@jarkko They both look, well not small, but not tall. Just over 6 foot, but less than 6 foot 1, for us oldies.
I would hold back Sène to be fresh legs later in the game. I stead, for me it should be Brown in that selection.How about a line-up like this vs. Birmingham:
Up-front: Strelec
Next line from left to right: Conway (he is ofter drifting to left anyway), McGree, Sene
Midfield: Hackney & Morris
Defence: Targett, Fry, Ayling, Brittain (was he wounded at Leicester? Silvera)
Brynn
Just thinking out loud. Same pace on the "wings" and a bigger centre forward. Up the Boro.
Reports from Football Insider say that they understand wolves have held talks with Rob Edwards but as yet no agreement in place...
I still can't see it happening, not after the way RE was reacting at the end of the game on Tuesday. I think he knows he could have some success here, but jumping ship so soon would also seriously compromise his integrity when he will be looking for another job in not many years time.... or should that say months ?...
Thanks Werder. Should the unthinkable come to pass, then I too would be more than happy for the coaching team we have to carry on. As you hint at , we dont really know who has been the brains behind our start to the season. Lets just hope not and that the rumours are silenced soon.
@lenmasterman i am sure it is the classic double, then triple bluff and I am sure he is faithful to the core.
If not I'll set Claudia on to him
Thanks @pedro
I am with you 100% about getting behind the opposition defence. It drives me nuts whenever the opportunity to get around to the byline presents we inevitably recycle the ball infield.
Reports from Football Insider say that they understand wolves have held talks with Rob Edwards but as yet no agreement in place...
The deed is done, so to speak - the Beeb:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4gw2w24k3do
Likewise The Times, a couple of days after reporting that Boro was confident of retaining his services! Most respondents to the earlier article thought he'd be mad to go, as do the two who've replied to the more recent one. I'll post a link to the when I get the archive site to behave!
The way I understand it, Wolves can’t talk with Rob Edwards without getting permission from Boro, which as reported by BBC Sport and Sky Sports today, Wolves are expected to approach Boro for permission. That doesn’t mean his agent can’t talk to Wolves, but as was found out with O’Neil, after talks Edwards could turn it down, although his standing with Boro fans will be severely damaged.Reports from Football Insider say that they understand wolves have held talks with Rob Edwards but as yet no agreement in place...
If Edwards doesn’t confirm he is not interested in tomorrow’s pre match interview, then fan’s thoughts will turn to who his replacement will be 🤔, Boro then have the international break to decide on a replacement, if they haven’t already put the wheels in motion.
Another report weeks ago was that Norwich were thinking of enticing Scott and his team back to their club, but nothing else has been said since.
Come on BORO.
Penny for Kieran Scott’s thoughts on all this after he finally landed his mate at Boro just a few months ago.
Mind you, he’ll probably claim that all that compensation was the plan all along. Another success!
Who knows if Edwards will go or not but I won’t lose sleep over it. A very likeable man but his football lacks goal threat and entertainment for me. Like a modern Neil Warnock.
I think he’s actually a good fit for Wolves. They desperately need some solidity and I fancy his charm can galvanise the players and fans alike.
Sky Sports reports that Boro have rejected Wolves approach to speak to Rob Edwards.
Come on BORO.
Yes the Garry Monk comparison is not really about the quality of the players at his disposal but more about that Edwards appears no nearer in deciding how all the players Boro now have could fit together and he keeps trying different combinations and formations in different tactical setups that appears just makes any understanding between the team on how they can attack more confused - plus hardly much pitch time for most of the new forwards and when they do it's with different teammates or tactics.
I think the real problem is that it takes time to adjust to the fast physical nature of the Championship and we saw how Strelec tried to take extra touches thinking he had more time. In truth the same is still true of Whittaker, who is easily dispossessed and I don't think can play in the wide positions.
We shouldn't forget Morgan Rogers never looked remotely a player until after about 3 months and then he suddenly kicked on and became our best player and is now possibly one of the best in the PL and key England player. I think someone like Nypan has the same potential and let's not forget he's only 18 and may be several years away from his best.
Often, other players bring out the best some players and I think Azaz always looked better when he had McGree on the pitch with him - perhaps if he stays fit we'll see more from some of the new signings.
The other thing I've noticed is that Hackney seems to be trying too hard and doing too much on his own instead of trying to link better with his teammates - not sure if he's trying to impress or is just getting frustrated at the failure of the attacking plays but I think he needs to simplify his game a bit more.
Though things would probably be a lot easier if we had another Ben Doak - not sure if Hansen could be coached and deployed in a similar roles as I think Targett and Brittain are really just solid full-backs rather than wing-backs.
Yes I did mention in subsequent post in reply to PJ that Edwards would need permission from Boro to speak to Wolves directly - though as you say there's nothing to stop his representatives talking with Wolves representatives and I presume asking for permission by Wolves is essentially the result of both parties (Edwards and Wolves) believing a deal can be done.
It's hard to see how Edwards relationship with the Boro supporters would recover from any notion that he's keen on the Wolves job and that's the danger for Boro too - they can't really win once something goes beyond the theoretical and past the plausible deniability stage. I think it's over for Edwards at Boro if the momentum has reached number one target and permission to speak officially. Worst case scenario is that talks breakdown as the genie can't be put back in the bottle...
Interesting, just seen your post that Boro have rejected Wolves approach - it essentially tries to avoid the point just made in my previous post - whether it simply just buys time who knows but Edwards could just decide to walk if he wants the Wolves job and gets a guarantee. I don't think we've heard the last of this yet and it could get messy.
Interesting, just seen your post that Boro have rejected Wolves approach - it essentially tries to avoid the point just made in my previous post - whether it simply just buys time who knows but Edwards could just decide to walk if he wants the Wolves job and gets a guarantee. I don't think we've heard the last of this yet and it could get messy.
The Times article to which I referred earlier, the headline amended to report that Wolves' approach has been rejected (the Beeb story says the same):
The number of replies has increased to six, all of them suggesting that RE should stay put.
I still find it hard to believe that for Wolves to make an official approach, Edwards won't have likely been sounded out through third parties - of course Boro would have to reject an initial approach to avoid accusations of giving in too easily and perhaps they rejected based on Wolves initial offer of compensation. It's basically a transfer negotiation now - btw maybe there should also be a transfer window for managers too!
The talk of Wolves being interested in Edwards is not good for Boro. The fact that he has not distanced himself from the job can only damage his relationship with players, supporters and importantly, with Steve Gibson. This is irrespective of whether he gets the job or not.
This issue is unlikely to be sorted in the next few days bearing in mind the forthcoming International break. As already been pointed out detailed discussions can privately take place with Edwards’ agent.
Whatever the outcome I think Wolves are in a very bad position and if he moved and was successful in avoiding relegation then he could be sought after for a better job. Personally I don’t think the Wolves job is a logical next step for Edwards as if Wolves are relegated he’s achieved nothing and would be back to square one in the Championship.
Let’s hope the issue is soon sorted, Wolves appoint ANO and Edwards stays and the attacking players start scoring goals preferably starting with Birmingham .
philip of Huddersfield 🤔🤔🤔
PS Having expressed the above views I feel uneasy ……
Interesting headline on Teesside Live from Craig Johns...
Middlesbrough reject Wolves' first approach for Rob Edwards as interesting day awaits
Seems to suggest this is just the start and I'm sure Rob Edwards will not be looking forward to the pre-match press conference at 1pm tomorrow...
just out of interest how does that work if, as suggested, we reject the approach, theoretically Edwards could quit tomorrow and be announced for Wolves on Saturday.Interesting, just seen your post that Boro have rejected Wolves approach - it essentially tries to avoid the point just made in my previous post - whether it simply just buys time who knows but Edwards could just decide to walk if he wants the Wolves job and gets a guarantee. I don't think we've heard the last of this yet and it could get messy.
How does the compensation side work in that scenario as if we allow the approach we then get compensated if he goes.
I think if a manager walks and joins another club then the other club have to buy out his remaining contract - if there's no agreement then there is a Court of Arbitration who decides the sum. I doubt the sum involved will worry Wolves too much but would Edwards walk without some kind of written agreement from Wolves?
I think if Wolves have approached MFC and asked for permission to talk to RE, then there are two options. Boro must surely talk to our manager about his intentions and if he rules out a move, that’s the end of it.
If he doesn’t and wants to talk to Wolves, then it’s hard to see how he walks back from that. Even if we don’t give Wolves permission, he can walk away and we’ll ultimately be paid compensation.
I can’t see how RE can ask for permission to speak to Wolves, turn them down and walk back into his current role.
I’d only want him to stay if he’d turned Wolves down without speaking to them. He hasn’t ruled it out yet, so I’d guess he’s on his way. I suppose he could use the possibility of a move to increase his package from Boro in return for not talking to Wolves but would SG go for that?
@werdermouth I am of the opinion that Wolves wouldn't officially request permission if they had the slightest inkling that it wouldnt lead to Edwards being appointed.
I dont hold anything against Edwards if he is interested in the role and would wish him well if he was to take the role but it is disappointing after his we are family, we all pull together ( Whittaker ) approach
It is certainly going to be an interesting few days and weeks and very much looking like it is going to come to a disappointing ending for the Edwards fans.
If Wolves have asked MFC for permission to speak to Edwards, then it is almost a done deal.
As werder has said in his recent posts, he will have been sounded out through his agent. Pointless continuing unless the person is more or less willing.
It will now all be about when he leaves, and that will be down to Mr Gibson. Of course Edwards could just walk out, but of course MFC could sue for breach of contract.
We will have a game in around 30 hours come tomorrow morning. Will Edwards actually take the presser tomorrow or more importantly stand in the technical area on Saturday afternoon.
If he is complicit in all of this, then Mr Gibson has the difficult task of how to deal with the situation. It would almost be impossible for Edwards to walk into the Riverside.
I really feel for SG. After the drawn out episode of employing our new Coach, he could be back to a worse starting point after Carrick leaving.
Not the best circumstances for such an important game against Birmingham.
Well. It does appear the conviction I had about RE staying put when I penned the opener is coming back to embarrass me after all. It is too late now. That he hasn't been able to come out and state categorically he is in it to win it with Boro already has him marked as untrustworthy. No way back from that I am afraid. Despite my position on the overuse of metaphors in football, it really does appear now, the wheels have come off the waggon.
Yes it's hard to see it going any other way now unless as Martin suggests Edwards categorically rules out joining Wolves tomorrow - side-stepping the issue is not an option as it's no longer just speculation since Wolves have made an official approach - though the fact they have won't have surely happened without them being confident he was very interested in being their manager. But how many will be convinced by Edwards playing innocent after twice refusing to rule out interest when asked? My hunch is that he won't be at the pre-match press conference tomorrow.
BBC now reporting that Boro have refused Wolves permission to talk to Edwards, as they are ‘determined to hold onto him.’
Now it starts to get a bit messy, though. If RE has expressed a desire to talk to Wolves, he’s going to be mightily dischuffed. Then we get into the scenario of trying to keep a dissatisfied employee happy, just like some of our players in the past. Hopefully, Edwards will ignore the hype and the rumours and simply concentrate on his job, and hopefully will stay professional. As Si said recently, this starts to smack of McLaren going to England and the massive and unwarranted distraction that caused in a crucial week for the club.
Thanks for the intro Powmill. With Birmingham looking like they have found their feet in the championship this week I feel that we may have to settle for a draw at best on Saturday. May be the last time we see Riley Mcgree for a while, he has been selected for the Socceroos for two games in the USA this international break, so will probably come back injured. Morris is in the USA team for two games Stateside.
A bit of a joke really that McGree has been selected for 2 international friendlies after being basically kept off the pitch at Boro to prevent injury and now will join up with Australia for games against Venezuela in Houston and Columbia in New York - with the latter played in the early hours of Wednesday before Boro's trip to Oxford on Saturday, which means he'll be unlikely to be part of that game.
I like to remain optimistic PN, the wheels may well have come off the Edwards wagon but we are a good club, we are a good team, we operate in a way to try and manage and minimise management/head coach disruption when it comes along, we are an attractive proposition for a lot of head coaches and I am optimistic we can move on from this ( if and when it happens ).Well. It does appear the conviction I had about RE staying put when I penned the opener is coming back to embarrass me after all. It is too late now. That he hasn't been able to come out and state categorically he is in it to win it with Boro already has him marked as untrustworthy. No way back from that I am afraid. Despite my position on the overuse of metaphors in football, it really does appear now, the wheels have come off the waggon.
When it does happen and I dont like to talk about replacements until it does happen but I guess we have to think about it, any thoughts ?
Not sure if it is an option or not but I have always had a good feeling about Nathan Jones, now doing fantastic work with Charlton and similar backround, style as Edwards.
@presidentjump A very hard call and Mr Gibson I suspect will not really want to go chasing an already employed Head Coach.
Then there could be the added complications if our two assistants decide to honour their contracts. Most Caohes like their own buddies.
As to who is out there, unemployed, that we could afford, I have no idea. An alternative could be as Assistant Coach wanting to make the step up like Karanka and McLaren.
What is all looking like a complete shambles for MFC and the Fans.
Werder, absolutely correct and if McGree had anything about him, he would have said no thank you until the next time. That is one of the biggest issues signing foreign players. They have to be Internationals to qualify for a visa.
Then come the AFCON.
I agree that Steve Gibson is not going to poach an already employed manager and having looked through the list of currently out of work managers, there's nobody in that list that jumps out and then you're left with the usual suspects with links to Boro - such as Mogga, Pulis and even Carrick - who looks the best of the bunch but don't think there's anyway back for him given the rather curt club statement following his departure.
There's James Morrison, who was West Brom caretaker manager for a brief spell and also Scotland assistant manager for nearly 2 years but my money would be on Viveash and Wattling just continuing - though I also recall Adi claiming he has no interest in being a head coach so maybe then Wattling steps up and Boro employ someone else to join the coaching team.
Anyway, let's see what unfolds today - Gibson is not going to make it easy for Edwards to walk away and may enjoy watching him squirm if he has to field questions at today's press conference and look shifty. either way it has become a big distraction for tomorrow's game - does he take training today and pretend nothing is happening? Can't imagine Luke Ayling not making a comment!