With Boro followers once again beginning to dream of Wembley glory, this weekend offers a chance to put aside those play-off final hopes and enjoy the distraction of the FA Cup. Although, if reports are to be believed then many may be beyond distraction from the prospect of losing both Latte Lath and Ben Doak this month.
This season saw the introduction of new rules for the FA Cup where there are no longer replays from the first round onward with each tie level after 90 minutes being decided on the day by extra time and then penalties. This was agreed to help accommodate the extended Champions League format and avoid Premier League fixture congestion. It's a move that has upset the traditionalists and further strengthens the grip on the cup by the big teams with strong squads.
Interestingly, since the Premier League was founded in 1992-93, no club outside the top tier has lifted the cup with just five clubs accounting for all but 4 of those 33 trophies: Arsenal (10), Chelsea (7), Man Utd (6), Man City (3), Liverpool (3). The four who didn't get the memo being Everton, Leicester, Portsmouth and Wigan - who incidentally became the first club to win the cup and get relegated after losing to Arsenal in the League three celebratory days later.
Sadly, like some of us on Diasboro, the FA Cup has probably lost much of the romantic pulling power it once had but if Rod Stewart, who turns 80 on Friday, can continue to perform 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy' without fearing an honest answer then flirting with a cup run is still probably not beyond us - even if Hot Legs is now mainly a reason to Google potential causes and possible home remedies.
Anyway, this is Boro's 132nd attempt at the famous trophy in which there have so far been 44 different winners over 143 finals - with our record being once runners-up (1996-97), twice beaten semi-finalists (2001-02 and 2005-06) and unluckily 13 times beaten in quarter-finals - including five times in the last 20 years with the most recent being a couple of seasons ago in 2021-22 that ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. It was one of only three occasions where Boro had made the quarter-finals whilst being a second-tier team.
Some may recall in the true spirit of the competition, despite Boro selling out their tickets, Chelsea had requested that the game at the Riverside against Chris Wilder's team be played behind closed doors due to them being barred from selling any additional tickets after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK over his links to Vladimir Putin - regarded by many as a ruthless, dictatorial and ambitious egotist, Wilder is now the manager of Sheffield United. Chelsea later withdrew the request after heavy criticism from the FA and Middlesbrough.
That cup run had plenty of excitement and national exposure that saw a famous victory against Man Utd in the 4th round at Old Trafford 8-7 on penalties (remember that Sol Bamba one) and a 1-0 extra-time win over Spurs in the 5th round courtesy of that Josh Coburn screamer - whatever happened to that lad?
While it's always a nice adrenaline hit to take a top Premier League scalp or two, the exertions of that cup run arguably cost us a place in the play-offs. Results dipped after that quarter-final defeat as Boro had an indifferent April that saw them finish just outside the play-offs in 7th place. Though, it has since been reported by one ex-player that it was the uncertainty of Wilder's refusal to rule himself out of the Burnley job on the back of the cup run that had caused a loss of focus within the team.
The FA Cup is probably the equivalent for clubs outside the PL of being on a game show as they fail to win the big prize but have a nice day out. While the pragmatic realism of preferring points over prizes is not quite the catchphrase Brucie made his own, it does mean Michael Carrick will be no doubt shuffling his pack this weekend as his main focus will surely be on remaining higher rather then lower in the table.
His side take on promotion rivals Blackburn in a midday kick-off (due to being selected for international TV coverage), with Rovers sitting just 2 points behind us with a game in hand. Whatever the result, it's probably a tie where the chances of it being labelled a cup shock are about as likely as both teams fielding full-strength teams.
Blackburn Rovers have actually won the FA Cup on six occasions - though you'd have to go back almost 100 years to discover their last one with the other 5 occurring in the 1800s when the opposition resembled team names on Only Connect with Old Carthusians, Old Etonians and Royal Engineers - along with those other famous Rovers - Clapham!
Incidentally, Blackburn have actually won the cup seven times with Blackburn Olympic FC lifting the trophy in 1883 - they were the first northern winners and played at a very northern-sounding ground - Hole-i'-th'-Wall stadium - named after the local pub that simply demands being spoken in a strong north-west accent. Unfortunately, the other Blackburn club struggled after the formation of the Football League in 1888 as each town was only allowed to nominate one club and Blackburn chose Rovers rather than Olympic, who were subsequently wound up a year later as support ebbed away.
As for the game itself, well it will be an opportunity to see if a few fringe players can fill any gaps (or potentially huge holes) that the transfer window may open up this month. You'd expect players like Gilbert and Jones to start and its likely Latte Lath will be rested after starting the last 4 games since Conway's injury - maybe Sonny Finch will get a run out after his recall from MK Dons as he's ineligible for another loan after playing in the Carabao Cup for Boro. It may be also worth bringing Ben Doak on for the last minute to ensure he's cup-tied just to annoy any potential suitors.
Although the backdrop of the transfer window and resting players for the Championship is perhaps what will define selection for this cup tie. While the manager will be hoping to hang on to his key players, Boro's transfer strategy in recent years is about acquiring potential, adding value by coaching and playing them in the optimum position, then being open to selling while their market value is high. It's an art that Michael Carrick is proving to be a master at by quickly turning conceptual works in progress into high-value items of interest.
OK, when it comes to adding value the Boro manager may not yet be at the standard of Maurizio Cattelan. No doubt those on Diasboro familiar with the modern art world will concur - by which I mean when asked what you most admire about Banksy you don't reply his Pele save. In case you missed it, Sotherby's sold Cattelan's "cultural phenomenon" piece at auction for $5.2m last month. The piece in question was a 35 cent banana that he'd stuck to a wall with a piece of duct tape - critics lauded it for its "provocation", "absurdity" and "ridiculousness" as they revelled in it being a very basic, valueless object displayed in an un-artistic manner.
It was reported the buyer, crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun, bought one of three editions of the viral 2019 work - he actually paid $6.24m after 'buyers fees' were added and for that was given the banana and a whole roll of duct tape with instructions on how to install the work and replace the banana - plus of course a certificate of authenticity. In case you are worried about bunches of indistinguishable fakes flooding the market - apparently, it's the certificate that holds the real value or rather the written reminder of how easily a gullible idiot with too much money can be taken advantage of.
All of which has got me wondering whether as we speak attempts to duct-tape Matthew Hoppe to the wall at Hurworth are underway in an audacious bid to increase his value and make a profit on the reported £2.5m Boro paid for him - though I suspect they may require more than one roll of duct tape. Still, at least the football transfer market appears to have just as many gullible buyers as the modern art world as clubs like Everton and Spurs continue to prove spending big doesn't buy success.
Finally, just time for me to head to the bookies and put our house on Boro to win the FA Cup at 100/1. It's not the winnings I'm interested in but I've got a cunning plan to duct-tape the betting slip to the wall as a piece or art, sell it for millions to Mr Sun and live off the proceeds in retirement. Although, I suspect the rest of the duct tape will be used in a hostage video as I try to explain what a non-fungible token is to my homeless other half...
Boro host Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup 3rd Round on Saturday 11 January 2025 at 12:00.
A brilliant opener, Werder, with a great deal of background research on the FA Cup worn as lightly as the impression that Matthew Hoppe has made at the Boro.(He is of course still on the payroll, which makes him something like a £5m 'investment' and counting.)
Loved the Pele save as Banksy's most memorable work, the Hole-i'- the -Wall stadium, Clapham Rovers as unlikely cup finalists and much more.
It will be interesting to see how the Boro line up. Liverpool may not wish Doak to play as it could affect his transfer value, and Boro may feel the same about Latte Lath. The game may offer a chance to rest some tired legs and introduce some of the kids (McCabe and McCormick) as well as testing out Ayling and Howson's tweaks. McGree needs the time on the pitch and it would be useful to test out Scott's thesis that Burgzorg could step in as a main striker.
All I hope for is a decent game played to a good standard, and I won't be too fussed if we don't progress.
Thanks again Werder for all of the work and talent that went into stitching so many themes together.
A brilliant piece of journalism incorporating numerous themes in a seamless manner, informative and amusing as always, thank you.
We are blessed with so many intelligent and articulate contributors to this blog, which I am fortunate to be able to read and enjoy.
I am not overly excited about Saturday’s game as I can’t see us ever winning the FA cup in what remains of my lifetime.
I hope that Boro give a good account of themselves and that we at last get a positive result over Blackburn at the Riverside.
The match will provide an opportunity to give game time to some of the squad and hopefully some returning from injury; a live stream would be nice if anyone can track one down or else it will be back to the good old days of radio commentary only.
1-0 to Boro after extra time. CoB 😎
Many thanks Werder for a fruity artistic take on our cup game with Blackburn.
Hopefully the game will not turn out to be a banana skin and send our future performances down the slippery slope of mid table.
Perhaps some duct tape can patch up our ailing players so that they can put in an appearance on Saturday. As long as the duct tape players on show, mean we don’t vent our displeasure ! I suppose some players could do with an airing and hopefully heat us up on a cold Saturday ! It will also help with the conditioning of our squad to get some minutes under their belt.
So what’s the result going to be?
I'm going for a home Banksy !
Boro3 Blackburn O
OFB
Wonderfully amusing and informative opener Werder, and (as always) beautifully put together.
I recall watching the TV program "Mythbusters" , which my son was an ardent fan of back in the day, that did a special edition on Duct Tape to test out the claim you could build a bridge with it. They did exactly that. I wonder if it would be any use to Boro for building a credible promotion challenge, or perhaps an inspiring FA Cup run to a Wembley semi-final...
The January transfer window really does disrupt the season for all but the very top clubs. For me, we could well do without it. However, it is what it is and how MC will line us up on Saturday will be interesting. I know there is an argument to say the Cup is not as important as the league. However, there is nothing as important as building a winning mentality and we could do with the confidence boost just now, so I hope he will put out the strongest XI he has available.
I have a good feeling for this game - well at least I do today! So, Boro to March triumphantly into the 4th round draw in normal time.
I think there will be a lot of changes for the game, that could include some youngsters
Is it also a chance to try a new formation, I would like to see 3-5-2, you can go.
Glover
Hunt , Edmondson, Clark
Jones, McCabe , Gilbert ,Mcgree, Engel
Matthew's, Finch
This will never happen of course , but I think it does give Carrick an opportunity to shake things up.after all they are paid professionals.
The game doesn't, peak the interest, however
COB
An exceptional starter, Werder. Fun and still informative. No fake news there. And still enjoyable.
@Powmill-Naemore Yes, the duct tape is a wonderfull innovation. Here in Finland, it has a nick name, Jesus Tape. Nearly everyone calls it like that as you can make miracles with it. Like your mentioning of the bridge!
Luckily the match is shown here on ViaPlay. So I can see it.
Even I am a traditionalist when the FA Cup is concerned, I am not that excited about it this year. Maybe because we are in the top six in the League, and promotion looks more likely than it has ever been since the Karanka era.
But knowing me, I will be cheering the Boro again on Saturday. Especially against the Rovers.
I flyed over to Manchester and ruched up to Blackburn with a rental car to see Boro play during a Christmas time. And only to find the ground empty on arrival - the match was postponed due to rain (does it sometimes rain in Lancastershire, @Martin Bellamy?).
Since that experience - spending a Christmas in wet Preston and a quiet hotel - I have not liked Blackburn much. Even they have had a lot of Boro connections recently like Ripley (2?), Mogga, Dowing, Leninhan, Ayala and Danny Graham. And many others.
Up the Boro!
The FA Cup reminded me about one of our most loyal fans and a blog member.
Has anyone heard anything about Redcar Red recently? It would be nice to see him popping in here...
Up the Boro!
dittoThe FA Cup reminded me about one of our most loyal fans and a blog member.
Has anyone heard anything about Redcar Red recently? It would be nice to see him popping in here...
Up the Boro!
..it would be good to hear about him if not from him.
@powmillnaemore and Jarkko
Ref Redcar Red
I am still in touch with him and friends on Facebook.
I’ve forwarded him your message Jarkko and see if we get a response.
OFB
Redcar Red Message
Hi I'm good thanks and busy working and travelling with work (no fool like an old fool). Have to confess that I haven’t looked in in a while but will pop in and say hi when I get time. Glad to hear I'm still remembered, very humbling. Hope all is good with yourself and all on Diasboro.
I recall watching the TV program "Mythbusters" , which my son was an ardent fan of back in the day, that did a special edition on Duct Tape to test out the claim you could build a bridge with it. They did exactly that. I wonder if it would be any use to Boro for building a credible promotion challenge, or perhaps an inspiring FA Cup run to a Wembley semi-final...
Incredible stuff - I actually found that Mythbuster episode on YouTube and watched the bits about the Duct Tape bridge. Here's the link below - though I think you normally need to sign into YouTube with a Google account these days unfortunately...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEqvimyEkZM
Quick thanks to everyone for their generous comments on the preview - as always much appreciated and lets hope I can get my first win this time 🤞
@werdermouth thanks for finding that link. I couldn't resist watching it again. The last time must have been at least 12 years ago, given Powmill Junior is now a strapping 6 foot something 23 year old ...
That was a great TV program: one that ran for 14 seasons and I think (thanks to the young'un) we saw every episode... some several times!
Loved to hear from him. Thanks a lot, Bob.Up the Boro!Redcar Red Message
Hi I'm good thanks and busy working and travelling with work (no fool like an old fool). Have to confess that I haven’t looked in in a while but will pop in and say hi when I get time. Glad to hear I'm still remembered, very humbling. Hope all is good with yourself and all on Diasboro.
Werder, A great starter that has just cheered up and made a grey and cold January day brighter. Thank you.
The business of no replays in the cup has taken a large slab of the magic of the Cup away, particularly for the little teams hoping to get a replay with one of the big boys as a cash flow boost. The 'magic of the cup' is further dissipated and diluted by that decision.
Anyway thanks again Werder a real pleasure after a hospital visit.
UTB,
John
I have just had an idea about the FA Cup and how the abandonment of replays policy takes away some of the magic.
Maybe the FA should introduce a rule that in any up tie where a team from a lower division is drawn to play against a team from a higher division, the lower status team will always be at home. That way, some of the lost magic can be brought back.
Given the policy of abolishing replays fundamentally works in favour of the higher status clubs, especially when they are drawn at home, my idea might also redress some of the balance in favour of the underdog.
Just a thought...
I often forget that at round 3 of the FA Cup only 20 teams outside the PL and Championship are left so they could in theory all be drawn at home - However, the caveat of allowing lower league teams to play at home would perhaps conflict with maybe non-league and League Two teams dreaming of playing at Anfield, Old Trafford etc - which they'd probably make considerably more money than playing at home.
Though I think the loss of replays - especially in Round 3 - removes one of the major factors that made the FA Cup special for small clubs who had made it that far.
It is reported on Sky Sports that Boro have accepted bids from WBA and Luton for Jones, bids are said to be worth £3m upfront with add ons £5m.
Come on BORO.
Well that would be an odd move if Boro weren't confident of hanging on to Doak - also not the best idea if he went to play-off rivals West Brom - I guess that rules him out of the cup game!
I personally would be sorry to see him leave and certainly not to a competing top 6 team. Playing against teams who get 10 behind the ball it is useful to have a wide player capable of getting to the bye line and crossing the ball.
Apart from Doak, Boro don’t have a comparable player. It would weaken the squad. The fee of£3 million( I’m cautious of add ons and wonder if most aren’t triggered) is not mega money and wonder if Boro could get a comparable replacement for the money. Probably not relevant as Boro would go for a loan deal or an unknown young player on a free transfer.
Irrespective of this not good news let’s hope this is a positive transfer period.
philip of Huddersfield
@philip-of-huddersfield ditto. I would also be sorry to lose him especially as it appears we are to lose ELL and possibly Doak this month
@werdermouth I should add my thanks - it is a very good and amusing piece. Mrs Chris and I particularly liked the banana stuff. We hadn't heard about that before. Amazing, but people do spend money on strange things. One Afonso Alves springs to mind. Thanks again, Chris.
I see that Billy Bob Thornton has us down for a 3-1 win which should please OFB:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvgn79gp2dpo
UTB!
@werdermouth What a fantastic Headliner, your writing skills know no bounds.
I was pleased to see that you had entered “semi retirement” because articles like this must take a lot of time to put together.
As for the match, our defeat to Blackburn at home, is the only game I have not seen this season. I am still debating whether to go and watch live or on the TV. The FA Cup has lost its attraction for me. Not like the good old days. 🤣🤣
@werdermouth - That was a piece chock-full of information and chuckles. I particularly liked the quick Putin/Wilder footwork in paragraph 6. Thanks for your Match Preview. You don't get that in the Times or Telegraph! It would be fun, one day, to find something similar in the Gazette. However if those days were ever here, they've long gone.
It is reported that Jones is undergoing his medical at Luton today prior to his £3m (£5m with add ons), first movement of the window for Boro.
Come on BORO.
Looks like the duct tape ruse didn't work - Boro have announced that Matthew Hoppe has left the club by mutual consent with his contract being cancelled!
I don't know but it appears he came unstuck...