Boro v Swansea City
Saturday 9 th August KO 15:00
Riverside Stadium
Right then Diasborians welcome to the preview for the first game of the 2025/26 season which certainly has a mixed feeling of trepidation and angst. Or is that only my thoughts? I’ve given my thoughts which you may or may agree with but here they are:
Let’s turn to the big change that has happened to the Boro during the close season and of course that is the removal of Carrick, Carrick and Woodgate for a new firm of lawyers (sorry coaching staff!)
If talking scored points with the fans then I’m impressed with our head coach Rob Edwards. A completely different character to our precious coach who was somewhat reticent to be vocal in relaying tactics to the players. Edwards seems to have embraced the ethos of the Boro fans and relayed his enthusiasm so that he has become part of the fan base in encouraging the team on the pitch. Edwards of course is not on his own he is ably supported by two coaches who appear to be a step up compared to the two previous characters on the bench.
Adi Viveash is the assistant head coach at Middlesbrough, working under head coach Rob Edwards. He joined the club along with Edwards and late June 2025, following Edwards's appointment as head coach. Prior to Middlesbrough, Viveash was involved with Chelsea's academy and also served as an assistant coach at Coventry City. It was noticeable that when Viveash left Coventry that there was a marked decline in their performances and many of their fans credited the style of play and coaching solely attributable to him and not Mark Robbins.
Harry Watling is the new assistant coach that makes up the triumvirate.
Watling earned his UEFA B licence at age 18, A licence at 26 and his Pro licence at 33.He went on to work as an academy coach with Chelsea from 2009 to 2014, Millwall from 2014 to 2018, and West Ham United from 2018, before becoming head coach of USL Championship side Hartford Athletic on 13 January 2021.
Hartford registered a 5th place league finish in Watling’s first season. On 25 June 2022, Watling resigned from his role as Hartford coach to return to England.
On 25 July 2022, Watling joined Championship side Queens Park Rangers as a first team coach and 4 months later he followed departing manager Michael Beale to Rangers.
It is noticeable that both assistant coaches are more vociferous on the touch lines and are constantly talking to the players encouraging and dare I say it coaching?
I was sorry to see Carrick go but did he have a gagging order issued on him as part of the settlement deal as I don’t recall him thanking the fans and wishing them well when he left!
The squad as we are all aware needs strengthening in all areas and hopefully prior to the game on Saturday we will have some more bodies through the door and minimal out of the door.
Ayling, Barlaser, Gilbert, Hamilton, Burgzorg, Bangura and McGree need to be shipped out. Injury prone or half hearted the jury is out on these players. Azaz doesn’t look interested and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go also.
Edmundson is injured but quite frankly doesn’t inspire me as a defender. I’ve met him and whilst he’s a nice guy I think he’s a squad player at best.
Rav van den Berg what can I say ? Another player who looks like he wants to be away and seems to be a bit of a loner from his team mates and doesn’t join in.
The defender is currently wanted by both Feyenoord and FC Koln, while other clubs are said to have him further down their wishlists too.
As things stand, the club remain in talks with both Feyenoord and Koln over a potential move, having previously turned down two Feyenoord bids. FC Koln are still in negotiations with Middlesbrough for defender Rav van den Berg. and the German club made an offer last week that is still under consideration.
As yet, nothing agreed, but Van den Berg has expressed his desire to leave, so seems likely he will before the window ends.
Callum Britain
Apparently the Callum Brittain deal is all but done. Brittain left the club on Friday to travel to Boro and put finishing touches to his Boro move.
Brittain is expected to be confirmed as a Boro player in the coming days. That could even be today, but we shall wait and see. The fee is expected to be 3.5m after a long pursuit.
Boro are also pushing through a deal for Max Arfstem from Columbus Crew which should by all accounts be a good addition to the squad.
Chuba Akpom.
Yesterday, it was revealed that Boro had made a late attempt to hijack the former favourite's loan move to Birmingham. They always knew it would be a tough deal.
It's understood that once Boro entered the race, Ajax upped their demands on the amount of wage contribution they wanted. Birmingham are understood to have agreed to pay 100% of his wage. Boro refused that but, in another twist, with Akpom originally set to undergo his Birmingham medical today, Ipswich are now said to have made a late attempt to hijack the deal, with said medical postponed.
Sol Brynn would be my first team choice goalkeeper as I’m afraid I don’t have much faith in Tom Glover.
Alfie Jones looks a good acquisition from Hull and should make his debut on Saturday.
Dael Fry now looks a polished defender and it’s interesting that our new coaches have been spending a lot of time with him on the training ground on set pieces from corners and free kicks to score goals. Apparently our assistant coaches have greatly increased set piece goals at other clubs so it will be interesting to see what improvements have been made.
Sammy Silvera. If we look at Saturdays friendly match the equaliser arrived on 67 minutes, with Silvera the orchestrator. He skipped past several challenges down the left channel before showing tremendous composure to roll it across for Conway to convert from inside the six-yard box. Silvera has apparently had a few heart to heart conversations with our new manager who has given him the encouragement to be a major part of his thinking for this season.
Darragh Lenihan another injury prone player who has captain like capabilities but if he isn’t capable of playing throughout the season then a squad player at best.
Neto Borges I like him and can be an important member of the squad. He scored a good goal against Rangers and will obviously be in the managers mind for the coming season.
I don’t expect Hayden Hackney to remain at Middlesbrough and rumours abound that Manchester United have made him a priority for signing. Quite frankly the club needs the money to get new players in and hopefully make a push for promotion this season.
Aidan Morris a good player who looks as if he can step up further this season.
Kante a new young player with promise.
MCCabe a young player who needs coaching.
Conway has been told to stay in the opponents half of the field and keep close to the box as his job is to score goals. I expect to see 20 goals from him this season.
Whittaker looks to have settled down and improved from last season so hopefully he can make the grade.
Forss needs to be sold or used as a squad player only not good enough.
Swansea City’s season for 2024-2025 was a tale of two halves, ultimately culminating in a respectable 11th-place finish, and now Alan Sheehan is plotting a return to the top flight.
The initial period under manager Luke Williams saw the team struggle, leading to his departure in February 2025.
However, the appointment of Alan Sheehan sparked a huge turnaround, with the Swans achieving the third-best record in the league over the final 13 games, securing 23 points.
This strong finish allowed them to end their season four points and three positions higher than the previous year, with Liam Cullen leading the scoring charts.
Whilst not a promotion-contending season, this remarkable improvement offers considerable hope for the upcoming 2025-2026 campaign.
In light of this optimism, the club has announced another reason to be excited, with a momentous new investor onboard.
Rapper Snoop Dogg has become a co-owner and investor at Swansea City after taking a minority stake in the Championship club, and was the surprise model as the Swans launched their home kit for the 2025-26 season.
My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City,” Snoop Dogg said. The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me. I’m proud to be part of Swansea City.”
Swansea announced in April following a takeover led by American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen last November that Luka Modric from AC MILAN has also acquired a stake in the club.
Perhaps Boro needs some new blood in the investors department as well as the playing department?
So let’s be avinyer Diasborians what do you think the score is going to be ???
Me?
Me?
I’m going for Boro3 Swans 1
Play offs final winners
OFB
OFB,
Nice one and it pretty well shows the state of play and recruitment for Boro.
I love your optimism too. 3 - 1? Just a 1 - 0 will do me but I suspect Mr Edwards may well get something out of the squad and those two coaches are going to be vital too, motivation is going to be a massive component of the coaching.
Thanks for the starter and most importantly the optimism.
I hope you are well too OFB.
UTB,
John
Thanks Bob for an excellent opener that covers a lot of ground and sets us up nicely for Saturday.
Then the hot air, non-stories, rumours, aspirations, hopes and fears of the last few months will count for nothing as we will all have something of substance to discuss. If we win, in whatever manner, then many doubts will be assuaged and any doubters temporarily silenced. If we lose then the inquests will begin and the doomsters will have a field day. It's a game between two sides who will both probably finish in mid-table, so I'll go for a draw. Even if it turns out to be a typical uninspiring mid-table fixture it will at least be real match with points at stake. And that, in itself, will be a huge relief.
So let's all enjoy the next few weeks of football before it all closes down again for the international break.
An excellent opener OFB which sets the standard for the season, detailing a lot of which has happened during the close season, including ifs and buts. September will let us know what Edwards and co will have to work with until January, I am especially pleased with the inclusion of Adi Viveash, I think that Carrick could have done with him instead of Woodgate.
Come on BORO.
Thanks for that @OFB. The blog would struggle without you.
I am not sure I am ready for the new season yet. I had not expected to get to the Swansea game as I am currently camping on the North Northumberland Coast but today's wind-fest has seen wind-speeds as high as 60mph and even now it looks as though we will have in excess of 40mph gusts well into the early hours of Tuesday. It's not the raw speed of the wind it's the persistence of it. At least 20 hours with the dreaded black arrow on the windspeed number the BBC Weather App.
I am not exaggerating that. I have been part of a group running up and down the campsite helping rapidly to take awnings down before they fly into the North Sea. One or two were destroyed (ripped) but the vast majority were saved. One caravan was spotted moving. The wind had shoved the caravan corner steadies off the plastic blocks supporting them and the van looked very vulnerable so we had to turn the caravan into the wind rather than face maybe another 14 hours of hurricane force winds broadside on.
I took my awning down yesterday afternoon as I could see what was coming. No point putting it back up, so I will come home two or three days earlier than intended, and I will get to attend the first game. My wife will be suspicious of my motives.
Frankly any win would be good for the heart. Unfortunately Boro doesn't often start (or finish) seasons well. So even a draw would not be the end of the world. But a poor performance, any perception of lack of heart on the field, and the season will start in a similar way to the end of last season.
I will stick my neck out. I will go Boro 1-0 Swansea. Not with much conviction, though and, if the worst comes to the worst, I may have to review my optimistic prediction that Boro will finish the season in 8th position.
Nice one, OFB! You’ve set the scene perfectly in a very detailed opener. Thank you for all your efforts.
I’m not approaching this opening game with any great enthusiasm, but I am looking forward to seeing how Edwards sets us up to press and to play more aggressively. That will be a very welcome change from the tedious, pedestrian, windscreen-wiper passing we all got tired of under Carrick.
I think the defence is on the way to being sorted now, with or without VdB. But I can’t see where the goals are going to come from. That’s a major concern.
I reckon 1-1 for this one.
Great start OFB. A concise summary of where we stand although I do hope that some of your write-offs could still turn out to be worth keeping.
One point that struck me about the opening game is to wonder what impact Hackney will make. He has staked his future on getting a Premiership move and, unless there is a serious odder in the next few days - well over Pds20 million, I would guess - he is now in the shop window. He has to produce some impressive performances to get the bidding started.
In the COTS challenge, I suggested that Boro would end up 12th. I feel that this may be a little pessimistic and I may, like you, opt for something just outside the play-offs. Maybe we should set the closing date for COTS entries at September 1 so that we can have a clear view of the transfer business done by Boro and everyone else.
Anyway, I've signed up for Riverside Live and BeIn sports who get the Sky games. I know that Sky are showing everything from the first weekend but BeIn aren't picking up our game so I hope that somebody will have it live here in Oz. It's a midnight kick-off and I hope that staying up will be rewarded by a 2-0 win.
UTB
I agree that the defence is sorted out. Also the midfield as long as Hackney stays. And even if he would leave, we were told the club have a replacement in mind. And I also expect McCabe to start shining this season, too.I think the defence is on the way to being sorted now, with or without VdB. But I can’t see where the goals are going to come from. That’s a major concern.
I reckon 1-1 for this one.
But we still need a replacement for Latte Lath. A striker and attacking midfielder will do nicely, thank you.
@OFB A big thank you for the opener. How wondeful that the season will start soon. Up the Boro!
Many thanks OFB for great and comprehensive opener to get us started again on the elusive road to Wembley.
I’ll miss the Swansea game as I’m enjoying a break in the beautiful and historic town of Görlitz on the German-Polish border - rather poignantly a previously wealthy town looking to be renovated and rejuvenated!
Still a lot of unknowns with Boro at the moment to have any sense where this season will go but given it’s one of transition I’m not expecting an improvement on league position this time - especially given our tricky opening 10 fixtures and slow transfer activity.
Any new arrivals will need to adjust plus late sales to key Players will be disruptive - not to mention the usually injury problems.
Look forward to seeing how Boro play and have been encouraged by the coaching team’s more proactive involvement - especially involving set plays, which may be crucial if our depleted attacking options fail to make an impact.
I’m still not convinced defensively by Boro and it looks only another injury away from crisis - plus still not much recovery pace to suit a high line. Midfield depends on McCabe stepping up and Kante setting in as if there’s any deal in the offing for Hackney then he won’t be selected - given the club really need the cash!
Anyway Boro need the win on Saturday otherwise it will be Edwards taking the rap not Snoop Dog…
I will agree with Bob's prediction. So 3-1 to Boro. One a peace for Fry, Whittaker and Hackney.
I was thinking about a 2-0 win first as we have the defence sorted out now (Brittain and Jones the Third). But perhaps we still let one in on Saturday.
But as I said earlier, a striker and attacking midfielder wis needed. Hence Akpom would have been great to sign with supply for him from the right. I am so happy with signing of Brittain.
we will finish 5th in May. Up the Boro!
Thanks OFB for a well crafted opener for the upcoming season which is yet another one of change and transition.
We are still very light in a number of areas and are having to bed in a few new comers, add to that possible late outgoings it might be December before we see a true RE team.
Hopefully we can sneak a win on Saturday but more likely a draw, so 1-1 for me. 😎
Many thanks, OFB, for a great season-starting match preview.
With not too much optimism about, we desperately need a proper match as Len suggested.
I’m hoping that the new coaching setup - with a particular eye on Viveash more than Edwards funnily enough - can put together a balanced team that can compete, though I don’t expect anything special from Boro this season unfortunately.
It’s difficult to judge where we really are without a similarly in-depth knowledge of the other 23 teams in the league. Instead I tend to judge it on comparison with Boro’s previous promotion-winning sides over the years. Sadly, as much as I’m hoping that the coaching team have what it takes, I just don’t think that today’s squad compares favourably with any promotion-winning squad in memory.
However, we start with a fresh page, at home against what appear to be an average opponent, and there may be something of a feelgood factor around the new setup, so I’ll go for a 2-1 win.
Thanks again OFB.
3-1 would be nice - I have this game down as one of our most winnable of the opening 10 games - though opening fixtures are notoriously difficult to predict as it’s the first time teams play full-blooded and there aren’t lots of subs made.
It’s probably good that Edwards wants to play on the front foot so likely won’t be a cagey first 45 but will Swansea look to try and neutralize our wide players or even press high in wide positions to restrict our wing-backs?
We’ll get a sense of what the tactical problems Edwards will face in the opening games - an early goal for Boro would be the ideal start to get the Riverside behind the team.
BORO POINTS AFTER 10 GAMES
On 26th June I posed the question “How many points would Boro have after the first ten games”, listed below are the replies I received, apologies if I have missed anyone:
exmil 14
Andy R 14
John Richardson 13
Martin Bellamy 18
Powmill-Naemore 18
OFB 12
Pedro de Espana 12
Lenmasterman 10
Boroexile 10
selwynoz 17
As promised now is an opportunity to revise your total, or add your prediction, before Saturday at 1400. Who will be shown as the optimist or pessimist 🤔.
Come on BORO.
It seems the Hackney to Man Utd stories that appeared last Friday have gone quiet - though the reason may be that they may have to sell before they can spend significant cash.
They’ve already spent £130m on Mbuemo and Cunha - plus are now looking to spend around £75m on RB Leipzig’s striker Benjamin Sesko - so another £25m on Hackney would push up summer spending close to a quarter of a billion pounds.
I know it sounds ridiculous even just typing those numbers - especially given Boro are pushing their limit with £10m!
What it probably does mean though that it’s unlikely Hackney to United will be a quick sale if it actually happens - unless another PL club start showing interest to push matters forward in their list of priorities.
First 10 Fixtures
Sat 9 Aug: Swansea (H)
Sat 16 Aug: Millwall (A)
Sat 23 Aug: Norwich (A)
Sat 30 Aug: Sheff Utd (H)
Mon 1 Sep: INTERNATIONAL BREAK
Sat 13 Sep: Preston (A)
Sat 20 Sep: West Brom (H)
Sat 27 Sep: Southampton (A)
Tue 30 Sep: Stoke (H)
Sat 4 Oct: Portsmouth (A)
Mon 6 Oct: INTERNATIONAL BREAK
Sat 18 Oct: Ipswich (H)
Well looking at those opening 10 fixtures I would only fancy Swansea and Stoke at home and maybe Portsmouth away for 3 points - plus possibly throw in 3 draws to only leave 4 defeats.
So 12 points is the best I can manage for you Exmil and I think I’m being optimistic too 🙂
@exmil thanks for the reminder. I have decided that I will hold on to my optimism and stick with the 18 from 10 I predicted.
CoB
Looking at those fixtures 12pts could be a tad optimistic
@original-fat-bob thank you for your excellent introduction to the new season. A fair summary of where we are at playing staff-wise. Very interesting to read of the goings on at Swansea too. Snoop Dog? Really?
Well, it is certainly the clash of last season's mid-table giants isn't it. 10th plays 11th.
I fancy Boro will be up for it and even if we think we are short up front, I think we will have too much for them. A steady as she goes 2-0 victory to the boys in red.
Can only see 9 points from the first ten games.
@original-fat-bob Great Headliner to start the season. One which will be very interesting to say the least.
Where the Boro will fare in it, is anyone’s guess. So roll on Saturday and see what Edwards and his team can do.
@exmil - I must have missed your original request for "guess Boro's points after 10 games" but perhaps I can still join in?
I will guess 12 points. Probably getting points we had no reason to dream of and dropping points from games that might be considered "absolute certs"!
...still on the Northumberland Coast but only for hours now before the journey home. That is if the ridiculous winds have abated by the time we planned to set off. The house in the far North West Highlands has been cut off from electricity and it will be a few days before reconnection. Now, if I'd parked my caravan in the drive, with its 200w solar panels on the roof, and bottles of Calor Gas in the locker, then lighting, heating and cooking (plus hot showers and the fridge/freezer) would have been no problem at all.
It is quite a tough start. So I will go for 15 points. I hope I am wrong and we would return with 19 in the bag (but that would be automatic p form!).
Up the Boro!
Elsewhere, it is looking like 1986 at Sheffield Wednesday.
Their players will fulfil their opening game of the Championship season against Leicester City on Sunday, BBC Sport understands.
On Tuesday morning, when asked whether the players could go on strike and refuse to play against the Foxes, club captain Barry Bannan told Talksport: "No, I don't think so."
BBC Sport understands the first-team squad who have been fit enough to train this week are available for selection.
Wednesday, who have also missed payments to HMRC and face rising debts, have just 15 first-team squad members.
The North Stand at Hillsborough has been closed because of concerns over its structural integrity and boss Danny Rohl has left the club.
I feel so sorry for the Owls fans. A great club in turmoil. Up the Boro!
LAFC has finalized the transfer of Korean star Son Heung-min for a league-record fee.
Son is set to be introduced as an Los Angeles player in the coming days, according to multiple sources briefed on the deal. LAFC will pay Tottenham in the neighborhood of $26.5 million (£20 million) for the winger, sources said.
The record fee surpasses the $22 million Atlanta United paid for Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath this winter.
Boro are still to replace Latte Lath. But I am sure someone will arrive - hopefully in a permanent move rather than a loan. Up the Boro!
@exmil. Please put me down for an optimistic 11 points from the first 10 games. 😉😎
I will downgrade to 11pts please.