@werdermouth. If starter posts can be perfect, then this is the one.
I’m in awe of this example of your writing skills - if our team play to a similar skill level, then we’ll cruise easily into the final.
I suspect we’re all nervous of a Chelsea drubbing, especially if IJ is, as expected, unavailable, but who knows what the football gods have in store for us?
I can only echo Martin’s comments and say that your journalistic skills are amazing; that was an excellent piece to read and enjoy, thank you.
Heart says Boro but head says Chelsea and I fear if they score early then we could end up being embarrassed despite Chelsea’s inconsistent PL form.
Come on Boro, make it a night to remember and not another bad night in the smoke. 😎
Well done Werder a masterpiece !
When we were messaging each other about the previewd for the Carsbao Cup I was so pleased that you agreed to do the 2nd leg of the semi final as we have missed your excellent work.
This is a tie that Im afraid I shall be like John and watching from behind the sofa !
I’m sure that I will be like a lot of Boro supporters who will not dream of getting to Wembley especially after the performance on Saturday !
Mrs OFB and I reminisced on Friday and watched a dvd of the League Cup Final played 20 years ago at Cardiff on 29th February which we won of course! I had forgotten that the penalty was won so early in the game and also forgotten that we went 2 up so early also. I did remember the two footed penalty taken and the controversy afterwards which did bring about some clarification and amendments to the laws of the game. I had also forgotten the blunder by Swartzer to concede a goal but I did remember his marvellous saves.
if we can get to see another final like that in my lifetime I shall be a very lucky and happy man !
OFB
What a superb opening piece Werder. Thank you.
I recall travelling to Maine Road to watch Boro defend John Hickton's goal in the League Cup semi-final second leg all those years ago - was it 1975? Boro got drubbed 4-0 that night. I am anxious that something similar might happen again, but hoping not. Like KP, my heart yearns one way, but my head fears the other.
To win through to the final would be absolutely brilliant (and how much do I want us to succeed, especially againt Chelsea), but so long as we are not embarrassed on live television and can come away from the Bridge with our heads held high, I will be happy.
That was a piece for the ages by Werder.
It's probably a bridge too far or at least a wade through a shallow, sandy ford too far but we travel in hope.
Not sure how we set up for this and who will be available. I doubt Paddy can play wing-back after this long out. Assuming Jones is out then I think we'll set up in a 4-5-1 with RVDB at right back. Possibly Coburn leading the line for the first hour with Forss coming on afterwards.
When the season started, we bought an infeasible number of attacking midfielders then added another one in January. Now they have gone missing like tears in the rain.
Jones - knacked
McGree - posted overseas
Silvera - tagging along with McGree
Azaz - cup-tied
Greenwood - cup-tied
Crooks - partially knacked
Forss - needed elsewhere
Gilbert - abducted by aliens
Hoppe - "Injury"
Also
Howson - has a niggle aka old age
O'Brien - fit enough for 20 minutes?
Latte Lath - knacked
Coburn - partially knacked
In 1066 there was a battle at the real Stamford Bridge. Harald Godwinson had spent 6 months in London waiting for William to invade from the Isle of Wight. However, William got stuck in traffic. At which point, Harald heard that Harada had invaded up north so went on a forced march and ambushed the invaders at Stamford Bridge. While this was going on, William finally got his Oyster card charged and invaded down south. So Harold marched all the way back again but William had his eyes out and that was that.
So 1-0 after the first match but lost on penalties in the second. Let's hope history doesn't repeat.
@werder. Absolutely brilliant, absolutely brilliant. As deleriad said, one for the ages.
Impossible to say any more.
I think this match, given the hex that is hanging over the Boro at the moment, will be one step to far. I just cannot imagine how MC is feeling, trying to coggle together a team that can do a Canute, and hold the tide at bay.
Just give it your all on the night and hope that someone, somewhere shines a little light on little MFC.
@deleriad As coincidence would have it, Mrs B and I stopped in Stamford Bridge last week, to give Ralf a walk on our way home from York. The village makes much of its history, particularly the part bound up with the Viking battle. It appears that the Norwegians opted not to wear battle armour for some reason. Let’s hope our heroes have their shinpads on for Tuesday’s game.
An absolute belter, Werder. Congratulations and many thanks.
A quick thanks to everyone for the generous comments on the preview and glad you enjoyed it - actually had to write the bulk on Friday as my weekend was looking short on free time and there ended up being quite a bit to unpack, pull together and edit this morning before heading out this afternoon. Now looking forward to the game with nervous anticipation - fingers crossed and the sofa has been position accordingly for easy access to the back...
🤣 Very good, I think they may need to alter that tapestry if they've got any stitches left after fixing up the Boro players.
@pedro interestingly, we all have the wrong end of the stick about King Cnut. He was a pious, Christian who wished to make a demonstration that the power of a king was lesser than that of God. So he sat the chair down and commanded the tide to go out. It did not, of course, obey him, proving his point.
Correct of course, but I prefer the old spelling of Canute. The revised version always reminds me of that dreadful French Connection logo
@lenmasterman either spelling always sets
@werdermouth A very good opener for the Chelsea match. Thank you very much.
If we get beat tomorrow, we can always concentrate to league. Our number one target when the season started. Up the Boro!
Just like in German where in words that start with 'Kn' the K is not silent - e.g. Knie (knee) is pronounces k-nee with the K sounding like the one in 'kick'.
Just read reports that Morgan Rogers apparently did a lap round the Riverside to applaud the supporters after the Rotherham game and was the last to leave the pitch - sounds like he's off but hopefully not until after the Chelsea game.
Wonderful opener Werder, I hope the Boro team read it as motivational text and recite it individually in front of the bathroom mirror. Delivered in Shakespearean style obviously. I'm excited, nervous and perhaps becoming delirious with nerves I do not know what will happen, I couldn't even make a guess. One more sleep to being even more a nervous wreck.
I think I need sister to calm me, mind you with the state I'll be in tomorrow it may be just a bed pan she needs to deliver.
UTB,
John
PS Please play in RED.
2 - 3 or not 2 - 3, that is the question...
That’s a brilliant opener, werder! Simply magnificent.
Like most of you, my heart says we get to Wembley, but my head says we’ll go out. However, I have this picture in my mind of Boro nicking an early goal, then surviving an onslaught to go through. I must have dreamed that. It’s the hope that kills you.
I was at the Riverside and Rogers did go round applauding the fans, with the rest of the team !, it’s easy for someone to build something into what they want. Do we think, if we avoid defeat at Chelsea, he is going to pass up on a cup final at Wembley on 26 Feb, window will be closed!.Just read reports that Morgan Rogers apparently did a lap round the Riverside to applaud the supporters after the Rotherham game and was the last to leave the pitch - sounds like he's off but hopefully not until after the Chelsea game.
Come on BORO.
While people are concerned about Rogers transfer saga effecting his performance against Chelsea, have a thought about Chelsea forward Broja, who Pochettino is actively trying to get rid of but nobody is making a move for him, how is that going to effect his performance tomorrow 🤔.
Come on BORO.
Last time we won at Stamford bridge
1975
I know it's quite a while - I guess you haven't had time to read the preview yet 😉
...but the last time we played them in a fixture over two legs, with the second leg in London, we came out on top 😉
I'd always go for a trusted first-hand source over newspaper looking for an angle any day (it was in the Birmingham Mail) - so you reckon nothing out of the ordinary from Rogers after the game and no lingering on the pitch that resembled a goodbye.
Anyway, I made the same point on Saturday (below) about him not wanting to miss out the cup final - though I wonder given the choice of, a move to a club in the top four of the PL with a lucrative contract or appearing in a cup final, what he'd choose? I bet his agent would be doing everything to persuade him the move is the best option as he won't be making much of cut from Carabao glory!
I agree with much that has been said about the Rogers proposed deal to Villa - plus it's hard to see him starting for Villa this season as it will take him a while to adjust to the PL. I guess a couple of goals at Chelsea is what he needs to seal the deal and push up what Villa are prepared to pay - but then he's going to miss out playing in the cup final so maybe he'll turn them down 😉
It must be a sign 🤔
btw Werder Bremen had a rare 1-0 victory at Bayern Munich yesterday so the omens are looking good.