After a solid draw at the weekend, Boro return to home soil this coming Saturday for a clash with promotion-chasing Bournemouth in a 12.30pm kick-off, live on Sky.
A fairly drab 0-0 might not scream “progress” to the outside world but for Boro to go to a top six team away from home, snatch a clean sheet and have nearly 60% possession would have been unimaginable under previous managers.
Chris Wilder’s Boro appear to have been almost entirely de-Warnocked in the space of just five games with no transfer window to help re-org the squad. Those five games have returned two wins and two draws but could very easily – should – have been more. So despite a rare appearance on BBC’s Football Focus, Boro’s 0-0 against Stoke may go under the radar outside of Teesside but the game and it’s predecessors was a positive sign of how Wilder’s message has been clearly communicated and received by his players.
The most important game is always the next one however, and Bournemouth represent Wilder’s biggest test to date. Or do they?
The Cherries may be sitting in second, just two points behind Fulham, but Scott Parker’s men have failed to win in their last five outings. Just one win in their last six has them in 16th place in the form table, though the away form table has them in a less surprising third with just one defeat in the last six.
In former Liverpool and serial England youth winner Dominic Solanke, Bournemouth possess the league’s third highest scorer with 16 Championship goals for the division’s joint-second highest scorers but it’s at the other end where the vulnerabilities possibly lie.
Bournemouth may have conceded fewer goals than Boro overall but since Wilder arrived they’ve let in eight goals compared to Boro’s four. Sure, they’ve played Coventry, Fulham and Blackburn in their last three so we shouldn’t get carried away but confidence could be factor for the visitor’s backline just as Boro are building momentum. Could this be a good time to face them?
Maybe, but only if we can replicate the clinical finishing witnessed in the Huddersfield game, rather than what we saw at Stoke or even at home to Swansea. Duncan Watmore doesn’t really do tap-ins and only allows himself such a mundane finish if it’s at the end of a great team move. Boro can’t afford to be charitable against such strong opponents this weekend and could do with a frustrated Andraz Sporar rediscovering his goalscoring touch too. There’s been no shortage of effort and neat interplay from Boro’s front two but results will remain a little up and down if we can’t convert hard-running and pretty play into regular goals.
As well as improved finishing, Wilder will also be keen to see Boro up the tempo when in possession, whilst it’s becoming clearer by the game that we carry a lot more threat down the right flank via Isiah Jones than we do down the left.
Jones continues to impress in an incredible breakthrough season for the young winger-turned-wingback but Marc Bola has struggled to match his output on the opposite flank. Longer term, you wonder if Marcus Tavernier will be tried there which could allow the exciting Martin Payero back into the midfield once his fitness returns. Bola may ultimately be better suited to the left centre-back role but there’s plenty of competition for places in Boro’s backline with Grant Hall now seemingly the forgotten man. Paddy McNair stepped into a midfield cameo as Boro saw out the game at Stoke but you feel he’s ideal for Wilderball in a back three.
The other issue for Boro is that Wilder is currently unable to improve the team later in games from the bench. You feel that unless Boro are at least level with twenty minutes to play, they’ll face a real uphill battle to get anything from a game and January will surely focus on improving the manager’s options with faces that fit the new pass-and-move mandate.
These are thoughts for another day however and the simplest plan is perhaps the best plan against top opposition this weekend.
So can Boro keep the run going and pop the Cherries? If they can, you sense we may be under the radar no more.
Great opener for the cherries 🍒 Andy
i hope we will skin them and pip them to the points. We will have to stalk their strikers to keep them quiet and hopefully the red of the Boro will come out on top. Easy as pie!
I have read a few post match comments from Chris Wilder and heard his press conferences which are quite explicit and entertaining. His point about having a team huddle straight after the Stoke game to tell them he thought they had played well was good management. Then to tell the players to go over to the fans as a unified team not in droves and drabs shows a togetherness. It was also interesting to hear Clem mention on Football Focus that the team were close knit in training to which Wilder replied “I told them to stick together as they’re all on Football Focus!” To which Clem and CW laughed about it.
Its an interesting thing team spirit. I remember in 1973 when Bob Stokoe took over at Sunderland and with the same set of players went all the way to Wembley and won the FA Cup.
I’m not saying that we’ll win the FA cup but I feel confident of making the playoffs! Anyone else think the same as me?
OK 👍 FOAM 🙌 🙌 HANDS RULE OK
With the backing of the Riverside on Saturday I’m going for a 2 0 win to Boro!
OFB
Great intro Andy but the fumes of foam reeking from the direction of Marton are almost overwhelming, even overpowering the Wilton site as they waft towards Redcar, Bob 🙂
There is a growing sense of belief and confidence with Players and Fans alike so much so that I don't think any Championship opponent looks daunting at the moment. By that I don't mean we will run out 3-0 winners but that we are capable of not imploding and of of giving a good account of ourselves. At the moment outside of Teesside the improvement may not be noticeable and therefore I wouldn't be surprised if some sides turn up ill prepared and with a misplaced sense of confidence.
A few more tweaks in January with a few going out on loan and a few coming in who better fit the Manager's blueprint will continue the feel good factor. As it stands I think we can only add one additional squad member so there will have to be outgoings to permit the vacancies to comply with squad number requirements. There are a few loans that may be cut short if permitted as it appears that they are not cutting the mustard but it may be that we have to lose some we would rather keep hold of if the squad is to be better balanced.
January is a funny time as most teams don't want to sell their best assets and need to be bribed by offers too good to be true. Boro have often been victim to this in the past but maybe if we do have to sell we can leverage the same excesses. Who will be released, sold or paid off will be interesting but I do expect to see a few make way. The Ameobi situation is a weird one and I suspect there may be something more to it than meets the eye. I hope not but it is a squad number that is effectively wasted. A few others are also noticeable by their lack of involvement or obvious poor fit to the new managers tactics. The availability of who we want will likely determine who gets the elbow.
I fancy us to get a result against the Cherries and in doing so lose our undercover status with it but worst case I am expecting is a draw. I suspect that Watmore will bag at least one to restore belief and confidence in himself, the very fact that he was in a position to miss them these last few weeks is I suppose is progress in itself. Bola doesn't look the same since his injury lay offs and I'd be tempted to utilise Tav in that role and bring Payero into midfield but with question marks over the fitness of Crooks then too much disruption doesn't seem to be Wilder's preference.
Is it the fumes of Foam or the perceived smell of success ?
OFB
If Crooks will not be fit, I would like to see Martin Payero in there. The same I expected to see at Stoke when Crooks needed to come off.
But Payero needs to be fully fit to survive in the hurly Championship.
I am afraid there might be a bad game occationally to come as it still early doors for the Wilder Boro. I hope it will not be this one and we will keep our unbeaten run going. In theory we need to win at home and draw away to keep our (and Bob's) hopes in live.
I would say the most probable result will be a 1-1 draw. Šporar finally scoring.
A terrific start by @Andy R. Up the Boro!
Is it the fumes of Foam or the perceived smell of success ?
OFB
I very much hope the latter!
Ken Smith’s lighter look at Saturday’s fixture.
Who is this club called AFC Bournemouth? There is already a club called Bournemouth FC that play in the Wessex League Premier Division, the 9th tier of the English pyramid system. Are you confused? Well I would be except that the current AFC started out in 1899 as Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth. Meanwhile Bournemouth FC started out as Bournemouth Rovers in 1875 and played their home matches at Dean Park but now play at Winton, a suburb of Bournemouth and sometimes referred to as Bournemouth Poppies because of their red shirts. So unlike Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End who amalgamated to be known as the current Newcastle United or as some wisecrack suggested Newcastle Ununited, AFC Bournemouth and Bournemouth FC went their separate ways, except for the fact that the current AFC Bournemouth started out as Boscombe and progressed from the Hampshire League to the Southern League in 1920. As Boro former manager Neil Warnock often said “Are you with me?”
However when the current AFC Bournemouth were elected to the Football League in 1923 they took the name of Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic and played at Dean Court, not Dean Park as the aforementioned Bournemouth Rovers first played in 1875. Anyway they struggled at first in the old Third Division South but made the cut in 1958 when the top 12 clubs in the 3rd Divisions North and South formed the new Third Division whilst effectively the bottom 12 of those two divisions were relegated en masse to form the new Fourth Division. In 1971 the club decided to change their name to AFC Bournemouth so that they would be recognised as initially the first club in the country. Perhaps Boscombe were miffed at having their name deleted especially as Dean Court I understand is actually in Boscombe.
When I think of Bournemouth I always remember one name ahead of the likes of Harry Rednapp who played and managed the club. That man is Ted MacDougall who once scored 9 goals in an FA Cup 11-0 win against Margate Town in November 1971. Born in Inverness MacDougall was said to have more clubs than Jack Nicklaus having played for York City, Bournemouth, Manchester United, West Ham, Norwich, Southampton, Weymouth, Detroit, Blackpool, Salisbury, Poole Town, AFC Totton, Gosport and Andover scoring 256 goals in 535 matches plus 3 for Scotland in his 7 appearances.
Finally the conundrum must be which clubs are playing at the Riverside on Saturday? Well at least it won’t be Middlesbrough and Ironopolis Football and Athletic Club versus Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic club, I’ll stick with The Boro versus The Cherries.
@ken Nice story, Ken. Please keep them posted as I like history and a good story. I didn't know there are two clubs so similar in name.
Also, I do not know much about AFC Bournemouth generally as they have usually played in the fouth tier while I have followed football in England.
Shall we see Eddie Howe at Riverside as the Cherries will play earlier than his club Newcastle? Just a short drive down from the Toon.
Up the Boro!
I’m so confused as I was awakened at 7.30am with Evander arriving to fit my replacement window. I didn’t even know there was such a time as 7.30 am so I let the two workmen in whilst I returned to bed. Apparently they had finished by 7.50am so I tried to sleep again but couldn’t so I got up, had my breakfast, and started on the ironing before intending to watch the Boro match which I had recorded. I was then surprised that for some reason Sky Sports hadn’t recorded the match, so I checked the website to see if the match had been postponed through Covid. It was then 20 minutes later that my iPad informed me that today is Tuesday. I hope that this isn’t a sign of dementia, but each day seems the same to me, or was it the quick awakening by the workmen from Evander. I’m serious but it’s taken me over 2 hours to realise that today is actually Tuesday, the 14th of December.
With all that is going on at present, I think many of us are confused, Ken.
Thanks for reminding me that it's a Tuesday today.
Though at our age it's the arbitrary nature of the way in which time is structured and the extent to which we are slaves to it for most of our lives that most strikes me.
Enjoy your freedom
When there is reference to the support at the Riverside, I wonder exactly what that will be. As I type this, I am not sure what the "rules" will be for attendance at the Bournemouth home game, or subsequent matches, and what effect that will have on the numbers.
I am in my late 60s and reasonably healthy for that age. My mate who sits next to my seat at the Riverside is a couple of years younger but he's still in his mid-60s. My mate who sits on the other side of me is over 70. I am double-jabbed and, as from today, it is 14 days since I had the Pfizer booster jab, so I suppose I am relatively OK at present. My older friend has had his jabs & the booster but is awaiting an operation in hospital (it has already been cancelled/postponed by the hospital at least once) and, pending that operation, is being understandably cautious about un-necessary exposure to risks. When/if that operation is carried out, his position may change, but he hasn't been to any games this season (and precious few if any last season) though he has renewed his season card so obviously hopes to go back to the stadium some day.
My younger mate is playing his cards close to his chest about vaccination. I know he is very suspcious about "vaccination passports", the wearing of masks and the like, in terms of civil liberties and the fear that these things are easy to impose but then might remain in place well into the future. (I say this whilst the Health & Social Care Secretary is on his feet, addressing the House of Commons on the television to my left, in support of imposing/extending the latest Covid Regulations). No doubt my mate will say that Income Tax was imposed as a temporary measure to pay for the Wars against Napoleon - therefore over 200 years ago, and yet that tax is still with us.
I SUSPECT therefore that, whatever the arrangements to attend the match will be, my friend to the right will continue to stay away for those health reasons I mentioned, and that my friend to the left will decide not to attend (even though he has attended until now). I will make my own decision - I might go but then again might not - when I know what the arrangements will be. But if I don't go, that will be none out of the three of us. And to our left is an older couple (late 70s/80s?) with some obvious health complications for at least one of them. So if they don't go, that will be at most ONE attending out of the five of us (and possibly NONE).
Bearing in mind the demographic of the club's season ticket holders (I guess heavily weighted towards the older half, even the older third, of the population), I fear that many thousands may decide not to go to the match. That may not cost the club anything, as the season cards/tickets are already paid for, but it may mean a sparsely populated stadium at the very least, and lower sales of ancillaries in the concourses.
Longer term, I see that people may make a general re-evalutation of their lives and ask whether they might better do other things at the weekend. I say that in the context of a potential "further wave" of Covid, or potentially serial waves of successive variants. We may soon be ploughing deep into the Greek alphabet to name them. This is Year Two. It has, so far, undoubtedly damaged the economic model which most English Football League Clubs operate. Obviously things may be different (at this stage) for Premier League Clubs and those playing in the Champions League, where TV revenues vastly outweigh the monies coming in through the turnstiles. They may not have felt any pain at all. But for clubs like Middlesbrough, revenue from the sale of tickets is the bread and butter of the club. Commercial sponsorships are still important but clearly the longer the club remains in The Championship, and the longer a situation exists where attendance at the stadium is inhibited, the more difficult it will be to "sell" those commercial opportunities. For clubs lower in the pyramid, or with less helpful owners, the finances are much more delicately balanced and the possibility of financial failures in those clubs must be significant.
Let's hope we can get through this. But the light at the end of the tunnel seems as far away today as it did a few months ago, and listening to the speeches from the HofC (Wes Streeting now answering for Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition - actually supporting the Government position on the Covid Regs) does nothing to make that light seem likely to burst upon us any time soon.
If I were a Bank Manager and a typical Championship club came to me asking for a substantial loan, I'd want to look at the projections through a very powerful microscope before approving the money. What's your ticket sales and, more importantly, how are they likely to hold up next year and the year after that? What is your wage bill compared to tickets sold and how does commercial sponsorship hold up compared to previous years? How much are you spending on player acquisition and how well-reasearched has that been? What provision have you made if your customers (ie supporters) can't attend games? What security has the club to offer (after all, a newish football stadium in Derby is only of use to a football club from that city, as Nottingham Forest or other "nearby" clubs who anyway have their own stadium won't want to leave the towns and cities in which they are based)?
(Sir Desmond Swayne ids now on his feet in The House. I type slowly but not accurately. I can't say that his speech is enouraging me to crack open a bottle of Champagne. Mind you, it is now the Honourable Member for Brighton Pavilion, a one-man Parliamentary team if there ever was one, who has now stood up. On reflection it might be something stronger that is needed. Should it be a glass of Tamnavulin Double Cask or a Penderyn Madeira Finish? Both are already opened).
We live in a Land of Milk and Honey for Premier League clubs, and a weather-blown war-zone for Football League clubs, where the population may be culled of those clubs most vulnerable. At least the quality of the football at Middlesbrough appears to have improved in recent weeks!
I haven’t had my Covid booster jab yet because my GP says I can’t have it at home. If I was bed ridden then they might arrange for it, but I’m house bound so what do they want me to do, stay in bed all day to qualify for a visit? I’m afraid to say that the NHS is becoming unfit for purpose. Does anybody remember the TV series “Where the heart is” when district nurses would call on the elderly just to see if they were all right? I don’t entirely blame the nursing profession, but it is clear to me that the NHS is seriously underfunded. The fact is people are living too long and are becoming a drain on the country yet we still pay our taxes. I don’t want to live in an old people’s home but prefer to stay in my own home as long as I can look after myself which I’m able to do at the moment. I do get help from the Teesside branch of Aged UK who also do my shopping for me, so help is available from charitable organisations but I dread to look ahead to palative care. I’m not afraid of death as it comes to all of us, but it’s the actual pain of dying that worries me, so I try to put it out of my mind. Approaching 84 now I’ve been lucky to still be alive but life can be monotonous when housebound. If it wasn’t for sport and music I’d rather leave this World when I’ve had enough at my own choosing.
@ken:
Some of your posts brighten my day. Long may you remain with us, and I hope you are able to send many more posts in the future. (In the short term I hope your GP can organise your booster jab. Can you contact Age UK to ask whether that is something they could assist with - transport for example to get you to a jab if that would help?).
This May help
MFC is issuing the following guidance ahead of the implementation of the government’s ‘Plan B’ protocols which are set to come into force at Saturday’s match against AFC Bournemouth (kick-off 12.30pm).
As of Wednesday 15 December, and subject to parliamentary approval, all events hosting more than 10,000 people will require attendees over the age of 18to provide evidence of COVID-19 certification, in the form of an NHS COVID Pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test result.
With a Season Card figure totalling comfortably in excess of 10,000, this means that Boro’s home league fixtures will be subject to these new regulations until further notice, starting with our home match against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday 18 December (kick-off 12.30pm).
Please Be Prepared
We’re urging all fans aged 18 and overwho are planning to attend Saturday’s game to be best prepared to ensure a smooth process come matchday.
Proof Of Vaccination
Supporters are required to have received both doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before the match in order to be eligible. You do not need to have received a booster jab at this time.
The easiest way to provide proof of vaccination is by using the NHS COVID Pass on your mobile phone, accessed via the NHS App which can be downloaded on Apple Store or Google Play.
We are strongly advising fans to save the COVID pass to your digital wallet, download a PDF copy to your phone or print a hard copy before you head to the game due to the high volume of fans that will be trying to access the NHS app on matchdays.
All supporters will also require ID to match the name on their COVID pass. This can be your Season Card or match ticket.
If you have received a vaccination in a foreign country, you can check the approval status here.
If you do not have access to a mobile device, you can also request a printed version from the NHS. The small card distributed on receiving the vaccine will not be accepted.
Lateral Flow Testing
A negative lateral flow test result will be permissible should you be unable to provide a COVID pass.
The lateral flow test must be taken within up to 48 hours of kick-off, with the ideal time 12 hours before entry.
Results must be submitted via the NHS, and the text message or email confirmation received in return must be presented on entry to the stadium as evidence of the negative lateral flow test. The physical test itself will not be accepted.
If the test returns a positive result, then you must NOT attend the fixture and follow the correct procedures as advised by the NHS.
Medical Exemption
There are a small number of exemptions for individuals who have a medical reason which means they should not be vaccinated, and in some cases should not test either.
In this instance, you can use the NHS COVID Pass as a vaccinated person would. Your NHS COVID Pass will not show that you have a medical exemption.
There is more information here
Face Coverings
Supporters over the age of 11 are now required to wear face coverings in indoor settings at the Riverside, including the stadium concourse and hospitality areas, unless medically exempt.
Matchday At The Riverside
BE PREPARED
Please be ready to show your COVID pass/test results and identification on arrival at the Riverside Stadium. Stewarding staff will be on hand to assist and direct supporters with entry to the stadium.
BE EARLY
We are advising supporters to please arrive early, particularly in the first few matchdays with new regulations, in order to allow for extra time which may be required to enter the stadium. For Saturday’s match against AFC Bournemouth, turnstiles will be open from 11am.
BE SAFE
Please do not attend the match if you or a member of your party display any COVID-19 symptoms and/or are required to self-isolate.
Thank you for your patience and support in the implementation of new guidelines.
Useful links
How to download a digital NHS COVID Pass
OFB
Ken,
People like your GP certainly are not problem solvers. There was a time when a GP wouldd have have called on you as he drove home or to work. You seem to have a real Catch 22 situation that could easily be solved by anyone with compassion, energy and a brain rather than hiding behind paperwork and 'orders'.
The incumbents in our local Health Centre seem to spend their time finding ways of not seeing people, Medicine San Frontier they are not. A self-inflicted wound on their part and a serious lesson in how how to lose the confidence of their patients.
Meanwhile at A&E and for the paramedics they have to see patients, all patients face-to-face.
Keep smiling, think Hattie Jacques!
UTB,
John
@original-fat-bob: I have just read this on the club website, thanks.
I suspect the crowd will be greatly diminished, and this will not have anything to do with the fact the game is live on SkyTV. The club is in a very difficult position.
I wonder if anyone on here could help @Ken with a lift to a booster centre. I’m too far away unfortunately but maybe someone local could help.
I am not sure why Ken has not had a house call given his status.
My mother had a house call last week from an outside NHS source, unfortunately no family were there at the time. Naturally she was a little unsure what to do, she is 98, and the medic said to her, you do not have to have it if you do not want to. She took the easy option said no, and off they went. Disgrace!!!
No wonder parts of the health system get criticism.
Just a short history lesson of the wages of footballers in the immediate post war years before the abolition of the MAXIMUM wage that perhaps some of our younger Diasborians may not be aware of. Two of Boro’s most famous players Wilf Mannion and George Hardwick were paid the maximum weekly wage of £12 plus a bonus of £2 for a win and £1 for a draw, but the out of season weekly wage allowed was £10. These figures were established in 1946 and had risen to a £20 MAXIMUM wage by 1961 when the maximum wage system was abolished. England international Johnny Haynes was the first player to be paid £100 per week shortly afterwards and also along with cricketer Dennis Compton became known as the Brylcream Boys for earning extra money from the hair cream company for endorsing their product. England internationals were previously paid £20 for each cap but according to Mannion had to make their own arrangements for travelling to the home venue usually Wembley.
England centre half Neil Franklin arguably the greatest member of the England international team according to both Stanley Matthews and Tom Finney had been stripped of the Stoke City captaincy by manager Bob McGrory and was determined to leave Stoke. In that first post war season Stoke City needed to win their final match against Sheffield United to win the First Division title but lost 1-2 and finished 4th. Whether it was the disappointment of not winning the title or the stripping of the captaincy by manager McGrory but Franklin was determined to leave Stoke and second division Hull City had a transfer fee of £30,000 rejected by Stoke’s Board of Directors, although Stanley Matthews was allowed to leave for Blackpool.
Then several clubs from Colombia who who had been expelled from FIFA due to civil rights started to poach players from England and thus were able to pay extortionate wages, and Neil Franklin and George Mountford also of Stoke, and Charlie Mitten of Manchester United flew out to Bogotá with the promise of untold riches. The trio all signed for Independente Santa Fe with Franklin paid for an initial signing-on fee of £3,400, a weekly wage of £170, plus free accommodation for him and his pregnant wife. With the 1950 World Cup pending Franklin made the astonishing decision that he would not be available for selection. Of course none of the English players were aware of the political situation in Colombia where there was a 6.30 pm curfew. Franklin stuck it out for six matches, Mitten for a month, and Mountford for a season. Mitten returned to Manchester United but was suspended for 6 months, whilst Franklin returned to England but no First Division club would touch him and he eventually signed for Hull City for £22,500 who were soon relegated, and Franklin’s reputation in tatters.
He later admitted that the whole adventure had been a terrible mistake, and even England captain Billy Wright admitted that his place in the England team would have been in jeopardy had Franklin been available. Wright went on to be the first England player to reach 100 caps, whilst Franklin earned 26 caps, when in fact those number of England caps might well have been reversed but for Franklin’s mistaken Colombian experience. Whereas many football clubs have erected statues for their heroes, Boro included, there is only a statue of Sir Stanley Matthews at Stoke, as Neil Franklin has become the forgotten man. A shame really!
@pedro A disgrace? I’m probably mis-reading your post somehow - are you saying that someone turned up at your Mother’s house, offered her a vaccination, with an option not to have it, she declined and they left? I can see that if she’d not had any notice it would be an issue but I guess Ken would think that this scenario would be ideal.
like most of us old timers I’m sheltering and not mixing with anyone!
perhaps Salvation Army could help?
@original-fat-bob I understand, I’m being pretty cautious myself. I’d normally be disappointed that tickets for the Blackpool away game have sold out but, in truth, I’m a bit relieved not to be able to go.
@martin-bellamy My mother received a letter from NHS advising of a visit, but no date or time, making it difficult for family to be there. They then turned up and a neighbour saw them and attended.
My mother was a little confused saying she had already had a vaccination. (2)
Again my mother was hesitant and instead of of cajoling her, as her neighbour did, to have it, they turned round and said, “you do not have to have the jab if you do not want it!!. So she refused it. They took to consideration of her age.
So yes in theory, Ken should be able to have a house visit through his Health Practice.
Back to football and the Cherries match.
Boro have never lost a home match against Bournemouth. And we are unbeaten in the last ten matches (all competitions) against the Cherries.
So what can go wrong on Saturday? We should beat the "minor" club 😁.
Up the Boro!
@pedro Thanks for the response - it does seem crazy just to turn up unannounced and I can understand your mother’s reluctance. I guess the providers have to be cautious about trying to persuade elderly people for fear that their families object. I hope she gets her booster soon.
More and more games being postponed due to COVId.
Namby-pamby footballers. In my day you were deducted 3pts for failing to play a fixture because of too many illnesses in the squad.
Luckily us Teessiders would never hold a 25yr grudge.
@andy-r. It wasn’t a flu outbreak per chance against Blackburn was it! Not that it sticks in my memory much! 😎
Now that I have established that today is really Wednesday and that the second Ashes test will start at 4am in Adelaide with both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad in the 12 for England and Ben Stokes looking impressive bowling in the nets, do we think that playing with a pink ball under floodlights will make England slight favourites to level the series in this day/night match? Well Jonathan Agnew seems to think that England can win as Adelaide favours swing over pace yet although Ollie Robinson releases the ball from a great heat producing extra bounce and was equal to the Aussies fast bowlers in the First Test, the Aussies record at Adelaide is impressive with and Australians also having, won all 8 of their day/night test matches and let’s not forget that England’s batting relies heavily on Joe Root, Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes. I would say that England have less chance of winning this test match than Boro have of beating Bournemouth this weekend. England must win, whereas a draw for Boro wouldn’t be a disaster with half a season remaining.
Nevertheless England’s record at both Melbourne and Sydney is infinitely better than at the other Aussie venues, and playing the final test at Hobart in another day/night encounter in almost English-like conditions is far preferable to playing in Perth where I can’t recall England ever having won. By mid-afternoon on Saturday we might have some idea as to whether England have a better chance of winning the Ashes than Boro have of being promoted. I’m not a betting man, but I can’t see England winning this series or drawing it which would still mean the Aussies would retain the little urn, but neither can I forsee Boro reaching the playoffs never mind getting promoted this season. But I would expect Boro to at least reach the playoffs next season, but promotion in my opinion would then depend on which division Newcastle participate in.
More and more games being postponed due to COVId.
Namby-pamby footballers. In my day you were deducted 3pts for failing to play a fixture because of too many illnesses in the squad.
Luckily us Teessiders would never hold a 25yr grudge.
Funny you say that. I was just expressing my condolences to a Spurs supporting colleague last week, about their pending points deduction for failing to fulfil a fixture due to an outbreak of illness, till I remembered... they are not based In Middlesbrough so of course it won't happen.