Boro v Lincoln

werdermouth

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Topic starter August 10, 2026 10:53 am [#548]

I'm sure many of you have still not fully recovered from the shark-jumping grand finale that the script-writers pulled out last season. Indeed, some may still be wedged behind the sofa waiting to be rescued, others still in hiding (possibly behind a tree with binoculars in homage to Spygate) and a few are hoping they'll eventually wake up to Hayden Hackney dressed in full Boro Premier League kit after his Bobby Ewing-style post-shower return.

Alas, it wasn't a dream and the image of a celebrating half-naked heavily-tattoed Ollie McBurnie looking like a ginger Yakuza gangster with an ink addiction will be forever etched on our collective retinas. So the most unmissable of missed opportunities has been missed! We go again in search of promotion - surely tenth time lucky...

Yes, last season certainly had more twists and turns than a marathon game of Twister (I'm trying to keep the analogies simple since it's still August). A Poached coach, Succeeding Swede, unstoppable runs, unfortunate late defeats and an incomprehensible late penalty ending automatic hopes - followed by play-off defeat via play-off cheats and reinstated joy ending in yet more late late misery.

Deep breath as we just take a moment to untwist ourselves from any lingering bitter resentment as we move on (graciously optional). So goodbye May and hello August and on to another Championship season, where the break was notably punctuated by an English summer that continued the 'sixty years of hurt' saga despite our own Djed Spence's best efforts as he emerged as an unlikely national cult hero.

Incidentally, while we're talking about sixty years of hurt, I should warn anyone feeling nostalgic by the earlier Twister reference against digging it out of the loft as they may not be as flexible as they were back in 1966 when it was launched. Accused by rival games manufacturers of being "sex in a box" it possibly sounds like something those in overly claustrophobic relationships should definitely avoid. Whether the game will survive the child obesity crisis is a discussion for another day but then again am I the only one thinking there's a must-watch reality TV series jumping out of that sentence...

Though the US World Cup itself will probably be remembered for how FIFA sold out the game and messed with its integrity. Thankfully, Dr Evil tribute act, Gianni Infantino, has not meddled with the Championship and traditionalists will be pleased to hear there will be no hydration breaks - it's still a game of two halves and not the stateside four quarters version. Note: pre-match free-pint dehydration is still permissible under English regulations but just don't expect extended half-time concerts by Teesside's finest karaoke crooners.

However, observers of Boro's Caraboa cup win on Friday will be wondering if the FA have overcompensated by being too overzealous in trying to avoid any break in play whatsoever. Boro fell foul of the new 5-second time limit on throw-ins and a 10-second limit on players being substituted leaving the pitch. The penalty for breaking the throw-in law is that it's now given to the opposition instead and the substitution penalty means the new player can't come onto the pitch until the next break in play after one minute has elapsed.

Five seconds doesn't seem long enough to check for options (I've been practicing) after looking right, then left and right again - Imagine a rather negligent manic Green-Cross Code man on a tight schedule - it's an accident waiting to happen.

Note: Injured players are exempt from the 10-second substitution rule and will mercifully avoid being dragged off the pitch by their ankles as desperate team-mates trying to beat the clock. What was wrong with refs adding at least 30 seconds added time for each substitution? At 10 seconds I think we're being short-changed on extra time but it may at least curtail those late opposition winners!

Anyway, I look forward to the emergence of 'Lift-off' style countdown chants from the terraces for opposition substitutions and throw-ins, which will no doubt be increasingly speeded up as 5-4-3-2-1 is rattled off in a fraction. Almost the petty micro equivalent of a Mexican wave.

Following the World Cup, Boro appear quite keen on the Americanisation of the team as our contingent has risen to three, four if Malanda picked up the accent at Charlotte FC and five if Trump invades Canada during this preview and assimilates Alfie Jones. Indeed, rumours that the new club badge would incorporate "Middlesbrough Soccer Club" into the logo proved wide of the mark.

Americanophiles on Teesside may have also missed that a local team of cheerleaders won the silver medal at the Summit World Championships in Orlando back in May. Together with chants of "U-S-A, U-S-A" ringing around the Riverside on Friday, I fear it's only a matter of time before we see banners from the Red Faction proclaiming "Good Job Guys" and "Way to Go".

Still, those new American acquisitions look quite promising - especially, quarter-back (sorry playmaker) Sebastian Berhalter, who is looking like he's the man to replace Hayden Hackney and oozes the self-belief you'd expect from someone raised over the pond. Plus, Boro have finally captured left-back Max Arfsten, who they have been pursuing since last season as a genuine defensive/attacking option. At least they've been as low-key as they could muster about their American roots as they were unveiled on Teesside...

Indeed, it's been an impressive summer transfer window so far, which has been lubricated by the quick sale of Hackney to Everton and the Morgan Rogers windfall following his mega move to Chelsea. As well as the American duo of Berhalter and Arsten, Boro wasted no time in addressing the shortcomings in attack as Will Lankshear was snapped up from Spurs following his successful loan spell at Oxford last season - the deal is reportedly £10m with £10m in potential add-ons. He certainly looked the part against Wrexham as he scored on his debut and got into several good positions where he could easily have bagged a few more.

Also joining the attack is Kyle Joseph, who arrived from newly promoted Hull on a four-year deal - he looks to be a well-rounded player who can hold the ball and pick a pass, having previously played on the right and could well be a better option than Whittaker who struggles against the physicality of teams when they setup in a low block.

Attacking midfielder, Myles Peart-Harris has also arrived on a free transfer - he appears to be a bit of a wildcard as the former Chelsea academy prospect was signed by Thomas Frank at Brentford five years ago but has mainly been loaned out each season to Forest Green, Portsmouth and Swansea, before signing a short-term contract in January at Oxford. Likely, to be a squad player initially unless he takes his chance in the competitive attacking midfield role.

Given Boro have just paid Man Utd £7m (potentially rising to £14m) for keeper Radek Vítek, it feels like the club have opted to replace Sol Brynn as the main man between the sticks. Those kind of numbers don't suggest cover and the six-foot-six stopper spent last season on loan at Bristol City, where he was named player of the year as well as players' player of the year. Nicknamed 'The Wall' by Robins supporters, he arrives with a reputation as a shot-stopper who commands his area but has had some doubts raised about his passing ability with his feet (what could possibly go wrong).

The central defensive arrival of Ashley Philips from Spurs appears to have hit an unknown snag and the deal is now reportedly on hold - another potential big money deal of £7m potentially rising to £20m for a 24-year old, who was described by his manager at Blackburn as "Fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he's composed...if you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute." High praise indeed from another former central defender by the name of Tony Mowbray!

No doubt there will be a few more additions to come as Hellberg reshapes his squad for another crack at promotion with plenty of players also heading out of the club to as the squad is trimmed to 25.

Boro start the campaign by hosting newly-promoted Lincoln City at the Riverside - their debut visit since it's a first return to the English second tier since 1961 (that's well over sixty years of hurt). The Imps stormed to promotion from League One as Champions with over 100 points accumulated. However, their head coach who masterminded their promotion, Michael Skubala, has departed and is now in charge at Bristol City. Assistant coaches Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have now been promoted to joint head coaches.

Still, it's not going to be an easy game on Saturday as if we know anything about promoted clubs is that they arrive full of energy and confidence. There were a few raised eyebrows as Lincoln dispatched play-off hopefuls Derby in the Carabao Cup - though many observers reported that the Rams were absolutely woeful at the weekend. Indeed, Imps supporters were fearing the worst after a mixed preseason that saw their team thrashed 5-1 at Grimsby and 3-0 at Barnsley in their final outings.

They've also so far been quiet in the transfer market with an 18-year old forward on loan from Spurs and a striker on loan from Charlton, who only managed 2 goals last term - plus a permanent deal for six-foot-five Romanian defender who played little football last season. Though the departure of star player, Jack Moylan, to Cardiff will be a blow to the club as they look to establish themselves in the Championship. Typical Boro enthusiasts will be reassured to know that former hot-prospect Adam Reach is now an Imp and plays predominantly at left-back.

So another hectic Championship season begins and Boro now face at least nine games between now and the first international break following the 19th September's game against Birmingham - including the second round of the Carabao Cup before the end of August and potentially a third round game just before that break to make it ten games.

The good news is that FIFA have scrapped the October international break meaning there's only two breaks before Christmas - the bad news is that they've extended the September break to three weeks to accommodate 4 international games! Three weeks without a Boro games - it's even longer than the time between the World Cup final and our Carabao Cup opener. I expect many managers won't survive that opportunity if they get off to a bad start.

So are we feeling confident again and ready lift ourselves off the floor? Just to be clear I'm not talking about my earlier warning about that ill-advised game of Twister. Hopefully, Boro should easily make the play-offs this season - especially considering they've been extended to the top eight! Squeezing in another game after a gruelling 46-game season is just what everyone needed - though places 5-8 will play a single knockout game for the right to play the 3rd and 4th-place teams over two legs - which may mean a dozen teams in contention as the season comes to a close.

OK, it's time for another uneventful low-key Championship season to begin - can Boro get off to another winning start? With my preview record I'm following the American theme by pleading the fifth...

Boro host Lincoln City at the Riverside on Saturday 15th August at 3pm

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Andy R

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August 10, 2026 11:25 am

Superb, Werder.

Let’s hope there are no unforeseen twists at the weekend and we get something like “reds 3”.

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Martin Bellamy

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August 10, 2026 11:37 am

What a great start(er) to kick off our Championship campaign. Thanks Werdermouth - surely this is your opportunity to grab 3 points.

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Powmill-Naemore

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August 10, 2026 11:47 am

A fine opening to the league season Werder.... thank you. Here is hoping Boeo will come out and deliver a similar quality and inventiveness on Saturday. My money is definitely on you finally breaking your run of openers without a victory..... long overdue

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MW in Darwin

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August 10, 2026 12:27 pm

Great Opener Werder. A word of caution Lincoln have not lost a competitive game since 22nd November 2025 when they lost 3-2 at Wycombe. They are not used to losing. Last season they scored 89 league but had only three double figure scorers with Hackett and Moylan scoring 11. Moylan has now departed to Cardiff. The other double figure scorer was Rob Street with 10. As well as Adam Reach they have Adam Jackson who came through the Academy but did not make a first team appearance

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Len Masterman

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August 10, 2026 1:16 pm

Absolutely brilliant, Werder.

You could write an instruction manual and it would still be hilarious, such is your talent with words.

it reminds me a bit of Lee Mack's deathless tribute to his Dad's ability to have a room in stitches just by reading out the telephone directory. (" 'Course, he had his cock out"). By contrast your references to Twister are in impeccable taste.

I too, like everyone on this blog, hope that you manage to break your duck this week-end. But I am far from reassured by the fact that the odds against a Lincoln win are 9-1. I am not a betting man and a fervent Boro supporter to boot, but they are silly odds in a two horse race.

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John Richardson

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August 10, 2026 2:24 pm

Werder, quite excellent, the hopes and fears of all Boro fans are encapsulated in that starter. Dreams and realities all at once and it seems, as you so eloquently put it, safe to come out from behind the couch at last.

A great starter, thank you. Surely it won't be nil points? I think that the couch is calling already.

ATB everyone and have a great season

UTB,

John

PS OFB I hope that you and all the other sick notes are well and improving.

Come on Boro.

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exmil

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August 10, 2026 3:04 pm

What a great opener, filling in the gaps from the unfortunate end of last season to the opening game of this season, thank you werdermouth. I enjoyed the Espanyol 3-3 draw and the 1-0 win in the Caraboa Cup over Wrexham. The expected transfer of Ashley Phillips has been held up with no confirmed reason, although in some reports it is because of something picked up in his medical 😱. Tonight before the final match of round 1 of the Caraboa Cup we will find out our next opponent, if you didn’t know we are ball number 13 gulp !

Hopefully we can get off to a winning start against one of the newly promoted sides Lincoln, with what looks like a sellout crowd but with the preview written by werdermouth, what could possibly go wrong 🤔.

Come on BORO.

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Clive Hurren

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August 10, 2026 3:27 pm

Quite brilliant, werder, thank you. I wrote recently that I wasn’t much enthused by the advent of yet another Championship season, but your starter has certainly whetted the appetite! Bring it on!

I think we have acquired a very strong first XI, and the bench will undoubtedly strengthen as the walking wounded return and more players join the squad. I am impressed. I think we should have too much for Lincoln. Fingers crossed.

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jarkko

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August 10, 2026 3:28 pm

Posted by: @exmil

↑

... Tonight before the final match of round 1 of the Caraboa Cup we will find out our next opponent, if you didn’t know we are ball number 13 gulp! ...

Do not worry. It is the lucky number of Strelec.

I hope we will get a home draw in the next round. Up the Boro!

This post was modified 3 days ago by jarkko

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K P in Spain

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August 10, 2026 4:24 pm

Thank you Werder for another excellent starter in your own superb style.

Fingers crossed that you break your duck this weekend and we end up with the three points; it won’t be easy and one goal may the difference.

The secret to beating the low block is to take the chance/chances you do create and if that means a lot of 1-0 wins courtesy of Lankshear then so be it. 😎

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werdermouth

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Topic starter August 10, 2026 8:50 pm

@lenmasterman

Many thanks Len, I've certainly followed a few instruction manuals and said "that's not funny" - anyway, I hope I don't need to emulate Mack senior's stand-up routine any time soon...

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werdermouth

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Topic starter August 10, 2026 9:00 pm

Just to add a quick thanks to everyone for their generous comments as the fun of another season is just beginning - plus of course hope this is the one that starts my winning run otherwise I may be joining John behind the couch!

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Forever Dormo

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August 11, 2026 12:25 pm

Forever Dormo is ALIVE! I really love the Blog but we only have 4 days to start the season!

Rumours of my expiration are false news, although my recent silence has given those rumours added strength. That wasn't intentional.

Let me briefly explain: In May I was camping at our usual Temporary Holiday Site at Corbridge in Northumberland, very close to the banks of the River Tyne but a universe away from the bustling city of Newcastle and its surroundings. I was able to watch the Wembley Play-Off Final with others on a big screen set up by some of my colleague campers in the grounds of Tynedale Rugby Club. The result of that game, which followed the script written so many times as the season entered its final few months, was the feared but usual Wembley denouement. "Sick as a parrot" fails completely to cover it. My ticket was used by a friend. I just knew what had been destined to happen.

I decided to "take a Sabbatical" from football. It felt good. Wounds slowly healed.

I have been aware of recent (which may turn out to have been stunning) transfer activity following the sale of Hayden Hackney which was, of course, an inevitable result of Boro's remaining in The Championship. Good Luck to the lad! He deserves the move. And Boro needed the money to plot another escape plan, to be put with other "windfall" amounts from the sales of Morgan Rogers and Djed Spence (good negotiating skill there and praise is due for those who arranged for the appropriate clauses to be inserted in those transfer deals). Perhaps there is a similar clause in the contract that took Hackney to Everton?

I read the Blog entries on Thursday night/Friday morning leading up the the Carabao Cup game against Wrexham but I haven't been back until today. I have not even read the starter piece for this thread so that can follow later today: instead I thought I should just dive in and say "Hello again!". I would say that the Wrexham game might have seemed beforehand to be a final practice match/pre-season friendly, but the fact it was on live TV (ITV as well as Sky, no less!) and the fact it was a chance to let some of the newly signed players wear the shirt for the first time and that it was a Cup game, at least game the game some "mild jeopardy". I watched it at home. It was a hurdle that was negotiated and with the bonus of a win with a goal scored on our new striker's debut. Lankshear - well done, lad on that goal.

I was sorry to hear the sad news about Jarkko's elder brother. Thinking of you, Jarkko. But pleased to note that others on this Blog seem to be putting health issues to the sword (sometimes the knife) and hopefully we will all have the fortune to see a good and successful Boro season which obviously only means one thing. "Obviously"? Automatically, I might have said, despite the ambitions of the three clubs from last season's Premier League coming to join the fray.

So I will be here this season. I see I have missed the allocation of the Match Preview Rota. I can perhaps join the group of others who might step up if there are problems during the season (given some notice). I will still be in my usual seat in the WSU at the Riverside Stadium. Let's hope the ground is rocking this season and the mood on this Blog reaches for the stars - after tomorrow evening's expected Solar eclipse. (90% of the solar disc to be obscured by the Moon approximately where I am, I think).

We are still in this together. I am optimistic. I might not have said that at the end of May this year.

#UTB

This post was modified 2 days ago by Forever Dormo

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Len Masterman

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August 11, 2026 12:41 pm

Welcome back, Dormo. Great to know that you are up for the new season and look forward to your words of wisdom.

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jarkko

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August 11, 2026 12:54 pm

@forever-dormo It will be sold out against Lincoln, I understand. The visitors have sold all their allocation weeks ago. And Boro are doing the same - last week just a few seats were available anymore.

Up the Boro!

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Andy R

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August 11, 2026 1:59 pm

Welcome back, Dormo.

You mentioned the preview writers roster - perhaps you’d like to take the next round of the Carabao Cup?

No probs if not but if anyone would like to take that game (Doncaster away - 25th Aug (I think)) please shout up.

Cheers all.

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Forever Dormo

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August 11, 2026 2:24 pm

@jarkko - Thanks for mentioning the Lincoln game, Jarkko. Although I am here, it is obvious I am not fully up to speed yet. That is clear because, having read your reply I looked at the football diary and find that first HOME game is this weekend. For some reason I had an idea Boro would be playing the first league game away and therefore it would be NEXT week for me to go The Riverside. OK. At least I can be sure not to miss the game. And no camp this week, so no split loyalties there or concern about the bite into the weekend that travelling to the Riverside would cause from wherever the caravan would be on matchday. I will be there...

I must now write down the fixtures, hoping that any moves-for-Sky have already been factored into Boro's website.

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Forever Dormo

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August 11, 2026 2:59 pm

@andy-r _ I have read your message and written down the fixtures until the end of November. The rest of the season's fixtures can wait...

You have asked if I could do a Match Preview for the Carabao Cup game against Doncaster Rovers. The answer is YES, so put me down.

QUERY - On the club website that Doncaster away game is listed for Tuesday 25th August with a 3pm kick-off. An afternoon kick-off in midweek? This is not a Bank Holiday or in a holiday week like Easter, or a Tuesday between Christmas and New Year. Does that seem right?

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exmil

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August 11, 2026 4:17 pm

@forever-dormo The day and timings for the next round of the Carabao Cup is not confirmed until Sky has picked their matches they want to televise. It is likely to be the Tuesday or Wednesday of the week beginning 24 August and it could be either a 1945 or 2000 kickoff.

Come on BORO.

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exmil

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August 11, 2026 4:24 pm

@forever-dormo I have all Boro fixtures on my phone when they are announced, every (weekend) one starts off as 3pm until they are change for Sky, then my phone automatically updates the changes, not only home but away as well.

Come on BORO.

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Powmill-Naemore

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August 11, 2026 4:31 pm

@forever-dormo welcome game FD.... ypu still have 3 days to get you COTS predictions in 😉

... and come on everybody else, get your thinking hats on and make your predictions. We still only have about 5 entries so far....

https://diasboro.club/forum/members-lounge/the-diasboro-cots-challenge-2026-27/

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 = 1^st

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K P in Spain

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August 11, 2026 4:38 pm

@forever-dormo. Seems a bit of a mis match!

The club fixture list says 3.00pm Tuesday 25th of August whilst the announcement of the draw and our opponents says matches to be played the week commencing the 24th of August with exact date and kick off time to be determined. 😎

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exmil

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August 11, 2026 5:36 pm

Boro U21’s get off to a flyer in their first cup match at Hartlepool:

https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2026/august/11/goals-galore-in-u21s-season-opener/

Come on BORO.

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Forever Dormo

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August 11, 2026 6:05 pm

@k-p-in-spain - I shall wait until nearer the time the Doncaster Carabao Cup match is expected to be played, but I will do a Match Preview after the League game which precedes it (Blackburn on Saturday 22nd August, so perhaps on Sunday 23rd).

As to the COTS predictions, I will have a look at that tomorrow. Hopefully. But a visit to Mount Grace Priory is being suggested by Mrs Dorno so perhaps even Thursday or Friday. Things on.....

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Pedro de Espana

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August 11, 2026 6:40 pm

That was one brilliant Headliner Werder to start another season of hope.

So the most unmissable of missed opportunities has been missed! We go again in search of promotion - surely tenth time lucky...

Unfortunately as much as I try, I cannot shake off the nightmare of losing to a team that played as though they did not want to win, only to be gifted the game at the bitter end by a mistake that sadly probably cost Sol Brynn his number one slot.

It will be certainly a harder season than last, to get a place at the playoffs table. As to obtaining a place at one the two important ends, could be nigh on impossible, with West Ham, Burnley, Wolves and Southampton heading the league.

But, maybe we can replicate last season under Edwards and Hellberg, taking it further by not stumbling and falling off the cliff during the last ten games or so.

I hope Hellberg and his staff have learnt important lessons from last season. Like stop whipping a willing horse, or replacing players as they run out of steam.

If we can do that, maybe, just maybe I may finally be able to put to rest, werder’s, most unmissable of missed opportunities to bed.

Can we start with a most difficult game against Lincoln.

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Forever Dormo

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August 11, 2026 7:44 pm

Well done, Werder, on the Match Preview. A good read!

I know league first game performances by promoted teams often confound initial expectations and, such was the excellence of Lincoln's promotion season, it would be understandable to think Lincoln could surprise the pundits at The Riverside this weekend. But I still think Boro will win that fixture at home.

Good to see other comments by "the regulars". We will gird our loins after last season's massive disappointment, and go again with confidence this season.

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Pedro de Espana

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 2301

August 11, 2026 10:05 pm

Not sure whether Craig Johns knows something, but in his article on the “possible team” for Saturday, he does not include Morris, indicating he is injured.

I hope the curse is not continuing, what with all the others.

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MW in Darwin

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 655

August 12, 2026 5:16 am

This will be our 24th meeting with Lincoln and the first since 1961 when we lost 5-2 at Sincil Bank. We had previously lost by the same score the previous season. In goal that day was Esmond Million who in 1963, when at Bristol Rovers, took a bribe and was consequently banned for life, and apparently is still going strong at 88 years of age. Also in that team were Clough, Peacock and Holliday amongst others. These three were also in the team when Lincoln achieved their only win on Teesside in 1959.