Gazette reported
”On the back of Warnock's scathing comments after the QPR defeat, the teamsheet at Rotherham was revealing, with Assombalonga, Ashley Fletcher, Djed Spence and Hayden Coulson all left out, though Watnock later confirmed Coulson was ill and said Spence had a slight niggle. Darnell Fisher also missed with injury.”
Does everyone think the slight niggle might have been Warnock bellowing in his ear!
OFB
A Typical Boro start if ever there was one, the goal was a poor one to concede but in our defence our backline was decimated, cobbled together and short in stature. As OFB mentioned, heads didn't go down and there were smiles on faces again as we battled to get back into the game.
Being honest if it wasn't for the sending off I think we may have struggled to get something out of it despite Watmore's disallowed effort. Rotherham had looked up for it and I suspect Paddy being clattered just before the incident probably influenced the Ref when he saw Hall go down with what looked in real time like an elbow. Replays showed that the sending off was a bit harsh and I felt for the Millers and their sense of injustice, that's what happens when you are struggling, everything seems to work against you.
The big positive was seeing the ball played on the ground instead of that interminable, soul destroying hoofball. There was no better exponent of ball control than young Connor Malley when he replaced the unfortunate Hall. The youngster has provided NW with a more pleasing selection headache as his range of passing and confidence in taking on opponents and even getting a shot away will have been a joy for the bench to behold.
We need to keep the rare win in proportion, the reality is that Rotherham are down in the relegation spots and had only ten men, still I suppose you can only beat what's in front of you. The style of play was a welcome relief and it at least allowed the likes of Kebano, Bolasie, Watmore and Akpom to shine. Both our goals were taken well, Saville's was a cracker with Akpom's a cheeky but hopefully confidence restoring one.
The team and the bench illustrated that Warnock is now down to bare bones with just kids on the bench apart from Bettinelli and with Hall's suspected concussion or worse there should be more opportunities for the youngsters in the remaining games. Kebano for me was the MOM but Malley should certainly be keeping his place based on those passes and dribbles.
Greatly enjoyed the game, though I felt for Rotherham, and there will have been little pleasure in it for their fans. I was completely wrong about our going easy on the Millers, though if we hadn't won the game playing against 10 men for 70 minutes there would surely have been a stewards' enquiry.
Very impressed by Malley, whose passing was on a different level from what we have been used to. He looked like a nice kid who was more nervous being interviewed than he was on the pitch. He was my MoM so I was glad that Don Goodman agreed. Great goal and excellent all-round display from Saville, probably his best ever for us, with Howson, and Kebano also outstanding. Impressed too with Watmore, who needs a centre-forward to play off. He was very unlucky not to score. Ackpom had his best game since his debut.
I have been as critical of Bettinelli as anyone this season, but he looks like an international compared with Archer, who fulfilled all of Redcar Red's worst fears. He's the poorest keeper to represent us in many a long day. I suppose it is an achievement of sorts to produce such a shocker, even though he had very little to do. Surely young Brynn must now be allowed his chance. There is no future in either of the other two. Quite how it has come to this with so many goalkeeping 'experts' on the staff heaven only knows.
Not much impressed by Bolasie who was both selfish and wildly inaccurate with his shooting. I suppose he offers something different and the potential to set the league alight, but he still has it all to prove, even at this level, and we shouldn't be paying much of a fee for him or breaking the bank for his wages.
I agree with Bob and Clive that this was a relaxed enjoyable performance from the team and that is something to be grateful for after the literal pointlessness of the last month.
Yes, it was a different show by Boro. I too liked Malley and the team played with joy as said above.
The Rotteham goal was awful, I said something about Bettinelli to my daughter before realised he was of course on the bench. But it was so familiar goal from a corner.
The match was on telly over here. Luckily we played much better as some of my friends must have seen it.
But aren't we light in numbers for defenders now. Where was Fisher, for example? Howson was good but needed to fil a gap in defence.
Up the Boro!
Remember when were just three points behind Bournemouth at the beginning of April? And waiting agent Woodgate to do a favour for the Boro.
Now Woodgates' team are third in the table and a whopping 17 points ahead of us. He is well proving that there is something in the young manager and Gibson saw something in him, too. But perhaps the timming at Boro was not ideal with his experience. Southgate comes to mind.
Anyway, I hope we will give a real go and try to finish as high as possible in the league with three games left. We are just two points behind QPR who are eight now. So the aim must be finising eight - and minimum in the top ten.
So there is pride to play for. And build the team spirit up now.
Up the Boro!
An enjoyable game overall last night, certainly by contrast with much of the last four months.
It was ironic that on the night that Britt and Fletcher were jettisoned, we played some passing football on the grass that might finally have suited them.
And that was no coincidence. The number of short corners and low crosses put into the box was a clear tactic and paid off for both of our goals as well as giving us more control of the game than usual in the middle of the pitch.
The question is why has it taken so long to recognise that hoofing the ball long to compete for in the air was a dreadful and ineffective way to play? I’ll be keen to watch the Sheff Wed game at the weekend to see if it was a one-off and not very happy if it was.
Connor Malley did really well on debut. I thought Rotherham allowed him a lot of time and space in the middle of the pitch but he didn’t put a foot wrong in using it with some lovely passing to feet.
I also thought Howson did well at the back after a five minute period taken to adapt and wonder whether that should be his position next season as he’s looked leggy and outpaced in midfield of late.
Kebano and Bolasie thrived on the passing and pressing game even if Bolasie was trying a bit too hard to score at times. I’d like to see them back again next season if we’re going to play to their strengths and the finances are sensible.
I think Tav would have enjoyed himself last night had he been fit too, whilst that type of game also suits Watmore. Crikey, even Akpom looked half decent!
Pleased and encouraged overall after a horrible month. Please, please don’t go back to hoof ball.
Agree, Andy, Howson looked an interesting, if improbable figure at centre-back. He brought back memories of two outstanding figures from the past in that position. Joe Shaw at Sheffield United and Stan Milburn of the Milburn/Charlton dynasty, who plied his trade in the lower divisions. They were only about 5' 9" and no match for anyone in the air. Yet they were brainy, experienced and exuded a calm authority. Always being in the right place, always reading the game perfectly, and always bringing the ball out and playing it to a colleague. Johnny Metgod, one of Cloughie's great signings for Forest was taller, but played in a similar style. Languid and with wonderful ball control, he hardly ever made a tackle, but came out with the ball with such authority that he became equally at home in midfield.
Could it be that the reason that hoof-ball disappeared, that we had so much possession, and that we were able to keep Rotherham pinned back into their own half owed as much to Howson's pivotal role in defence as it did to the fact that we were playing against ten men?
Quite possibly, Len, and certainly a factor in my view.
Although it's harsh on Hall, the idea of McNair-Fry-Howson as a ball-playing back three with Tav in central midfield gives me hope that there is definitely another way for this Boro squad.
Howson played at centre back for a few games under Woodgate. He did ok there but he doesn't really have the attributes for it. If we were playing something like 4-1-4-1 he could take the role in front of the two centre backs.
Some thoughts about the Rotherham game. I don't think you can learn a lot because they reminded me of us at the end of the 3-point season when the team was running on empty. Malley did well but that was probably the easiest Championship game he'll ever play. I thought it was telling that Warnock said after the game that Malley lacks pace but he felt he would have enough room to play with Rotherham down to 10 men.
We did indeed play the ball on the deck, memories of the Birmingham game but again Rotherham let us. Maybe what happens is that when get pressed we panic and start hoofing the ball. It seems like it might be a confidence thing.
Even after we went behind, the team seemed happier without Fletcher and Britt around. Saville is a different player if he gets licence to get forward. With Kebano and Johnson on the wings we also had wide players who instinctively get wide; that's the most balanced we've looked for a long time. Neither of them are natural wing backs but they are hard working wingers who are prepared to track back.
Archer was poor but he has hardly played and some keepers take a few games to get up to speed. That said, his playing history seems to indicate that he's not up to standard.
Akpom gave hints that there is a player in there. At one point he was lying on his back with the ball between his feet and somehow managed to stand up, with the ball, and lay it off. Not sure he's really much more than a middling championship striker but right now I'll take what we can get.
Overall, Rotherham were running on vapours even before they went down to 10 men so we were able to play but even then we could easily have ended up being pegged back for a draw.
Deleriad
I know what you mean about Howson not appearing to have the attributes for a centre-back. Don Revie felt the same about Joe Shaw.
There's a great story about Don, in his early days ay Leeds, deciding to exploit Shaw's perceived weakness by playing Jack Charlton at centre-forward against him. Jack at 6' 4" had an 8" advantage over Joe. Jack later admitted that he had made a mess of it and that Joe had spent the whole game laughing at him.
Joe ended up playing more than 700 games for United, an all time record. He has legendary status and a statue in Sheffield to boot. I'd be amazed if Warnock isn't a devotee.
The Shaw- Howson comparison may be a bit far-fetched given Howson's comparative novice status in that position, but Warnock's earliest allegiance was to a club that had a little fellah at the heart of its defence for decades. It may give him pause for thought.
Some very good posts this morning from Len, Andy and Deleriad.
I enjoyed the game last night and it was good to see us passing the ball and moving it about with confidence.
There were a number of positives which have been mentioned but we should not get too carried away given we were playing a team fighting relegation, playing their fourth game in nine days and down to 10 men either justifiably or not depending on your viewpoint.
Malley was a definite positive and I hope he gets a few more games before the end of the season. I particularly liked the way he played the ball into space for colleagues to run onto, enabling a move to build or continue rather than straight to feet or worse still behind players which slows the game/move down.
The reality is, however, that there is much still to do with regard to recruitment, building a team and developing a playing style which is both good to watch and brings results.
The table doesn't lie and it shows we are 30 points behind Norwich and 14 points behind sixth placed Barnsley! 😎
The amount of recruitment is still up for debate in my view. A new keeper is a definite and replacement for some leavers if they do not come back.
Taking last night's 3-4-3 (and move players around as you see fit) and assuming that top six is the aim, is the below enough?
First XI
-----------New Keeper---------
------Howson-Fry-McNair-----
Djiksteel-Tavernier-Morsy-Bola
Bolasie(?)-Watmore-Kebano(?)
Second XI
-----------------Stejanovic-------------------
-------------Fisher-Hall-Wood----------------
Spence(?)-Malley/Hackney-Saville-Coulson
--------NML(?)-Akpom-Johnson(?)-----------
As I've said before, I think we're in a reasonable position on Bolasie and Johnson and expect NML to be with us next year. Kebano more difficult but not impossible.
I think that squad is good enough for a top six Championship side with a bit of luck on injuries that you always need. Top two, I would say no.
I don't think Howson is good enough to be a first choice centre back. I don't expect us to be able to afford Bolasie. Not sure we'll take a punt on NML. Think it's 50/50 we'll keep Kebano; I expect Fulham to want him back. I expect Spence and Coulson to be sold or, if we can't sell them, to be loaned out.
I think we need a dominating centre-back to add to Fry and Hall. I think we need someone who can play left back other than Bola. I would like Kokolo given a chance. Brynn needs to play or be loaned.
Keepers. Other, Other or Brynn
Right back/wing back: Fisher, Dijksteel
Left back /Wing back: Bola, Other or Kokolo
Centre backs: Fry, Hall, McNair, Other or Wood
Centre Midfield. Howson, Morsy, Saville, Malley/Hackney
Right Wing/midfield Kebano, Other or Folarin
Centre attacking midfield: Tav, Watmore
Left wing/midfield: Johnson, Bolasie or other
Striker: Other, Akpom, Coburn/Walker/O'Neill
That's looking like up to 7 new faces depending on how many of the U23s are good enough for the first team squad. Admittedly only 2 of them (keeper and striker) are needed to go right into the first 11, the rest maybe are fine as backups. There are also a fair number of players who can sub into different roles. However it still looks short on pace
@andy-r. Some interesting choices. We definitely need a new keeper and possibly cover for that position.
I am not convinced about Howson in defence. He can do it as a stop gap as he did under Woodgate and last night but it is not a long term solution and he will get found out against the better sides.
We also need more height at the back and DF's return will help but we miss the height of Flint, Friend and Shotton.
I don't think Bolasie will stay as he will no doubt get better offers elsewhere. He was off to Turkey before he got the call from NW so expect him to head away. I would keep Kebano if we could but he may well be required at Fulham in the Championship.
NML has not done enough for me to continue with that project unless it was on some sort of pay as you play deal. Johnson is worth retaining on another short term contract.
All of that means we probably need anywhere between 6+players in and may have to let some go to balance books/squad in which case Spence/Wing/Coulson may be at risk of letting go on loan or permanently if the right offers come in.
I agree that top two is beyond us and are more likely to be top six contenders albeit along with the usual suspects and by no means guaranteed. 😎
As Clint Eastwood would say in his Dirty Harry movies 'MAKE MY DAY'
Well thanks to NW he made my day by throwing out of the club Britt and Fletcher. Two players who let the the club down badly and were a total waste of money in fees and wages. I will never forget Britt's smiling face when he ballooned the ball over the bar several times and missed penalties. Bruce Rioch would have thrown him in the River Tees for the attitude that he had.
So good riddance to both of them and for the clubs who get them, good luck to you, for your going to need it!
I think Lewis Wing can be a squad member and play in the nr ten position or in central midfield. He has played a season there with Rotherhan Utd and could be useful with the experience when back. And that must have been good for his confidence, too. He was not bad at Boro two season ago.
Just saying, like. Up the Boro!
Yes, I forgot about Wing. I agree that there a Championship player in there, though not sure it’s one Warnock particularly wants.
With all the ideas for new players, I am amazed that we are regularly trashing Wing, who might end up being ditched. I regard him as a player that we need in any set up that we adopt, we simply do not have a dead ball expert of his class, and haven't for some seasons. For any manager to sit there and watch Britt grab the ball for a penalty, or free kick front edge of box, dismissing Wing with contempt, was soul destroying, but to then drop Wing, was worse! the incidence of the two goals declared own goals by team mates who could not have scored either of them if they played till they were a hundred. But it reflects terribly on the manager, who was watching trash football on a regular basis while leaving out Wing and Tav. They eventually got on the field by a process of elimination, but not accepted as fully paid up members of the team. Wing losing his confidence was quite shocking and a blot on this club. The real damage being done is still to come, remember these people are scavenging through the dust bin of the football World, with a record that would shame the third division of the eskimo league. We still remember (who can forget) the 'international' we signed from Bolton? They simply said he had a knock! And he stayed that way Until we signed him! My god, what an absolute worthless player, no, he was worse than that. 15 love to big Sam.
6pm on Wednesday is Millers time for Boro as we attempt to down Rotherham United at their New York Stadium.
The South Yorkshire side may be third from bottom of the Championship but they’re not bitter and with two games in hand on 21st placed Derby County – sorry, Wayne Rooney’s Derby County – there’s plenty to keep them bubbling along. Boro’s season has gone so flat that the barrel needs changing and with nectar nothing to play for, Neil Warnock has a job on his hands to keep spirits up after a punch-drunk run of five games without a win and nowhere near enough shots.
Indeed, after the latest defeat at the weekend, a groggy Warnock threatened to bar a few Boro regulars and help them to move on in the summer. “We talk about the rebuilding job being a difficult job but we’ve got to get a few out as well at the same time”, he said, later adding “…not too dissimilar to when I first came, we’ve got a couple of players who don’t want to be here and we’ve got to try and help them on.”
We were left to come to our own conclusions on which players the manager was talking about but I think we can all guess that Britt was one of them, whilst Djed Spence came in for more specific criticism. “To give two goals away, I still don’t understand. I said to Djed who’s marking the man who scores, he’s stood with him and just let’s him go to head the goal. It’s just irresponsible really, and it’s cost us because it’s been the winning goal”, said a frustrated Warnock. It's beginning to feel like trouble is brewing.
With several players seemingly looking towards their summer holiday, a midweek business trip to New York might be just the tonic. Rotherham sit 23rd in the form table at present with just one win from their last six games in a run that has included desperately disappointing defeats at home to Wycombe, Coventry and now Birmingham. Indeed, it’s their home form that has really cost them with just one win and five defeats from their last six games following the 0-1 defeat to Birmingham on Sunday lunchtime.
Sadly for Boro, our form is also on the rocks down in 22nd place with only Bristol City and Rotherham propping us up. The Millers will be sensing an opportunity to boost their survival hopes.
Surely it’s time for Warnock to bring in a few youngsters who are keen to impress. Sol Brynn, Hayden Coulson, Hayden Hackney, Connor Malley and Josh Coburn are all waiting for a chance to impress and with some of the more experienced regulars failing to do just that of late, what does the manager have to lose by giving one or two a go? It’s a shame at this point that both Nathan Wood and Lewis Wing are out on loan, though at least Wing will be ineligible for this one.
So, will it be happy hour for Boro fans or will the season continue to fizzle out at the bitter end? Maybe don’t answer that….
Cheers!
Andy
Do you fancy a go at another preview for Saturday ?
OFB
Fancy doing another preview for Saturday?
If you’re busy I’ll write something just let me know.
RR is pretty busy at the moment
cheers
OFB
I don’t think I’ll get a chance tomorrow I’m afraid Bob.
No Problem Andy I’ll knock something up for the Diasborians to pick at !
I must admit that these games coming up so quickly one after another it caught me out with the timing.
No problem look forward to your posts on my own literary attempt !
OFB
No Problem Andy I’ll knock something up for the Diasborians to pick at !
I must admit that these games coming up so quickly one after another it caught me out with the timing.
No problem look forward to your posts on my own literary attempt !
OFB
If you recall OFB, that was what inspired Werder to write one opener per week, rather than commit to putting one out over match.