I'm pushed for time today, but I do want to say how much I enjoyed Clive's typically well-written polemical piece which did exactly what he would have wanted in provoking such a wide range of thoughtful responses.
I'm more of Andy's persuasion in appreciating the good football and great occasions that we enjoyed under Wilder, particularly after the hoofball which we had to endure under Pulis and Warnock. And, let us not forget, with many of the same players.
In fact I have been reflecting on our recent goal drought and recalling the time when so many of our goals during our good run under Wilder were the result of tap-ins around the six yard box.
Jones in particular was adept at crossing the ball low into the danger area where late runners like Crooks or McGree were on hand to finish the move. Indeed during the 21/22 season we were the grateful recipients of 5 own goals scored by defenders scurrying back to defend their goal.
I conclude from that that effective crossing and finishing can be coached and that our current malaise isn't simply a function of individual players being defective in those areas. It's a question of co-ordination and understanding between our wide men, attackers and midfielders
One of the main charges against Wilder, the almost universally held theory that his treatment of Hackney is a paradigm case of his neglect of young talent, seems to me to be well wide of the mark.
I won't dredge up the details of Hackney's conduct when on loan at Scunthorpe. They can be googled, though you won't find any mention of them in the Gazette archives. This no doubt from honourable motives in not wishing to drag the young man's name through the dirt. But one of the effects of keeping the whole episode under wraps has been to make Wilder's conduct over Hackney seem inexplicable to many on Teesside.
Hackney's 6 game ban let the Lincolnshire side down in a big way. The club was fighting relegation so he was a major loss at a critical time of the season. As a result they lost their league status, fell straight through the National League and were in danger of being put into administration.
But that was only the tip of the iceberg, and arguably of minor interest to Boro supporters. Hackney's offence was so egregious that a star player who had been guilty of similar conduct years earlier was considered a pariah for the rest of his career, with only one manager, famously devoid of any moral compass, being willing to sign him. Even Neil Warnock described the player as being "lower than a sewer rat", though he did later go on recruit him.
Hackney's case was even worse than this infamous precedent. First of all it was directed at another player. Secondly it was committed during the pandemic, which made it a life- threatening action and, had it been reported to the police, a serious criminal offence which may well have warranted a custodial sentence.
I have no first hand knowledge of how Wilder handled the situation, but I'd be amazed if it involved anything less than a blistering dressing down, not only of the lad himself but of the entire academy system.
How could it be that a young man who, since the tender age of seven, had come through the Boro system and been under the club's care could conceivably think that an act, not only of unforgivable yobbery but possible criminality was in any way an appropriate way to act, not only on the playing field, but in life? The entire club had to be answerable for that.
As it turned out Hackney avoided having his professional career cut short by being shown the door, which must always have been a possibility. The passing of a respectable period of time before he could be considered for the first team squad was the best he could have hoped for.
I should say that Hackney's performances and professionalism since his elevation have been exemplary and I am delighted for him. I'm sure that those will be Wilder's sentiments too.
But the dominant narrative which represents Hackney as the victim of the manager's ignorance, stupidity, incompetence and insensitivity, and as a prime example of his neglect of young talent is the opposite of the truth.
Hackney was no victim, Wilder's actions, as far as i can see, exactly what you might expect of a competent manager.
Wow. Thanks Len. I was not aware of the full Hayden Hackney story, although I do now remember at least parts of it being alluded to on this forum.
Excellent post, Len. I did hear about the Hackney incident and why he was sent back to Boro, but I’ve definitely not seen anything at all in print since his return. We’ll never know about his relations with Wilder, of whom my opinion remains unchanged, but there may well be a deal of truth in what you say about how he handled Hackney after the suspension.
It was very interesting what you wrote about how many of our goals were scored under Wilder, often in the six-yard box. I was reflecting just yesterday that we have created very few chances of that kind this season. We’ve had a few one-on-ones and a couple of headers by Clarke or Edmundson from corners, but most of our chances have been shots from the edge of the box. Doak’s tap-in goal against Stoke stands out as an exception. This can’t just be because we’ve often faced massed defences. I think it’s a worrying trend that we seem to be getting few men into the six-yard box and/or failing to hit them with sharp crosses.
I don’t think bringing up one suspensions from history is worth it. But at least we can say that the boy learnt from his mistake as we have heard nothing negative since.
As you might remember, I play regularly football and I was a FIFA registered player this season at over 55 and 60 year-olds league here. I have a very nice and all the time joking friend and player I have known for over 15 years now. He owns a restaurant locally, and I cannot know a more nicer or polite gentleman off the pitch.
And he is 99 % of the time the same on the pitch, too. But he got a red card some 7 to 8 eight years ago. He stayed near the pitch after being red carded and shouted back to the ref a few times. He got a six match ban for the shouting after being sent off.
This year he got a red car again for a good reasen. He hit an opponent. And got a deserved ban of eight matches. I was not present it the match. But he is still one of the nicest guys on the field - I love playing with him - and especially off field. So these things happen to him once in 10 years or twice in 15 years.
The red cards can never be accepted and there are rules for it. But life goes on.
So I think a ban - especialy one as a youngster - can be forgotten. Especially so, if the player learns from it. And I think there has not been another red cards for Hackney since.
Up the Boro!
PS. Hayden Hackney, who, despite not getting an opportunity to play under Wilder, was described as a "top talent" by Boro's former boss.
Up the Boro!
Thanks for the impressive opener Clive - doesn't sound like you were wild about Wilder and he certainly wasn't someone who you would say was on a mission to make friends. Interesting comment from Jarkko where a player described him as the angriest coach he'd worked under - sounded like he has issues or chips aplenty resting on his shoulders. It may work in the short-term but as we know from other high profile managers it does tend to wear players down after time. The appointment of a calmer Carrick was probably a pleasant surprise for many of the players and may explain the bounce he got in terms of results.
Well that was then and the issues now appear to be of a different type but still quite a few players are performing below their best and that appears to be confidence or mental issues in certain situations - let's hope they can raise their game tonight as they will need to be close to their best to get all 3 points.
Looking at the top of the table, Boro could really do with winning their next two games to get back in the promotion picture and I wouldn't want to contemplate losing them both and where that would leave the season - probably in the bottom half so it is time to put in a couple of West Brom type performances.
Latte Lath must be closing in on his last chance with both Conway and Forss now fit but whoever plays they will need better service than has been delivered so far. McGree is probably integral to Boro's fortunes and he seems to get other players playing better when he starts - no point in putting him on the left as he will also look for the space on the pitch so better as the number ten.
That probably means replacing Azaz since he's never that effective out wide - like Andy, I'm also an advocate for Jones on the left if Doak starts on the right - Hamilton has yet to convince in the wide left role but I suspect Carrick is keen to give him pitch time until he has got himself match fit as he appears to be gifted but raw.
Exmil made the point about Dijksteel coming in at right-back and perhaps his pace may be needed given that unusual incident against Bristol City where Ayling was swallowed up carrying the ball out of defence and was forced to just knock it into touch. Though without Howson and Ayling Boro look short on leaders so the restoration of Clarke is probably due.
So looking forward to watching the game tonight - I expect it will be one of high intensity from the off and highly contested by both teams - though basically we need to take our chances and preferably score early!
Interesting post, Len. There may be something in that as to why Hackney didn't get as much of a chance. As well as that we had Howson playing every week and Crooks was in great form under Wilder. It wasn't like there was an obvious gap in the team for him.
I thought the general feeling that Wilder wouldn't play youngsters was a bt wide of the mark, as he had a 22yr old (but much younger than that in terms of experience) Isaiah Jones playing every week, and also brought in the likes of Connolly and Balogun, who played regularly in the second half of that season (though the real purple patch was with Watmore and Sporar up front).
Anyway, it's all in the past now and I think both sides of the debate are pretty happy with where they've ended up.
@chris-from-barlby - I was wondering who Connolly was - a blast from the past?
@original-fat-bob - The important thing is what the medics can do (ie treatment) for the left ventricular dysfunction...
@lenmasterman - I had no idea, Len. Without knowledge, our opinions and feelings are sometimes based on thin air.
Len,
That's a first rate 'other side of the argument' post about Wilder and Hackney.
With respect, and I imagine Clive would think similarly, I think Wilder is a pragmatist and can't see him invoking a moral side in relation to ignoring Hackney after his Scunthorpe indiscretion. I think he simply wanted the finished article and which HH was not/is not yet and he was not prepared to chance it.
Leo, from memory, upgraded HH to the first team immediately in his caretaker capacity and gave him his chance.
There was a more pleasing style of football under Wilder than we'd had with Pulis etc but he never seemed to commit to anyone but himself and perhaps Sheffield Utd. We are well rid of him.
As for Hackney, his offence was inexcusable given the mood/fear at the time, but if we can't forgive someone for something that (I hope) ultimately hurt no-one, then what's the point?
Good for Leo for giving him the opportunity of first team football and good for Hayden for taking it.
(And further being a polemicist, I'm going for a 2-1 win tonight...)
Boro has given a new long-term contract to a striker called Ajay Matthews. He is just 18 yeard old and has played once for the first team - against Leeds Utd last season.
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2024/october/23/ajay-matthews-signs-new-boro-contract/
I have no clue how to pronaunce his first name. Can anyone help me?
Up the Boro!
Well what result do we expect tonight. I won’t be surprised if Boro lose or draw as we can’t score and they concede few goals. I’ll be surprised if Boro win.
What I expect is “ Carrick is not for turning “ and so expect a fair amount of possession and lots of passing with Sheffield putting 10 players behind the ball with a plan to catch Boro on the break.
This possession football doesn’t produce clear cut chances with no balls” over the top” as the pitch is too congested. Also it makes it more difficult for Doak to beat his opponent and cross the ball as opponents can easily double up against him. Again, players when confronted by an opponent, are not encouraged to dribble past them but to pass the ball backwards or sideways. It all becomes so predictable and even boring. Boro are not a difficult team to play against.
My conclusion is that Carrick’s style of football is not guaranteed winning games no matter how much possession they have or the number and accuracy of passes.
Something needs to change and like other supporters I’d like to see Carrick choose his best 11 and not chop and change so much before and during games.
Philip of Huddersfield 👎☹️
@forever-dormo It seems that although his stay at the Boro was generally unmemorable, somehow it stuck with me! He is now at Sunderland and I hope he does well, it seems he has had troubles in the past which hindered him https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c5yw8z4jy0ro
I agree with Carrick that our main problems are not tactical ones. I think the players have to take a good proportion of the blame for continually missing chances or misplacing simple passes.
I accept that there is a tactical element to it - Len's point around the frequent close-range goals we scored under Wilder is a good one and, with playing out from the back, we do create situations where mistakes can be costly - but we are creating chances and we don't give many chances away. Those are the signs of good tactics in my view.
I know that xG / xGA stats aren't for everyone but I like them as a guide to what's going on comparatively to other teams and as a marker. Boro are top of the league for both xG and xGA (although we're a game behind some opponents at the time of writing) - by far the biggest underperformers in the league.
For us to be the creating the highest ratio or volume and quality of goalscoring chances and conceding the fewest ratio tells me that we're pretty well set up, we're just not executing.
By the way, our xGA and actual goals against is very close so we're not really underperforming our defensive data. It's in attack where we're really behind and where, I think, the focus for improvement needs to be in the main.
Final points:
1. Jarkko - it's pronounced A-J
2. Has anyone seen or heard of Deleriad? I miss his posts.
@andy-r Thanks for your post. I agree totallywith it. Thanks also for the help in pronoucing Ajay correctly.
For tonight's match - live on ViaPlay in here - I would agree with Craig Johns about the possible line up.
Middlesbrough predicted line-up vs Sheffield United: Dieng; Ayling, Van den Berg, Clarke, Borges; Morris, Hackney; Doak, Conway, McGree; Latte Lath. So three channges.
I would keep the tactics as they are, but hope Convay finds the net better than Azaz has had. Also we need to see some goals from LL finally. He is an excellent player.
For result, I hope we will see a win. We should finally get some help from LUCK. I think we have missed that a lot this season compared to last season. We have been punished for every mistake made and have not seen many mistakes by the opposition defences, either.
Looking forward to the match, again. Up the Boro!
@jarkko I agree about the element of luck but unfortunately such a thing can’t be trained, so we’ll have to rely on skill, guile and effort. LL needs to find some confidence from somewhere - even a scuffed goal off his shin would help - maybe he needs some time away from the first team to recover his form.
Thanks for the post FD it’s appreciated.
Had a phone call tonight from patient care and they are arranging a F 2 F with a senior cardiologist to discuss my PM which manufacturer has advised me is faulty issued a recall certificate and jCUH say is fine !
Cant go tonight unfortunately as still under the weather.
Please,Boro3 let’s be having you !
OFB
Team News: McGree starts instead of Hamilton but Latte Lath drops to bench with Conway replacing him...
Hope you soon get to the bottom of this pacemaker problem and they can also sort out your newly diagnosed heart problem pretty sharpish - until then take it easy and avoid stress, which I'm sure tonight's game will be up there!
@original-fat-bob ditto Werder. Let's hope the Boro will give you a tonic on the TV tonight.
@andy-r But goals win matches, not stats Andy. As I said in my last post, 10 games, 10 goals.
A good first half by two very good teams. We started to dominate the longer the first half went.
Very entertaining but 0-0 so far. A good match to watch. Love CarrickBall. Up the Boro!
0-0 at half time. Boro with nine shots on goal, three of them on target (Blades: 2/2). Matty Hewitt (who he?):
A tight affair, with Sheffield United enjoying the best chance of the half with Luke Ayling clearing Rak-Sakyi's effort off the line. It was a moment which sparked Boro into life and they've looked a lot better since then. Ben Doak a real threat out on the right-hand side, but nothing to show for his endeavours so far.
A slow start with some nervy touches at the back but Boro survived the opening 20mins or so to take control and finish the half looking the most likely.
That said, we haven’t really caused them a big problem and outside of a Sheff Utd error, I’m not quite sure where the goal is going to come from.
Good to have McGree back. We immediately look a better side with him there.
Whatever the question is, I can’t see that Borges is the answer. He doesn’t offer any threat going forward and appears not to have a final ball.
Honours even at half time, but I’m struggling to see where a Boro goal is coming from at the moment. I’d be tempted to put Jones on the left.
Well that was a good half of football played at good intensity with both sides playing to win it - it took Boro 20 minutes to grow into the game and ended the half looking very sharp but as yet no clear-cut chance to score. Perhaps Conway needs to play more in the box as looks like he prefers to stay a bit left of centre - though McGree starting to pull the strings and Hackney driving between the lines from midfield. Azaz got better as the half progressed and has shown some good close control and Doak looking lively as usual. Edmunson also had a good first half after that mistake at the weekend and Ayling's goal-line clearance has proved to be as good as a goal. Looking forward to the second half.
A good match to watch, especially for the neutral. Unfortuanately, the same issues are present even with Conway and McGree.
As Andy and Martin said, where is a Boro goal going to come from. Sheff U looking the most likely to score.
ELL.... well that was worth waiting for. Superb goal.
ELL, on for Conway in the 77th minute, finally finds the back of the net three minutes later, assisted by Azaz! 🙂 Just hang on now for 10 more minutes, boys, or, better still, make it 2-0!