Liam Miller is a Canadian born in Toronto to add to the ever-growing list of North Americans at the club - that would make six - plus both Malanda and McGree also bought from MLS side Charlotte FC.
Is it now time for the return of Cleveland? Should the Riverside be renamed 'Pondside'? Or is this all part of Steve Gibson's masterplan aimed at enticing American investment...
@werdermouth Strangely enough, some months ago, just before or after the season end, there was a strong rumour of a Texan apparently having talks with Mr Gibson about investment in MFC.
Maybe it wasn’t true, or maybe it was dependent on promotion. One thing we do know, is that Mr Gibson is once again giving it a good go by making money available for players and another push this season.
I see that Alan Browne is surplus to requirements at Sunderland and may be on his way back up to Preston.
I thought he was great for us last season. A battle-hardened, experienced midfield warrior who could play anywhere, and was voted player of the Championship one month. He filled in seamlessly for us when Brittain had a long-term injury, a position that will give us major problems if the same thing happens this season. And Hellberg seemed to love him.
Are we missing a very obvious trick?
@lenmasterman I would have liked to have seen Browne back at MFC, but I think we have (hopefully) covered that issue.
We have brought in Byram, and although he has not had too many minutes in the last year, and he is nearly 33, he should be reasonable cover for Brittain. In fact IMO, a little competition for Brittain could be good. He can also fill in at LB I believe.
Also, Arfsten playing on the right worked last Saturday when we went generally to a 3 in the second half.
We just have to hope that the midfielders we have now are defensively good enough, although I think that could be a weak area without Morris. He gets plenty of kicks, so could miss a few matches with injuries. Maybe Malander will fill in there.
Thank you Martin for a very interesting and unique starter. At the risk of being labelled a philistine, I have to admit that I know very little about the Maltese Claret/Falcon.
As for tomorrow, this is one of those games where, if we have top two aspirations, we need to go to Turf Moor take the game to Burnley and ideally all three points; a point would not be a disaster but to come away with nothing one might begin to question if we really have what it takes if we lose and fail to perform.
Riley McGree has to start for me and I would also include Berhalter and Joseph to try and inject some pace as we do not want to see another first half performance like last Saturday.
A tight affair, I suspect, with Boro to shade it by the odd goal. 😎
While I agree that Browne was great for us last season, the sheer number of new arrivals seem to have already covered his likely positions - both Sam Byram and Max Arfsten can cover right-back - not to mention young fit-again Josh Dede.
Plus midfield, along with Morris, has seen the arrival of Berhalter, Peart-Harris and now Rokas Pukstas with Malanda also used in the role - with even McGree and young Fin Cartwright slotting in.
I fear the squad is already quite bloated and pitch time for many is looking limited - plus I've previously mentioned that it's hard to see when Strelec gets a game ahead of the many options at Hellberg's disposal.
OK, we may see a few late surprise exits as clubs get twitchy and make offers that the club wouldn't turn down - with possibly Strelec and Whittaker being of interest to West Ham who got off to a bad start.
Martin, that starter was funny, entertaning and excellent piece. I loved it. As my English is needing improvement, I will re-read the article again with time. I was painting a room for my missus all day Sunday and Monday morning.
I think we have a good winger in Sarmiento (since summer) and especially in Conway. Hellberg called the latter as a WINGER last week. And he will be fully fit next week or so. He made 10 min from the bench on Saturday.
I don't think we will often play with a traditional winger under Kim Hellberg. Perhaps occationally.
Up the Boro,
@werdermouth I fear the squad is already quite bloated and pitch time for many is looking limited - plus I've previously mentioned that it's hard to see when Strelec gets a game ahead of the many options at Hellberg's disposal.
One has to hope that we do not suffer the same amount of injuries as last season, and especially to the more important players, although as has been spoken about with regards to Browne, we appear to be better covered now.
I agree though that we could find ourselves with if few disappointed players on the fringe not getting onto the bench even. That also gives Hellberg a problem with match fitness, because training is not the same as playing.
One must assume though, that if we are somewhat lucky with injuries and also as the season progresses, yellow/red cards, then Hellberg will rotate his starting players. It would be also beneficial if we could turnover a few teams, so as to bring on the subs earlier.
However, we have to starting winning and that sometimes means, not changing a winning team. But there are a fair number of midweek games, so the better squad should help there.
NE reporting MFC in talks for a loan deal for Brighton 21 year old winger Cozier-Duberry and “hold your breath” Colorado Rapids in advanced talks for Morgan Whittaker.
Watch this space. If both happen, maybe a further signing.
Just looked him up and see that he isNE reporting MFC in talks for a loan deal for Brighton 21 year old winger Cozier-Duberry and “hold your breath” Colorado Rapids in advanced talks for Morgan Whittaker.
Watch this space. If both happen, maybe a further signing.
"... Known for his "wand of a left foot" and a dangerous ability to cut inside from the right wing..."
We need someone that has a dangerous ability to get around the full back on the outside to the by-line not another to recycle everything back into the middle.
Sarmiento will miss the Burnley match tomorrow, but will be back against QPR or Crystal Palace. He was taken off as a precaution in the game versus WBA. So no long term worry according to Kim Hellberg.
The new boy Pukstas has not trained with the Boro squad yet due to Visa delays. He might be missing at Turf Moor, too.
So we have no long-term injuries. Not full squad just yet as some players are not up to speed after their transfers to Boro.
Up the Boro!
Martin, belated thanks for a brilliant piece of work with the intro.
As for the game, Burnley have been struggling so will be out to put things right but I hope Boro have enough to win. With all the newcomers in the Boro squad (and it seems more being added by the day) it is important that KH decides his best starting eleven and sticks with it for a while. The team needs to gel and quickly because you can’t lose many games in The Championship and expect to be up at the top of the table at the end of the season.
@powmillnaemore We need someone that has a dangerous ability to get around the full back on the outside to the by-line not another to recycle everything back into the middle.
I could not agree more. I was just reading about all the different transfers or potential transfers earlier this morning and two things were mentioned.
The size of the transfer fees for young, relatively inexperienced players from other European Leagues, which we know are generally less competitive than the EPL and some would struggle in the Championship grind.
50 million has now become the new norm for a player who has it all to prove in the Premier League.
The article also complained about the number of “wingers” being bought, but not your Doak type, these days they all seem to be “inverted wingers” that cut inside, so in reality not wingers at all, or what we would call an orthodox winger.
In other words, there does not appear to be players that can actually take a man on and beat him. Is it that Coaches playing safe, with passing more likely to succeed than the gamble of a dribble. Or of course a one/two like we had with Giles in his first successful loan would suffice.
@pedro. Bring back David Chadwick or David (Spike) Armstrong I say. 😉😎
Been thinking... not too much, that would be dangerous, but just a little ... I would be very happy to see Whittaker head to the US for a decent fee even if there is no other body bought in before midnight.
Yes, I don't observe too many tears being shed over the possible departure of WhittakerBeen thinking... not too much, that would be dangerous, but just a little ... I wouks be very happy to see Whittaker head to the US for a decent fee even if there is no otherbody bought in before midnight.
... Or of course a one/two like we had with Giles in his first successful loan would suffice.
Exactly. Some one or more players that do not default to cutting in, but look to keep the defence on its toes by being able to and willing to play inside, outside and through. That also means having the players coached to move off the ball to enable those different alternatives to happen.
P.S
....oh, and yes, players prepared to bust a gut to get back
I seems Whittaker is on his way out swapping the comfort of fast-flowing football at Riverside for the unpredictable Rapids in the MLS.
In reality Whittaker offers little off the ball, is easily brushed off it and can be anonymous for much of the game but has the ability to suddenly explode and strike the ball beautifully - perhaps you need a bit more in the Championship if you are to compete at the top of the table even if on your day you are unplayable - those days are less frequent lately but maybe similar to Azaz in that he occasionally wins you games.
Whitaker would be classed as a “designated” player, similar to Messi. 🤣🤣
However it would allow Colorado to pay him outside of the constraints of their salary cap.
Thanks Len you're being very generous - incidentally, that imagined Higgie apology is also something I'd forgotten writing but that Karanka incident actually predates Diasboro and occurred during a 29 November, 2014 game against Blackburn - Higgie left the club as one of Karanka's assistants after that game, which led to various speculation as to why.
Anyway, you'll be pleased to hear I've discovered the post you referred to...
Here is the link on Untypical Boro
As for the Brexit discussion - well that all happened in the pre-forum era of Diasboro when it was a blog and so the search feature on the forum won't pick it up - so i would have to do some digging under the hood. Though, I've still got plans to integrate all previous seasons into an easy to use interface - maybe I'll try to sort it out before Diasboro's 10th anniversary at the beginning of January 2027.
Apologies for the large quote but I am behind the game again so just wanted to say that link about Higgygate was absolutely brilliant Weder!
@powmillnaemore - Only just got round to reading your explanation for the Maltese Claret! Had me going for a while and well written - no idea how you came up with it but absolutely brilliant thank you.
Would it be Bad Manners to say "That'll do nicely" ?Maybe Boro should’ve gone with American Express instead of a Visa…
Absolutely Not (the Nine o Clock News) - they did some stuff that would not get shown now - thank goodness for You Tube so that I can show the kids what proper satire is.
... Or of course a one/two like we had with Giles in his first successful loan would suffice.
Exactly. Some one or more players that do not default to cutting in, but look to keep the defence on its toes by being able to and willing to play inside, outside and through. That also means having the players coached to move off the ball to enable those different alternatives to happen.
Agree - Whittaker has always frustrated me
@werdermouth - might suit his style of play better. He doesn’t appear to have the presence for the Championship and for me his ability to make the wrong decision nine times out of 10 is second to none!
From the EG:
“New link - Connor Barron
According to the Scottish Sun, Boro have made a late move to loan midfielder Connor Barron from Rangers.
The former Aberdeen midfielder, 24, has slipped down the pecking order at Ibrox.
He is said to have turned down moves to Europe in the last week or so, in favour of fighting for his place at Rangers,
But the Sun report suggests he could be on his way to Boro.
We're checking that one out.”
”That's correct
Had that stood up by sources. Boro are working to sign Connor Barron, as per the Scottish Sun first.”
Sky are reporting this is a lone deal if it can be completed by the deadline.😎
Sky are reporting this is a lone deal if it can be completed by the deadline.😎
Or even a lone loan deal... 😉 Sorry, KP, couldn't resist!