Oxford v Boro

werdermouth · 2025-11-19T09:44:03Z

If ever an international break was welcome, then surely this was one everybody needed (OK, probably not Riley McGree). It's been a dramatic few weeks and quite frankly a bit of a soap opera (cue Eastenders drums). Indeed, a few key actors have unexpectedly written themselves out of the script - with accusations of one having seemingly lost the plot altogether according to the much quoted critic, Crystal Parish. Unlike the contents of Rob Edward's desk, there's a lot to unpack as we deal with his departure, the return of actual football and the impending appointment of a new management team. Since I know everyone likes a story (especially at bedtime) and if you're sitting comfortably (some may prefer to lie down - some may need to), then I'll begin with a cautionary tale a long long time ago (just before the international break) in the small town of Little Red North-Riding Hood . In this case, it was our very own Brothers Grimm, Steve and Keiran that grimly entered Rob Edwards office to talk about the big bad Wolves, who appeared to be all ears... And what big ears you have Mr Edwards... "All the better to hear what job offers are becoming available" he retorted. What big eyes you have Mr Edwards... "All the better to look surprised when quizzed about rumours" he taunted. What big teeth you have Mr Edwards... "Steady on guys, you're getting quite personal now, these teeth are part of my disarming sincerity smile that opens doors for me. I'm just hungry for a new challenge closer to home..." And with those words, the rather sheepish looking Boro head coach (soon to be in Wolves' clothing) was swiftly axed! There was to be no happy ending to his brief tenure on Teesside Still, the Boro faithful gave Rob Edwards a well-deserved send off at a raucous Riverside after he was stood down for the Birmingham game. I believe they chanted 'Rob Edwards is a folk hero' - OK, it's possible I misheard and it could've been 'zero' - come to think of it, it may not have been 'folk' either... Some disgruntled supporters were sufficiently displeased to display banners declaring 'Rob Edwards you rat' - which if true, that could possibly be the first recorded case of a rat actually choosing to jump aboard a sinking ship... All of which left Gibson and Scott back to the drawing board and in search of their third head coach in less than six months. More on that later but there's a game coming up this weekend and thankfully Adi Viveash remains to steady the ship (definitely not a sinking one) - albeit without Harry Watling this time, who after a few post-Birmingham fist-pump celebrations with the crowd headed down to Wolverhampton to join his pack leader. So despite all the upheaval, that victory means Boro will head to Oxford with a degree of optimism - which was unlikely to be obtained at Teesside University as I suspect strong local demand means they only offer courses in pessimism - though, despite being heavily oversubscribed, few if any expect to graduate. This season's trip to Oxford is almost exactly a year since Boro arrived at the Kassam Stadium on the back of a 4-1 win at QPR and a 5-1 thrashing of Rob Edward's Luton at the Riverside. A team brimming with confidence unexpectedly fell behind halfway through the first half but then responded with 4 goals in 12 minutes as they ended up 6-2 winners - thanks to a hat-trick from Latte Lath, a brace from Finn Azaz (plus 2 assists) and a goal from Tommy Conway after coming off the bench. It was the first time Boro had scored six goals away from home since 1960 - which was an incredible 6-6 draw at Charlton that still remains the highest score draw in football league history. That victory at Oxford made it 15 goals in three games as Michael Carrick's side moved into 5th spot after 16 games and just like now were only 5 points off top spot. They looked unstoppable as Finn Azaz was establishing himself as player of the month, Ben Doak was unplayable and Latte Lath was on fire. What could go wrong? Well as you know something always does... defensive frailties re-emerged in December, Azaz lost form, then Doak's season was ended by injury and Latte Lath was sold - culminated in just 7 points from the games of January and February. Only two players who started that game against Oxford will likely start on Saturday in Sol Brynn and Luke Ayling - though even the latter may lose out if Fry and Jones are fit. Few are expecting another goal fest as Boro's attacking talent appears disjointed and lacking confidence - indeed, Strelec's won't have been aided by being part of that 6-0 thrashing of Slovakia on Monday. We can only hope McGree arrives back from his USA friendlies still fit to play as he's starting to look like he can pull the strings in attack. As for Oxford, well Gary Rowett's side sit one place above the relegation zone with just 3 wins so far this season and only one victory at home. You may recall Rowett was made interim manager at Birmingham when T...

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Selwynoz

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1009

November 24, 2025 5:54 am

Please note that BORO v coventry forum is now open

UTB

Liked by Forever Dormo, Martin Bellamy and Original Fat Bob

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jarkko

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 3045

November 24, 2025 7:04 am

@selwynoz I think it is too much to ask Bangura to start against Coventry. But he is a good wing back - I like him. Unfortunately he has not had any minutes from the bench since his injury.

Lukas Engel is an interesting option. He is on loan in the USA and doing well in there. A lot of thinking to be done by Scott and the Swede in January.

At least we haveoptions. It is desisions that need to be done in January. Up the Boro!

This post was modified 1 week ago by jarkko

Liked by 6 people: Selwynoz, Forever Dormo, Martin Bellamy, Len Masterman, Pedro de Espana and Original Fat Bob

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Forever Dormo

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Posts: 1905

November 24, 2025 2:33 pm

@werdermouth - Very good points there, Werder.

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exmil

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Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 1719

November 24, 2025 7:11 pm

Reference Bangura, Adi talks about him in today’s pre match (Coventry) presser and it might enlighten what his position is at the moment.

Come on BORO.

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About Sheff Wed

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@forever-dormo yes. Come on BORO.

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By Forever Dormo , 1 day ago
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@forever-dormo Have you got any of those special mushro...

By Martin Bellamy , 1 day ago
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Arghh...! It was the whale which had the internal ment...

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