The Times has updated its coverage:
It's now attracted 67 responses from a mixture of Boro & Wolves fans, all of them critical of RE's decision, with the Wolves fans questioning the wisdom of the impending appointment!
The manager who walked out on Sunderland?
Doing OK at Millwall, but not sure about him and his style of play. Plus it would probably go against SG poaching another Coach in employment?
May I just say that, amongst all of the very informed discussion over the past few days, Werder's regular monitoring of the situation has shown a degree of intelligence based on a hinterland of experience and intellectual capability that has left professional journalists floundering in his wake.
It is invidious to pick out an individual in many ways since the strength of this blog lies in the excellence of all of its contributors. And that has been amply demonstrated by so many excellent analyses from different perspectives of the Edwards' affair.
But I hope that I will be forgiven for picking out Werder's almost full-time attention and commentary, on what will be seen as a historically important episode in the club's history, for special mention
@lenmasterman I would wholeheartedly agree Len and also say thank you fit your excellent previous post.
The quality of this blog, its togetherness despite differences of football opinion at times is just wonderful in these times of angst.
@lenmasterman - That was an epic post there, Len. Like a starter to a big thread rather than a post several pages into a match thread. I can't disagree with a word you typed. Hats off to you!
AND I posted the above before reading Len's more recent post. So two excellent contributions, one after the other. Both completely on point!
The point that Len made about the players brought to the club by RE is extremely moot.
The way things have panned out must be a body blow to them. You spend months trying to catch the manager’s eye in training, listening to what he wants you to do on the pitch and where he wants you to play, only to have to start again under a new manager, who may make wholesale changes in playing style and ask for different things from you. I genuinely feel for them, particularly the youngsters trying to make their way in the game.
It’s as if the season is about to start again. Let’s hope we soon have someone in place to replace RE and that we can all get behind whoever is appointed.
I think it’s fair to say (even with all I’ve posted on the situation) that none of us will be too disappointed if RE fails to save Wolves from relegation and that we somehow find a way to replace them in the EPL. That truly would be Karma.
Many thanks Len and after a flu jab yesterday was having a rest from projects, which luckily left me with time to post on the unfolding saga.
Also, just to echo many great posts from everyone with several different angles and insights - plus some great posts from your good self too!
So back to the game and team news...
The good news is that Fry is fit but none of the attacking summer signings get a start and that is perhaps reflecting on what could be a tough opening atmosphere at the Riverside where experience will be key in dealing with the occasion.
Just parked up and seeing the team news.
I wonder who pushed for the small changes and even Gilbert on the bench.
Is Edmondson injured again? It's a bit tight for defensive cover.
The Boro statement after granting Wolves permission to speak to RE:
Viveash, Watling & Academy manager, Craig Liddle, in charge today.
On a lighter note, "15-goal non-league [teenage] sensation" signed from Whitley Bay:
Excellent analysis of the detrimental impact of Edwards behaviour which alas reflects the general decline of ethics and standards in today’s professional football.
Had a chat at the ground and the ruler is Brendan Rodgers who is a friend of SG
OFB
It sounds like he'd be a measured appointment...
Had a chat at the ground and the ruler is Brendan Rodgers who is a friend of SG
OFB
Ooof. Now that I could get excited about.
On the other hand Bryan Robson is sat next to Steve Gibson 😬
Dael Fry gives Boro the lead in the 17th minute with Callum Brittain's assistance! 🙂
Dael Fry gives Boro the lead in the 17th minute with Callum Brittain's assistance! 🙂
The goal-scorer forced off with an injury in the 25th minute. 🙁 Replaced by Sammy Silvera.
Inevitably, Birmingham equalises four minutes later - CJ:
Boro furious. Corner comes in and eventually goes towards the back post where Gray puts two hands on Silvera's back as he leaps. It's soft, but definitely impacts Silvera's leap. Falls for Gray to fire home from close range.
HH restores Boro's lead in the fifth minute of first-half injury time, assisted by Morris - CJ:
Conway shot is blocked but comes out to Morris. His effort is flicked by Hackney and deceives Beadle to go into the bottom corner. He means that as well. Brilliant from Hackney.
Back into second place - for now (Coventry drawing 0-0 at Stoke) 
Well the players looked up for it today and no sign of anyone feeling down after Edwards' departure - though a good early start with Fry scoring from a corner with a volley didn't last long as he once again is injured (was he even fully fit?). Plus once again a poor refereeing decision that saw a push on Silvera go unpunished as the equaliser stood.
Boro struggled playing it out of defence against the Birmingham high press but Hackney and McGree starting pulling the strings around the opposition box and thanks to the customary wayward shot from Morris it turned into a nicely back-heeled goal to go in ahead.
Not the best quality half from Boro but it was played with intent and desire and this would be a good time to pick up three points before regrouping in the break!
Part of my post from yesterday was:
“Would Brendan Rogers be prepared to return to the Championship or would he see us as beneath his expectations?”
I hope he is a very good friend of SG as has been rumoured. 😎
Great atmosphere produced by us all sticking together with the team and fans as one in terms of energy and commitment.
McGree a definite presence and improvement on left midfield. Hackney, Ayling, Browne and Fry ('til his injury) all outstanding. Only Whittaker a passenger. Silvera looked out of it but has improved. Conway has never stopped running. Can we keep this level of energy up? Nypan and Strelic to come on soon?
Robson in the Directors' box where Scott appears to be a conspicuous absentee. What can be more important than being at the Riverside on such a historic day?
... Robson in the Directors' box where Scott appears to be a conspicuous absentee. What can be more important than being at the Riverside on such a historic day?
has the Great Scott experiment run its course ?
CJ's verdict on the first half:
Game played in front of a raucous atmopshere. Boro deserve their half-time lead. Fry gave them the lead but the injujry to him proved a blow. Birmingham equalised in controversial circumstances, but Boro quickly re-established control and are ahead in a special way just before the break.
His comment on Boro's response after Brum's equaliser:
They've responded well to the equaliser. Quickly re-established control and forcing Birmingham back. A few decisions going against them right now, as fan frustrations at the ref grows.
And as the ref blew his whistle:
Referee Sam Allison booed off at half-time.
Didn't someone mention Wolves were looking for a new Director of Football...
Now Targett injured. 🙁 McCormick, Nypan & Sène on for him, Whittaker & McGree on the hour mark.