay Matthews at Hartlepool - coming off the bench the score a late consolation goal for his side.
At Boro since he was nine, Matthews was so bright and positive after being introduced from the bench at Hartlepool. As well as scoring a goal which came from his own persistence in pressing, he showed no shortage of confidence and positivity as he looked to have a go at goal whenever the chance presented itself. In just 20 minutes he had more efforts on goal himself than his entire team beforehand, hitting the bar with one earlier spectacular effort.
Less able to influence a dying game by the time he came on at York, it was two other young players who caught the eye at the LNER Community Stadium. Cain Sykes started in midfield alongside Dan Barlaser and it was his assurance and maturity that really caught the eye.
Going about his business with a sense of belief and purpose, Sykes didn't ever look to over-complicate things. He instead just slotted into that midfield two effortlessly, playing simple football and breaking up play well while showcasing his football intelligence in a busy display.
Replaced in the second half, Jack Stott then had his chance to impress, having done so at Hartlepool the night before too. Again, like Sykes before him, the biggest compliment of him is that he didn't look out of place in Boro's midfield, which was a compliment often aimed at Hayden Hackney last summer. Stott played two particular impressive balls soon after one another that particularly caught the eye - spraying the ball diagonally right, and then soon after left, with impressive accuracy and range.
Youth loans potentially needed
While some of the youngsters used their opportunity, their was a notable physicality challenge for some. Much like what Carrick said of the new signings, it would be unfair to judge any player based on just one performance, and the Boro boss will be more balanced than that, with the advantage of watching those players day in, day out in training.
That said, it couldn't be ignored that Boro looked physically overwhelmed in certain areas of the pitch, particularly at Hartlepool. It's a common debate in football surrounding the effectiveness of the U21 league in preparing young players for the step up to first-team football.
Boro have made good use of the loan market for some of the brightest young stars in recent years, and the two friendlies this weekend only highlighted further the importance of continuing to do so. Even if it severely weakens Mark Tinkler's side, quite a few of the young players on show this weekend would likely benefit far more this season from EFL or National League loans to experience senior football.
Boro have lost a significant number of first team players eg - Steffen. Archer, Ramsey, Giles and Mowatt. Plus, there is a big question mark about Akpom being a Boro player when the season starts.
They have signed only one first team player- goalkeeper from QPR and so obviously all the other young signings are for the future. So it seems to me that Boro are in real need of a number of players who are expected to be in the team from day one.
Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we’ll see some arrivals but there are no rumours to give supporters that some are on their way.
As an aside, I’m feeling sorry for Robert’s- player of the year at Northampton playing every game , comes to Boro as number 2 goalkeeper, does nothing wrong when he plays the odd game and now appears to be third choice goalkeeper.
Philip of Huddersfield
Dale Fry has signed a new three year contract with MFC:
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2023/july/17/dael-fry-signs-new-boro-contract/
😎
Josh Coburn signs a new four year contract with MFC:
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2023/july/17/new-boro-deal-for-josh-coburn/
😎
Boro have made a bid for Ryan Giles, though newly promoted Luton have also firmed up their interest with a bid of their own. (@TEAMtalk)
OFB
Boca Juniors want to re-sign Martín Payero and they believe there are two possibilities that would help facilitate a move.
Option 1: Let Payero terminate his Middlesbrough contract and sign the Argentine for free.
Option 2: Hope Payero signs a new deal and re-sign the midfielder on loan.
OFB
BREAKING NEWS 📰
David Moyes is having a medical at West Ham after expressing an interest to sign Harry Maguire.
OFB
BREAKING NEWS 📰
David Moyes is having a medical at West Ham after expressing an interest to sign Harry Maguire.
OFB
Some of the vitriol and abuse aimed at Maguire online has been horrendous - I’ve no idea how he and his family have coped with it. He’s played really well for England throughout, but I’d suggest a move away from Manchester is just what he needs.
🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣BREAKING NEWS 📰
David Moyes is having a medical at West Ham after expressing an interest to sign Harry Maguire.
OFB
I agree Martin. There is something wrong more generally with the attitude of so many people and so much of the press in England today that quite frankly it is not at all surprising that many in the world look on in disdain.BREAKING NEWS 📰
David Moyes is having a medical at West Ham after expressing an interest to sign Harry Maguire.
OFB
Some of the vitriol and abuse aimed at Maguire online has been horrendous - I’ve no idea how he and his family have coped with it. He’s played really well for England throughout, but I’d suggest a move away from Manchester is just what he needs.
In respect of Harry Maguire, he could do worse than join an ex-ManU stalwart currently building a team with a future. What a great example of a player to have as a leader in your dressing room. Akin, perhaps, to having Gareth Southgate leading your team 🙄
@original-fat-bob : Both alternatives seem to require Boro to take actions (cancelling Payero's contract early so Boca Juniors can sign him on a free, or Boro renewing Payero's contract with a view to allowing him to go on loan to Boca) which would be entirely in the interests of Boca rather than Boro. Is there anything else Boca would like Boro to do on their behalf? Maybe a gift of some of the medical kit used at Rockcliffe, or the hire of some of Boca's stadium hospitality facilities at UK price levels (but allowing Boca to use them anyway for their own corporate guests)...?
...?
@k-p-in-spain One has to assume that Roberts just does not fit in and have the ability to play to the style that MC requires of his goalkeepers
What will be interesting is, seeing just how good the three new incomers are in relation to Steffen, who had a few doubters as to his ability. Will they be as good at playing the ball out from the back??
As to Payero, if we cannot get a fee of some reasonable amount, keep him.
I am not sure what to make of the Roberts situation. If the club didn't rate him or think he has future with it, then it would offload and not send out on loan. So on balance I think the club does think he will make it, but just not ready for the first team yet and hopes he will develop faster playing regularly rather than occasionally.
Goalkeeper Jamie Jones joins MFC:
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2023/july/18/goalkeeper-jamie-jones-joins-the-boro/
😎
According to Craig Johns of Teesside Live, Middlesbrough are not believed to be targeting Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.
OFB
Wolves in talks to buy left back Aaron Cresswell from West Ham.
Does this mean they may be willing to let Ryan Giles go? 😎
More comment on Ryan Giles situation at Wolves:
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Aston Villa have left for USA for three pre season fixtures. Both Aaron Ramsey and Cameron Archer have been included in the travelling squad. ☹️😎
Boro team for tonight
Boro team news
Starting XI: Dieng, Smith, Lenihan, van den Berg, Coulson, Hackney, Barlaser, Jones, Payero, Silvera, Rogers
Subs: Gloves, J. Jones, Collins, Fry, McGree, Sykes, Stott, Hoppe, Gilbert, Bilongo, Agyemang, Hannah, Forss, Crooks