I believe that the general opinions on this blog are pretty much what you would expect. However, I find it surprising that people would wish to be understanding about what has gone on. To be clear, what has gone on is, in football terms, horrific. To design a method of buying players consisting of a couple of Young guys who's job description is 'to buy players' is bizarre. They will fulfill their job description, 'ie' they will buy players, and it was inevitable that we, that is, the fans, would look on in amazement as a steady stream of utterly unmemorable players, came, were seen by us the fans, and forgotten instantly. Unfortunately, they do not return whence they came, they have a contract. An unfortunate side effect of this system, is that the books have to balance, so any player of value seems to disappear, very quietly. I personally am very happy to welcome our new Coach, and I consider him to be our first Coach, he has taken on a big job, and I hope that he is the only judge as to who shall be signed (and sold)
Strikers appear, just like that! That is the history of strikers throughout the game, worldwide. Josh had the look and the physique as he knocked Arsenal out of the cup. It was an act of quite awful management when he was left out of the team against Chelsea in a death or glory cup-tie at home, was a fun game with a great prize as a reward, the fans know best, and on Chelsea's performance that night we were in with a shout. Josh has scored with a towering header, a heroes goal to K.O. Arsenal, a special goal in a league match (threw himself on the floor and blasted it in the net, since you ask) if you are advocating him being flogged then we can all go home.
@original-fat-bob Thanks for the Northern Echo link OFB. First time I have seen it and unfortunately it brought a few smiles to my face.
Did I read recently that MFC have now appointed a new Head Of Recruitement. Mr Gill is no longer at the club I believe?
The article also clarifies why Kieren was the one to give Mr Wilder his P45.
Strikers appear, just like that! That is the history of strikers throughout the game, worldwide. Josh had the look and the physique as he knocked Arsenal out of the cup. It was an act of quite awful management when he was left out of the team against Chelsea in a death or glory cup-tie at home, was a fun game with a great prize as a reward, the fans know best, and on Chelsea's performance that night we were in with a shout. Josh has scored with a towering header, a heroes goal to K.O. Arsenal, a special goal in a league match (threw himself on the floor and blasted it in the net, since you ask) if you are advocating him being flogged then we can all go home.
Re your last sentence, are you saying you’d stop supporting the team if JC was sold? I can’t believe that, because as I’ve said before, we’re hooked in, the team are in our blood and it’s just about impossible to check out.
I totally respect your views, but I’ve got to say that I’ve rarely seen a fan as invested in one player as you seem to be with Coburn. If he was Juninho or Viduka, I could understand your zeal, but is the young man really that good, or is it more the system you’re railing against?
WHEN CRICKET REGAINED ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE AS ENGLAND’S NUMBER ONE SPORT.
That was the story on more than one newspaper during the 2005 Ashes Series. Perhaps very few would agree with that statement, but in fact there is some truth in it as it supersedes football by a quarter of a century at least as many football clubs including Boro started as cricket teams wanting to keep fit during the winter months. I’ve just finished watching the DVD of the 2005 Ashes series which was probably the series that emulated all other Ashes series in this country. I remember well the 1953 season when the first 4 Test matches were all drawn because of the weather and it was agreed that the final test at the Oval should be played over 6 days as scoring rates very rarely exceeded 3 runs an over. Who can forget the 1981 Ashes test at Headingley when England were forced to follow on yet through the batting of Ian Botham and the bowling of Bob Willis stunned Australia to victory.
Nevertheless the 2005 series was my favourite as apart from the Lord’s test produced the fastest run rates, closest matches and arguably the friendliest series due to one man in particular, the late Shane Warne. This morning I watched highlights of the final test from the Oval. Thanks to Andrew Strauss with 129 and Andrew Fiintoff England recovered from 131 for 4 to 373 all out with Warne taking 6 for 122 on an unresponsive pitch for bowlers. With Australia 2-1 down in the series the visitors started like a house on fire with an opening partnership of 185 as both opening batsmen Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden scored centuries as the Aussies were obviously targetting something in the region of 600 for Warne particularly to bowl at. Eventually Australia were 323 before they lost their 4th wicket and suddenly collapsed to 367 all out as Flintoff took 5 wickets and Matthew Hoggard took 4 before rain interrupted proceedings and we all breathed a sigh of relief. .
But it didn’t end there as England lost their 5th wicket with only 126 on the board in their second innings. Even at 199 for 7 there were still some 45 overs remaining but then Kevin Pietersen scored his maiden Test vcentury, 158 in fact as Ashley Giles supported him with 59 before Shane Warne polished of the tail with another 6 wickets, in fact 12 in the match to win the Dennis Compton / Keith Miller medal. It was also the final match that Richie Benaud commentated on.
Shane Warne finished the series bowling 252.5 overs, 37 maidens, 797 runs conceded, but took 40 wickets at an average of 19.925. The late Ali Brownlee once said that Mark Schwarzer was the greatest Australian since Ned Kelly. But Kelly was a vicious murderer whist Shane Warne was a magician with a cricket ball in his hand and much loved the world over, and I’m still reeling over his death earlier this year. I make no apologies for describing this Test series on a Boro forum, but cricket was fun in 2005 and one hopes it continues to be so much in the future.
Plato, by the way it was Spurs not Arsenal that Josh scored his goal against.
Well I am totally confused...
EG now reporting Boro do have a January recall clause in the loan agreement with Bristol Rovers for Coburn, which could be significant with Carrick now in place as opposed to previous manager Chris Wilder, who made the decision to send the 19-year-old out on loan to get that experience of playing week in, week out.
So what is it....season long loan as reported or Recall in January. Confused .com
Michael Carrick was 'chuffed to bits' for Josh Coburn after his goal for Bristol Rovers on Wednesday evening, with the new head coach keeping a watchful eye on the Middlesbrough loanee.
Coburn netted his third goal for Bristol Rovers, where he is spending the season on loan from Boro, to earn his side a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The goal sees him currently scoring at a rate of a goal every 94 minutes since linking up late with his loan club after an early season knee injury.
With the League One game televised on Sky Sports, the new Boro head coach watched on to see the young Boro star in action. And after Coburn's composed finish sparked brilliant scenes in front of the Gas away end, Carrick admitted he was delighted to watch it.
READ MORE:Teesside Haaland Josh Coburn continues to impress at Bristol Rovers with another goal
“That’s the ideal scenario for him - going out on loan and getting great experience," Carrick said. "It was a terrific finish from Josh last night, I was watching it, and you could see how much it meant to him. The joy on his face and that feeling of scoring goals, I was chuffed to bits for him.
"He did really well and that’s what the aim of going out on loan and getting that experience is all about. Going out, playing games when it really matters in the result and there are things on the line, and being able to cope with that. I was really pleased to see him doing well.”
Boro do have a January recall clause in the loan agreement with Bristol Rovers for Coburn, which could be significant with Carrick now in place as opposed to previous manager Chris Wilder, who made the decision to send the 19-year-old out on loan to get that experience of playing week in, week out.
Carrick is just three days into the post on Teesside and such decisions are unlikely to have been made so early, but clearly the new Boro head coach is going to keeping a close eye on arguably the brightest young prospect currently attached to the club, having spoken previously about his passion for giving young players opportunities.
Speaking to Sky after the Rovers game, manager Joey Barton had joked: "I better be quiet about what I am saying because Michael Carrick has gone in there. The last thing we want is them to recall him because he had a period out and we had to be patient with him. He had an injury but he has rewarded our patience and he’s really added to our team.
“I thought when Lofty (Ryan) went off today I thought we were going to win that game. We ended up losing Ryan and that was a big blow for us. The lads have not only absorbed conceding that goal but the finish was a moment of real quality. I think from a 19-year-old boy he’s got an enormous future.”
I presume it’s both, Malcolm - a loan deal to the end of the season but Boro have an option to recall in Jan if they want.
Just touching on Martin Payero, here is a link to an article by Craig Johns in the Gazette written the summer.
@pedro. You never know with MC now in charge he may be worth having another look at if there is a recall clause in January or at the end of the deal if they are unable to buy; I always felt, like many players in the past, that he was not given a fair run in the team, Jordan Rhodes et al. 😎
Just touching on Martin Payero, here is a link to an article by Craig Johns in the Gazette written the summer.
Thank youfor the link as I think it was me who started the discussion of Payero. Good read that.
We all dream to find the next Juninho, don’t we?
Up the Boro!
England v Greece in Rugby League World Cup tomorrow. 1 didn’t even know the Greeks played rugby, though there is a cricket square of sorts in the centre of Corfu. However I’m wondering what sort of attendance there’ll be at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday for the first Rugby League match to be played on Teesside. I’d be surprised if the attendance is over 10,000. Maybe the Darlington Arena might have been a better venue, but we shall see.
Jarkko
I’d prefer a local player to Juninho. Perhaps another Wilf Mannion or further afield another Bernie Slaven, the best bargain pound for pound in my opinion.
- @ken ... or Cloughie, Camsel! UTB!
@ken - Value pound for pound? A defender who turned out to be our top scorer for the next 6 (?) years - John Hickton. I remember his paper shop on Coatham Road....
But, yes, locals like Cloughie, Fenton and particularly Camsell were a different class. And imagine having a leader like George Harwdwick on the pitch.
I have no idea how Boro will play with Carrick/Woodgate in charge but as usual when we change managers will hope the new set up will be successful. From what I have seen and read about Carrick he does seem down to earth and realistic about what he has taken on though I am still worried about his limited managerial and especially lack of Championship experience. It will be good if he starts with a success at Preston (or even a draw), unlike some of the previous managers but it does seem that he has already made clear to the players what he expects of them.
On the subject of Boro pessimism I think most of my comments will have been along those lines but I have been a pessimist all my life following the problems I have mentioned previously when I was growing up. When I was in my teens and thinking about how my life would work out I suspected I would end up alone (apart from contacts with relatives). I am now completing my 47th year of living alone and if I allow myself to stop and think I inevitably end up depressed. Following the Boro is important diversion for my thoughts but, especially now in my old age, the effort of travelling and being in hotels does get to me if I have seen a poor display and I have several hours to brood on it while on the trains home. (I don't like gardening but have what I consider to be a large garden which does keep me occupied when the weather is good but it has now become a problem to keep in check.) Even though I have now lived away from Teesside for more than half my life I still regard it as my "home" and feel sad when I leave New Marske after visiting my sister. Lingering support for the Boro seems to be an unbreakable tie that binds all those on Diasboro who have moved away from the area.
I am pleased that Radio Tees is available on Freeview as I used to get good reception on FM but that was lost when the mast came down and has not returned with the new one. When Boro are playing away and for home matches that I don't attend my afternoons/evenings are based around the commentary. When we beat Wigan life seemed more cheerful even the next day. I hope I am feeling that way on Sunday morning.
I have booked my hotel for the Luton match on 10 December (cheaper to book weeks in advance) so I am looking to Carrick's team to brighten up our play and to SKY and the rail unions not to mess up my plans.
@martin-bellamy excuse me, I am not 'railing' against anything or anyone. I am making a statement. I have been watching the most ragtag bunch of players, plus Managers, who come under the same heading. Anyone who thinks that having a person on the payroll to buy players is any way to run a club is sadly mistaken. The results are there to be seen on a weekly basis. The number of people who explain this loan as 'because we have five strikers 'insert your own five names, because I cannot' they are completely worthless and are rotated with great regularity. The reason is simple, when your job is buying players you buy them, they, of course will be moderate players at a moderate price, ring any bells? The only reason there has been any protest is because the entire shoddy, ramshackle system has collapsed, and can be seen to have collapsed by even the most optimistic supporter. The signing of this Coach is the best thing that could have happened, his life is on the training ground teaching our players the mystery of tactics, and that he knows well. I look forward to Jones showing that he is class and will start scoring goals, remember them.
I hope you are right, Plato, about the signing of Michael Carrick being the best thing that could have happened (in light of his coaching, tactics etc). You are certainly correct about the previous system having collapsed - or at least it was on the point of collapse as relegation to Tier 3 is the definition of collapse for a club like Middlesbrough, having previously been in that division for only 2 seasons in the club's long history.
Let's hope it is onwards and upwards from here!
The reason is simple, when your job is buying players you buy them, they, of course will be moderate players at a moderate price, ring any bells?
I don’t see the logic of that - I accept that if it’s your job you MIGHT buy moderate players but equally you could buy poor players or even excellent players. If it was my job, I’d probably try and get excellent players.
The reason is simple, when your job is buying players you buy them, they, of course will be moderate players at a moderate price, ring any bells?
I don’t see the logic of that - I accept that if it’s your job you MIGHT buy moderate players but equally you could buy poor players or even excellent players. If it was my job, I’d probably try and get excellent players.
And buy only when needed. Not just for the sake of buying if we already have the right player in the taem, especillat from our academy. 😉
Up the Boro!.
Before I forget, Jarkko: I hope you both enjoyed your time in England. Funnily enough we seem to be having a bit of a heatwave (for 28th October) at present and it has been 17 to 18C the last couple of days (rainy this morning though). Judith and my mate say "thank you" for the chocolates. I haven't eaten one yet because I am currently on low-carbs but I will save one for later. Finnish chocolate is good - I can remember from previous years!
Strange isn’t it, but I must be the only person in the World who actually HATES chocolate. My wife loved it, but when she baked a chocolate cake I had to stay out of the kitchen as the smell made me feel like throwing up.
I have to divert my eyes from the television screen if anything chocolatey such as Easter eggs or Black Forest gateau are advertised, though chocolate fountains are the worst reminding me of diarrhoea.
My mother said that someone once put a piece of chocolate into my mouth when I was a baby in a pram and I kept on spitting it out and made such a mess but still wouldn’t swallow it. I suppose that when one detests something so much one cannot understand anybody else liking it.
I’ve eaten snails and caviar, though not keen on either of them, but chocolate is the worst especially chocolate ice cream. I must add I’ve never met anybody else that dislikes chocolate, but am wondering if other people have pet hates in food as much as I.
@ken. Hate is a strong word. I don’t hate chocolate but I don’t like it and tend to decline if offered a chocolate sweet, chocolate pudding or even ice cream of the chocolate variety.
On the other hand coffee cheesecake, or coffee and walnut cake mmmmmmmm! 😎
KP - Many years ago (1960s) in Provence I made a bet with a friend who said he doubted I could drink what I guess would have been half a litre of the local natural yoghurt. It was very liquid and not cold. In those days, in England, yoghurt was a bit of a rarity and, maybe like olive oil, you could probably only buy it at the local chemist/pharmacy. Anyway I succeeded in consuming said poison AND managed to keep it down. But (1) I don't think I ever received the money and (2) I have never even considered eating/drinking yoghurt again. It tasted horrible and it's full of BACTERIA, for goodness sake!
I CHOOSE not to eat biscuits in order to prove that I have willpower (so no dunking with my tea) but will eat cake if I am not keeping a count on the old carbs.
Time for bed now. Maybe a dream of football success for the boys in red+white...
Statue of football legend Jack Charlton to be unveiled in Ashington today. https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23086171.statue-football-legend-jack-charlton-unveiled-ashington/
He lived in Great Ayton while at Boro. Up the Boro!
@jarkko I'm not keen on chocolate at all but I do love that salty liquorice that comes from the Scandinavian countries. delicious, moreish and addictive.
UTB,
John
OFB,
Thank you for the headline piece, informative as always and it will be a hard game, but then most of them are in the Championship.
I hope Mr Carrick's coaching has a positive effect, particularly on our midfield and re-purposes how they play both individually and as a collective. A big ask when you look at some of the lackadaisical performances this season.
As for a result, well a clean sheet would be a great start followed by an away goal and I'm not being greedy.
Maybe Boro should all have some salty liquorice to get them moving?
UTB,
John
The reason is simple, when your job is buyingé players you buy them, they, of course will be moderate players at a moderate price, ring any bells?
I don’t see the logic of that - I accept that if it’s your job you MIGHT buy moderate players but equally you could buy poor players or even excellent players. If it was my job, I’d probably try and get excellent players.
I have made up and sent your resumé to SG Martin. I trust in you not to make a mess of the forthcoming interview 😉
Anyone heard if Duncan Watmore is injured? I have watched MC’s first training session video twice and could not see DW taking part. 😎