@jarkko that ia a good shout re Nypan. If we have a young prospect that might also contribute now and without using up a squad place, then send Nypan back to Citeh.
Could be a good find:
well I suppose they would omit anything that made him look like a donkey from that clip.... all the same he looks to be good with his right foot, good with his left and good with his head!Could be a good find:
@powmillnaemore. And can score from free kicks. Must be too good to be true. Wonder what his injury record is like, I am sure we can improve it. 😉😎
Belated thanks for the opener Andy.
Like others, I have mixed feelings for the FA Cup nowadays, especially with the abolition of replays and teams putting out changed teams. I am not even sure if the financial rewards are as good. Add to that the small clubs with dodgy pitches in January then upsets were more common.
Now I think that Boro have to play a cautious approach.
I would have preferred a home game against say Sunderland, Newcastle or Leeds just for the financial aspect and the chance to get one over on them!
I would hope that KH takes a sensible view on selection what with our injury position as we don’t want to risk any more so I can see a mix of experience and youth and then depending on how Fulham play, we might give them a shock - we can hope anyway. And if we lose, then I won’t be too upset- it gives us a chance to see how close or far from the Premier League we are at.
Hope we can also get a few things sorted out early doors in the transfer window and not have a last gasp panic.
UTB
@jarkko This from a BBC article about potential EFL transfers.
In an inconsistent season for the Terriers, Castledine's class has been a constant and while there is no indication parent club Chelsea want to sell the 20-year-old, they may look to reassign him in the Championship to increase his challenge.
Castledine has 10 league goals from midfield and it is the manner of how he has tended to score them that catches the eye - free-kicks, volleys, bursts from deep or wide areas, accompanied by a flurry of stepovers.
He is, as a number of Huddersfield fans have remarked, effectively holding his own goal of the season contest.
Having appeared in 26 of a possible 30 games since arriving, Chelsea will surely be pleased with how he has been used in West Yorkshire.
But for teams seeking something extra in the final third and not willing to spend too much, a loan approach for Castledine - who, unlike many youngsters from top-flight academies, provides proof of concept - makes a lot of sense.
Thanks for the intro Andy. As for Saturday I think that KH may use the game to give some game time to some of those who need it. Kante being one. With the full back issue Mccormick plays on the left and Silvera or Brown on the right. I don't think he will risk Dael Fry. As said Targett and Ayling need a rest. I am conflicted about playing Whittaker as we need his goals at the moment but don't need him injured. Thinking about in coming transfers I wonder if we are looking at Tolaj from Plymouth,League 1 leading scorer in a struggling team. Also if he signs in time Castledine could play as he isn't cup tied.
Leo Castledine. Got the lowdown from a Huddersfield Town supporter.
He is described as ok , best loan player they’ve had for a few years. A team player unlike Burgzorg. Lots of fans think he’s Championship potential but not Premiership next year if Boro get promoted this year.
Ive seen some of his goals on Huddersfield Town highlights and he seems to be in the right place at the right time - evidenced by his 10 goals.
I think he’s one for the future based on his age and playing experience but an improvement on our attacking player substitutes.
Philip of Huddersfield 👍🤗
@jarkko Personally, if we could lose Nypan without upsetting Man City, then I would gamble that the new youngster would be at least his equal in output.
@mw-in-darwin The local media are stating a permanent fee has been agreed with Chelsea, along with a sell on clause. We will see tomorrow possibly.
Exacly my thoughts, too. The tricky part is not upsetting City. But I am sure they have monitored the young Norwegian at Riverside, too. So the conclution could be sending him to Huddesfield for the spring time? UBT!@jarkko Personally, if we could lose Nypan without upsetting Man City, then I would gamble that the new youngster would be at least his equal in output.
Been pushed for time this week, but just wanted to say thanks to Andy for a typically well organised and beautifully written starter that covered all of the important bases for Saturday's game. I don't know your background, Andy, but you have all of the attributes of a high quality journalist.
May I also register my sincere thanks for all of the too generous comments on the S'ton thread, for an opener that went on a bit too long. Must learn the art of conciseness.
And finally, but not least, it's really great to see Bob back and commenting following his operation at a time when things must be at their most testing. We all hope that things progress as they should for you, Bob, over the next few months.
@lenmasterman Thanks Len, and to all for your kind comments. They are appreciated.
No journalism background here. Perhaps we should set up a new thread for International breaks / the summer season where those who want to can write a piece on their background / life so we all get to know each other that little bit better.
From the various snippets posted over the years I bet there are some absolutely fascinating stories to be told, all linked by that love for the Boro that we've taken with us wherever we've wandered.
- •https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25750481.middlesbrough-agree-permanent-deal-chelseas-leo-castledine /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Middlesbrough agree permanent deal for Chelsea midfielder
- •https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25744281.middlesbroughs-morgan-whittaker-kim-hellberg-adilson-malanda /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morgan Whittaker's 'eyes light up' with Middlesbrough transfer seal of approval
- •https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25750481.middlesbrough-agree-permanent-deal-chelseas-leo-castledine /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Middlesbrough agree permanent deal for Chelsea midfielder
- •https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25744281.middlesbroughs-morgan-whittaker-kim-hellberg-adilson-malanda /" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morgan Whittaker's 'eyes light up' with Middlesbrough transfer seal of approval
Many thanks Len looking forward to when I can return to the Riverside again
Appreciate all the kind messages of suppport ,!
OFB
Watching KH’s pre Fulham presser, I think he will be putting out a strong team at Craven Cottage, by what he said when asked about the possible lineup.
Come on BORO.
There is certainly some logic in doing that so as to keep the momentum going along with the players gelling in the way he wants them to play.
Given how we can play against teams that like to play a more open game, I can see us at least scoring a goal although fear we may be caught out defensively. Time will tell.
i still remain slightly nervous about the potential for more injuries which could occur.
My prediction 2 2 and for us to concede in extra time.
@exmil That’s a big gamble that could ultimately backfire on him.
Lenihan, Edmundson, Brittain, Jones, Bangura, Strelec, Sene, McGree and Fry.
As of today, that is NINE players missing out of the original 25 man squad. The most important ones we will not see for between possibly 5 to 8/9 weeks. Then add in Targett who looks more likely by each match, to be recalled by Newcastl.
Whilst in December we were looking at which forwards may be replaced by upgrades, we are now probably having to look at defensive additions.
Also bare in mind, WBA, Stoke, Sheffield United and Coventry away, to come next.
You just could not make it up if you tried. I hope they have at least one good CB lined up and ready now and may be another LB. How many would that be of the latter this last couple of seasons or so.
Left backs? Any advance on eight?
Not including McGree aand Lewis O'Brien, who were drafted in there as emergency cover, obviously.
MFC just confirmed the signing of Leo Castledine. They have talked about signing players who are versatile so perhaps he can play at left back! 😉😎
@k-p-in-spain. How tall is he? CB possibly?
He's Five foot ten!! This has a bit of a Morgan Rogers feel to it only a bit better. In the season before joining Boro Rogers played 20 games on loan at Blackpool, in the championship, Castledine has played 23 games in League 1 scoring 10 times. Rogers league record at Boro 26 games played 2 goals. He did score 5 league cup goals however, which got him his move to Villa. He has a much better record in the Premier League than he did in the Championship, hopefully Castledine will have the same effect for us if we get promoted. Apparently his Dad played for Wimbledon in the Crazy gang era, his mother presents Homes under the hammer and his sister is in Eastenders.
It doesn't look like there will be any youngsters in the squad on Saturday as the Under 21's are playing as I write against Newcastle. Baptiste, Paterson-Powell, Sonny Finch all playing so unlikely to feature against Fulham.
Does anyone know if the new lad, Leo Castledine can play today - e.g. was he registered in time?
He is not cup-tied even he has played in the cup for Huddersfield according to the new rules.
I will go for a surprise 1-2 win for the mighty Boro today. The FA Cup is full of surprises as ever. Remember Wimbledon against Boro? Or Cardiff (that is better to forget, I think)?
Up the Boro!
Many thanks Andy for producing a very comprehensive FA Cup preview at short notice - after reading your low-down on Fulham I'm not expecting Boro to get much out of this tie but with a one-off game anything can happen if players are rested.
Can't say I'm that into the FA Cup anymore as it's not what it used to be and no replays to favour the fixture programme of the top clubs has taken away half the fun - plus a cup run could also hinder Boro's promotion chances as after this round league games get canceled to make room. Not to mention not being able to watch the game live unless a dodgy stream turns up.
Still it would be a boost to confidence if Boro win but if they lose nobody will lose sleep...
What are the new rules about not being cup tied? Castledine did not play for Huddersfield but Law Mcabe did play for Plymouth.