Poor Decisions Cost Boro Dear
SOME POOR decisions cost Boro dear in a disappointing trip to Hull and back.
Not just decisions by the referee - and although they were the big ones put under the spot-light in the aftermath of a defeat that has left Boro's season on a knife edge there were errors on the pitch and dug-out too that cost us dearly.
The officials at the KC Stadium got it glaringly wrong on two accounts in the build-up to Hull's winner from the spot.
Firstly, Geovanni was a good three yards offside when Hull keeper Myhill pumped the ball forward with an agricultural clearance.
It wasn't a marginal decision. It wasn't one clouded by the movement of a flurry of players. There was no spatial challenge for the linesman in a fraction of a second to judge where the ball was played and where the offending player was stood at the time.
That he was moving back upfield to get back onside when the ball was played was made irrelevant when he turned short and sought to gain an advantage. It was as clear cut an offside decision as we will see this season and the linesman got it woefully wrong.
The penalty decision that followed was more contentious but equally wrong.
David Wheater did what robust and imposing central defenders do and chased own the lively Brazilian, jostling, leaning into him and looking for the split second opportunity to put in a tackle. The contact was minimal and it was mutual, Geovanni was shoving back as he shaped to shoot. It was a legitimate shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, firm but fair.
The pair tangled and tumbled and to give a penalty seemed unjustly harsh - especially given that so much more physicality had gone unpunished throughout the match. Tuncay for instance had been kicked, pushed, pulled and barged over almost every time he got the ball as Hull set out to stop Boro playing.
Both sides flew into each other in a hurly burly game that the ref let flow. At one point we thought Steve Tanner he had forgotten his whistle. It was no surprise then that the ref had not previously shown a red card this term, a fact that made the sanction against Wheater even more galling.
"We don't criticise officials," said boss Gareth Southgate , a model of decorum and Respect - but sometimes you think that policy is a poor decision too. "The referee will have his explanation but we can't get involved with that."
Sometimes you think it would be worth risking a couple of games watching from the stand to really let rip with a blast of Krakatoan red faced Fergiesque vitriol at a ref whose dropped clanger has cost Boro precious points - and there have been a few this term. Both Alves and Tuncay would have had penalties at Everton had the same standard of contact been the benchmark for a spot-kick.
For once it would be great to see the mild mannered manager melt down and go ballistic, really lace into a rubbish referee in the press and let it be known that Boro area club who will not just lay down and take glaring mistakes on the chin. There may be comebacks but stinging public dissent may just focus the minds of future prospective officials too if they knew they would be held to account for costly mistakes.
But while the officials made glaring errors, to put the defeat entirely at their feet would be to let the team off the hook for what was in truth a poor performance against an off colour side that were there for the taking.
Boro were blunt up front and a string of good balls into the box went begging. Two early corners flashed invitingly across the face of goal and Boro could have been two up in the first ten minutes with more aggressive aerial intent.
And they were ragged at the back too and failed to stem the constant movement of Hull down both flanks or to shackle lively Geovanni through the middle. Had the Brazilian not gone to the Afonso Alves School of Heading Boro may have suffered a bruising defeat.
Wheater has to take some blame for his own particularly poor decision, stood with his arm in the air appealing for a flag rather than clattering Geovanni there and then rather than waiting for the officials to act. Had he tackled him immediately and 30 yards out it would have been yellow and an easily defended free-kick.
The biggest mistake on Boro's part though was a collective failure to remain focussed after taking the lead. Again.
The opener was brilliant and the best moment in what had been a high-tempo but lack-lustre encounter. A neat flick by Jeremie Aliadiere sent Justin Hoyte - fast shaping up as a potent attacking force - skipping down the right and into the box to square for Tuncay to pull off and audacious back-heel.
The celebrations were fantastic with the passion of Hoyte in particular a joy to behold - but within 90 seconds that ecstacy had turned to agony as Boro leaked a sloppy leveller.
Before the Boro fans had even finished EIOing a half-cleared cross found Mendy ins pace and the defence froze, Andrew Taylor standing off and giving the Hull man time to weigh up his options in the box before he darted forward to drill in a low shot that Ross Turnbull really should have dealt with. There is nothing you can do about a cruel rebound but he will no doubt be furious that he was beaten at his near post, and especially that the ball squirmed under his body so easily.
It is infuriating that Boro let slip a lead so quickly. Again. Boro have been caught in similar fashion too often as a lack of experience and cynicism has left them vulnerable in critical moments when they should be killing the game and putting the ball into Row Z.
There were poor decisions - or indecisions - from the bench too. At various points both Adam Johnson and Marvin Emnes were warmed up and looked ready to go on before the boss changed his mind. Eventually, at 2-1 down, and chasing the game Southgate put Seb Hines on. Why? Defending a one goal deficit was Steve McClaren's trademark. You may as well go hell for leather, stick fresh attacking players on and take the risk of losing 3-1 if it holds out the possibility of salvaging a point.
It is a game of fine margins and the 90 seconds between Boro's goal and the sickening equaliser sum it up. From ecstacy to despair in no time flat.
A win would have moved Boro to within a point of Hull and given us the platform that the boss and so many players have talked about in recent weeks. Even a point would have been good - any point from a team higher in the table is a good one - and would have kept morale bubbling with what would have been a solid run of just one defeat in eight.
Now Boro have to pick ourselves up after the stats shifted to a more ominous sequence of just one point from three winnable games and going into a very tough run of games against Arsenal, resurgent Fulham and Manchester United.
Now the season stands on a knife edge as we move into what is traditionally a bleak time for Boro. There is no room now for poor decisions - by anyone.
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AV
Sent a comment earlier this morning and before this latest of yours appeared.
It hasn't come up yet. And the preview is now going do-lally again.
Has the Hyperhub techno-dog chewed up my homework?
**AV writes: No, I dropped it down the back of the settee.
Was Saturday's abject performance official confirmation that Boro have finally pressed the self-destruct button? :(
Saturday? Just another Typical Boro, I'm afraid.
Goodness me, (to use a Gate term that MotD pundits clearly equated with a mouthful of foul language from anyone else - probably right) I don't know why I get disappointed. But I expected better against Hull, though I know many didn't.
What was equally disappointing - after all the hype about the squad getting stronger with returns from injury - was the further Rockliffing of Huth, Riggs and Gary O'Neil. I'd rather be told the truth about players prospects than be spun some yarn. I could buy one of the three not making it after we were told all three would but none of them being there?
Talking about being spun a yarn there was Mido. You didn't need to be a student of neuro-linguistic programming to strongly suspect that Gate was being economical with the truth when he studied his shoes and avoided the gaze of camera and interviewer when asked about the non-appearance of the Egyptian Pimpernel. We got the 'hamstring' line again. Yeah, right. Maybe that situation has to be sorted in January by gving him his wish to be away and re-investing the money in another striker.
In the meantime Gate is left with the problem about what to do about which of the non-scorers to partner Tuncay. I did a name search on Alves on all the column inches written about Saturday's game. Alves was mentioned less than half a dozen times - including a sparkling 'none' in Gordon Cox's piece on the MFC site. A fair reflection of his performance and input to judge from most commentators.
But with Mido absent in the body, head or heart, Gate's options - should he want them - are very limited. Aliadiere who has no goal-scoring record anywhere and Emnes who Gate and the coaches appear not to rate.
Then we come on to the 'selling Stewie to fund Gate's ability to spend in January' story. Stewie keeps denying it - the latest in the Gazette on Saturday. Bob Cass - who's seldom right on Boro stuff - said it was nailed on on Sunday, so I felt heartened.
The I read Gate's Monday's quote. It appeared to lend more credence to the âÂÂStewieâÂÂs offâ story â depending on what question he was answering.
He said, âÂÂWe are light in terms of the size of our squad, but donâÂÂt have money to spend, so this makes the decision straightforward.â But was he asked âÂÂdo you have to sell to buy?â or âÂÂdo you have to sell Stewie to buy?âÂÂ. If it was the former, presumably the hacks just put his statement together with who they believe is BoroâÂÂs most marketable player.
Can you illuminate, AV? Sadly, as I've said before, I have begun to think that Stewie will go in January. I believe it would be the most profound mistake to let it happen and I hope against hope it doesn't, but you can see why it would.
**AV writes: Ah there it is. I believe the questions were about whether Southaget intends or would like to strengthen his squad in January. No specific players were mentioned but it was conceded that unless it was loans or frees coming in then someone would have to leave to fund it. All the indications are that Stewie is not for sale so that doesn't leave a lot of leeway. My money is on the Pharoah.
Bless him, Gate is trying his best and his comments always seem reasoned. The only issue I have is the fact he is starting to sound a bit like O'Leary who got on my nerves with constant reference to 'his babies'. Gate's constant reference to the inexperience of the squad is valid but starting to wear a bit thin.
John Powls highlights some of the problems in Boro Banter but I will dwell on a couple. Marking your man and not letting him get a shot on target is nothing to do with inexperience. Letting the ball get under or past you twice as a goalie is not down to inexperience.
As far as I am aware, at school, junior and youth level no one says, as you are inexperienced, there is no need to play to the whistle. These things happen and are down to invidual mistakes. They cant learn from them because they know they shouldnt have made the errors. It isnt a criminal offence.
The other part of this is that if you deliberately go into the season with an inexperienced squad you cannot bleat about it. I had no problems with letting Boat and others go (although in my view Luke Young was a mistake), once you have done that you are a hostage to fortune if you do not replace with someone with experience.
Meanwhile we have too many in the treatment room. The thinness of the squad is shown by the bench, it is all for the 'future' with little for the here and now.
There is plenty to play for so it isnt just doom and gloom, the major problem is that we are not scoring enough goals and that creates its own pressure. As Mido is absent we will just have to keep working with Alves.
I am not an advocate of punishment and my suggested inclusion of Mido at Hull was because of their physicality - something Gate spoke about in his post match interviews. Alves may well benefit from 45 mins in the reserves, all he probably needs is a goal from anywhere to give him some confidence.
What we do know is that there isnt anybody else unless the Sphinx stops being enigmatic and starts moving. What you do suspect is that if he had gone down like Geovanni we wouldnt have got a penalty. He needs a change of luck but he has to keep putting himself about to try and create some luck of his own.
Well, we've lost to Bolton and Hull when we expected to pick up points from both games, I assume therefore we're going to give Arsenal, Fulham and Utd a good pasting..........Mmmm, maybe, maybe not.
Totally devasted A.V. with this result.
As if living amongst them in North Humberside isn't bad enough, to take the lead with ten minutes to go and throw it away like, was a nightmare.
To compound matters, having the Hull fans sing "Get back to your s***holes" towards the final whistle was just too much to bear.
Pot and kettle ....
Why the Premiere League always have to try out rookie referees at Boro matches is beyond me, this guy 'Tanner' is definately a 'Homer'.
I suppose Boro are too scared to appeal now, as Wheater will no doubt end up with an extra match ban.
It seems to me that these horrendous decisions by Officials and the powers to be can be the difference in having a successful season and a downright miserable one - just wish they could get a grip....
AV
Mido is a Sphinx not a pharoah.
Having been to Cairo I can confirm the Sphinx is big, immovable, has an enigmatic smile and no one knows what it does. Surely that is closer to the mark for Mido than Pharoah.
Has anyone spoken to the ref to see if he would look at a replay? Even if he changed the card it would be an improvement. But it is unlikely isnt it? The FA being reasonable? No hope and Bob Hope.
**AV writes: But a pharoah believes he is a living God and that wider society should labour to meet his needs then ends up covered in bandages.
Its been said on here many times, many ways, Southgate has to start sticking up for his players. Nice boys win nowt!
As long as he remains pristine and PC Boro will always get dodgy referees and and dodgy decisions against us. Fergie was banned and had to sit in the stands on Saturday for Manures match and the cameras were never off him looking for reactions to every free kick and throw in.
The Refs and Linesmen know that if they screw up in a Utd game they will be slaughtered in the media by one of Fergie's rants, and that does have have an influence on 50/50 decisions and gains them many points over a season.
We should appeal against Wheater's sending off but the FA will predictably ban him for life and deduct 20 points from us because we are a soft touch...................no fear of recrimination from Boro so we get what we are given!
Yes the performance was not great but even the biggest chicken runner must accept that lady luck deserted Boro on Saturday. First of all a rebound going in off the goalie's head and then a shocking catalogue of errors by the officials for the second.
That having been said it is surely time for Southgate to shake things up a bit.You just cant carry on with individuals not doing it.
1.We need a new left back.In my opinion you will see Taylor's career go the same way as Robbie Stockdale as he drifts a level or two down the leagues .He lacks pace, height strength and offers you nothing going forward.
2.Aliadiere has never been and never will be a right sided midfield player and I wonder how long before the penny is going to drop with the club's staff.
3. Alves is virtually a passenger in away matches - he just cannot or will not work hard enough for the team .After 16 games he has scored one goal from open play. It's just not good enough.
Last year with Aliadiere and Tuncay as our front two we took 4 points off Arsenal.On Saturday we need 11 players who are going to be fired up and 100% committed to have any chance of victory. It's time for something to change Gareth.
Of the 23 goals we've let in this PL season, 14 have been in the last 30, and 10 of them in the last 10 mins. Or 2 out of every 3 games we concede post 80 mins. Why?.
Firstly, the team as a whole are not fit enough. The reasons they are not learning the eternal lesson is because they are to bloody knackered, lose concentration, and hence make mistakes. Taylor was to tired/slow to close down Mendy on Sat. They should be running to the top of Roseberry Topping and back three times a week. Hasn't Southgate seen Band of Brothers!?!
Secondly, if in doubt put it well out. Row Z ing a ball might make you look like a Muppet, but it does kill a bit of time and let you regroup. If we'd knocked a bit of time of a few matches we'd have a few more points.
AV
Leaving the Nile Valley behind for just a moment because I don't for a minute believe that Mido is Rockliffed does anyone ever ask the questions in press conferences that appear on here about players fitness?
I'm assuming they do because on both the MFC website and in the Gazette late on last week the 'good news' was all over about Huth, Riggs and O'Neil being fit enough to be in the squad fore Saturday.
Then, none of them appear. Did anyone ask why, post-match on Saturday?
And has anyone asked why Huth and Riggs - allegedly so close last week - are now supposed to be doubts for the Arsenal game?
No more said about Gary O'Neil at all.
I can see how they will be less match ready than may be ideal and the freezing conditions on the training pitches last week won't have helped but they're going to have to come back in at some point.
And if all of that is known, why say they're fit enough to be back in the squad on Friday and then have them disappear on Saturday?
And I see that Hines was on the bench on Saturday and is now being touted as the replacement for Wheats if all else fails.
But it's only a short time ago that you told us - in response to a question from me - that Hines hadn't made the progress that had been expected of him and was now behind some others in the pecking order.
So, the 'some others' mustn't be central defenders or the nature of the Rockliffing of Huth and Riggs is far, far worse than we're being told.
Sack the photographer! What the hell are these images supposed to portray ? 2 close ups of Hull players feet and a close up of Tuncay's? fist, is this some sort of fetish site?
The winner of the Turner prize [ charity prize for retarded artists who cant paint ] has already been anounced and all those images do is make the text jump around as they upload as you try and read!
At Hull, Taylor , Alves and Southgate for that matter didnt know what they were doing. In Jan we need to beg borrow or steal another striker and left back.
Letting experienced players go without replacing them and creating a small squad of young lads , then when the inexperience shows bringing the point up is plain foolish.
Alves may eventually start putting away some of these chances but we are dropping tons of points in the meantime and frankly the Hull result was depressing.
**AV writes: The surreal images are my fault. I failed to 'resize.' Mea culpa. It was a lack of experience on my part. It's a steep learning curve but we must stay strong as a group and we move on.
I have just spent yonks putting together a comment on here(having intended to do it for at least a year!) and it failed to be delivered. I then tried a very short message and it seemed to work - so here I go again - although I can ill afford the time.
WE must play Mido up front. I sincerely hope that it is because Mido is injured that he hasnt been getting a game - although that is not great news either.
We need a big threat up front and Mido is that as well as being skillful and a trier into the bargain. It is a crying shame what has happened with Mido because he looked to be a great asset for the Boro and seemed destined to become a legend(in my humble opinion).
If he has fallen out with GS and is leaving in Jan then I believe GS must swallow his pride and play him for the remaining games - we cannot continue with Alves up front at the moment.
Come Jan we need to buy a big fellah or two for up front (even just as subs)WE need not pay a fortune for them - just look at Stoke.Talking of Stoke everytime I see them on TV they seem to be making all sorts of threats on the opposition goal - why cant the Boro?
Also why when the chips are down (quite often unfortunately) cant the Boro use a plan B ie.get everyone up for dead balls, take long throws etc? I must mention that I was surprised that fans did not bring up the fact that in the game against Bolton (which I and my 2 sons made the 220 mile round trip to attend) when Steinsson WALKED from the edge of the box to the back post for their first goal not one Boro player moved!(Is that zonal marking?).
I cannot believe that every Boro player does not have a job to do in such defensive situations - surely every opposition player in our box should be marked?
In that game I thought that Johnson did really well when he came on in the second half and he hasnt figured since.
I am sorry to be negative but it is so frustrating and I dont think we are a million miles from being a decent team.
UP THE BORO
Disappointing performance, disappointing decisions, disappointing reaction from GS...
All in all - thoroughly disappointing. But, what disappoints me most is that I'm slowly moving to the point where I just can't be bothered anymore. Can't be bothered to work myself up about another weak performance after a good run in previous games, and can't be bothered to question why we never seem to kick on...
GS needs to change something fast. We are consistently letting ourselves down and he needs to change his post-match commentary routine.
The squad is inexperienced - this is down to GS, who ultimately chose this squad.
The players will learn lessons - they clearly aren't, which is again down to GS and the coaches
Not here to criticise the Referee - why not? If they've ballsed it up and cost you points, dragging you back into the relegation fight, why the hell not criticise them? You can't just let refs off the hook and expect the FA to sort it out . He should have blasted the ref, and blasted the FA for not doing something about the Mido abuse last week!
So I'm disappointed that yet another season is heading towards lower-midtable mediocrity where we will probably just scrape out of the relegation fight with 3 games left and then somehow feel relieved about it!
There are lots of comments on here that I thoroughly agree with.
The respect campaign has long since been forgotten by the majority of clubs in the league, so we may as well follow suit. When my frustration with the offside/penalty debacle leaves me seething with rage for.... well I still am now to be honest !! I want to see that rage from our manager too. I want the referees to fear giving so much as a corner against the Boro, exactly the same as they do at Old Trafford.
So far this season, we have seen one dodgy decision go our way (a Wheater penalty) & four or five go against us. Why not see if a bit of (well deserved) referee bashing will help to even these things up slightly ?
Three new players could make a world of difference to the team. A quality LB to replace Taylor, a talented central midfielder with creative ability & a proper right winger (IE not Aliadiere) could transform them into the top 8 side we want them to be.
Will these additions require the sale of Downing and/or Mido? It must be a possibility, but I hope the manager is capable of making some harsh decisions for the long term success of his team. In my opinion, nothing will be gained by meandering along using the same mix that is failing to be successful on a regular basis.
Lastly, I have seen some ridiculous comparisons made for Alves by various fans. Lee Dong Gook ? Mickel Beck ?
Earlier this season, I watched Alves blast one of the best free kicks I have ever seen live, into the top corner of Stoke's net. Neither of those players mentioned above have anywhere near the ability to recreate that brilliance. He may not be firing on all cylinders at the moment, but lets be at least slightly realistic about our opinions of his worth ;-)
Why do people get so wound up about ONE result. Before the game we were one defeat in seven and if we won we would have been one point behind Hull and one win away from top 6.
Now suddenly it is all doom and gloom again and we are certs for relegation. Get real. Boro are just an average team in a league full of average teams and there is no point getting depressed over disappointments.
It will be like this all season, a good run of four or five unbeaten and all the ra-ras planning for Europe then a bad run of four or five and the knee-jerkers knocking together the gallows.
Typical Boro. We'll finish 12th. Chill.
I went to the Algave tournament to see Boro and several things stood out.
1 We were going into the season without a midfield ball winner which has proved to be a huge mistake.
2 The goal matchine only works if unmarked and not challenged. Because if challenged he goes to ground.
3 Johnson and Emnes were our best players by a mile but it was obvious Southgate would not use them.
Then there was the Captaincy decision which meant either Huth or Wheater would be left out when both fit. Now I accept Poggy has had his best season yet. But come on he is not in their class.
4 Then we played like a girls team, nice on the eye but no balls or backbone and my heart sunk at the prospect of yet another season of maybes or might have beens.
Now I accept that Boro fans have to be grateful to Steve Gibson for being the saviour but lets get something straight, it is SOUTHGATE who is naive, inexperienced and to good a loser for my liking. So he should stop blaming our Teesside Kids and look at his decision for he is the man in charge.
OK, I have let the dust settle and i have calmed myself down to a simmering level after Boro's performance on Saturday.
Witnessing the game first hand I was pleased with the 1st 10 minutes or so, we kept the ball and although with no real attempts on target we created pressure in the hull penalty area that they where struggling to deal with.
its after this point the game seemed to change. The back four seemed to drop off and balls into Marlon King were becoming the norm. The big man barged and turned Wheater & Pogatetz almost at will and his hold up play was a textbook lesson for the Fonz to behold.
We should have pushed up and stifled the ball into his feet and cut off the supply, instead we stood and watched time and again. We were naive down the left hand side, Taylor is fast becoming a liability and his constant lack of positional sense is doing Boro more harm than good. Downing is our best attacking player but having to track back and help out is fast hindering his game.
The goal came out of the blue and it yes it was a great goal but up to that point we hadn't really troubled their keeper. It was almost inevitable hull would score and when they did ore than likely that they would get the winner.
Im getting tired of learning lessons, I'm tired of we 'have the chance next week to put it right', I'm getting tired of not taking points from games we are leading and I'm getting tired of excuses.
If the team is inexperienced then buy players that have more experience and balance the team out. We had the chance to do it in the summer, we didnt, we have the chance to do it in january but i will guarantee Boro wont be able to sign anyone of significant experience to organise this team.
From now to January is a massive period in Gareth Southgate's career, we must pick up points and he must bite the bullet in January and sign players of experience based in the premier league.
I also want to see another coach at the club, a striking coach. There is a fantastic player available with over 100 premier league goals and a fomer Boro player. Jimmy Floyd is available and is looking for a root into coaching. Get him in two days a week to sort out the Fonz and put Mido in his place. It's a fresh face and the guy is a natural winner, winning breeds confidence and his experience could be invaluable!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave Morrison I can just picture JFH putting his arm around the Fonz and having a sensitive chat! .... and then understandably expressing "oh dear me" when he gets pushed over by his own shadow trying to dribble past two blades of grass whilst maintaining his balance unaided... not!
Don't know how the nice coaching boys on the bench would respond if they actually had a colleague coach who got irate and shouted at the "lost boys". Heavens forbid he might even give the officials a piece of his mind and influence key decisions during the course of a season.... .nah lets just roll over and get our tummies tickled again, no fighting spirit from the leadership. Typical Boro!
Ed Hunter:
Okay we play Hull away and at the end of that match you think people are getting wound up about ONE result.
I am getting wound up as the mistakes at Hull are there to be seen after MOST results.
I ask you, is it just the Hull match where Alves misses the goal and is too easily brushed off the ball and ends up on the deck?
Is it just the Hull match where Taylor is out of position and we concede as a result?
Is it just the Hull match where Mido and Huth are unfit to play?
Is it just the Hull match where Johnson and Emnes dont get a chance to play ?
Is it just the Hull match where no telling substitutions are made as a plan B if things arnt going well or if we need to inject more energy to preserve a lead?
Is it just the Hull match where we fail to score more than 1 goal and the opposition come back at us when we should be in the clear?
Is it just the Hull match where Southgate blames the inexperience of the squad that he has shaped? It is a shame he didnt mention learning lessons as that would have made my Day complete.
He should have gone ape with the ref as offside, then red, then penna is an outrage and will make a small squad even weaker for the next few matches.
But maybe I shouldnt get wound up coz as you say its only ONE result.
The table is accumulative, like Alves's misses, Taylor's poor positioning and Southgates substitutions or lack of them.
By the way-I am sorry about Taylor as I want him to do well as he is local and I am sure he is a great kid.
Here are some decisions that have cost Boro dear....
Giving a rookie the job after Eindhoven
Getting shot of all the experienced players one by one
Sticking by kids who are not good enough
Signing crocks on a fortune
Signing players from YouTube
Announcing the club no longer has money or ambition
Don't worry, it seems that every team outside the top 4 are struggling for any kind of consistency this season - and some of them have spent a fortune just to have an average team.
Still that doesn't mean we don't have problems - The Alves situation is reaching a critical point as Southgate's policy of willing him to succeed has not worked.
As for Mido - does he want to play for Boro? Or is he looking for his next cut of a big transfer fee? Personally he doesn't convince me that he's anything but out for himself.
Also what is wrong with Emnes? He was supposed to be rated highly in Holland - Though then again so was Alves.
I also don't think Arca is going to be the answer to our creative midfielder solution and Ali is beginning to look less impressive on the right.
All in all as we approach the half-season mark the team needs freshening up - but unfortunately our squad is looking a bit thin and struggling with injuries.
So if we're not careful we may be starting January hovering above the bottom three and I'm not sure how many of our players are able to play under pressure - especially given our tendency to give goals away in the last 20 minutes.
However, 6 points from Arsenal and Fulham could kick start the season (again) - So it's time Gareth confiscated the player's mobile phones to prevent any more texts motivating the opposition.
Mido the reality check!
With 8 clubs in 9 years here are a few snippets from his illustrious career!
1) "He failed to be selected even for the Ajax substitutes bench against Feyenoord in March 2002,which was due to a minor clash with manager Ronald Koeman, and Mido left for a short vacation in Cairo."
2) "He played for only 32 minutes against Groningen, after a display which lacked creativity. He said afterwards he was tired and felt slightly injured during the game, and Ronald Koeman criticised Mido saying he was not giving everything."
3) "Mido apologised to Ronald Koeman and Leo Beenhakker, regarding the transfer comments he made, saying he was "irresponsible" and "unthoughtful" and was handed a fine and was suspended from Ajax's game against Lyon.He later revealed in December that he wanted to stay at Ajax!"
4) "Mido was relegated to the Ajax reserve squad, which came due to disciplinary reasons.One of the reasons of this was believed to be Mido not putting enough effort into training."
5) "He made his debut for Marseille against Dinamo Bucharest in a pre-season game, in which he had to be substituted off due to an injury."
6) "Mido stated in March 2004 that he may leave Marseille at the end of the 2003âÂÂ04 season."
7) "Reports suggested A.S. Roma were ready to sign Mido for a fee of â¬9 million and was confirmed to be out injured for the rest of the season."
8) "Mido eventually signed for A.S. Roma on the final day of the 2004 summer transfer window, for a fee of â¬6 million. It was confirmed that he would miss the opening game of the season, and possibly the following two games."
9) "He was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with his agent confirming he wanted a move away from Roma."
10) "His permanent move to Spurs was put into doubt in April 2006, after he suffered a new injury problem."
11) "He was called "irresponsible and disrespectful" by his manager Martin Jol, following comments Mido had allegedly made about former Tottenham player Sol Campbell."
12) "He eventually admitted he made a mistake by joining Tottenham on a permanent deal."
13) "Mido sent a fax to the Egypt team to tell them he was not available for international selection in May 2004, saying he was not psychologically fit to join the team."
14) "Egypt coach Marco Tardelli dropped Mido in September 2004, after Mido claimed to be unavailable for the national team due to an injury, but played in a friendly match for A.S. Roma 24 hours later. A day later, Mido rejected accusations that he refused to play for his country."
interestingly another news quote says:
"Mido would have been suspended for not attending had Marseille not testified in his favour to the EFA: the player, the French said, was suffering from a groin injury. A mere 24 hours before the Cameroon tie, however, Mido was seen playing in a friendly match for Marseille -- something that upset Egyptian fans, officials and the media alike."
surely it couldn't have happened twice....could it?
15) "Mido flew to Cairo in February 2005 and made a public apology and the following month he was recalled by the national team."
16) "Mido withdrew from Egypt's 2006 World Cup qualifier against Cameroon, after sustaining a muscle tear while playing with Tottenham Hotspur."
17) "Mido was thrown out of the Egypt team during the 2006 African Cup of Nations as a consequence of an argument with coach Hassan Shehata in the semi-final game against Senegal, which started after Mido reacted badly to being substituted."
18) "Mido was included in the Egypt squad to play South Africa in London in November 2006, despite suffering from a knee injury at the time."
19) in 2005 he was quoted as saying: "I've changed," he insists, "I'm no longer the way I used to be. I'm now a father and I want my son to be proud of me. And so I'm starting over, you could say I'm a new Mido altogether."
20) "He was rushed back into the line-up after suffering a groin injury but Egyptian officials called a special meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the player's actions. Mido had to be dragged away by coaching staff after being substituted for Amr Zaki, who went on to score the winner"
Now maybe its me.............but is a pattern starting to be established here?
This comment has no footballing tactic content at all but it is my fault we lost at the weekend.
After missing football for 12 years we finally had Foxtel connected so I could watch the Premier League and at least see Boro on the TV (especially since the big Aussie players have moved on to pastures new).
The first week it was installed Boro's game against Villa wasn't even shown and we won. I got up at 2am the following week to try and tape the match on the Sky Active but the Foxtel box wouldn't allow me to do that so I had to watch the Bolton match - least said the better.
The Newcastle match was the feature match so I recorded and watched it at a decent time and we frustratingly drew (at least the mercenary didn't score).
Then the Hull match - again I had to get up at 2am and watch it as I couldn't record it - couldn't get back to sleep until at least 5am. I now refuse to get up in the middle of the night to watch another live football match (unless we get to the FA Cup Final, mmm) so we may have chance of winning again. What makes matters worse is I have 3 boys under 2 1/2 yrs who start waking up at 7.
P.S does anyone know how to record something on Sky active with a IQ2 box without having to physically get up to do it??
**AV writes: Welcome aboard Mrs Jinx.
We have two of the most respected defenders over the last 15 years in Cooper and Southgate both vastly experienced and yet each time we take a lead we cannot defend it.
Even from my own playing days the time to consolidate is straight after scoring. Dont give the opposition time to get at you. So once again the "self destruct button" WAS PRESSED.
I dont know what it is with our left backs, even when POGI plays there, they do not know how to go tight on an opposing player. how many times must we see good balls being played in to our box from the wings?
The BORO unfornately will only BE AN AVERAGE, JUST ABOVE RELEGATION team once again. Sorry to say it once again but Alves is getting worse. And for the person who wrote about his "free kick" earlier this season, come on get real.
He is supposed to be a goal scorer. What about all of his other free kicks high into the stand? What about his glaring misses? What about his failure to cope with defenders? Let's hope we get a buyer in January,"another knock down price" and annother loss on the transfer market.
MIDO might as well go also, because quite obviously he has no desire to play for the BORO. I remember the days when you would want to play with a broken leg as the saying used to go. These prima donnas dont know they are alive in the present day of football high wages and every saturday off.
On the subject of who might go in January, there is of course a flaw in any discussion on Mido leaving - would anyone in their right minds want him?
And if there was a club out there willing to take the gamble that we and Spurs took, would they be willing to at least give us our money back, or are we looking a a cut price "get him out of here" deal?
Secondly, Downing may not be the only other saleable asset, and don't shout this too loudly, but has anyone thought about Tuncay? Here is a player who is catching the eye of a lot of people, including alledgedly, Arsene Wenger.
We got him for next to nothing, so any sell on value is pure profit, and in the current "credit crunch" climate, are MFC in a position to say no to any of the big four if they come calling for either of our "stars"?
MFC have surprised us all in recent years with the comings and goings, and I for one feel that they are setting themselves up for the January Sales with the "Downings Going nowhere", "We have more targets than funds" etc, all tried and trusted ploys to put us off the scent, whilst the deals are being struck in The Tontine. Be prepared people.
Good Mido stats Redcar Red, I wonder if Sothgate looked at them or was just charmed in the interview.
If Tuncay is sold in Jan then that is the biggest sign of ambition- we are gonna be playing in the Championship. Arca is only fit enough to come on as a sub.
If Alves is having another day to forget after an hour then Aliadierre should be moved upfront next to Tuncay and Johnson should be brought on. Or even a straight swap Alves for Emnes. ( Is Emnes still alive?)
Redcar Red, i think JFH would be fantastic within the current coaching set up.
As we all know he likes to get stuck in and maybe after GS has had his conservative well prepared we must learn lessons interview wih the press. JFH comes out and tells it how it is. I cant see GS getting a touchline ban, I cant see him being banned or fined either so.
I'm sure JFH would love the chance to work with the Fonz and it would be interesting to see how he would get on with Mido, im sure there would be a few choice words between the pair.
I cant see who MFCs striking coach is, it certainly isnt someone who has scored goals at the top level and so I wonder what is actually being done. if it was me I'd hope a striking coach would have played at the top level and comes in and tells me this is how you play in this league.
Redcar Red
Your post reminded me of something tucked away in my memory banks.
Went on a short cruise round Greece just as Mido signed. Our waiter was Egyptian and said the problem with Mido is that he is rich in his own right and has business interests at home. He doubted he would ever settle and questioned his attitude.
Nuff said
On the subject of possible additions to Boro's misfiring "strike force" during the January window, I hear that Shefki Kuqi, the Finnish marksman (to continue the ordnance analogy) of Kosovar Albanian extraction who currently plays for Crystal Palace & is in what the press usually likes to describe as "a rich vein of form" at the moment (he notched up his fifth of the season last night), will in all probability be available then.
As a former Blackburn player, he'd no doubt jump at the prospect of a return to the PL. By the same token, however, Neil Warnock says they'll be selling him because they can't afford his wages, he's playing for himself, not just Palace - AND he's 32...
BTW, AV & Ian: it's "pharaOh"! ;)
P.S. Does opening & reading this blog cause anybody else's Internet connection to freeze and/or cause problems with other open applications?
Redcar Red and David Morrison
I remember, some time ago when JFH had just ended his contract with Cardiff, making the same suggestion about a role for him as a striker coach at Boro.
I also remember being jumped on with everything from 'he's not the Messiah, he's just a very naughty boy?' to 'what do we need a coach for the strikers for?' and 'will he make a decent coach that could do the job well?'.
So, brace yourselves!
It remains - in my view - still an idea worth exploring with JFH and to answer the only valid quetion - the third in the para above.
If it's not to be JFH it's a role that's badly needed.
Moving on to The Skipper's honest assessment of last Saturday. Whilst it's welcome and accurate, it would carry more conviction as rhetoric if the issues he points to weren't the same ones Boro have been 'learning' about and trying to eradicate (amongst others) all of this season, at least.
What will make addressing them different and successful, this time round?
Dissapointed at the lack of decisions from the bench, rather than the appalling ref.
Nothing we can do about the referee. But when Hull got the measure of our passing game at the start of the second half, closed down the midfield and began to control the game, where was the response? Tactically there needed to be a change - but nothing transpired.
Arca and Digard began chasing shadows and continually got caught in posession. The service to Tuncay and Stewie dried up. Other than the brilliant overlap by Hoyte we ran out of ideas. A defeat was always on the cards from that point. You could smell it. So why no change of tactics or personnel when we are clearly being outwitted by the opposition?
The weak spot is still midfield IMO, more steel needed. We can only create chances for the strikers if we win the ball first, impose some control on the game from the centre of the park and get a good percentage of possesion.
The current midfield line up has good spells but frequently vanishes into thin air, particularly when the opposition decides to close them down or when it gets a bit tough towards the 75 minute mark.
The simple formula to beat boro is muscle and harry them out of midfield for 90 minutes. Job done. Usually 1 or 2 nil. Im sure all of the PL already know this. Maybe we can do it with the players on the books, none of them can be singled out as bad players IMO but so far the balance is all wrong.
I am fed up with Southgate bringing on a defensive player when we are losing. He needs to grow some balls and make tougher decisions and throw caution to the wind.
We might be skint but you can hardly blame Gibson for tightening the money belt when we have wasted on ã26m on Mido, Huth, Emnes and alves and another ã20m on their contracts.
I am not going to go to games until those players are sold and we get a new manager in. Until then I will continue to watch from the sofa.
Southgate needs to toughen up the team and learn how to kill games off when we are winning with 15 minutes to go.
Apart from Tuncay we have few players who are skilled enough to get us goals. Our defence is poor, taylor not good enough and luke young a lot better than Hoyte. In midfield we lack creativity. Where is this pacey energetic and goals from all over type of football we were promised? Looks like a rebuild jobin the summer again.
Come on Gibson get a grip.
Interesting article from Eric Paylor that develops a little what we know about the links to Kosice and the three players, particularly Matic.
The news about him being in the full Serb squad is encouraging - but not as encouraging as it would have been a few years ago.
What's less encouraging about the 6' 4" midfielder - in Boro's current circumstances - is 58 first team appearances and only 4 goals.
Maybe he's primarily defensive - but wasn't that what Digard was supposed to be and Shawky too?
Still, I suppose at this stage the deal isn't 'totally auto-Matic'.
AV as an idea for a Christmas gift, how about getting the Trinity boys to make a book out of the best posts from the blog from the start of the Season and give it to Gareth for Xmas. With a bit of luck he will read it before Boxing Day and perhaps get an insight into what and why things aren't working!
Careful mind I doubt it would be for general sale in the Club shop!
**AV writes: Yes, and maybe TB can inscribe it with a personal message of peace and goodwill.
London based Boro fan.
My internet has the same problems. I dont think it has worked properly since Keith Lamb kindly donated the time of MFC's, KGB trained, IT experts free of charge to the Gazette.
Could just be coincidence.
**AV writes: Does anyone else have problems loading the site? What browsers are you using? Any other quirks? If the uber-geeks don't know they can't fix them.
I was dismayed to read the interview with Pog published by AV in the Gazette tonight. If the following quotation is accurate, and I have no reason to doubt otherwise, then we should be looking very seriously at several tactical issues within MFC
Pog: âÂÂBut after our goal the shape wasnâÂÂt right and that was the start of the defeat. We have to look at ourselves for what went wrong. It is more about concentration than ability.âÂÂ
Dismayed because PogâÂÂs statement implies that this was the very first time the late goal had been conceded this season and it came as surprise to him and the management team
Dismayed because it suggests Boro did not have a strategy in place to ensure that the shape was right
Dismayed because Pog himself is the man responsible on the pitch to calm down the euphoria as the players take position to re-start the game and urge every single player to retain the shape.
For example, where was Justin Hoyte during the build up to the equaliser? As I recall David Wheater was dragged out into the right full back position as there was acres of space out there. How was Hoyte allowed to stray out of position at such a critical time? Or maybe I should ask, why did Hoyte himself stray out of position at such a critical time?
After taking a lead, especially away from home, we should adopt the Italian strategy of playing two lines of four. One across the 20 yard 'line' and the four midfielders 15 yards ahead, with Downing and Ali tucking in to deny space. This doesnâÂÂt mean we sit back. Keep two front men to provide an outlet and let the game settle down.
After it does so then we could be more adventurous.
It is an absolute certainty that if a team is one down with ten minutes to go, they will put on one, two or three subs and start to push forward. This is when we are at our weakest and open to conceding. We cannot handle that change in approach, the injection of energy and that is why we capitulate so many times during the last ten minutes. We must counter that. ItâÂÂs as though we are taken aback by the audacity of the opposition to throw everything at us. We appear to HOPE that we can survive the onslaught instead of planning to robustly withstand it.
What is GSâÂÂs favourite line? âÂÂWe must learn lessonsâÂÅ .âÂÂ. Clearly we are not.
**AV writes: I think it is partly a psychological problem ... "here we go again" ... that requires a mental toughness and a streak of cynicism to deal with, and - related - a lack of experience throughout the team.
There are a lot of players who have not played a lot of first team competitive football in England - Alves, Digard, Hoyte, Turnbull have not got 30 games under their belt, even Wheater only has one full season. That makes us vulnerable.
And the thin squad means that often there is little on the bench to change the shape or tempo. Seb Hines? With the best will in the world there was little he could do. Emnes? Even Johnno... how many Premiership games has he played?
It was the kind of game where we were crying out for a George Boateng figure.
I can't see the need for a coach for the strikers. To coach them to do what exactly? Score goals? If that were possible every team in the country would have one and every team would be scoring a shed load. Then everyone would be posting we need a defensive coach and around we would go again.
The strikers are playing to a game plan, we create chances, then they are missed too often. We know the strikers are technically good enough to score we've seen them do it, but not often enough.
The problem is psychological, as Richard posted a while a go what is needed is a 'coach' to work on the mental side of the game, strikers need belief and confidence more than any other player on the pitch (except the keeper) because they do the high pressure, cutting edge stuff ie score.
When a striker has an opportunity if he believes he's going to score the chances are he will, conversely if he's low on confidence (Alves for example) the chances are he'll miss.
In Boro's case the problem is compounded in that we don't have a replacement of equal stature/ability given that the pharaoh is busy packing his bags and preparing for the off. This is a similar problem to most other prem. clubs, only the big boys have more than one quality striker and even they struggle sometimes.
There is no easy answer and JFH is definitley not it, why should he be a good coach because he was a good striker, there is no logic in that arguement. If there was then Sunderland would have had a brilliant midfield as would Blackburn.
What Alves needs more than anything is the Boro crowd giving it large everytime he walks on the pitch, make him feel good, he'll score. The chicken runners baying for his blood are shooting themselves in the foot I'm afraid.
AV, I am using firefox on a mac with broadband and today things are working fine today but for the last week or so its been very bumpy and slow to say the least.
The delays are very annoying and even with no other applications open it was very difficult to use.
I think the high quality of your images of hull players legs didnt help either.
Seems to be okay now though-
**AV writes: I use IE at work and really struggle to load it but Firefox at home and it is fine. When I use IE on the laptop it is fine so I wonder if it may be firewalls on larger corporate servers that don't like something.
We have had a major national upgrade and the little bugs and issues are being fine-tuned all the time but it helps to know where people have had problems. As you can see I have a problem posting resized images.
AV
Browsers? I thought they were sheep and cows?
If you could ask the uber-geeks what info they want then I am sure we will be only too pleased to help as long as the request is in the sort of language we can understand.
It is simple at home because I go through Virgin media (even though Branson hacks me off my priciples mellow because he felt out with Murdoch so I get Setanta free, sort of).
If I have a free minute at the office the problem is compounded because it goes through our server, then through the building server and then either to the boards or into cyber limbo alongside Huth and Mido. More chance of a posting than either playing.
**AV writes: I refer the honorable gentlemen to my previous answer.
Isn't it about time to judge these incompetent Referees and assistant Referees on video evidence after the match and weed out the ones who are consistently making big mistakes that are costing teams millions of dollars in the championship places and particularly in the relegation stakes.
I realise these officials do not have the benefit of the instant slow motion replay, but honestly some of these officials are not up to it.
It is time for the video evidence to be available from the third Referee within seconds so that mo staked can be rectified immediately,. If this system had been available in the Boro's match against Hull the offside would have been obvious, also the minimal contact would also have negated a penalty decision and the Boro would not have been without Wheater for the next three matches due to official incompetence.
What is it about Mido, AV?
A few games ago he was our hero. At Blackburn and in other games he ran himself into the ground, tackling back, heading clear from corners, doing all the right things. So what's changed recently? Can you give us the low-down? Has there been a blow-out with GS, or has he just decided it's time for another nice fat pay day via transfer, as is his wont? Or is he just miffed that Alves still gets his game ahead of him? Obviously the club is keeping schtumm on this one, but it would be nice to know what sniffs of rumour you have had.
And now for Arsenal. Time to give them a good stuffing again and blow all our post-Hull blues away. Come on Boro!
beamishboro:
"We might be skint but you can hardly blame Gibson for tightening the money belt when we have wasted on ã26m on Mido, Huth, Emnes and alves and another ã20m on their contracts.
I am not going to go to games until those players are sold and we get a new manager in. Until then I will continue to watch from the sofa. "
can you seriously call yourself a fan with comments like that? unbelievable.
As for Saturday, I think I've just about recovered - you'd think we'd get used to us conceding late goals, but no, it feels worse and worse.
We are certainly lacking something out there, whether it's leadership, organisation, I don't know. Whatever it is, Gareth has to take responsibility for it not being there.
I really don't know what to expect on Saturday, you'd hope we'd come up with another typical Boro performance and pull off a win (hopefully with Alves bagging a couple), but I have the nagging feeling that Arsenal are due an away win against unfashionable opposition.
As for Matic, good to to see us trying to pick up more promising youngsters from around Europe, if we can't compete at the top end of the transfer market, we certainly can at this level.
I think the coaching staff could have helped, if after scoring and the hype, maybe could have made a substitution, or should I say instruct a player to remind the physio of the injury he has (go down) that way the team could have gathered their shape and concentration
This is probably not the time to be looking for comfort in the numbers in any area of life.
But just to try and get a bit of equilibrium back after Saturday I did a bit of simple Boro maths and ended up feeling a little better.
See today's posting on Boro Banter
Hello everyone - back after a long absence.
Can't help but be concerned at the Tuncay to Chelsea reports; with Mido also set to go and with Spurs gearing up a bid for Stewie, what kind of attack will we have left? We can tell them "hands off" all we want; I doubt Mido will want to turn down the chance to unite with Zaki, or Stewie and Tuncay will turn down the city life and European football. (And, in Tuncay's case, the rich clubs' league and the chance to meet Cheryl Cole.)
It looks grim.
AV, appreciate your commentsâÂÅ but why didnâÂÂt GS bring on Seb Hines directly after we had scored, in place of say Ali? Then there was plenty he could have contributed. Bolster up the midfield, fresh legs, fresh determination, additional defensive strength. Once we went 2-1 down, the fact that GS put Seb Hines on beggars belief
Our seasonal dip is coming up and with little behind us we canâÂÂt afford to lose points over Xmas, but hard to see where they will come from :
Arsenal? - looking to get back into the flow and ready to stuff someone.
Fulham? - on a run at the moment.
Everton? - Not often we beat them.
Man U? - write off that one.
hen we hit January to face:
Sunderland - - hard derby game.
WBA - not unlikely we could gift them another 3 pts, and
Chelski - if the papers are to be beleived, we would be facing Tuncay in a blue shirt scoring against us!!!
All sounds doom & gloom I know, but realistic when you look at the season so far.
I have to say, getting to a stage where I donâÂÂt look forward to going to games anymore and find it hard, when there, to get excited about what is happening on the pitch, seeing most attacks breaking down with Alves on the floor.
Seriously doubting if I will renew my season card next year - one thing that could change my mind would be if we went down. As least there would be some sort of renewed interest and expectation. More of the same dross week after week in an over paid, over hyped league simply is losing its attraction.
I've just read JP's article on Boro Banter and it is reassuring to read we are five points ahead of where we were last year. That bodes well for the remainder of the season.
Balanced against that fact is the frustration of knowing how many points Boro have thrown away this season through poor defending/lack of concentration and poor finishing.
Still overall it appears progress is being made if Alves remembers where the back of the net is and the back four remeber a game traditionally lasts for 90 minutes plus time added on we could still have a good second half of the season, with a top ten finish being a reasonable aim.
I read Johns article with some interest.
It is interesting to compare upcoming fixtures against those for last year.
Derby A won
West Ham H lost
Birmingham A lost
Pompey A won
6 points which took us to 20 at New Year.
This year
Arsenal H
Fulham A
Everton H
ManU A
So how many points will we get from that run? I would certainly take 6 points if offered now.
But points come from strange places and who knows what anyone else picks up.
At least I believe Wheats is only a one match ban because it wasnt violent conduct - may be wrong.
For those who are not aware of the article in the Mail here is an extract.
'Now that he has become a regular upfront alongside the erratic Afonso Alves, Tuncay is proving just as popular on Teesside and Southgate will fight hard to keep off predators, including big-spending Chelsea.
"The Middlesbrough manager is already facing his annual new year fight to keep England international Stewart Downing, with Tottenham believed to be prepared to finally match the club's ã12 million valuation, while Egypt international Mido is struggling to hide his intention of joining up with his countryman Amr Zaki at Wigan."
The transfer window is a real pain. My only comment is that I am intrigued by the wording of the part about Downing with Spurs 'to finally match the club's ã12 million valuation' Smacks of clever journalism, or possibly the truth
I find it rather difficult to belive that any of the big four would view Tuncay as highly as we do.
Stepping back a little and looking at him from an outsider's unbiased point of view I would describe him as a good squad player but difficult to fit into the formations of the big 4 and certainly a long way behind the goalscoring standards they require.
Even playing a full season for Chelsea he would not score double figures.
If I am wrong and Chelsea do make an ã8m bid then Boro would certainly take it. An ã8m profit is much more than we made for Luke Young and the fans thought he was just as much a must have in the side as we do Tuncay.
As for Downing to Spurs why would Spurs want another wide player with the wide players they already have?
I would also need a bit of convincing that either side have that kind of money available for January business in any case. Does anyone except Man City have any cash to spare this window and no bank will lend to anyone right now? Even Abramovitch is looking at his finances closely at presnt after several of his main businesses have hit difficult times.
Hate to admit it, but Tuncay is the type of player that Chelsea do not have in their armoury. That is the mobile, tricky, effervescent link between midfield and the attack. Ideal in these days of 4-5-1.
Joe Cole? Frank Lampard? Malouda? Mikel? Essien? Deco? All great players and maybe better footballers than Tuncay, but not in the hard-to-find mould of Tuncay, the missing link.
I pray that the rumours are without foundation, but if not Chelsea, then who else?
I repeat a part of my last post just a week ago:
"Secondly, Downing may not be the only other saleable asset, and don't shout this too loudly, but has anyone thought about Tuncay? Here is a player who is catching the eye of a lot of people, including alledgedly, Arsene Wenger."
Can MFC really fend off the advances of the big 4? Is Steve Gibson willing to gamble on selling in January and us staying in the PL without the likes of Stewy and/or Tuncay?
Continuing the theme of the fast approaching January window a quote from Crosby, whilst referring to Matic;
âÂÂWeâÂÂve got time to think about it, but it could be at the end of the day that we have bigger priorities elsewhere next month.âÂÂ
I wonder where these "bigger priorities" are centred?
Jiffy:
I posted the article out of interest and dont know how much truth there is in it.
It looks to be the work of staff reporters Cut, Copy and Paste
I argee that Tuncay could be a squad player at a big club but that applies to many good players at those clubs. Chelsea have Malouda and Kalou who are in and out of the team. Tuncay would add something a bit different with his energy.
As far as Spurs are concerned, they have wide players but they are right footed. Lennon and Bently have played out left but square peggism is still square peggism even at other clubs.
Dont confuse cash being available and the need to fill column inches. Also we dont know who is leaving other clubs to raise funds, there may well be a lot of horse trading this window with players being used as makeweights. Mido for Drogba anyone?
Maybe the visit of Arsenal will wake Alves up, I might put a tenner on him to score first, after all Arsenal are not as physical as Hull-
Think it's time we cashed in on Mido (if anyone is daft enough to buy him) and I never thought I'd ever say this but Heskey would be ideal target man for the likes of Alves, Tuncay and Ali to feed off.... you only have to look at England to see how good others have done due to the presence of Heskey
It would be a disaster to sell Tuncay, but I have to say that he has been a disappointment at the Riverside this season, though he has scored important goals away from home. Alves was getting the stick in the last two home games, but he looked more likely to score than Tuncay.
Also, to suggest that if we sold him for ã8m would equal an ã8m profit is a bit misleading - since we signed him on a Bosman I would have expected his signing-on fees and wages to be higher than if we signed him regularly.
ã15 to watch boro reserves vs Barrow is an absolute disgrace. Here we are at home in the 3rd round of the fa cup for the 1st time in ages and against non league opposition yet we cant see a reduction in ticket prices.
ã2.50 for season ticket holders
ã1 for kids under 16 and consessions who previously held season tickets
ã5 for adults who have had a previous season ticket
ã7.50 - ã10 adults
Why couldnt this have been tried or sumthing similar to try and get a bigger crowd and a great atmosphere.?
It was a chance to give something back to the fans and im sure barrow would prefer a larger crowd and a larger slice of the financial pie with such a cost effective ticket plan.
It's a disgrace and it shows football is no longernger for the people. Look at Birmingham: they have given away free tickets to all season ticket holders as a thank you for their support after being relegated.
Its a disgrace and the crowd will be 10,000 as it has already been billed as the tie of the round by the BBC and with probably 6 games broadcast over the weekend you can bet boro will be one of them.
Thanks MFC
I suspect that chelski's alledged approach for Tuncay is just a ruse in order to snatch our world-class brazilian stiker from under our noses - we should reject any bid under ã15m out of hand - OK we could just let him go for ã13m...
On the subject of our under-performing goal machine - Crosby has said âÂÂWe must help him to score goalsâ - One thing they could try is to make him grow his hair (something we should have done with Macarone) as everyone knows all the best strikers have a decent amount of hair - Torres, Berbatov, Drogba - if they'd been folicly challenged the net would almost certainly have been a stranger to their game.
So it's time to use modern coaching methods and give Alves his swagger back, perhaps a run out in the reserves with a wig might see the return of the goal machine?
**AV writes: I'll see if I can find a picture of him with hair. Would it make him more likely to score if defenders were laughing at his Afro?
I think 'Ignorant' is right, given that Arsenal aren't as physical as Hull it may be an opportunity for Alves to score, let's hope so.
That said the prem. is a physical league, Alves looks like a strong lad, he needs to get his mind right and stop worrying about the 'rufty, tufty' and concentrating on what he does well....scoring.
**AV writes: From what I remember Arsenal were pretty physical last year, especially Eboue who put in a few very robust studs up tackles.
David Morrison,
It's easy to have a go at the club about ticket prices for cup matches, but you have to agree the prices with the away team and as Barrow knew they would sell a load regardless, I'm sure they wanted as high a price as possible. Anyway, I don't think ã15 is a bad price, I'll certainly be going.
Also, it's not on tv, and Setanta/ITV have the rights.
David Morrison.With regard to the cup ticket pricing BOTH clubs have to agree.As far as I know ã15 adult ã5 kids seems to be the price for a lot of 3rd round games across the country so possibly there is a recommended minimum.I think last year the F.A. allocated 6 games in the 3rd round where kids tickets could be priced at ã1 which suggests they have a normal price structure.
Funny how the competition has lost it's glamour.I remember some epics at Ayresome against non league opposition which attracted bigger crowds than league matches.
I hope the visit of Arsenal brings a decent Ref as well , I think it will be a good match as we sometimes [ not with Chelsea ]rise to the challenge of the big 4 at the Riverside.
I think it is about time for Afonso to be plied with a good few pints, then fed a Parmo.
Subsequently he should be told that the Arsenal defence is a Taxi queue.
Stand back and watch the Goals fly in.
For Goodness sake get off his back and support him. Where is the famous Boro, Up yours you London based hacks, he is one of ours, and we should support him no matter what.
I have just read on the sportinglife website that Southgate after laughing off the 8 mil price Chelsea are on about over Tuncay said-
Meanwhile, Southgate has confirmed full-back Justin Hoyte is facing surgery on a knee cartilage injury which would sideline him for several weeks.
If this is true how come as soon as anyone hits any form we lose them to injury or suspension!
NUTS!
I was about to put forward the idea of Hoyte on the right wing as he has great attacking attributes as well as being able to cover and tackle back. That would mean Macmahon behind him at right back and Aliadiere being able to come off the bench fresh and give us some impact in the last 30mins.
Maybe it's greedy (after typing a very long piece for the blog without saving it first, and it SUCCESSFULLY went down the line) but what the heck.....
You might remember Saint Alan Hansen (of blessed memory) reciting the magic incantation: "You'll win nowt with kids!"
Of course he turned out to be wrong as Manchester United, full of young Giggs, a brace of Nevilles, a Scholes, a Beckham et al, won the title (and then other trophies). It isn't that young kids are incapable of closing out games or of winning generally. It's about the QUALITY of the young kids.
Fitness, confidence, commitment to the cause etc may hold the balance between teams otherwise evenly matched in ability. But a fit, confident, committed etc team of GOOD players will tend more often than not to beat a team of fit, confident, committed etc LESS good players. Maybe we look at our players through rose tinted spectacles, laced heavily with enthusiasm and hope more than realism.
As transfer speculation runs rife, I can see the headlines already if Digard plays well this weekend :
"Arsenal to sign Boro's Didier Digard in January"
Without Hoyte this weekend, and if Huth or Riggott are not passed fit then we could be left with a back four of McMahon, Pog, Bates and Taylor.
Stockton red & BoroPhil.
I am aware that prices are agreed between the teams however Birmingham seem to have found a way round it so why couldnt Boro have?
I bet there is no more than 13000 thats 20,000 spare seats that could have been sold for a profit.
Its so annoying because the club has the chance to give something back, thats my point and not just whinging about over priced tickets.
Ticketing has been brought up before and Lamb has come out already this year and said ticketing will again be looked at for next season so why not do something now and set it up for remainder of the season?
Latest on MSN.....Johnson for real madrid in January!Apparently Ramos is a big admirer......i would think that would put Downings nose out if it is true/happens....lol
I know that transfer speculation fever is about to reach is running riot but the latest on the BBC website, "Ramos looking to take Boro winger Adam Johnson to Real Madrid..." really captures the imagination, Boro fan or not.
Even AJ's agent couldn't make that one up...so is it true?
Maybe we can get 12 million for AJ and keep Stew Downing!!
I think it may be time for some 'points from unusual sources'. Every now and then we need something unexpected so I am throwing myself at the mercy of footballing gods.
No talk of fancy formations or tactics just get stuck in, rattle a few cages and give it a go.
My post at 12.02am - just shows how wrong you can be! I THOUGHT a piece sent down the line a few minutes earlier had been accepted successfully (I had the usual confirmation) but it has obviously disappeared. The second, much briefer, piece got there though.
It's not just me. Please tell me it's not just me. The technology is out to get us, chaps. There was never this problem with the old pen and ink, and a postage stamp! It's bad enough suffering Boronoia but if the full-blown Paranoia is stalking me, too, there is no hope.
"Too many comments have been submitted by you in a short time. Try again later...." Recognise it?
Wouldn't mind if it were true, or at least that too many had been received by the Blog is a short time. I did send a long one late last night, as might be guessed from the way I started the 12.02am post (at that time I fondly thought a lengthy message I had sent downline a short while earlier had been accepted - that was the message I received when I pressed the "send" button). I did try to send a brief one twenty minutes ago, but that, again, has gone to the great empty space in the Ether Universe, prompting the "too many messages" response.
Boronoia? Full blown Paranoia with the bad guys tapping into your dreams, and bugging your bathroom and your radio? I reckon your techie guys are working for the Other Side. If you deny it, Vic, that will just confirm the depth of the conspiracy - that a good journalist has finally been subborned by the forces of Evil.
I expect the Blog will finally go silent after a message has been posted that you have been signed up by the Financial Times and sent to Tokyo. It's the Wife and kids you've got to feel sorry for. All that sushi....
**AV writes: ....*sigh*... I though that one had been resolved. I will contact the uber geeks. Again.
AV, is it possible that your uber geeks also work on the MSN website generating random transfer rumours?
Say it aint so that Real Madrid are not about to swoop for our 'ever-present' left wing galactico Adamski Jonno? How many millions will it take to steal the player that Southgate has built his entire bench around.
We all know that their new man Ramos is a genius in the transfer market - who has a brilliant track record of signing top brazilians (especially goalkeepers) and buying the perfect striker to partner his star forward - not to mention his ability to move on fading stars from bulgaria.
Or it could just be an act of revenge against his former employers to scupper their Downing bid.
Or maybe Jinky really is the overlooked undervalued asset waiting for a chance to become a star - if only boro would give youth a chance...
You would have thought someone would have cottoned on when the uber geeks with thick accents arrive wearing in ill fitting suits and MFC club ties
I've often had a go at the MFC media folks for the misjudged naff-ness of the 'feet' they have drafted to stick in the mouths of players and officials.
But absolute credit is deserved for the recent publicity around Boro and MFC's outstanding community work and the players' part in that.
There is plenty of light and warmth to be had from all this and that needs to be as far out from under the bushell as possible.
Lots of positive coverage in the Nationals, TV and radio.
Great interviews with Tunny. Only slight drawback is that the supposed suitors for his signature now know better what a good bloke he is as well as a good player!
Advancing the Boro brand as THE community club in all senses makes sense - we may be below half way in the Prem but at the way the club is run we're top of the league.
Well done all.
Here we go again with incompetent refereeing. A definite penalty ignored by a referee who obviously does not know the basis of football. Some of his decisions were so poor I am surprised we did not have a player sent off for dissent. Ignoring these refereeing blunders Boro were outstanding with their fighting spirit and and never give up attitude, Aliaderie showed Alves what commitment was all about when he chased everything as did the rest of the team. Digard grows by the week and we have in him a star of the future if not the present. No weak links and a special mention for a brave and courageous McMahon, who was up for the fight. Turnbull is looking more and more like a future England goal keeper. Johnson was always a threat and proved he is worth his place. Well done Boro, this sort of play will see us safe and ensconced in the upper reaches of the Premier League fro many seasons to come.
Funny how ,when you play two wingers how you can force the oppo back.Jhonno and Downing.stretch the defences by staying wide andmaking runs whichstops the other side from pushing up too far.I've said all along that Johnson should be in the side, he is by far the most dangerous winger we have on the books. No side looks at ease when he is on the ball.I know he is;nt the finished article yet but he wo'nt be untill he gets some game time under his belt.......It's no surprise to me the bigger clubs are sniffing around.Maybe it's the reason Southgate has finally given him a start.On to the right fullback spot Mcmahon is the finest we have and he now should hold that spot as he gives me the feeling that the right hand side of the field are more balanced and assured with him being there....Today was a great effort against the Gunners and the whole side should be given thechance to do the same next week.keeping the same side on the field is a wonderful confidence builder.
..Finaly Emnes why oh why has'nt he been given a chance?? to me he looks exiting and energetic.and seems to have the confidence
to hold the ball and try to take people on,
But five minutes at the end of a game is not enough time to cause trouble.
We must now go to the Cottage and bang a few past old Scissor hands.UP THE BORO.
A well earned point in a very entertaining match.
Wenger must be sick of the sight of Aliadiere. In three matches he has scored twice and won a penalty. He is probably thinking 'he never did that for us.'
We still have problems up front because we dont have a striker to hold the ball up for midfield players to get beyond them.
We must also be the worst at defending set pieces. Apart from the goal there were corners where we had a line of red shirts along the six yard line and Arsenal players free to make runs to attack the ball.
Still, musnt be miserable with a good point but the table is getting ever tighter. Two points off 18th with three tough matches coming up.
Johnson MUST keep his place in the team as 2 true wingers in our squad made for a better attacking balance and to all the fans who doubted Aliadiere , well he did his talking on the pitch!
Would Alves have put his head in for that brave header, not on your nelly.