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Boro v Reading
 

Boro v Reading

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Boro v Reading

Riverside Stadium

15/1/22 k.o. 3:00 P.M

 

Our thoughts turn from the excitement of the F.A. Cup, to in my view, the more important challenge of obtaining promotion from the Championship to the Premiership.

 

Whilst the glamour of winning the FA Cup appeals to a lot of supporters, the long term stability and future of a successful football club lies in the ability to pay its way and run it as a business and make it profitable. This really can only be achieved in these times, by being in the Premiership and the strategy now adopted by the Boro is geared to achieve that aim.

 

Boro ground out a hard fought win on Saturday against a Gritty and determined Mansfield Town side who were determined to cause a cup upset. It is to the credit of the Boro team that the U23 players, Apres-Covid sufferers and the sparkling debut of Boyd-Munce conspired to generate a never say die attitude and take the tie. The next tie will prove to be a money spinner for the club with a full house away tie at either Villa or Man U (readers can delete as appropriate!).

 

Our visitors on Saturday are Reading who had the disappointing result of losing in a shock FA Cup defeat to Kidderminster Harriers. Reading’s current manager Veljko Paunovic believes that he is the right man to lead the club however Former Reading centre-back Ibrahima Sonko is in talks with the Royals over a potential managerial position at the club. Sonko has been coaching with various clubs in Belgium for the past two seasons, including Reading’s feeder club KSV Roeselare before they ran into financial troubles in 2019.

 

The Royals would have been hoping to pick up a morale-boosting victory in this particular fixture after being forced to settle for a point in their Championship clash with Derby County earlier this month.

However, Reading were unable to deliver the goods against their National League North opponents at the Aggborough Stadium. Reading FC midfielder Felipe Araruna is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his right knee during the defeat. The Brazilian was a substitute in the second half for Dejan Tetek but lasted less than two minutes before going down clutching his knee. Araruna, who had to be stretchered off, was making just his second appearance since returning from a 16-month lay-off because of a knee injury suffered in September 2020.

 

The Boro team for Saturday will hopefully be a more familiar line up than the one that played on Saturday. A full week of training for the complete first team, no injuries other than the long term ones of Bola, Fisher and Ameobi. Some possible transfers of Ikpeazu, Daniels and Hall. Some loan players returning to their parent clubs, Hernandez, Lea Siliki. Possible additions to the squad to add to Boyd-Munce but not Folarin Balogim from Arsenal who has tested positive for Covid and is in isolation.

 

So what looks like an easy win for Boro can also prove to be a Championship upset in this crazy league.

 

Me I’m going for a 2 0 win to Boro.

 

Let’s get to the top two !

 

OFB


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jarkko
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Thanks, OFB. A good starter. 

I would like to add that hopefully we will see the new boy from Brighton on the bench on Saturday. Aaron Connolly was not included in the the squad at Mansfield and hence missed doing his deput for Boro. 

The Echo said that Connolly is set to feature in next week's Championship tie against Reading after missing the FA Cup game due his registration not being completed in time for yesterday's cup win.

Up the Boro!

 

This post was modified 2 years ago by jarkko

   
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Thanks for the intro OFB. I see that Reading play Fulham tomorrow night, so that may have an effect on them as well as their loss in the cup. The cup game at either United or Villa is on the same day as we should have been playing Fulham, so that means a midweek kick off.


   
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Top work, OFB. Many thanks.

If Boro are in decent nick with regards to the players’ health then hopefully the new additions will add a further bit of impetus and competition. It would be a big plus to able to bring on subs that improve the game for us, something Wilder has rarely been able to do thus far.

Its all positive at the moment with the inconsistent nature of the Championship being the only reason to think it might not be another promising performance.

Boro perhaps haven’t played at their best in the last two games but have still managed to win. Being greedy, I’m hoping to return to a dominant performance on Saturday and another win.


Pedro de Espana
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Thanks for the new Headliner OFB, another well written article.

Going back to your Rangers rumour on Jack Simpson, unless we can start unloading some of those in the registered 25 squad, I think we will run out of spots to fill.

When Taylor signed I believe that took us to 24. Then we lost Stojanovic (23), signed Boyd-Munce and will register Collony this week (25).

Was Wing actually registered, supposing we sell / agree a mutual departing of the ways (there should be some kind of fee or future add on)

So who else can we move on, assuming Balogim does not count in the 25? 

Iche? dependable, puts in a shift. Will the two new forwards offer more than he does at their inflated wages. 

Lea Siliki? I think we must be stuck with him as I am sure we would have released him before he went to the AfCon.

Hernandez?   Useful and has offered more since CW arrived.

There are others that we would love to de-register, but it looks that we are stuck with Fisher and the invisible man.


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@pedro I think we could "de register" both Ameobi and Fisher as neither will be back this season apparently. If they do start to train and get close to fitness we could deal with that issue then but I think it highly unlikely in either case.

Brynn would also fall under the 25 rule due to his age and possibly Boyd- Munce I'm not sure?


   
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Martin Bellamy
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Thanks for the opener, OFB, let’s hope for another win on Saturday. 

It’s a bit worrying for all the clubs outside the EPL if this comment of yours is true:

Whilst the glamour of winning the FA Cup appeals to a lot of supporters, the long term stability and future of a successful football club lies in the ability to pay its way and run it as a business and make it profitable. This really can only be achieved in these times, by being in the Premiership and the strategy now adopted by the Boro is geared to achieve that aim

Theres something wrong with English football if only EPL clubs can be profitable - I’m not saying you’re wrong but it’s a depressing state of affairs if you’re right. 


Pedro de Espana
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@redcarred  I could be wrong RR, but I do not think you cannot "de register" players from the summer squad submission. Not unless you loan them out or sell them on.

Browne and Olusanyo are in the squad list.

EFL Rules state on squad lists. Page 68/211 of the Rules

43.9.1 Squad lists    Rules as we know??

43.9.2 Under 21 Players. Not included it says, except for those "loaned in"

Does that mean Balogim will be included??

 


   
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jarkko
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I thought a net list can be made during the January window. So players added and removed from the 25 list. I did ask this from Craig Johns of Teesside Live on 21st November. 

"U21s don’t need to be registered. I believe Spence, eg, who turned 21 after the season started, would qualify as an U21. But if Boro want to sign two, eg, in Jan, they’d have to deregister 1'.

Well this is how he sees the rules. I hope this helps. Up the Boro! 


   
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Pedro de Espana
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@jarkko  I really do not believe you can “de register” say Ameobi or even Fisher who is I think out for the season.

Good news is Boyd Munce, born 26 January 2000. So I think he will not be counted.


   
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Man U away !

 

come on Boro !

 

OFB


   
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Regarding Boro squad list which is different to registration of players, see EFL Rule 43.9.6

43.9.6    Changes to a Squad List may be made:

(a)           during the period of a Transfer Window; and

(b)           at other times only with the permission of The League.

For example Spence is a registered player with Boro but not included in our 25 player Squad list, so as I understand it, Wilder can change the squad list completely.

Come on BORO.


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Further to the above see the following rule:

43.9.5    A Player shall be deemed to have been included or removed from a Club’s Squad List on receipt of The League’s confirmation of the same (which may be given electronically).

Come on BORO.


   
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Pedro de Espana
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@exmil  Well if we can add or remove players during any transfer window, then that would mean I assume, that if Fisher out for the season the he can be removed. Ameobi likewise if CW thinks he will have no part to play this season.


   
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Posted by: @pedro

@exmil  Well if we can add or remove players during any transfer window, then that would mean I assume, that if Fisher out for the season the he can be removed. Ameobi likewise if CW thinks he will have no part to play this season.

That’s the way I read it, he could also drop players that might not play this season such as Olusanya and Malley in order to make room.

Come on BORO.


   
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Philip of Huddersfield
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I fully agree with comments about Spence. He certainly has pace and can skip past players but he doesn’t make the killer forward pass and often gets fouled as the opponents think he’s going to create real danger.  He flatters to deceive.
Give me young Jones every time as he beats a defender and then crosses the ball. Can’t remember Spence crossing the ball.

Looks as though the debut of the Arsenal loanee  will be delayed cos of his Covid - how can he have a medical at Boro when isolating?

I see we play United in the cup - prefer them to Villa who played remarkably well last night but couldn’t score.

Quite a few rumours about new players including a central defender- I think we’ve got enough unless Grant is being shipped out.

Our biggest need is a reliable goalkeeper- if there was a vote on this, then it would be the overwhelming winner.

Philip of Huddersfield 

 


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@philip-of-huddersfield

Absolutely right, Philip.  A reliable keeper has to be our top priority.


   
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At least an away FA Cup tie at Old Trafford will (1) presumably be on TV as all Man U games seem to be shown somewhere and (2) will end up with a nice fat cheque being sent to the Riverside, whatever the result.  Money always comes in handy at Championship Clubs.

If I haven't mentioned it before, and accepting that I have come to this rather late, I have started to watch "Sunderland 'til I die" on Netflix.  Obviously I know the history as there was a certain amount of gloating from Teesside at Sunderland's travails at the time. In the series so far, they have been relegated from The Championship and have just started successfully in League One (third tier in English football). The finances of that club are being laid bare.  Complete madness with excessive Premier League wages being paid to players (one in particular) despite relegation, resulting in said player(s) being happy to sit on their backsides in the Stand* rather than play OR moving elswehere to clubs who would pay him much less - or maybe that should read "paying what the player economically or in football terms justifes being paid".  In the last episode the owners taking over require the figures to be looked through carefully:  an expensive cryo-chamber had been installed previously, which has only ever been used by the CEO occasionally, with his "bad back", but not used by the players.  Staff, mostly players', wages greatly exceeding income. Young player: "You'll have to talk to my agent" when a new contract is suggested, but the management are saying the agent will inevitably take the player abroad where the agent will be paid £1M (presumably by the buying club) whatever might be best for the player.  A desperate downwards spiral where the fans' agony is clear to all.  Non-playing staff losing their jobs though most of them might have been able to remain if they'd been able to get rid of Rodwell earlier etc.  The problem of an absentee owner who rarely attended and clearly wanted to dispose of the club but had few potential buyers.

We may not have a billionaire owner but, at the Boro, we are lucky in so many ways.

     *  As to Rodwell sitting in the stand, picking up his pay and seemingly being prepared to do so until his contract ended (though eventually he was levered out): what about the manager saying "We are all in this together as a squad.  Unless a player has a contagious illness or something that makes him unable to do so, I want all first team squad players attending every game.  I want all to travel to away games. You can sit at the back of the bus on the trip to Bristol and if it means you get back at 4am the next day, that is the same as it would be if you were playing. If for some reason that is not possible for a particulr game, you can always go with the Under-19s or U23s to their games.  Might then get to see some players desperate to succeed..." 

This post was modified 2 years ago by Forever Dormo

Philip of Huddersfield
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Villa reputedly  in talks to sign Randolph  who is 3 rd choice at West Ham.

I would be happier if the talks were with Boro !!

Philip of Huddersfield 


   
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Ken Smith
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Posted by: @philip-of-huddersfield

Villa reputedly  in talks to sign Randolph  who is 3 rd choice at West Ham.

I would be happier if the talks were with Boro !!

Philip of Huddersfield 

I agree, but doubt that we could afford him now.


   
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Fulham. 7 Reading 0

Fulham impressive at top of championship with game in hand 

Hopefully Boro can win by at least 2 goals on Saturday !

OFB


Philip of Huddersfield
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@original-fat-bob

I will be happy with a win to keep momentum going. Anything else will be a bonus.

I wonder if Reading were a number of players short - injured or Covid ?

I seem to remember Fulham beating Blackburn by a similar score this season - or am I  dreaming.

Philip of Huddersfield 


   
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jarkko
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Posted by: @philip-of-huddersfield

@original-fat-bob

I will be happy with a win to keep momentum going. Anything else will be a bonus.

I wonder if Reading were a number of players short - injured or Covid ?

I seem to remember Fulham beating Blackburn by a similar score this season - or am I  dreaming.

Philip of Huddersfield 

Yes, Blackburn conceded seven goals to Fulham, too. And Mogga's men have never lost since that hammering. Only wins and a draw at home to Huddesfield. And they were above Fulham until yesterday!

I just hope the same does not happent to Reading what Mogga's team have done. Also, it will be interesting to see if any changes are made at Reading before the Boro game (or after - hopefully- a Boro win at Riverside).

Hoping for the best for Boro on Saturday. A 1-0 will do. Up the Boro! 


   
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Ken Smith
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Posted by: @original-fat-bob

Fulham. 7 Reading 0

Fulham impressive at top of championship with game in hand 

Hopefully Boro can win by at least 2 goals on Saturday !

OFB

It will certainly be an embarrassment if Boro don’t beat the Royals on Saturday.


   
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jarkko
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Reading are on a woeful run of just two wins in their past 13 fixtures and one of their recent defeats came in humiliating fashion over the weekend when they were knocked out of the FA Cup by non league side Kidderminster Harriers.

And on Tuesday they lost at home to Fulham 7-0.

Already the FA Cup defeat has led to an outpouring of anger among fans towards the club and some have called for Paunovic to be replaced. So there are question marks - a little bit harshly - over the manager.

He has been dealt a really rough hand at times, whether it be losing key players in the summer like Michael Olise and Omar Richards and injuries have absolutely decimated them this season, particularly in the forward areas.

Reading are 21st in the table now and just three points above Peterborough who are third bottom.

But still, Reading won at Fulham early this season. So the up-coming match won't be easy for Boro. The visitors will be fighting for their lives and no match is easy in the Championship as ever. 

And we will still have a few players missing through COVID-19. Let's hope for a win, though. Even 1-0 will do. Up the Boro! 

 

This post was modified 2 years ago 2 times by jarkko

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Well with at least tow possibly three new signings the team format for Saturday takes in a completely different look.

Foam hand excitement!!

It looks like Boro are going to go all out for promotion this year !

OFB


   
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Pedro de Espana
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@original-fat-bob   Yes indeed OFB, although much will depend upon Covid issues possibly. Hopefully there may not be many, which would, I assume, mean that the new faces will be on the bench. Saying that, count in a goalkeeper and at least one defender and probably CW will not be able to fit them all in.


   
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It is reported that Riley McGree is on Teesside for a medical after we gazumped Celtic for the defensive midfielder, also it is reported that we are interested in Rangers John Lundstram, who I remember as a good player when he was with Wilder at Shef Utd.

Come on BORO.


   
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We are also strengthening the U23’s which bodes well for the future.

Come on BORO.


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