We. Are. Top-of-the-league!
Well, well, well, Diasborans, what do we have here?
After last Monday’s win at in-form Sheffield United, Boro are now on a run of SIX straight victories, surpassing the streaky runs under Michael Carrick when we won five consecutive games both in November/December 2022 and again in January 2023.
The last time Boro won six in a row was under Karanka in 2014/15, the season of the play-off final heartbreak. The last time we won seven in a row was in 1973/74 under Jack Charlton. I don’t need to tell many on this forum, but we won the league that year….
What a remarkable season this is shaping up to be. What a remarkable few months, in truth.
When Kim Hellberg took over in late November, Boro had just lost at home to table-topping Coventry, with the visitors then sitting an outrageous ten points clear at the top. Just two and a half months later and here we are two points ahead of them at the summit, with a chance to stretch that lead to five on Monday night, kick-off 8pm.
What a game we have in prospect.
Ourselves and Coventry have been mainstays at the top of the division all season but until recent months it looked to be a case of Coventry +1 for automatic promotion. While both clubs remain favourites to complete the job, that picture has changed somewhat.
As it stands, Coventry are a lowly 15th in the form of the last six games, winning just two and it’s no better over the last ten, with only a solitary additional victory.
Defeats to Birmingham, Norwich and QPR since the turn of the year have halted what had seemed like serene progress for Frank Lampard’s side, whilst Boro, of course, have just kept on winning.
Note, however, that Coventry’s home form remains the best in the division with eleven wins from fifteen games. In their 2026 downturn, they have played only three games at the CBS Arena, winning two before their disappointing 0-0 with Oxford last time out.
The lazy narrative may be that Boro are in red hot form and Coventry have let it all slip but dig a little deeper and you can see that Coventry away remains the league’s most difficult fixture and one in which Boro will need to be at their best.
That said, right now, Boro ARE at their best.
Sensible summer recruitment on the defensive front have given us a better base all season than we’ve had in recent years, whilst the addition of the excellent Adilson Malanda has taken that calm solidity up another notch despite Hellberg’s more attacking outlook. Luke Ayling, it should also be noted, is having a stellar season after his time appeared to be up around twelve months ago.
Going forward, after a little dip (by his standards) Hackney has progressed to now be playing the best football of his still young career – surely the best centre mid the Championship has to offer? Whittaker has developed into the output merchant his stats at former clubs suggested he might be, McGree seems to have finally returned to fitness – a huge boost on its own – and now Tommy Conway has got his goalscoring mojo back. It’s quite something we’re seeing under Hellberg.
If there’s one concern – and you really have to look for them after six straight wins and top of the table – it is that Boro’s options on the bench do see the team weakened. There is no adequate replacement for the likes of Malanda, Hackney and McGree whilst Strelec still looks some way off giving us the energy - and now goals - of Conway.
What that does mean is that Boro’s XI will surely be unchanged. Perhaps the only doubt against that is if Hellberg has a specific tactical plan for game.
It’s just another ninety minutes and just another three points in the offing. It will not be season defining. But what a game it would be to win.
I can’t wait.
Really good Andy. I am going to read it again now as there was so much content there to mull over. Thank you for all the work you put in on these openers.
Thanks for such an uplifting starter, Andy. Isn’t it great that we’ve all got smiles on our faces at the moment?
I reckon we’d all take a draw on Monday, but a win would surely set a marker down for the remainder of the season and would put another dent in the Coventry players’ confidence.
Our record against them is notoriously poor, but there’s never been a better time to play them. Come on, Boro!
A most enjoyable and uplifting read, thank you Andy.
Like most of us I can’t wait for Monday evening and just hope that we continue to play as we have been, as that should at least give us a point if not all three; surely a win against Coventry is more than overdue and hopefully the footballing gods will be looking on us kindly for a change.
CoB let’s make it seven and equal Jack’s record. 😎
Many thanks Andy for providing an excellent build-up to the big game on Monday evening - it can't come soon enough and while you say it's not season-defining for Boro it may well be for Coventry as lose and they're in danger of getting swallowed up by the chasing pack.
I was just reading the BBC match report of the reverse fixture where after Conway missed that chance to make it 3-2, they then scored 2 quick goals, with the report ending with...
And before Boro could regroup, Simms headed in at the end of another slick attack to demonstrate what a tough job the rest of the Championship will have in reining in Lampard's leaders.
Well, they have been reined in and there's the potential to go 5 points clear of them and if Boro play at the same intensity as they did at Sheff Utd then there's every chance of it happening. Of course, we know our record against Coventry and nobody will be expecting an easy ride - which may work in our favour as there will be no complacency from the players.
Can't believe as you mentioned that it's over half a century since Boro last won 7 games in a row - history in the making hopefully...
Thanks Andy for (yet) another great piece to start the conversation. You are right, well at least in this corner of Scotland, that I can hardly stop myself smiling whenever I think of the Boro just now. There is no doubt this will be a stern test for the team, but as others have commented, if we bring the same intensity and concentration that we applied against form teams Norwich City and Sheffield United, then we will be in with every chance of coming away with 1 or even 3 points.
50 years indeed since the last 7 in a row but, @KP, that is not the record. The record in that season I believe was 9 consecutive league wins, which stands as our all time record. So still a little way to go to match that and with this coming Monday probably offering the biggest threat to our achieving it.
With both Ipswich and Hull in FA Cup action this evening, this is also an opportunity to stretch the gap to third by another point (assuming Millwall will collect all 3 at Wednesday on Saturday).
What glorious times.
Andy,
A superb starter, well done. I am lost in admiration of all you that write the starters, tremendous work. Thank you. As for the result? it could be 'Eyes in the sky', but I don't think it will be. Could it be an OFB three? Nope, we'll have to see what comes out of the 'Oracle's' cave. I'm thinking a draw but as Manuel used to say on Fawlty Towers "I Know nothing". Just don't lose, and I don't think we will.
OFB I hope you are continuing to improve.
All the best everyone.
UTB,
John
@AndyR - As others have said, that was an uplifting read. And I agree it's smiles all round for Boro supporters at present.
It is difficult to see how we (I say "we" as the club, the management, players and supporters are all as one) could better the current feeling of contentment and bonhomie currently pervading the wider Teesside area and the Diasboro. I suppose a crushing victory at Coventry, in front of a fervent away support and a nationwide TV audience, might possibly make things even better because a substantial and growing gap will have then developed between our team and the best of the rest. If the team went on to cruise to the Championship title in the way Jack Charlton's team did, that would be the ultimate but, from where I sit, the view already looks excellent without waiting another 3 months. We are talking about relative levels of ectasy here. The heart can only take so much.
Thanks for the starter piece, Andy. I now look forward to reading the various Match Previews and look forward to the games in a way I haven't done for quite some time. Success and the joy it brings, eh?
Good Luck to the team on Monday evening at a usually difficult ground for Boro (though this team seems not to be weighed down by historical concerns or previous results). And Best Wishes to OFB whose heart must surely be lifted up by all he is seeing, hearing and reading about Boro's exploits. #UTB.
Thanks Andy for another well written piece which beautifully reflects the high (and rare) degree of optimism which we are all entitled to feel as Boro supporters after our current run of fine results and top-class performances. We really can go to what was always going to be our most challenging game of the season and play without fear.
Our current form and the way we are playing reminds me very much of Brian Clough's Derby and then Forest as they played their way out of the old Second Division before making an immediate impact in the First. Both teams played fine passing on-the-floor football which they were able to reproduce game after game, and season after season. Could we possibly be at the very beginnings of a similar Renaissance?
Thanks Andy for reflecting the up-beat mood so successfully.
Great Headliner Andy, thoughtfully written.
I think we all know on here that a fit first Team pick is one of the divisions best, but as you said, the bench although stronger than it has been with players back starting, does not have the strength in depth of say Ipswich and possibly Coventry. No real game changer, unless hopefully it could be Sarmiento.
We can also only hope that Strelec steps up to the mark, but that is looking unlikely.
Can we continue our run against our nemesis? I guess we will lose at some point, or we may not on Monday. I would take a draw this afternoon.
Hopefully it will be another great game to watch as a “Boro” supporter.
Oh and because of the football we have played and achieved in KH, I renewed my ST a hour ago.
Brilliant times right now, but in reality we've promised this for a few years , dropping in form at wrong times , why? ,we wonder, obviously the signings this season have made the difference, solid players who can handle the league, Helberg seems to have a grip on the ways and means of how to get a team functioning, coaching in European Competitions.
Coventry game I'd take a point right now, I do worry about our two fullbacks,they're not the best at defending ,and Coventry have two excellent wingers especially the one Target will be marking , could be a 3-3
COB
I’d like to echo everyone’s views on your fine starter, Andy. As ever, it hits the nail bang on the head! How right you are that these are great times to be a Boro fan!
I’d settle for a point on Monday, as that would be a good result at a difficult venue and which would keep us top of the pile. But as others have said, we have a good chance of winning, especially if we play as well as we did at Sheffield. I’m thinking Coventry might be a bit jittery given their current form, and an opening goal from us might jangle their nerves more and quieten the crowd. At least we’ll go there full of confidence. And it’s definitely time to break that hex theyve had over us for so long!
And huge congratulations are due to Kim Hellberg and Alan Browne for winning Manager and Player of the Month respectively. Both awards are thoroughly deserved. And for once I’m confident that the curse of the awards won’t have a negative impact!
Sorry to disappoint everyone but that 9 consecutive wins record will coincide with my Leicester preview - though it's probably because I wasn't doing previews back in Big Jack's day...
@werdermouth I am ceryainly not looking that far ahead. One game at a time for me and this next one is definitely not a gimmee for 3 points.
THE CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG !!
Watched a very interesting informative discussion on U TUBE on how Kim sets up his team to play. It demonstrates the detail and creativity he goes into a make Boro a winning team. The info would be useful to other Championship teams and opposition players.
Kim certainly comes across as someone who puts enormous effort and thought on how to set up the team etc. He is clearly a work alcoholic to Boro’s advantage and possibly to the disadvantage of his family life.
The views of punters will vary a lot based on Mondays result - if Boro win they will be lots of peoples clear favourites to win the League. if Coventry they will be top and “ back on track” and if it’s a draw ( and Ipswich win) they will be some peoples favourite.
There will still be many ups and downs in the last 15 games. Let’s hope Boro can keep their momentum going in the last third of the season.
Philip of Huddersfield 👍
Thanks, Andy. What uplifting times. I dare say that many of us allow ourselves a glimpse at other blogs and podcasts and from what I have seen there seems to be universal praise from the non-Boro world for the way that we are currently playing.
@philip-of-huddersfield I really hope that he isn’t a “work alcoholic“ 😉
Ken used to get vexed at talk of a “six point game” as he quite rightly stressed that there were only ever three points available, but if ever a game felt like one, it’s Monday’s encounter.
Win and we’re 5 points ahead of Coventry on 64 points, lose and we stay on 61 points whilst City will have 62, one more than the Boro. 5 positive points versus 1 negative one feels like a 6 point game to me.
Thanks for the intro Andy. So the biggest game since, well, last Monday night. They are all big games now as we strive for the promised land of the Premier League. There are in fact two winning streaks on the line in this game, our six game win streak and Coventry's six game win streak against Middlesbrough. We have beaten them once in the past ten games, a 1-0 home win in January 2022. I think we are due another. The referee is Thomas Bramall, from Sheffield who is a regular Premier League official, his last game was on Sunday at Brighton. As others have said I do have a concern about our strength in depth. The eleven that started against Sheff Utd is as good as any in the league I believe plus Jones Fry and Caseldine. Hopefully Tommy Conway remains injury free as I don't see Strelec doing the amount of work Tommy does but he is probaly a better striker in the box. Looking at other teams Ipswich have made 10 changes tonight, and have 4 players who played in the Premier last season plus Chuba. All of their changees have played in the league this season. I don't think we could make 10 changes and be competitive.Coventry on Saturday had both of the goalscorers against us in the last game on the bench along with Rudoni. They are able to put a 10 goal striker Ellis Simms on the bench.
@mw-in-darwin I guess one could say that McKenna decided not to go on two fronts with the extra game at least. And so it came to pass with a defeat and Wrexham’s first clean sheet at home in nine games.
In his pre match presser he did say that he doesn't have a good enough squad to play in two competitions competitively. He has spent 200 million pounds in the past 4 windows.
Andy,
A superb starter, well done. I am lost in admiration of all you that write the starters, tremendous work. Thank you. As for the result? it could be 'Eyes in the sky', but I don't think it will be. Could it be an OFB three? Nope, we'll have to see what comes out of the 'Oracle's' cave. I'm thinking a draw but as Manuel used to say on Fawlty Towers "I Know nothing". Just don't lose, and I don't think we will.
OFB I hope you are continuing to improve.
All the best everyone.
UTB,
John
John I agree that Andy is an accomplished writer who paints a picture in words which describe what we all feel of the current situation. Thank you Andy for,your efforts.👏👏👏
Thank you John for asking after me I must confess the last few weeks have been tough and I haven’t posted much and to my chagrin not even read the blog which is not like me at all, as I’m an avid reader of all things DIASBORO !
Hopefully I’ll improve when the weather improves and we can get some warmer days. Mrs OFB is looking forward to next season already and booking our early bird season tickets on Monday for 2026/7 !
I’m looking forward to watching the game on Monday evening and apparently it’s on ITV4 not sky which makes a change and hopefully our overseas viewers will be able to watch the game.
i enjoyed the Sheffield Utd game on Monday and was quite blown away by the intricacy of the passes which caused the opposition problems.
A well deserved MOTM and POTM for Boro as quite frankly we’ve stormed up the league this month.
The game on Monday will not be easy and whilst KH has eulogised about Lampard being his favourite player his smiling countenance and agreeable personality won’t fool anyone and Coventry will have dissected in detail the Boro style and methodology and will be ready for them.
So John do I go for eyeballs in the sky 👍👀 NAH ! Cannot see either team not scoring in this game.
Do I go for BORO3 ? can’t see that either !
So it’s a 1 1 draw forecast for me Diasborians
UTB
OFB
Thank you all for the many kind responses.
Mostly though, I hope you feel much better soon, OFB and that Boro give you a lift on Monday night.
Best of luck with your recovery, Bob. We all hope the Boro give you a real tonic on Monday.
@original-fat-bob. Good to hear from you OFB and hoping you are soon feeling much brighter.
I will be watching via Riverside Live, I can also access ITV4 or Sky but unlike some, I do like the commentary of Mark Drury and Maddo; still miss the maestro that was Ali Brownlee. 😎
Ali Brownlee is in the Pantheon of the Broadcasting Gods. Still shouting out after a Juninho goal or that diving header by Massimo Maccarone. Meanwhile, in the corner table of our heavenly pub, John Arlott is opening his third bottle of red wine with Richie Benaud after a hard day at the cricket, and in front of the blazing fire Bill McLaren is having an animated chat with Dan Maskell about the intrusion social media has been having on life generally. The prices seem locked at 1981 levels, which is a bonus.