A Few Thoughts About Boro’s Season So Far

Taken from my Wordpress blog

Firstly this isn't an attack on Tony Mowbray. What it is hopefully is a little dose of realism to where we actually are compared to last season. Now I appreciate that when Mogga took over we were languishing towards the bottom of the league but the recent spell of results we have had is similar to Strachan's poor start, so I feel it fair to compare them currently.

Comparison

Here's a few stats with regards to our recent form and what is was last season with 4 games to go:

Last season at this stage in the season we had 50 points and were in 18th position.

This season we have 63 points and are in 8th position.

Mowbray won the last 4 games of the season against Hull, Coventry, Cardiff and Doncaster (who all finished 11th, 18th, 4th and 21st respectively) which pushed us up to our final position of 12th.

Our last 6 games form at this point last season was P6 W2 D3 L1 F12 A12 Pts 9

And this season our last 6 games for is P6 W0 D4 L2 F7 A6 Pts 4

In the league at this point last season we had scored 56 goals and conceded 65 (-9) and this season we have scored 48 and conceded 48 (0).

Players who have left under Mowbray:

2010/11
David Wheater
Gary O'Neil

2011/12
Willo Flood
Andrew Taylor
Kris Boyd
Didier Digard
Leroy Lita
Maximilian Haas
Tarmo Kink

Players who arrived under Mowbray:

2010/11
Maximilian Haas
Merouane Zemamma

2011/12
Curtis Main
Malaury Martin
Faris Haroun
Lukas Jutkiewicz
Bart Ogbeche
Adam Hammill

What really can we deduce?

It is obvious that we our defence has got better. Even with the loss of David Wheater and the loan of Stephen McManus we have conceded less goals. Credit to the manager.

Recently our lack of goals has cost us. This is also clear from the comparisons above and it also coincides with the departure of Lita and Boyd. Boyd was not prolific but Lita did chip in with goals. Scott McDonald has been injured this season which will be partly to blame but Jutkiewicz who has been the lead striker of late hasn't really produced the goods (2 goals & 2 assists in the league from 13 starts and 2 sub appearances). It has been a longstanding problem at Middlesbrough since the departure of Viduka, Yakubu and Hasselbaink.

Last season we were very gun ho and I remember not worrying if we conceded as we would usually score our way out of trouble. This season we are very lacklustre going forward. I think part of this is a much more defensive mindset from the midfielders and this frustrating 'split striker' tactic that is employed. Also the manager does not seem to like throwing players forward, maybe putting 3 up front or allowing midfielders to bomb on. My memories from home games this season is sitting a little too deep.

In Summery

We have obviously performed better this season compared to last season. In four games time though this may be very different as we had gained another 12 points last season in those final games which will drag this seasons performance down. Goals have been a problem, mainly due to not finding a natural and consistent goal scorer. The managers tactics have contributed to this, particularly at home. We seem to have had midfielders sat on the bench and not included and a lack of strikers who can score for the majority of the season. This will need to be addressed.

I do think that playing to a half empty stadium has a slight effect on the team but not as much as to make a considerable difference to cause the slumps at home that we have seen this season. I think this has more to do with the fact that Mowbray has played more expansive and attacking formations away from home earlier on this season, in particular utilising wingbacks with 3 centrebacks.

Solutions?

This is the hard part! For the rest of the season we need to put emphasis on scoring goals. More attack minded formations, utilisation of players who may be a threat up front such as Emnes, McDonald and Ogbeche. Ogbeche needs to start some games or be brought on earlier. Jutkiewicz has had his chance and not produced. I would involve Martin rather than him been benched.

We need a quicker response to now the game is panning out with regards to substitutions. If we concede and we need to win get another striker on, maybe for a defender. Take some risks, if we are going to get beat let's have a go. Our goal difference is less than our competitors so it doesn't matter if we get beat 2-1 or 4-1... We need to have a go at teams.

For next season if we fail to get promoted we need desperately to find a striker who will score 15+ goals a season. We also need to get some cover at the back, and bring some creativity into midfield. Maybe we only need a tinker, 3-4 players out and the same in, we certainly don't need a massive makeover to challenge for the playoffs again. It can be done on a budget. Robson will be going, that frees up wages for a start. Bates will be out of contract and injured so a replacement will be needed. We need to keep Rhys Williams at all costs.

It's still possible this season to reach the playoffs. Fingers crossed!! Come on Boro!!

Peterborough v Middlesbrough 24/8/11

Peterborough 0 - 2 Middlesbrough
Robson 4
Hines 27

Boro recorded their fifth consecutive win on a night which saw Barry Robson and Seb Hines propel the team in to the 3rd round of the Carling Cup.

Robson struck on 4 minutes with a low strike from a Joe Bennett through ball and Seb Hines made it 2-0 heading home a McMahon corner.

In the second half Danny Coyne was impressive keeping the home side at bay.

Boro Man of the Match - Danny Coyne
Attendance - 5,012 (782 Boro)
Game Highlight - Another away win!
Boro Team - Coyne, Bennett, McManus, Bates(c), McMahon, Hines, Bailey, Robson, Haroun, Emnes, Martin (subs) Ripley, Kink, R Williams, Arca, Main, Franks, Smallwood

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Middlesbrough v Birmingham City 21/8/11

Middlesbrough 3 - 1 Birmingham City
Robson 48
Haroun 69
Martin 72

A strike in the first half from Barry Robson, his second goal in as many games, provided the spark for a memorable comeback at The Riverside Stadium.

Boro went behind in the 36th minute as Carl Ikreme was judged to have brought down Chris Burke with Adam Rooney slotting the visitors resulting penalty past the Boro stopper.

Not disheartened Boro pushed on in the second half with goals from Faris Haroun on debut and Malaury Martin (69 & 72 mins respectively) who Tony Mowbray brought on from the bench midway through the second half.

Overall a brilliant comeback from Boro and a further extension to their unbeaten streak.

Boro Man of the Match - Barry Robson
Attendance - 17,567
League Position - 2 (P 4, W 3, D 1, L 0, GD 5 Pts 10)

Game Highlight - Goal on debut for Faris Haroun
Boro Team - Ikreme, Bennett, McManus, Bates(c), McMahon, Williams, Bailey, Robson, Arca, Emnes, McDonald (subs) Coyne, Haroun, Hines, Martin, Smallwood

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Barnsley v Middlesbrough 15/8/11

Barnsley 1 - 3 Middlesbrough
McDonald 11
Robson 13
Emnes 44

Written By Steven Byrne

Just Like Watching Brazil…

Boro travelled to Oakwell full of confidence following their 1-0 victory over Leeds on Saturday. An expectant 1879 Boro fans made the trip to South Yorkshire knowing that a win could see them top the table. Boro lined up as expected with Julio Arca coming in take the place of the suspended Tony McMahon with Justin Hoyte moving to right back. Rhys Williams moved to centre back alongside Matthew Bates and Stephen McManus as Boro adopted a 3-5-2 formation.

The game started at a high tempo with Boro looking to take an early lead so it was a bit of a surprise then when on 4 minutes McManus turned a cross from Barnsley winger David Perkins into his own net. A year ago Boro would have collapsed and it would have been game over. However, this is Tony Mowbray’s Middlesbrough and we will fight to the end.

Boro’s heads never dropped and soon after a Barry Robson corner was met with a glancing header by Scott McDonald for Boro’s equaliser on 11 minutes. Then just 2 minutes later McDonald repaid the favour and turned provider with a perfectly times cross from the left for Robson to bundle the ball over the line to make it 2-1.

Boro controlled the rest of the first half playing some mesmerising football and it was McDonald again on 44 minutes who played a clever through ball to Marvin Emnes who kept his cool and grabbed his 6th of the season and made it 3-1 to Boro.

Barnsley, who despite passing the ball well lacked any real quality, and never threatened Carl Ikeme’s goal. Boro were unlucky not to extend their lead by more in the second half which saw the travelling army of Boro fans mock the near silent home fans with chants of their own terrace favourite from years gone by of ‘it’s just like watching Brazil’ as Boro passed the ball around with style and ease.

Seb Hines replaced Justin Hoyte on 75 minutes, with Mowbray stating after the match that he had gambled on Hoyte’s fitness – a gamble that had paid off. Julio Arca then left the pitch to a standing ovation on 78 minutes to be replaced by Richie Smallwood, whose first contribution was to win a free kick on the edge of the box. It would have taken a brave man to try and get the ball off Barry Robson, and he was unlucky when his pile driver came back off the Barnsley wall.

The final whistle brought to an end one of Boro’s finest performances for a long time and it is all down to Tony Mowbray and what he has instilled in this team - togetherness, spirit, and belief. Barry Robson, Julio Arca and Nicky Bailey ran themselves into the ground whilst Emnes and McDonald created enough chances and the latter was unlucky not to be taking the match ball home with him. Boro’s defence coped with everything that came their way and Carl Ikeme had very little to. A satisfactory nights work saw the Boro players leave the field to a chorus of ‘we’re Middlesbrough’ but not before the modest Mowbray headed down the tunnel to the loudest cheer of the night from the grateful travelling fans.

Southampton continued their perfect start to the season with another victory which meant that Boro would have to settle for 2nd spot, but I think every single Boro fan would’ve taken that 2 weeks ago.

Bring on Brum! Boro are back!

Boro Man of the Match - Barry Robson - never stopped running and deserved his goal.

Attendance - 10,603 (1,879 Boro)
League Position - 2 (P 3, W 2, D 1, L 0, GD 3 Pts 7)

Game Highlight - 4th away win on the bounce
Boro Team - Ikreme, Bennett, McManus, Bates(c), Hoyte, Williams, Bailey, Robson, Arca, Emnes, McDonald (subs) Coyne, Kink, Hines, Martin, Smallwood

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Leeds v Middlesbrough 13/8/11

Leeds 0 - 1 Middlesbrough
Emnes 67

Middlesbrough visited Elland Road on the back of a good victory in the Carling Cup and looked to further extend their unbeaten run in the Championship against a Leeds side who have struggled in the first two games of the new season.

Boro started the match looking for their third win in four visits to Elland Road, and set up with the same team that started against Portsmouth, albeit with Joe Bennett switching to left back.

Middlesbrough started slowly, succumbing to Leeds pressure with forced Carl Ikreme into making two great early saves. Leeds had Max Gradel was sent off on 27 minutes for two yellow cards. Immediately after the Leeds keeper Andy Longergan needed to make a good save from a Marvin Emnes effort - Boro's first real chance of the game.

A 50 yard effort from Adam Clayton forced Ikreme into another great save and helped the crowd become even more raucous. Minutes later Boro have another good effort, this time from Hoyte, saved.

Just before half time under pressure from the Leeds captain, Jonny Howson, the referee gave Tony McMahon a second yellow card for a soft shrug off highlighting what a poor game he has had up to this point. The challenge had nothing to do with Howson, and the referee was weak when he decided to even the game up, realising the mistake he made earlier sending off Gradel.

The assistant indicated 3 minutes of extra time to bring the first action packed half to an end, with the score remaining Leeds 0 - 0 Boro and the referee having to be escorted off the pitch by security.

Leeds started brightly again and within the first five minutes of the second half forced Ikreme into yet another outstanding save to keep Boro in the game.

Leeds swapped Brown for Nunez in an attacking substitution in the 57th minute closely followed by the Assistant Referee being substituted due to injury - unfortunately it was not the referee!

Howson pulled down Marvin Emnes on the halfway line, who would have been clean through on goal, and saw his second yellow card of the game. Justice as Howson in the first half berated the referee into sending off McMahon.

The sending off saw Boro press on and McDonald have a effort cleared off the line in the best chance of the game so far. Boro then substituted Justin Hoyte for Julio Arca and Mallaury Martin for Barry Robson as they pushed on for victory in the final 25 minutes.

On 67 minutes Marvin Emnes tears out the back of the Leeds Utd net with a spectacular goal finishing off a great passing move involving both Martin and Arca.

As the game progressed into the final ten minutes Boro took control of the game and the Leeds fans chanted for Ken Bates to leave their club. Boro piled on the pressure, with two corners in as many minutes, but despite the posession only resulted in a Bennett shot comfortably saved by Longergan. Boro did look for the second goal but despite having numerous chances could not extend their lead.

The assistant indicated 5 added minutes and saw Arca narrowly miss a chipped effort and Longergan going up for a Leeds corner. A needless free kick given away by Boro resulted in a Leeds free kick which again saw Longergan go up as a makeshift striker, but they could not profit. Seb Hines came on for Rhys Williams who was suffering from cramp.

The referee ended up playing 6 minutes of extra time but despite another close effort from Emnes the full time whistle went and Boro collected all three points.

Boro Man of the Match - Marvin Emnes

Attendance - 25,615 (2,337 Boro)
League Position - 6 (P 2, W 1, D 1, L 0, GD 1 Pts 4)

Game Highlight - Marvin Emnes scoring his 5th goal in 3 games, and a good performance from Carl Ikreme
Boro Team - Ikreme, Bennett, McManus, Bates(c), Hoyte, Williams, Bailey, Robson, McMahon, Emnes, McDonald (subs) Kink, Hines, Arca, Martin, Smallwood

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Walsall v Middlesbrough 9/8/11

Walsall 0 - 3 Middlesbrough
Emnes 17, 37, 52 Pen

Boro demolished League One Walsall in the first game of their Carling Cup campaign of 2011-12 with a hat-trick from Marvin Emnes.

Walsall found themselves down to 10 men when Adam Chambers went in two footed on Ritchie Smallwood which did nothing to help their plight against Boro's early dominance.

Emnes struck in the 17th minute with Malaury Martin's scuffed shot falling to him who turned and drilled the ball home for his second goal in two games. Marvin doubled his tally on 37 minutes volleying a Justin Hoyte cross into the back of the net. Boro went into the break 2-0 up having been completely dominant.

The second half was much more of the same with Enmes third goal coming by means of a penalty awarded as Smallwood was brought down in the area. The rest of the game played out with no real threat from Walsall and unfortunately no further Boro goals.

With Leeds Utd to face on Saturday the game provided a welcome gentle run out that would no doubt boost the teams confidence going into that match.

Boro Man of the Match - Marvin Emnes

Attendance - 3,564 (602 Boro)

Game Highlight - Marvellous Marvin's first Boro hat-trick

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Middlesbrough v Portsmouth 6/8/11

Middlesbrough 2 - 2 Portsmouth
Emnes 24
R Williams 54

A solid Boro performance was enjoyed by 18,194 Boro fans for the opening game of the season at the Riverside Stadium.

Marvin Emnes was first to strike in the 24th minute with him latching on to a Scott McDonald pull back which let Boro lead at half time and looking by far the better team

A lapse of concentration in the first 90 seconds of the second half saw David Norris equalise for the visitors much to the disappointment of the players and the home fans. Boro's heads did not go down and they fought back. In the 54th minute Nicky Bailey played a sublime through ball to Rhys Williams who calmly slotted the ball past the Portsmouth keeper.

Boro controlled the football well as the game entered its final stages but failed increase their advantage which resulted in a Pompey shot deflecting off Matty Bates chin and falling to the feet of Luke Varney to equalise for the second time.

Boro Man of the Match - Rhys Williams

Attendance - 18,194
League Position - 10 (P 1, W 0, D 1, L 0, GD 0 Pts 1)

Game Highlight - Excellent performances from Williams, Emnes & Bailey

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

What's Wrong With Boro?

Its been about six weeks since I had the fire in my belly to write about Middlesbrough again after a series of drab performances over the past couple of months but it came to a head today - a royal spanking by Reading and the departure of Kris Boyd caused me to pick up my pen, so to speak.

Saturday's game, if anything, highlighted just what's wrong with Boro. No squad depth, no creativity, no idea how to defend, no experience. I despaired hearing how time and time again our defence was carved open and how Grounds and Hines could not cope. When the fifth goal went in I thought back to our 8-1 mauling of Manchester City and how their fans felt - as I was feeling very similar.

Asset Stripping

At every opportunity Boro seem to be selling. This season we have already seen David Wheater and Gary O'Neil disappear off to the Premiership, and now another player sneaks out of the back door... Kris Boyd. Kris has hardly set the world alight at Boro but 5th place Nottingham Forest obviously see something in the SPL all time leading goalscorer.

There are two things that really worry me about the departure of Boyd:

1. How is it that Middlesbrough are unable to afford to bring in a loan keeper without having to trade out a striker?
2. What if Boyd goes and scores a bag load of goals at Forest? What does that say about the coaches at our club?

Only time will tell with regards point 2, but I do worry how we are so skint that we need to loan out before we can loan in. What I would like is Steve Gibson to come out and tell us, the fans, what is actually going on at the club. We need a rallying call from the boss, but all that is coming out of the Boro boardroom is silence.

The big 'r'

Middlesbrough have been consistent over the past two seasons if anything - and that has been selling players. As we have sold more players our position has dropped down and down the league. An obvious trend, but not one that the Chairman has spotted which is a worry because if we get any worse we are going down.

Boro need to stop this constant fire sale, pull together, give the fans a reason to go to the games but with the departure of Boyd it really would indicate to me that our ambition is fading, and ambition is something that Boro always had in seasons gone by.

Paul Smith

Not the designer or lead singer of Maximo Park, but the Nottingham Forest keeper has signed for Middlesbrough on loan. Smith has played for Forest since 2006 and was part of the team the gained promotion from League 1 in 2008 winning the Puma Golden Glove in the process. He is also the scorer of the quickest League Cup goal, scoring in 23 seconds against Leicester City in 2008. Having fallen out of favour at Forest Smith was placed on the transfer list and told to find first team football elsewhere.

It may be too early for Smith to start tonight's game against Derby as he has not played a first team game since May, but hopefully over the coming matches he can help sort out a defence devoid of experience and quality and get us back to keeping clean sheets.

Mowbray Confirms Wheater Exit

Skysports tonight have confirmed what we have been thinking for some time - David Wheater will be sold in the January transfer window.

It is the sensible thing to do financially, we can't afford to let him walk away for nothing after all the money invested in him on his journey through the academy, but I do wonder if this is the right thing to do for the football club as a whole.

In the past Boro have had to decide on the best time to sell players when we have been on the decline. The first was Stewart Downing - we opted to stick with him, not buy any players and were promptly relegated. The next Adam Johnson - we sold and then the team stopped performing ensuring no chance of promotion. I would argue in both situations Steve Gibson made the wrong call. With the money from the Downing sale we could have got a couple of players in that might have made the difference and kept us up and Johnson was the star man in the team when he was sold. What sort of message does it give to the fans when we insist on selling the local talent to our old Premier League rivals?

We walk a fine line with January coming up - Boro are in danger of relegation on current form - so what do we do? Twist or Stick? Gibson has opted to twist. Cash in now, get rid of Premier League quality and replace with Championship quality.

My major concern with all of this is will any of the money be reinvested back into the squad. How much will Wheater fetch? £2m? Well that in itself certainly isn't going to get us the players that we need to climb up the league. Another concern is where will the selling end? Surely Gary O'Neil is a prime candidate to leave in January and Kris Boyd has been another name mentioned. With our past record I doubt very much that these players will be replaced with better ones for the same money.

The only saving grace is that Tony Mowbray can spot a player with potential - we have to trust that he can bring in the sort of players that can help build a team ready to challenge for promotion in the next two seasons before the parachute payments run dry.

So I ask you Boro fans - would you sell David Wheater?

Boro Fans To Have Say On Community Projects

npower and The Football League have announced the 'Home Town Heroes' programme, a new £2m community initiative.

npower and The Football League have announced the launch of 'Home Town Heroes', a new community initiative that aims to put the power into the hands of the fans.

The £2m Home Team Heroes initiative - which will be run over the course of the three year sponsorship - will ask communities around the UK's 72 Football League grounds to vote on how this money should be spent, in order to make the most impact in their local area.

Communities can choose from one of three projects for children:
- A 'respect' training workshop for ten year-olds run in schools with a focus on team work and citizenship
- Football skills training for 4 - 6 year-olds run by the club's community coaches
- Improvement/clean up of a local park into a more football friendly space

The public will have until the end of December to decide and then each Football League club will work with npower to implement the project their fans have selected, before the end of the season. The 72 clubs will be supported in this initiative by The Football League Trust which oversees the League's community and youth development programmes

Fans can cast their votes by clicking onto the npower website, texting; filling in postcards at their local Football League club or one of npower’s touring event stands in the local area; or by logging onto their club’s official website.

Volker Beckers, RWE npower's CEO, said:"This scheme is all about giving power to the fans. As a new sponsor, we didn’t want to come in with a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Instead, we’re asking the communities around each club to vote and tell us which option suits them best."

Greg Clarke, Chairman of The Football League, said: "Football League clubs are an integral part of their local communities, demonstrating that football has the power to make a difference to peoples’ lives. Whichever project each community votes for - be it respect workshops, football training or the improvement of local playgrounds - our clubs will be actively engaging with local children to encourage them to get involved in football."


WeShallOvercomeBlog - "This is a great opportunity for Boro fans to have a real say on what projects are undertaken in the Teesside area. We encourage all Boro fans to vote on this great initiative from npower"

How Do Boro Fix It Then?

As I have already said in past blog posts, we do have quite a few moaners at the Riverside. Judging by recent performances they have every right to be venting off - but how can Boro sort out the form on the field?

It's fine posting on the internet 'Strachan Out!!!' but is that really the answer? Martin O'Neil is a name mentioned, even Tony Mowbray, but really is a quick managerial switch going to propel us up the league? Here is my thoughts on the current situation.

Sacking Strachan

I don't think this is the answer at all. The current team are Strachan's players and if he was to be sacked they wouldn't take too kindly to it. Remember they all said he was the reason they came to Middlesbrough. Sack Strachan and we would have to rebuild another squad again starting in January. Not good for a promotion attempt. I wonder also if we have the money for yet another squad rebuild?

Martin O'Neil

Really? Come on. Why would Martin O'Neil want to come and manage us? Talk about poisoned chalice. He'd have no money, a half full stadium and a Chairman who is getting into the habit of sacking managers after not even a full season trying to get promotion. I think he's give that one a miss.

Tony Mowbray

Brilliant captain for Boro... we have heard this story somewhere else before... Mogga will always have fond memories on Teesside, so why would he ruin his relationship with the fans by subjecting himself to the managers job? He has hardly proved himself in the managerial stakes either. There are Boro fans saying Strachan is a poor manager despite the fact he succeeded in the SPL (and also saying their mothers could manage Celtic in the SPL), but Mogga tried, and failed badly.

Keeping Strachan

Is five games a fair crack of the whip for an injury ravished side before the manager is sacked? I think not. But something has to happen, and fast. We need six points in the next two games to get a serious promotion push back on track. If we can do this we are not really that far behind - with Boyd and McDonald up front banging goals in I'm sure we could make up nine points. There are a lot of games left.

So The Sensible Choice Is..?

What do you do as a Chairman? Sit back and hope things change, or make a snap decision and hope that it works, at a financial cost to the club? As I don't have Steve Gibson's mobile phone number I couldn't ask him but I did get the views of Paul Fraser (Northern Echo) and Robbie Mustoe on what we should do with regards to out recent form via Twitter:

@paulfraserecho What's your thoughts on Strachan and Boro? Surely we gotta stick with him??
@MFCFacebook that's my opinion at the moment. I think, given the turnover in personnel, I don't see the point in axing Strachan now.

@robbiemustoe What's your thoughts on Strachan and our dismal start?
@MFCFacebook I'm saddened like everyone else, he must be given time, the fans must try & be patient. It's still early this season.

So Paul and Robbie think we need to keep the faith, and to be honest so do I. Boro fans if you do one thing please do this - if you shout for Strachan to be fired have a decent argument about why its best for the club... not only football wise, but financially as well. Getting rid of this squad and starting again could put us in more trouble than we are already in.

Feel free to put your ideas to save the club in the comments section - you never know, Gibbo might have a read :-)

Give Strachan a chance!!

So we are three league games in and the typical moaning element of Middlesbrough fans are coming out in force as they have finally got a slight reason to start venting about Gordon Strachan as Middlesbrough were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Millwall last night. These 'fans' as they like to call themselves, are the staunch Southgate supporters who for the entire second half of last season criticised Steve Gibson and Gordon Strachan for every decision made at the club after their messiah was dismissed after ruining a team only the season prior his appointment featured in an UEFA Cup final.

You just have to look at the legacy of Southgate's Boro to see that these people are clueless. Only a week ago we still had Mido, Digard and Emnes still taking Premier League wages from us and no club wanted them. Mido, now on his 11th club has finally departed to Ajax and Boro haven't recouped any of the £6m Southgate paid for him. Project Emnes (£3.2m), Digard (£4.0), Mido (£6m) and Alves (£12m) are just four massive failures that come to mind, for a total of £25.2m, not to mention others than have come in and failed. How is this conducive to Southgate being considered better than Strachan? Southgate also managed a relegation in his three years at the club, and managed to shift out young talent such as Lee Cattermole and failed to play Adam Johnson preferring the other flop, Jeremie Aliadiere on the right wing (£2.5m).

Gordon Strachan on the other hand has come into the club and has had to totally rebuild the team and staff. He initially brought loanees into the side, some dubious, but was honest with the fans advising that they were the best on the market available at the time. In the January transfer window he brought in Scott McDonald, Stephen McManus, Willo Flood, Barry Robson and Chris Killen who improved the Boro squad dramatically (McDonald currently this season scoring 3 goals in 4 games). Summer additions have included Kris Boyd, Kevin Thomson and Matthew Kilgallon amongst others. All of these players, nowhere near £25.2m, and more importantly they all have the right attitude. There has been the odd failure, Lee Miller has failed to impress and Nicky Bailey has had a shaky few games but you can afford the odd one not working when you are not paying much for them.

Promotion

So Strachan's objective for the 2010/11 Championship season is simple - promotion. This is what he will be judged on, and if he fails it may well be the end of his time at Middlesbrough. Steve Gibson will be patient with him, and in January will probably make more funds available if our squad is in need of even further strengthening, so why are the fans getting on his back after three league games? It is farcical. I accept that the opening game against Ipswich was not good enough, he knows that, Gibson knows that, but we followed it up with a solid draw away from home, then a win on Sunday against Sheffield United. Anyone calling for Strachan's head at this stage in the season are fools.

Did these same fans not see that sacking a manager in the opening part of the season last year didn't work? So why would it be a good idea now? Do they not understand that a majority of the players are Strachan's? So do they give another manager a few million to rebuild the squad again? The problem is that there is a hardcore bunch of Boro fans who just like to moan. They will moan to anyone and everyone about anything. I thought being a fan was about getting behind the team, not relishing the fact that the team has struggled and that means they can slag the club of again... Yep, these fans have paid their money so they can have their say... fair enough... but if a monkey bought a car would you let it drive it on the roads? No. These fans have little football knowledge and are still obsessed with the Southgate era.

You may say we also lost in the Carling Cup. Good is what I say... There are enough games to contend with in the Championship without playing in the Carling Cup. We need to plough all our resources and efforts into the league. We, as Boro fans, need to unite, get behind the club, team and manager and stop this constant moaning. It is killing the club. If its not people of Fly Me To The Moon slagging of the good work of the Red Faction it's fans moaning that the ground is empty and then not going themselves. Lets get behind the team, get to the ground and support the lads on to promotion!!

Come on Boro!!

Middlesbrough v Ipswich 7/8/2010

Middlesbrough 1 - 3 Ipswich
McDonald 22

There was hope amongst Boro fans this morning but this was short-lived after a dismal display at the Riverside this afternoon which produced Boro's first defeat at the Riverside since December 2009.

Boro went into the lead after 22 minutes with Scott McDonald opening his 2010/11 account with a composed finish but if anything the game was open with both sides looking like they could score, with Ipswich hitting the bar before half time.

Boro fell asleep in the second half which allowed Ipswich to score three goals which ensured the win for Roy Keane's side. The boos where clear for all to hear around the Riverside as the full time whistle was blown.

More to follow...

Boro Man of the Match - Danny Coyne (Despite conceding three goals)

Attendance - 21,882

Game Highlight - Scott McDonald scoring our only goal...

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Boro's Promotion Hopes - They think it's all over... It is now

I'm sick to death of reading how we need to keep the faith, that promotion is still possible, and how we need to back the team. The latter is true, but just because something is mathematically possible it doesn't mean it's going to happen, and it isn't.

Personally when the Boro spin machine churns out the 'we can do it' messages I feel insulted. It’s like they think they can dupe you into still believing. I think Middlesbrough Football Club need to be looking at how to get fans to renew and come to the games next season rather than trying to con the fans into thinking our promotion campaign is still on.

£370 to sit in the North Stand next season (the early bird price), another price freeze - but I'm sorry, I really think that Steve Gibson has dropped a clanger... There are only so many seasons that you can pay nearly £400 based on 'blind faith', and I think after 4 seasons of dross the Boro fans are finally realising this. I would personally have gone for a £50 drop in season tickets prices, making the early bird price in the North Stand £320 - an offer that I'm sure would have had many doubters renewing straight away. Maybe if that wasn't practical throw in a half price shirt, or £20 to spend in the club shop - something... but alas, no.

There will be people who have already renewed, but these would have renewed even if the price had gone up - it’s the middle grounders that Boro need to convince - the ones who haven't been entertained, with families, that maybe have lost their jobs or have low incomes. Why should they renew? £370 is a week’s holiday, which after the season we have endured would be much more preferable if you had to choose one or the other.

My prediction is we will finish around 10th in the league this season, and will be facing regular sub 15,000 crowds at the Riverside next season unless something is done fast, and that might be reducing the renewal prices, or signing someone that will bring the crowds back - but who would that? - I don't even think Juninho could bring the fans back now.

The next few months are the most important since 1986, correct guidance could see Boro flourish next season, with 25,000 fans at every game, but if even more mistakes are made I dread to think of the consequences - relegation, administration - they are all possibilities. I hope I'm wrong, I hope we could somehow manage to get promoted, I hope we sell more tickets next season, but I'm a realist, I just can't see it happening.

Boro v Newcastle - Trophy Virgins or Lazy Journalists?

I would have to argue both. I have enjoyed reading blogs and articles from more main stream papers trying desperately to work out what we were saying with the infamous 'Trophy Virgins' banner... and they have all failed. Why? Because as with most Newcastle fans they are so far up their own proverbials that they are unable to take a step back and appreciate the bigger picture.

For season upon season both Middlesbrough and Sunderland fans alike get told from Geordies that they are the 8th biggest club in the world, that they should be in the top 4, that they should be mentioned in the same breath as Manchester United, Liverpool and the other massive clubs that this country has produced. We also here how because they sell out every week (a fact that is untrue as of late) they are up there with the likes of the aforementioned Premier League Galaticos. But when you ask for any proof of their success, like winning a recent trophy, they are stumped.

And this is it entirely. How many of the 3,743 Newcastle fans at the Riverside on Saturday have ever seen their side lift a major trophy? 2%? 5%? What you certainly can say is that the majority have not - that the majority are 'Trophy Virgins'. No one who supports Boro are saying for one minute that Newcastle in their history haven't won anything, as saying that is absurd. That is why its so unbelievable that trained journalists from the North East have gone down this line with their articles, merely listing the FA Cup wins, and various other pots won in years gone by and thinking that Boro fans have never know this.

Stuart Rayner from the Sunday Sun wrote a tremendously lazy article on this very same subject, highlighting the papers bias towards Newcastle United, and with that reducing sales on Teesside. What would have been a change is if, like some Newcastle fans, thought that it was quite witty, and did wonders to create an even better atmosphere at the Riverside. But, with their laziness they have just told us all that they can't take a joke, and confirmed to us all that Newcastle fans think that they are better than us all.

The Boro fans took the Geordie rendition of 'We'll Meet Again' with good humour and it was well received, and I suppose Newcastle will have the last laugh if Boro can't miraculously make the play-off's and regain their Premier League status, but for that one afternoon we upset the league leaders using their own insecurities and got one reaction that both sides will never forget.

Anyway, I thought the banner was genius. I got the joke. But you know what they say eh Geordies? 'If you can't take it, don't give it'.

Middlesbrough vs Bristol City 30/1/10

Boro 0 - Bristol City 0

By Steven Byrne

After the midweek 4-1 demolition of Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat things were starting to look up for Boro and there was a feeling around the Riverside that we had finally turned the corner, maybe. Bristol City took at 6-0 beating at home to Cardiff City in the week and a win for Boro today would mean back to back wins for the first time since early September.

Barry Robson made his home debut in centre midfield in place of Julio Arca and Leroy Lita started up top in place of Jonathon Franks. Jonathon Grounds kept his place at centre back after an impressive display against Doncaster. With the end of the transfer window looming it could also be, as many feared, Adam Johnson’s last game in a Boro shirt. New loan signing Stephen McManus from feeder club Celtic took his place on the bench.

Boro started the game brightly with Gary O’Neil and Chris Killen both coming close early on. Leroy Lita was frustrating the home fans again as he spurned a series of half chances. Willo Flood was again putting in a busy industrious performance but Adam Johnson was finding it difficult to get into the game after being closely watched by City’s Bradley Orr. This resulted in Justin Hoyte constantly finding himself in loads of room down the left, but due to the fact he left his left foot at Arsenal nothing ever came off for him. Tony ‘one ball’ McMahon on the other side seemed as reluctant as ever to pass the half way line and tried his trademark ‘over the top’ a few too many times again with no end result.

Half time ensued and you got the feeling that one goal would win it. City were well organised and had virtually taken Johnson out of the game, leaving Boro short of ideas. The second half got underway and Boro again started brightly but on 56 minutes the until then impressive Robson was sent off after a second booking for a foul on Nicky Maynard, only moments after a final warning from the ref. The three points now seemed to be slipping away, but if anything this seemed to spur Boro on.

Julio Arca came on for Hoyte at left back, which seemed a strange decision considering Joe Bennett and Andrew Taylor were both on the bench, but Boro continued to press. Chris Killen headed over when it seemed easier to score and Adam Johnson came close with right footed shot which whistled past the post. Jonathan Franks replaced the disappointing Lita but his energy couldn’t help create that vital opening.

Late on Killen again found himself in space after a clever pass by Gary O’Neil but fired over. David Wheater had a great chance to win it in injury time but he seemed surprised by the amount of room he had and his diving header from Gary O’Neil’s corner flew over the bar.

Boro, despite being down to ten men for most of the second half, had the better of the possession and will feel that the three points were there for the taking, but once again due to a lack of quality in the final third the home fans are left waiting for what will be only our second home win since mid October.

Player Ratings

Coyne - 6

McMahon - 5

Hoyte - 5

Grounds - 7

Wheater - 7

Flood - 7

O'Neil - 7

Robson - 5

Johnson - 5

Lita - 4

Killen - 6

Subs:

Arca - 5

Franks - 5

Boro Man of the Match - David Wheater

Attendance - 17,865

Game Highlight - Promising performances from Flood and Wheater

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Doncaster vs Middlesbrough 26/1/10

Doncaster 1 - Boro 4

Johnson 30, 90+1
Franks 45+2
Lita 66

Well if you saw my apology on MFC Facebook you will know this already, but yes I missed the game, was going to go, was going to listen, but for some reason ended up doing neither... and what a game to miss.

Boro had been threatening a result like this for the past few matches, especially last week against Swansea, but as usual we were ruing missed chances, sloppy goals conceded etc - but not against Donny.

For the match report, as I have no knowledge of the game, I'll have to link you to the official MFC.co.uk's match report, and I'll list the fans player ratings from Sky Sports.

I'm sorry for such a weak write up, will do better for Boro's upcoming fixture against Bristol City.


Player Ratings

Coyne - 8
Grounds – 7
Wheater –7
Hoyte – 7
McMahon – 7
Flood – 8
Johnson – 9
Arca – 6
O'Neil – 7
Franks – 8
Killen – 8

Subs
Taylor - 6
Bennett - 6
Lita - 8


Boro Man of the Match - Adam Johnson
Attendance - 10,794
Game Highlight - Adam Johnson's brace, showing us all what we'll be missing if he goes in search of the big bucks at Manchester City...


Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Middlesbrough vs Swansea 23/1/10

Boro 1 - Swansea 1

Flood 58

An overcast and chilly day at the Riverside stadium was to be the setting for Boro's lowest league attendance of the 2009/10 Championship season. A mere 16,516 Boro fans held tickets for the first of a long list of 'must win' games in a push to propel the team up the league, and back into the Premiership.

Boro started the game with all the available senior players on the pitch, not all match fit, and a bench made up of youngsters. Despite this Boro made a positive start to the game, with home débutante Willo Flood looking lively down the right wing. Leroy Lita came close to opening the scoring on a couple of occasions whilst the other home débutante Chris Killen was a little quieter.

Half time came with polite applause from the home crowd as Boro went back to the dressing room, ruing the missed earlier chances, and believing that they had done enough to be leading at this point.

As we have seen so many times this season after the interval Boro started sluggishly, and this led to Pintado taking the lead for the visitors after 47 minutes. The crowd fell silent, especially in the knowledge that in the last 100 games Boro have only come from behind to win once.

Boro began to work their way back into the game, when in the 58th minute a miss hit Willo Flood cross flew into the back of the net, bemusing the fans and players alike. As the game wore on it opened up slightly, with both teams unlucky not to get a winner, but in the end the result stayed the same and Boro strode off the field unbeaten in the last two league home games, and possibly showed signs that the ship is steadying, despite the injury crisis.

It was good to see Joe Bennett come on at left back, and he did seem to make a positive impact when he was introduced, which left me wondering if it was time to stick him in the starting eleven and begin games with a more attacking mentality at home.

The anti-Strachanites will have left the ground unhappy, and no doubt calling for his head down the pub later that night, but for me the performance showed signs of improvement, and for the first time in a while give me the belief that with a proven Championship striker up front alongside Lita we might have a chance at putting a bit of a run together.


Player Ratings

Coyne - 7
Riggott – 7
Wheater – 6
Hoyte – 6
McMahon – 5
Flood – 7
Johnson – 6
Arca – 6
O'Neil – 7
Lita – 6
Killen – 5

Subs
L Williams - 6
Bennett - 6
Grounds - 6


Boro Man of the Match - Willo Flood
Attendance - 16,847
Game Highlight - Flood made a positive start in first half and rounded off his day with a goal, even if it was a fluke. Also Killen despite not doing much did show signs that he can hold the ball up which is something we have been lacking for some time.


Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.

Steve Gibson has talked the talk...

Steve Gibson has talked the talk, now he needs to walk the walk

Since we were relegated Steve Gibson has been telling us all that promotion is his aim, and that we must not fail in achieving this. First it was by automatic promotion, then as our form dived the talk from the club has switched to the playoffs, but with the end of the transfer window closing in on us fast is Middlesbrough Football Club’s aim just consolidation this season?

I am disappointed, and somewhat concerned with the lack of players coming in to improve the team, and bolster squad numbers. Currently we have let Mohammed Shawky, Didier Digard and Mark Yeates leave, with Marcus Bent also leaving having finished his loan spell – and the additions are Chris Killen, Willo Flood and Barry Robson. Four players out, three in, with a net loss of a midfield player - and now there is talk of Gary O’Neil leaving.

We still are dreadfully short up front, and we need to replace Yeates as soon as possible. We still lack creativity in midfield and any sort of goal threat from our strikers. I personally wouldn’t like to rely on Lita, Aliadiere and Killen for the rest of the season.

What I would like to see is Steve Gibson getting serious about signing some strikers with proven records. Jermaine Beckford, David Healy and Kris Boyd are all names that have been doing the rounds, but its money that seems to be the problem. So, come on Steve, show us you mean business and get your hand in your pocket.

I think the consequences of staying in the Championship are horrific for a club like Middlesbrough. If the Manchester City game was anything to go by we could be looking at 10,000 home fans being the average next season, and overall support for the manager, chairman and team being at an all time low. Something needs to be done, and it needs to be done before the 31st January 2010.

Sheff Utd v Middlesbrough 16/01/10

Sheff Utd 1 - Boro 0

By Steven Byrne

Despite three signings from Celtic in one week there wasn’t as much optimism in the air as there probably should have been.

Barry Robson, Willo Flood and Chris Killen all made their Boro debuts in the trip to Bramall Lane - where the Blades had only lost once in twelve and not conceded a goal in over eight hours prior to this match. Jeremie Aliadiere and Isiah Osbourne also returned to a Boro side which for the first time in a while looked as though it had a bit of balance and some much needed bite in midfield. Adam Johnson was also on to the bench after a hamstring injury.

It was a fairly uneventful first half with referee Andy D’Urso waving away the Blades appeals for a penalty after the ball appeared to hit Robson’s hand. Boro’s best chance came from Isiah Osbourne after he intercepted a clearance, wriggled his way into the area but could only manage a tame shot straight at Mark Bunn in the Sheffield United net. Moments later Chris Riggott’s tame header from a Robson free kick was gathered easily by Bunn.

Despite the home side having lost just one of their last eleven the home fans weren’t impressed with their team’s first half performance and the players left the field to a chorus of boos. The three Boro debutants impressed in the first half, all three putting themselves about, but it was clear to see that something was still missing. Unfortunately that something was getting the ball into the back of the net.

The second half began with the same 22 players taking to the field again and there was a sense that one goal would win it – hopefully it would be scored by a player in ‘Transporter Blue’.

Boro started brightly with captain Gary O’Neil forcing a good save from Bunn from a 25 yard free kick. It was a little disappointing that Robson’s ‘sweet left foot’ didn’t get a chance moments later when O’Neil then sent another free kick from a similar distance well over the top. Boro were starting to control the game but it was Sheffield united who got the decisive goal on 55 minutes. Andrew Taylor (no, not that one) whipped in a good cross from the left hand side which was met by Richard Cresswell after David Wheater was once again second best. Danny Coyne managed to get a hand to it but was unable to keep it out.

Not long after, the returning Aliadiere chased a long ball into the box and went down under a challenge from Chris Morgan in what looked like it a blatant penalty. Referee D’Urso didn’t think so and awarded a goal kick. That was it, you knew it wasn’t going to be our day, and I think the players did too. Their heads all seemed to drop at once, and even substitute Adam Johnson, on just after the hour for the once again injured Aliadiere, couldn’t impose himself on the game.

The game was petering out and Jonathan Franks replaced the hard working Flood with 15 minutes to go, but it was United substitute Henri Camara who had the best chance late on forcing a fine save from Danny Coyne tipping a low shot onto the post.

It was same old story for Boro, who have now lost 3 consecutive away games. There are signs that we are starting to turn things around and I feel that with the addition of someone who knows where the goal is we could have a good second half of the season. Oh, and someone also needs to give Wheater a kick up the backside!


Player Ratings

Coyne - 7
McMahon - 6
Riggott - 7
Wheater - 4
Hoyte - 6
Flood - 7
Robson - 8
Osbourne - 6
O’Neil - 7
Aliadiere - 5
Killen – 6

Subs
Johnson – 5
Franks - 5


Boro Man of the Match - Barry Robson
Attendance - 23,974
Game Highlight - Finally seeing some new signings

Thanks for reading, and as always comments (good or bad) are always appreciated. Keep a look out on Twitter (@MFCFacebook) and check the links section of this blog for the Facebook MFC Fanpage.