@john-richardson - Give my heart a chance to recover from the drama at Lord's first. WHAT A GAME!
Since AV isn't reading this, that game was a great example of what we love about Test cricket. Five days with the result showing its head after tea on Day 5. Magnificent bowling from Bumrah (5-74 in 27 overs) in England's first innings and an un-Bazball century from Root saw England get to a probably under-par 387 all out at about 3.5 an over. India with 100 from Rahul, 74 from Pant (amazingly run out by Stokes' throw) and 72 from Jadeja exactly matched England's 387 runs so the game was perfectly poised before the 2nd innings. England, with Root again top-scoring on 40, fell to a total of 192 all out which I thought was about 80 runs light, but against tight bowling on a pitch that was now "doing something".
But the last innings was a drama in four acts/sessions. With India needing 193 to win, the needle switched one way, then the other, as regards who appeared to be in the driving seat. At 81-7 and then 112-8 it looked as though England MUST win but Jadeja batted for 72 minutes with Nitish (who only scored 13 from his 53 balls), 104 minutes with Bumrah (who managed 5 runs in his 54 balls) and then 64 minutes with last-man Siraj (4 runs in 30 balls) before Siraj was finally out when the ball trickled into his stumps causing the bail JUST to dislodge after a defensive shot when India was only 22 runs short of the relatively modest target. Unusually, Jadeja had not attacked the bowling when the lower order batsmen joined him at the crease in the hope that a few lusty blows would see his team home. The usual thinking might have been that to expose the weaker batsmen to so much time in the middle would inevitably lead to them getting balls they couldn't deal with - the dreaded "ball with your name on it" whereas scoring quickly might get the batting side to its target before that dreaded ball arrived. Instead, at least for Nitish and Bumrah, Jadeja seemed eventually content to take the odd single, trusting his colleague to survive the hostile bowling for the rest of the over. It nearly worked for India at a time when nerves were becoming raw but when Siraj was out the home spectators (and me, following by TMS at home) erupted with joy. Jadeja finished 61 not out, so his admirable effort was ultimately unsuccessful but it was all very tense. The effort put in by Archer playing his first Test for 4 years, Stokes (the leader) and Carse was immense.
The match was much more attritional than spectators have become accustomed to under "Bazball". No centuries in 86 balls, or 450+ runs scored at nearly 6 an over, but a battle between bat and ball where the batsman's wicket is at jeopardy with at least a couple of deliveries per over. It's so different to white ball (limited overs) cricket. There is opportunity over the 5 days for the tempo and the momentum in the game to change. There may be a period when the bowlers are on top and the ball is seeming around on a greenish wicket and then a time when the moisture goes out of the wicket, when the batsmen are on top and scoring runs, and then a time when the wicket might take spin and present different challenges to the batsmen as they attempt to set, or to chase, a target, The wicket doesn't change in a T20 game - there isn't the time or enough use of the strip for that to happen. It's like the difference between a sprint where people just run as fast as they can when the starting gun sounds, compared to a 1500 or 5000 metres race where tactics are important. Sprint like Usain Bolt in the 5000 meters and you'd collapse before getting to 800 metres.
So it is with football. It would be lovely if your team could play like an imperious Brazil from 1970, Ajax at its peak, the great Barcelona team or PSG earlier this year (but NOT as against Chelsea a few days ago). But flowing football where every player looks so skilled and fast, where the passing is crisp and where goals flow like a river in full spate can't represent every game a supporter watches (particularly if the playing staff is similar to Boro's). Sometimes one might see that from an opposing team. I remember Boro being taken apart at home on some occasions by Arsenal when we were a Premier League outfit, and I could enjoy the Arsenal skill and style - though the "Arsenal 0-3 Boro where Boro only had one shot on target but won with a deflection and an own goal in their three" created more than a smile on MY face even if the pundits on MoTD seemed appalled!
Sometimes, a solid defensive football performance against a team with better attacking and/or midfield talent is great to watch. A game where a few crunching but fair tackles go in can raise the blood and enthusiasm for the game. Backs-to-the-wall performances and gritty 0-0 results can be as joyous in the performance and the outcome as any game, and definitely more watchable than seeing centre-backs attempting to break the Opta Index record for successful 10 yards sideways passing to-and-fro. It's something you might see on Strictly Come Dancing: "Back one step, sideways to the left, sideways to the right, back one step again, sideways to the left, sideways to the right, back one more step then two steps forwards before sideways to the left...."
I would have felt deflated for a time had England lost the Test Match against India yesterday, having watched the momentum between the two sides change so often during the game. But after a period to reflect (like now, for example) I would still have been able to recognise the quality of the match and the performances of most of the players shown during the contest, and I'd have remembered it in a month's time or even next year as having been a great match. A 0-0 in football CAN be as gripping as a 5-4 win. It's about the context - who you are playing, how the players performed, the tension you felt as the game progressed etc.
In terms of Boro this coming season, I don't expect any of the players to be at the level of a Joe Root as a great of the game, a Ben Stokes whose performances when under the greatest pressure belie his career averages, nor a Brook, a Rishabh Pant or Bumrah who might well be recognised as greats in a few years' time. Unless there happens to be a major miracle perpetrated on the transfer front, or Rob Edwards enters into a phase in his career where he transforms into a manager of the Brian Clough ilk (in his Derby County and the first half of his Nottingham Forest years) Boro will not be ploughing an international-quality furrow in the football world. But I can still hope for some effort, grit and determination from the team in the coming season. And that might lead, if not for performances reminiscent of the aforementioned Brazil, Ajax, Barcelona and PSG teams, at least for some closely-fought and ultimately enjoyable football. Something to make us want to get off our seats, whether in the pub or at home, and go to the Riverside in some hope and, just maybe, some expectation.
And to answer your question, John, the next Test (4th in the 5 match series which England now leads 2-1) starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday 23rd August. I will be following via TMS from a field literally over the road from the sand dunes and the beach just outside Beadnell, Northumberland.
@forever-dormo It was just an absolute Classic. Even my other half was hooked and needs a week to recover. Some great batting, fielding, bowling and the Umpires were excellent too.
Truly an absolute treat. Roll on the next one!!
UTB,
John
@forever-dormo I think you meant 23rd July for the next test.
I really thought we were going to lose yesterday when the ball had gone soft and we were struggling to make a breakthrough in the post lunch session. I suspect Jadeja will be kicking himself for not trying to knock off the last 25 runs himself.
As for the final dismissal - I don’t think anyone watching saw that coming!
@werdermouth I would have thought that there may still have been a few million available from the sale of LL, despite the January debacle.
From that, we could go ahead with low value purchases such as Callum Britain from Blackburn, which has been live for a while now. Then there is the guy from Hull, Jones. Another low value purchase. Steady Eddies, that should fit into Edwards system.
However, if Mr Gibson is cutting back on his annual losses, then maybe he may want to see some more real cash before committing to Bulkhaul’s profits.
The big question surrounding Danny Ings is surely whether anyone at the club has actually scouted him recently. Is he fully fit and raring to go? Has he shown any recent form that has been fully monitored? Or is he simply a player that someone on the scouting team has always admired in the past who has now become available?
The problem with Iheanacho wasn't that he hadn't got a good pedigree or hadn't done a decent job in the past, but that as soon as he stepped on the pitch for the Boro, it was immediately obvious to everyone that he was not up to the job. Neither fit, ready, willing nor able.
It demonstrated that he had not been effectively scouted and monitored before we signed him. It was this that exposed the lie that the player was Carrick's choice. Had he been scouted effectively he would never have been on the club's short list in the first place.
I share Diasborians' scepticism about this possible signing, but in all honesty we just don't know whether he will be another dud looking for one last big pay day, or the inspired swashbuckling crowd pleaser that he has often been in the past.
Sadly, I suspect that no one at the club has any inkling of that either. The question that local journalists should be asking- but won't- is who on the recruitment or coaching teams last saw him play and when.
@lenmasterman - "Can you tell us who, on the scouting/recruitment team, has seen Ings play, and when?" seems a perfectly reasonable question for a journalist to ask. Why should it be a secret unless somebody has something to hide?
If the answer is "Scotty saw him 2 years ago in a PL game and we have watched a couple of videos from early 2024", or if the answer is obfuscation if there is any answer at all, then the stupidty of it all will be too apparent. I guess if there had been no proper investigation, the club would say nothing at all and the silence would be telling. If it was MY money being spent (or should I say gambled?) I'd want to know the truth about the scouting work undertaken.
I think it is a little childish to think Boro won't use the extended scouting department and people when signing a player. With Morris, he was scouted for two years before the club committed.
It is the same with other players, too. But of course there will be hits, too. And injuries do happen. I do not think we have signed any "injury-prone" players for a few years now. So the injuries cannot be blamed on the recruitment - coaching and fitness side of the club perhaps, but not recruitment.
I prefer to see who we sign before making any conclutions. Up the Boro!
It’s always hard to know how much from a transfer fee is actually on the balance sheet for the financial year and then there’s wages and other bonus payments too.
What does worry me though is that the Coburn transfer was pushed through before the end of June and thus made it into the previous financial year - the same accounting period as the Latte Lath sale.
We could maybe reasonably assume the Coburn deal was perhaps needed to balance the books - which would have included payoffs for Carrick and Woodgate plus Edwards compensation to Luton.
Impossible to know for certain the exact figures before accounts are published but I seem to recall it was reported that Boro were losing around one million a month that Steve Gibson had previously covered - if he didn’t then that would eat up most of Latte Lathe’s transfer.
Perhaps the signing of Danny Ings is seen by the club as a marquee signing that will act as that statement of intent in order to encourage other deals.
Let’s face it most names being linked with Boro are not exactly known but it’s really just another gamble given his last four seasons in the PL - in truth there is probably zero chance of Danny Ings getting another PL contract next season as a 33-year old striker with 4 goals in three years to his name.
Though I would only see him as a last 20 minute bench option to use his physicality and nous to cause panic in the opposition box - I would need a lot of convincing that he was fit enough to cope with a Championship season as a starter.
Heard were in for Toby Collyer Man Utd , I hope so this kids a player ,can play defensive midfield a 6 or as an 8 or 10 , full of energy all over the pitch, quality.depends what Amorins plans are ,but they do have a number of midfielders pushing for places.
The only thing I have seen is Graeme Bandeira on X saying he would like the Collyer loan to happen, but there is zero chance of it.
Looked up his profile, from a Man U insider talking of the young players who might get a chance, he mentioned Boro particularly interested, which I thought something might be brewing
Just catching up after a few days away. I must say I share the general Boro despondency. As yet, I’m finding very little to enthuse me about the new season. Usually, by now, I’m counting down the days, but not this time. None of the players we’ve been linked with have excited me. Someone called them ‘journeymen’, which seems about right. They may be players who fit Edwards’ preferred system, I suppose, but I can’t see any of them getting me out of my seat.
And Danny Ings????? Words nearly failed me, but I did come up with ‘scrape, bottom’ and ‘barrel.’
We can only hope things improve in the next few weeks. This could be a challenging season.
To the cricket lovers amongst us, I agree that the Test match was magnificent. I was absolutely gripped on day 5 afternoon as India got closer to the target. One of the best games ever. I’m lucky enough to have a ticket for Old Trafford day 3. I can’t wait! It’s the day before our Rangers game, and has had the added bonus of preventing me lashing out an absolute fortune to go up to Glasgow, as I probably won’t leave the cricket till 6.30, then have to get the train back to Wales. Initially, when I realised that logistically I couldn’t get to Ibrox, I was disappointed. Now, I’m just relieved. I’m sure there’ll be a live stream somewhere, if I can be bothered.
Welcome back, Clive, and to Bob too, and others after a thinnish Summer for the blog.
I keep looking for Danny Ings signing for a team - any team - except Boro. I can’t imagine any team would be willing to gamble on him because of his age, virtually no games played in the last 2 years and being on premier league wages and so still expecting a fortune by our standards .
Perhaps Wrexham might be interested- I understand they buy this kind of player on a short term contract in the hope it will secure promotion and then ditch them.
Fingers crossed we soon hear of a few signings- I will settle for young players with potential. There must be a few more Rogers out there ready to show their true potential.
philip of Huddersfield 👍🤔
Talking transfers, here is a link to a BBC article about how clubs buy foreign players, following Brexit.
It also shows how a lot of the risk has been taken out of buying this category of player, by the points system it uses. Look at Sunderland’s signing this season and last. Most based on data.
It’s getting worse!!
Boro now linked with Michael Smith who has recently left Sheffield Wednesday. Aged 33 and played most games coming on as substitute. Described as a player like Coburn who we’ve just sold.
So there’s the clue to say this rumour can’t be right as Boro wouldn’t buy a much older version to Coburn who will improve.
Or would they ?!!
That’s it - no more reading of this idle gossip which we all know is probably 90% + inaccurate.
philip of Huddersfield 👍
@philip-of-huddersfield The Echo wrote today: " Boro were today linked with Michael Smith after his Sheffield Wednesday exit. But they have no interest whatsoever in the 33-year-old."
Let's comment on the new players when they have signed rather than reacting emotionally to every rumour. Life is good and Boro have a good squad at least as long as no player leaves ...
Up the Boro!
Talking transfers, here is a link to a BBC article about how clubs buy foreign players, following Brexit.
It also shows how a lot of the risk has been taken out of buying this category of player, by the points system it uses. Look at Sunderland’s signing this season and last. Most based on data.
I’ve tried to read that article three times but it’s so complicated that it’s beyond my understanding. Still, as it doesn’t look like we’re signing anyone, my ignorance probably won’t be a problem on this occasion.
A little off subject but sometimes you feel at a certain age mine 73, is it me, the recent death of centre forwards Wyn Davies from an era of a specialist CF, a p l ayer who could score headers when Centre backs got you back, players like Ron Davies, Tony Hately, Alan Peacock , they took the knocks , I'm sure here can name others ,
So I googled history England league CF scoring goals with their head, all I got was premiership, premiership , premiership , I feel sick , really, I guess the world started when I wasn't looking
@philip-of-huddersfield The Echo wrote today: " Boro were today linked with Michael Smith after his Sheffield Wednesday exit. But they have no interest whatsoever in the 33-year-old."
Let's comment on the new players when they have signed rather than reacting emotionally to every rumour. Life is good and Boro have a good squad at least as long as no player leaves ...
Up the Boro!
@jarrko you are right we should try and wind our necks in ( and I am as guilty as anyone ) to parrot the great sage Mogga " it is what it is"
I think we as fans probably need to come to terms with the fact that our days of making big signings are over we are now lidl shoppers and not M&S, some fans may struggle with this but there it is.
SG has been putting the max in he can, kiern maguire said it was 3 - 400k a week, the club loses can be used to reduce tax burden on Bulkhaul but even SG must at some point say is it worth it and I don't see a queue of people looking to replace him.
I have very low expectations for the season but it has been worse.
UTB
Mansfield 0 Boro 3 on 41 minutes, Fry 25 minutes from a corner, 33 minutes Conway penalty, 37 minutes Whittaker. It is live on MFC website, just log in to your digital account 👍 Whittaker causing havoc with his corners, HT 0-3.
Come on BORO.
FT 3-3.
We played with wing backs in the first half. Fry was excellent, and our captain Morris was very good. An excellent first half. Whittaker and Silvera were good, too.
But we looked like strangers in the second half after the changes in personnel. So very two sided game - good 1st half, terrible in the 2nd. But it was a practice match. And the latter half was played in 4-2-3-1. So we do not know which way we will play finally.
We need a few new players and some pace. Up the Boro!
Given Edwards started with his best available XI in the first half in a 3-4-3 it would suggest that they have been training more in that formation and is how he plans to play.
The disjointed second half after all the changes in a new formation possibly indicates a lack of quality in depth but at this stage the result doesn’t really matter but it appears the players have adjusted to a different style - with seemingly more work on set pieces being coached.
@werdermouth You are right. But it also tells Edwards is flexible with formations unlike Carrick. Also the "soon to be announced" deal with Hull for a centre half is an indicator towards playing with three centre backs, too.
Or 3-5-2 with wing backs in the "five"? I think it was:
van den Berg - Fry - Leninhan
Ayling - Hackney - Morris - McGree - Silvera
Whittaker - Conway
The noises from Hull are that the deal is done for Alfie Jones to move to the Riverside.
Up the Boro!
🚨 | BREAKING: Feyenoord have made a bid for Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg.
OFB
@original-fat-bob No doubt they'll start low so I hope we go for full value, I would expect more bids from other clubs.
Hope you are keeping well OFB.
UTB and ATB,
John