So here we are on Christmas Day
And this what I’d like to say ………
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
“Here’s wishing you everything you would wish yourself.” as my Dad used to say.
I’m not the first to say this and I won’t be the last, but this must be the best football blog that is available anywhere.
Congratulations and very many thanks to all those who write the headliners and thanks also to those who regularly contribute to the discourse. You know who you are. I feel quite sure that there are many people like me who read the blog daily but don’t comment.
Martin did exceptionally well in mentioning all/most of the regular bloggers in that fantastic opener, so thanks for such a gleeful post, Martin. There are too many others for me to congratulate in the time available, but I’d especially like to wish good health and a speedy recovery to everyone who’s had, or are having pressing health issues as we all get older.
Ref
I’m sorry to miss you, off the starter this time
And I’m struggling to come up with a suitable rhyme
When you next head North, past the Cleveland Tontine
Remember please, the mistake was all mine”
I would humbly add to Martins eloquence and prose the possible few lines.
Although missed off the post Boro Becky’s Dad
Martin has responded to you and seems so sad
He seems contrite and really bad but he’ll make it up to you as he’s a real good lad
These humble words I would hasten to add
Show you’re not forgotten and I’m really glad
That you’re a valuable member and we’ve really had
A memorable Diasboro post and I’m doubly glad
Up the Diasborians have a great 2026 !
OFB
We have won 9 of our past 11 home league games on Boxing Day. Both exceptions were against Sheffield Wednesday (0-1 in 2018 and 3-3 last season. Blackburn's last away win on Boxing Day was at the Riverside in 2005. They have lost the last six Boxing Day games in a row. Also we have only lost 2 out of the past 16 games at home, last season against Leeds and this season against Coventry.
Saturnalia has been thoroughly enjoyed. Excessive consumption made the late afternoon uncomfortable and the expression "full to bursting" has rarely been more appropriate. But a good night's sleep has been had and waking to a blue sky and sunshine (when "only" sunny intervals had been forecast) was a very welcome start to the dying embers of the year.
Cereal has been eaten with various berries and an early pot of tea. Alcohol, meat and sweet things will be put to one side. After a day when culinary caution was thrown to the winds there will be a more abstemious cheese, vegetable and egg based diet for the next 4 days as "blood tests" are to be taken on 29th December, prior to Boro's home game - so soon after today's Blackburn fixture. We will see whether one day's complete and utter food and drink debauchery has caused blood glucose levels to reach hitherto record figures. Hopefully just ONE day will not have detailed several months of improvement!
So - it is Blackburn! It should be a pleasant, if crowded', walk to the stadium this afternoon. A sell-out has been predicted . Hopefully three points to get Boro's season back on track. One day's revelry, just like one Bristol City defeat at football, need not define the long-term progress we have seen before our eyes. But a win with three precious points will be a demonstration to all and sundry that Boro had a blip. Hopefully it will be obvious to those chasing teams which had been harbouring high hopes, that Boro does not intend to play along with THEIR dreams.
- 3-1. There - said it. Maybe a hostage to fortune, but let's see how that looks by 5pm.
Thanks for that OFB - much appreciated- it really shows what a fantastic forum this is, made up by great people.
I hope that all goes well for you with your medical issues - as my MIL used to say, “it’s no fun getting old”
Anyway here’s hoping for 3 more points this afternoon to keep the Christmas cheer going!
ETA - we have family coming round this afternoon so will be on grand children duties although my son and I will be keeping up to speed via the BBC text!
UTB
Here’s a Xmas plea from me to the lurkers amongst us. Why not join in with the chat in 2026? We’re a friendly bunch and welcome all comments from across the globe. The more, the merrier, I say!
Always good to hear again from old regulars - glad you're still lurking Boro Beckys Dad and there's no better time to see JC posting than Christmas 😉
Well, I hope yesterday's (over?) indulgence has not left anyone the worse for wear this morning. FD, I am sure one day of festive feasting will not have any negative impact on your regular sugar levels!
Looking forward to sitting down and enjoying a regular feast of foorball and goals. Just off for a walk with Powmill junior to finish blowing away the cobwebs before the game. Optimistic here for a resounding Boro victory.
Today’s visitors reminds me of the time when I was a season ticket holder with a round trip of 150 miles to watch the Boro. Journeys home from mid week games would mean I got home well after 11pm. It always felt like a long journey home on my own.
But one evening it felt much shorter. There I was with my Boro scarve waving out of a rear seat window when I was passed by a Blackburn supporter going in the same direction who also had his scarve bobbing about from his window. He waved with a smile on his face - even though Blackburn had lost.
We kept swapping places on the motorway with casual nods to each other. Eventually, I indicated to leave the m62 motorway whilst, what felt like a new friend, continued his journey towards Lancashire.
I felt to have developed a real affinity with a fellow supporter. Happy days.
Let’s hope I have a happy smile on my face after today’s game.
philip of Huddersfield 👍👍😁
The sun’s shining here in Sherburn. Conditions look perfect for the game, if it’s the same up the coast. KH must have thought he’d moved to Atlantis for his first couple of games!
Advance team news courtesy of CJ:
One change as Hamilton starts instead of the injured McGree. Fry and Hansen back on the bench.
Advance team news courtesy of CJ:
One change as Hamilton starts instead of the injured McGree. Fry and Hansen back on the bench.
No sign of the team sheet photo, but:
It's a big call from Kim Hellberg and a big day for Micah Hamilton. It's his first Boro start since October 2024! Feels like a bit of a make or break day for him today. Not entirely, but in terms of this season at least. Like Gilbert and Bangura before him who, before taking opportunities, would have been certs to leave in January, Hamilton has an opportunity to prove his worth. Should he not though, then a January loan will be likely. Hopefully, instead, we're talking at full-time about how this could prove Hamilton's breakthrough moment at Boro.
That's the only change to the starting XI from the Bristol City loss.
On the bench, Dael Fry and Sontje Hansen return to the squad, but still no Aidan Morris. Sammy Silvera also misses out on the squad.
Starting XI: Brynn, Brittain, Ayling, Jones, Targett, Hackney, Gilbert, Whittaker, Hamilton, Strelec, Conway
Subs: McLaughlin, Fry, Edmundson, Bangura, Browne, Nypan, Burgzorg, Hansen, Sène
Be interesting to see if Hamilton has improved as I for one had him earmarked as a likely January exit.
You could imagine that the MC brand of possession-based football didn't help Micah Hamilton. Perhaps he was so focussed on not losing the much-prized possession that he lost the confidence to take on his man and risk losing the ball.
Alfie Jones off injured (ankle) in the 16th minute, replaced by George Edmundson.
Gilbert booked in the 31st minute.
This game has an all too familiar feel to it. We are dominating possession, playing some good football at times but the familiar failings in the final third are still prevalent; poor decisions coupled with poor execution means we have hardly tested their keeper.
We are far from water tight at the back and Rovers are likely to score unless we tighten up.
Hamilton has had limited positive impact and Whittaker’s purple patch appears to have come to an end.
Still all to play for but we need to improve at both ends of the pitch. 😎
We need more from our front two here. Attacks keep breaking down with Conway and Strelec not involved enough.
Might be the key area to target in January. Oh for the next Akpom and Archer.
Missed chances again, although Blackburn should probably have score on the break.
I’m not sure when anything’s going to go right for TC - a goal in the second half is just what needs.
@k-p-in-spain spot on
Too many wrong decisions in their penalty area. We should really have done better. Hopeful of a positive start to the second half.
Well Boro got into plenty of good scoring positions but just lacked that clinical edge - though Blackburn has had some decent opportunities too and have made it hard for Boro with a high-energy press and have got forward quickly in numbers on the counter. Hackney has been the driving force with some nice touches from Gilbert but Strelec and Conway not quite sharp enough with Whittaker having the best chances and was unlucky to hit the post. Hamilton unsurprisingly looks a bit off the pace and probably not match fit and wouldn't be surprised if he's replaced by Burgzorg.
Hamilton has had limited positive impact [...]
Well, KH has ditched him soon enough: Fry & Nypan replaced Edmundson & him at the start of the second half.
Browne replaces Gilbert in the 67th minute.
Alfie Jones off injured (ankle) in the 16th minute, replaced by George Edmundson.
And now Matt Targett is off injured in the 72nd minute, replaced by Bangura.
Gilbert booked in the 31st minute.
HH in the 80th - CJ:
Boro frustrations growing. Hackney held up, feels he's fouled. Nothing given. He kicks out aggressively. Only gets the yellow. Could easily be red.
I have to say, overall we have been poor in this second half. Very poor passing, often giving the ball straight to Blackburn, or otherwise to one of our players surrounded by yellow. If we steal a winner we will have been very lucky. As it stands I have something to re-write for the Hull opener.
0-0 at full time. Disappointing.
That’s a very poor performance - looked like a team of strangers for much of the game.
If Whitaker’s shot had gone in instead of hitting the post (I seem to remember typing that before) then things might have been different but we can’t rely on him for goals all the time.