I think American athletes are often better at interviews than British ones. Most have a college education even if it is only for a year as in the case of both Berhalter and Morris. Berhalter went to North Carolina, nick name the Tar Heels, as did Michael Jordan. His father is a long time manager/coach so would have seen many press interviews.
Am I getting a bit too excited because, go me, this Berhalter acquisition seems to be a superb bit of business. Clearly the proof of the pudding will be in the eating, but he looks to be a great prospect.
If we can pick up a number one left back, a keeper to challenge/replace Brynn and the big centre half that is being discussed we will really be in good shape.
utb
Re a big centre half I read somewhere that Adam Webster ex Brighton had been at Rockcliffe. He is almost 6ft 3 ins. He missed all of last season with an ACL injury and was released at the end of the season.
@mw-in-darwin. I like his height but not his age, 31. Need to be building for the future albeit I accept that his PL experience would be useful.
On balance, I prefer the Spurs guy but believe the price is out of our range. 😎
There's talk of the Spurs guy costing Pds12 million and we've offered Pds10 million. I assume that any deal with a PL club would be similar to the Lankshear deal. 50% up front and the rest performance based. Would he be worth a Pds5/6 million punt? I don't know.
‘If we can pick up a number one left back, a keeper to challenge/replace Brynn and the big centre half that is being discussed we will really be in good shape.
utb’
I think we also need a pacy winger, and especially one who can go past his full back on his stronger foot, right or left, and whip in good crosses. At the moment we have Conway left and Whittaker right, but both come inside onto their stronger foot, which narrows our attacks. We don’t create enough by going to the byline. Sarmiento might be the answer down the right, but hasn’t shown much sign yet of fulfilling any promise Boro might have seen in him.
@clive-hurren. I agree Clive that many of us have been pointing out for a number of seasons the lack of pace in the side and we still don’t know how KH is going to deal with packed defences/low block; a pacy winger as you suggest may be the answer. Sarmiento is not! 😎
I think that people are overlooking the number of chances that we created against all of the low block sides. Hellberg uses combinations of the forwards and full backs to creat crossing opportunities but, as shown by the statistics, Boro are both the highest creators of chances and the most profligate. Finding the best cross and putting away the chances will make a huge difference.
I’m also hugely encouraged by Berhalter’s claim to be able to provide extra value with his ability on set pieces. If he can deliver some really good free kicks, then there is another 5-10 goals there alone.
UTB
@mw-in-darwin. Not convinced his end product has improved that much since he left us and then of course there will be his wages/signing on fee; no going back for me. 😎
@selwynoz “Finding the best cross and putting away the chances will make a huge difference.”
I agree that that is the solution but so far it has evaded us and whilst Berhalter will bring a new dimension it remains to be seen if the three new forwards can make the difference; hopefully they can, in which case we should see far more goals and games won.
Only two more sleeps and Riverside Live fixes start again! 😎
Yes agree that Boro still need to get some pace in the side if they are to mount a serious challenge for the top 2 spots - Adama certainly has that and takes some stopping with his strength on the ball - he would definitely worry Championship defences and would likely be double-marked at least, which frees up space for others. However, can't see how Boro could compete on his wages - if he's a free agent then he'd be looking for big package - perhaps he'll end up in Saudi?
There's still a few players in the squad who failed to make an impact last season and don't know whether Sene, Hansen or Kante fit in - plus not sure what the question is where Sarmiento is the answer. As for left-back - well we currently have 3 on the books in Bangura, Munroe and Borges - one is injury prone, the other untested and the third was seemingly no longer wanted. Still, weren't Boro keen on another American last season with left-back Max Arfsten? Not sure if he's still on the radar.
Just a reminder:
I will be going into to hospital for a small procedure on Monday, so I will be unlikely to review this forum until closer to next weekend. Remember to post your predctions for how the table will be at the end of the regular season before 8pm on Friday 14th August in the following format:
- TOP 6 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Team4, Team5, Team6, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- BOTTOM 3 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = Team1, Team2, Optional1, Optional2
- CHAMPIONS = Team1, Optional1
- OVER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- UNDER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- BORO = 1st (or whichever position you think !!)
Full details are here: https://diasboro.club/forum/members-lounge/the-diasboro-cots-challenge-2026-27/
@werdermouth. “Still, weren't Boro keen on another American last season with left-back Max Arfsten? Not sure if he's still on the radar.”
EG are reporting that he is MFC’s preferred choice but nothing agreed with his current employers.
I think we need an upgrade on the current three we have in that position; someone who can do a job like Brittain but on the left. 😎
That's interesting about Arfsten - he definitely sounded an upgrade on what I heard last season and could add another dimension and stability - might be tempted to keep Borges as he can cover central defence too.
good look with your op and a speedy recovery as the preseason Diasboro treatment table is looking pretty busy!
8 more Boro fixtures moved for Sky TV, between October and Boxing Day.
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2026/july/30/boro-on-tv--eight-more-games-selected/
Come on BORO.
Thank you for the info! Appreciated.No sooner had I posted the above when MFC announced the Riverside Live arrangements and prices for the 26/27 season!
JARKKO Please note the following:
“Please note that in a change to previous seasons, video streaming is not available seasonally or for any individual match in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland or Iceland, where rights are held exclusively by the local broadcaster Viaplay.”
“Prices
- Early Bird Video Season Pass (available until 31 August): £140
- Video Season Pass (31 August onwards): £180
- Audio Season Pass: £45
- Single Match Video Pass: £10
- Single Match Audio Pass £2.50” 😎
Looks like Sweden want to see Hellberg and co next season. So I have to pay around 40 € a month to see Boro. So much more than via Boro Live. 🫣 Luckily my wife approved.
I don't like Swedes - except Kim Hellbeld and his coaches, that is. Up the Boro!
On unrelated football news, I see that Eddie Howe has left Newcastle. Turmoil at Sid James’s Park! I love it! And I’ve always enjoyed a healthy dose of Schadenfreude, especially where the Barcodes are concerned!
All I’m asking for now is for Eckert to be suspended. Lengthily, hopefully ………
Powmill,
I hope the procedure is straightforward and all goes well.
All the best,
UTB,
John
EG and Northern Echo both reporting that deal for left back Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew is now close to being completed.
According to his stats his is 6’ 1”. It is good to see some height in the side especially at the back; just need a CB and we should be good to go. 😎
@k-p-in-spain Remember we have Borges who CAN play also left-sided centre back. Like Bill Ayling on the right.
Next we really need to concentrate on SELLING some players up front and left-back.
Up the Boro!
@jarkko. I accept that Borges can do a job at CB but we really need a replacement CB who is the equivalent of a Dale Fry. Borges to my mind is only a replacement in that position in an emergency and not a first choice for the position. 😎
Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts. My medical intervention is nothing as serious as many of you all have had to face (or are still facing). It is a TURP for those who like to investigate the morbid details. It makes me squeamish to think about what is going to happen though!!!
Hopefully I will be back to full match fitness in no time at all