Southgate's Massive Must Win Match
HOW IMPORTANT is this game? For the strategic impact on the promotion chase, for Gareth Southgate's immediate job security, for the political dynamic within a simmering crowd, for the fragile mental health of a dysfunctional community?
Defeat will not be a mathematical knockout blow but it will deliver a piledriver to the under-fire gaffer's already precarious political authority. Could he retain any credibility with a hostile crowd should Boro slump to an catestrophic fourth successive defeat? Would it be game over? Make no mistake, this game is as "must win" as they come.
If you thought Leicester was a political powder keg waiting to explode - and nothing has changed - wait till the fuse starts fizzing tonight. The tension will be unbearable and will intensify with every minute that Boro don't score.
The prospect of defeat is unthinkable... yet everyone can think of little else. Defeat and the possible consequences. I couldn't sleep last night. This is a watershed moment. If Boro lose tonight it will be almost impossible to stem the tide and unless swift action is taken we will descend into nasty bout of bitter recriminations and divisive internecine squabbling that will make any prospect of promotion a pipedream.
Stubborn-as-an-art-form Steve Gibson has backed his boss to the hilt but could even that previously impregnable position start to crumble in the backlash that will engulf the Riverside if Boro fall to a devastating fourth successive home defeat? Especially to a side of poor travellers who have taken just two points from six games on the road. More so after the abject failures to break down limited and unambitious sides posing the mosty basic of tactical problems in the previous two outings.
And could even the chairman who has shown steadfast commitment to the Southgate project start to waver if the crowd not only revolts but also evaporates?
We talked at the start of this crucial season about the layers of loyalists who had already made their mind up on the manager and how every set-back would prompt ever more 'don't knows' to take sides (and how every victory would buy not lasting political capital but merely a short breathing space). And so it is panning out. Thousands more have made their mind up after the 'set backs' of West Brom and Leicester - any poll now would show a damning massive actively majority against the boss.
Many have simply voted with their feet and walked away in powerless frustration. Boro have lost 10,000 fans at home from last season's average of 28,000 to drop game by game to just above the 18,000 mark, and even that figure is treated with scepticism in some quarters. It would not have to fall much further to reach the politically sensitive figure of 17494 that would scream that the ground was half empty. Defeat to Derby and we could see that barrier fall for the visit of Paul Whitehouse's Plymouth.
Tonight could be a line in the sand. It would almost impossible to spin defeat as anything other than a disaster. And will be no good blaming the fans again. That will not wash. It is down to the players to deliver and it is down to the boss to motivate them, organise them and impress upon them the urgent need for a stirring performance and a victory to regain momentum, head off revolt and give supporters reason to believe.
Ironically, away perfromances and results have been broadly excellent. The side is set up to hit on the break and has looked industrious, effective, determined and united - but that only increases the frustrations and anger of those who pay £400 or more a year to watch a one dimensional shot-shy side labour fruitlessly at home.
Three games, 275 minutes without a goal and three brusing successive defeats. Fans have every right to not just complain about the lack of entertainment but also about a lack of tactical ambition, leadership, zest and a steely sense of self belief.
It Southgate is to maintain his authority on home turf - and ultimately his ability to do his job - then he must demonstrate tonight that he can turn out teams that can win games. If he can't then there will be very little wriggle room left and no escape from the mob.
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Anthony Vickers
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We should play with a very adventurous forward line, maybe Lita upfront, supported bt either Emnes or Aliadiere, Johnson and Yates very wide on each wing. In the middle Digard and O'Neil. Try a backline of McMahon, Wheater, Ledge and Hoyte. Unfortunately Jones in goal.
We should then spread the play wide and try and get behind them, a team with their away form will sit back again and rely on Hulse up front. We need to get the ball out quickly and in front of the winger so he can run on to it at speed.
If we do not get much sucess employing this tactic, which I think we will if done correctly, then move to plan B, something GS doesn't appear to have.
This maybe slightly dangerous as it would mean that the defence and midfield sit deeper in order to give Derby a false sense of security and draw them out.
Once Derby push up, again get the ball out wide and push up quick, this should catch there players out of position and running back facing their goal rather than the easilier defended position of away from their goal.
This idea was last seen explained during the Zulu movie (drawing the opponents onto you, before moving in for the kill). Before you pass comment, at least it is a plan, more than GS seems to have these. days.
Unfortunately my last scientific prediction proved correct with Watford winning 1 - 0.
Tonight's score will be 2 - 1 to the Boro meaning that GS will survive for another day.
C'Mon Boro!
Well Av, that's put the kiss of death on tonight's game, calling it a'must win' match.
We always LOSE 'must win' matches.
So am I the only Boro fan left that actually wants us to win tonight then?
I think Boro will win tonight but that it won't make the slightest bit of difference to the big picture. It won't get Southgate off the hook, we will just limp on to the next disaster with the ASG just waiting to pounce on the next slip up.
What worries me is that we can't rely on out away form and other results going our way. If we are going to get promoted we will have to do it at home and right now the demoralised team and crowd are depressing each other.
"any poll now would show a damning massive actively majority against the boss"
That begs the question AV. Is that something that you guys at Gazette Towers are considering? I am aware that the Gazette are wary of causing any rift between themselves & the club, but it would hardly be the fault of the paper if any vote goes massively against Mr Southgate !
Tonight is the first time since the West Brom debacle, that I am available to attend a match at the Riverside. Incidentally, how do the fixture people at the FA know my shift pattern, & make it so that I am invariably away working when home games are scheduled?
I am debating attending the game tonight, but to be perfectly honest, after witnessing the 5-0 & seeing results since, my desire seems to be pretty lacking at the moment.
Of course they will win tonight , it will not however change mine or many others thoughts that the only way forward for the club is without Southgoat .
I find the condescending manner of this publication & the local radio station depressing in the extreme , Gary Gill for instance as a summariser is the same as he was as a footballer, very average .
I'm not sure what, as Gareth puts it, "sticking to basic principals" means (other than perhaps putting the ball in the net whilst stopping the opposition from doing likewise) but it hardly sounds like a battle cry (unless of course you're John Major).
Because of the inherent pace in our squad it seems we have the team and tactics to successfully play away but Southgate seems unable to find the right formula to win at home. So I believe we need something more than 'basic principals' - we need a plan.
Also, does being "top of the league in terms of the number of tackles we have made" subsequently mean we are also 'Top of the league in giving the ball away'? otherwise shouldn't we be top of the actual league?
Finally, I've got one of those cunning plans in order to reproduce our away form at home tonight - Let's play in our away kit! OK, I guess I should put that in a Powerpoint presentation and send it to a certain Mr Smith before it's too late.
Strangely, I still fancy us to give Derby a thrashing tonight as surely everybody is going to be really up for the game - but don't run out to the bookies just yet.
**AV writes: For the Watford game instead of making their own way to the game in big flash cars they met up early at Gisborough Hall and went through their "away" routine of pre-match meal and pep talk then came in by coach and entered the stadium through the tradesman's entrance. That worked then.
I have been to the last three home games and returned chastened every time.
It is difficult to stay positive in such situations but you try to gleam something out of those games. About the only thing i can come up with is that the results of the last two games were a little harsh on the Boro.
But you create your own luck. We surrendered the intiative in all three games, rephrase that because we never really had it to surrender.
I often say 'look in the paper the next morning'. It said a defeat every time and for all the parking the bus analogies the away team has had more than 50% possession in those three matches (you may find we havent been over 50% in any home match).
I was faced with the tricky decision of leaving work early to drive up from Derby for my 'derby' match. Then driving back after the match to arrive home after midnight. And the weather is grim.
Sorry, it just isnt going to happen. You can say I am a fairweather fan if you like but I have already nearly spent the cost of a season ticket with a quarter of the season gone (including travel) with scant entertainment.
AV
Are you running the live commentary again. If so do you want any views from radio Derby? That all depends on my capabilities of course so no guarantees.
**AV writes: Yes I'll be doing a "thingie." By all means tell us what they have to say from that end when Rob Hulse scores.
AV,
Come on you can tell us the truth. Have you already half written an article/blog for tomorrow in case we get beat again?
Ian Gill,
Fully understand you not going today, don’t be too hard on yourself. Does BBC Derby still have that same commentator, what was his name Graham Richards or something like that? He was an entertaining listen, no rose tinted spectacles there, he would slate them when they were bad.
I remember one year coming away from Pride Park after a Robbie Mustoe missile had given us three points and just about condemned Derby to Relegation. He summed it up with ‘the Goose is cooked and doing nicely’. A line which i used to exhaustion last year.
You’ll get a fair and balanced view of the game if he’s doing the commentary.
**AV writes: Every time I have ever written a piece in advance on the assumption something happens, it never gets used. I long ago gave up trying to second guess Boro. I prefer spontaneity anyway, the passion comes through.
AV - your fourth-last paragraph ("Tonight could be...") says it all for me. Let's hope we have something to cheer about, and to help keep the eyelids open.
I'll give the thingie a go then tonight if you can tell me how to find it (very reminiscent of a conversation I had with my first wife in the early days!!!)
As a Boro fan exiled in Lancashire I miss all of the Premiership away games available over in here in the wet west. I'll be at Preston on Saturday for my first taste of the Championship.
**AV writes: There should be an icon prominently displayed on the gazettelive.co.uk homepage. Just click and log in.
Neil M said:
"So am I the only Boro fan left that actually wants us to win tonight then?"
Neil - we all want Boro to win tonight, it's just that the majority don't think we will!!
When you look at the past records, who can really blame them : How many teams who haven't won away break their duck at the Riverside?? How many "must win" games have we won in the last 2 years?? How many poor sides have visited the Riverside and been made to look better than they are by the Boro??
Lets hope we can break that run tonight!
Despite all the misgivings I can recite to myself, mainly drawn directly from Mr. Southgate in the Gazette & Northern Echo, I can't talk myself out of the feeling that Boro will do a number on Derby tonight. I certainly hope so.
Despite my feelings that bringing matters managerial to a head now and dealing with them effectively might well be in the best interests of a Boro automatic promotion, I can never countenance willing a Boro defeat or even a limp draw in this case.
Was Gisborough Hall and the coach trip all there was to the Alan Smith PowerPoint slides? I'm with Pat McD when he caught wind of that arrangement on the day of the Watford game and pleaded - 'tell me it ain't so - please'.
As I said on Sunday, I am a glutton for punishment. Called in at my Dad's en-route to the Riverside. Interesting to read your note AV about the players lunch trip on Saturday. We were discussing this in the Nav on Saturday. It's what the big boys at Man Utd and Chelski do, so in that context it sounds very professional indeed.
Anyway, to tonight, let's hope we come away with the three points and give me a smile on the way home - just for a change.
**AV writes: I've deleted that 'friend of a friend' tittle tattle which is highly libellous and impossible to substantiate. And which I don't believe for a second by the way.
Redcar Stevie...sounds like a great plan..why does'nt Southgate think of this?...Stevie you could the manager we are looking for...smile...take care ..Com on Boro.
Neil M
I want us to win for several reasons.
1. I have a bet on with some people here in Derby.
2. Lose and they will be insufferable..
3. Boro losing will result in lost points, I would rather us scrape a grotty win than have us lose so Gate is sacked.
The problem that I can see is that Gate looks to have reached the end of his shelf life with the bulk of the fans. Poor substitutions and performances only adds to the circumstantial evidence.
The PR messages hardly help his cause. Pre season it was because the big boys made me do it plus a root and branch review of support staff to weed out some easy to target culprits (and reduce costs). Then it was the fans at the ground and internet pundits, now it is the players who haven't done it and need to show some guts.
Once that happens there is little that can be done to arrest the decline. I was even greeted in the local cob shop in Derby with the message that Gate is going to be sacked if we lose tonight.
At some point the maxim of 'every time I open my mouth some fool speaks' will become apparent if not to him then the Count and Gibbo will spot it for him.
It is all rather sad. I just hope we get a decent result tonight then I can get the blame for previous results. My home record is watched 4, drawn 1, lost 3, goals for 0, goals against 7. We have won all my away games without conceding.
Maybe I am better set up to watch away from the Riverside.
All I can say is in the last three home games seven goals conceded (away team could have only had a dozen or so shots in those games), and zero goals scored (Boro must have had twenty to thirty shots in those games).
Easy to see the problem, the strikers aren't doing their job; come on buck up, the goal is actually inside the three white lumps of metal and not to the side and above.
Bring back a 35 five year old Mendy. At least he has the skill to pick out a pass through a tight defence (Still living in the area, how about a pay for play contract eh..GS?)
That reads to me like knives are being sharpened. And about time. He should have gone last year, if not in January then certainly in May.
I would say 90% are now against Southgate and reluctantly against the club. The longer he stays the more people will point the finger at Gibson. Or walk away. It needs sorting for the good of the club. The longer we put it off the worse it will get.
AV - Me neither, that is why you will notice that I didn't mention any names. However, I am sure that a man of your profession probably knows anyway - end of...
Enjoy tonight's match
**AV writes: Sometime it is worse when you don't mention any names because then they can all sue.
I want us to lose so it hastens the departure of Gareth. Not because I hate him, I like him, but the club needs to move forward and it needs to do so now. No more blind faith please Mr Gibson, paying him off must be cheaper than falling attendances.
Here's a tactic for you.
Get the ball in the box as often as possible and score some goals. Does it need to be any more complicated?
' "friend of a friend" tittletattle.'
that's what i want to see!
I'm actually really looking forward to tonight. My glass is 3/6th full and ready to spill over - I really think we'll deliver.
Having said that, I was away last week so missed the apparent horror show that was Saturday. I'll support Gareth as long as he is the man in charge, but you can't help but get the feeling when listening to the calls on Tees that it might be best if he did go, if only to lift the mood.
Let's hope we win and keep winning, so that scenario doesn't have to be contemplated.
Come on Boro.
they are after big Kitson but he is injured
Tonights line up is screaming quality!
Easy victors. Class in full backs and width. Digard & Williams could be immense in the middle!
Tonight is the start of something good!
UTB
Just one point from the top of the league now after the win over Derby. Great!
Where are all the worries of yesterday? Are like the little Asterix and his villangers - always afraid the world will be taken apart? Well done lads. Now a tough away match at Preston. Can St Ledger play there as his is on loan, AV?
Up the Boro!
**AV writes: Yes, I believe he can play. Premiershup loan rules do not apply.
An important win for Southgate who will no doubt breathe a huge sigh of relief - as will Steve Gibson and the majority of the fans. And with results going our way we're only one point behind the top two instead of seven points behind.
Unbelievably, another couple of victories will possibly see us top of the league given how tight the table is - similarly a couple of losses could see us down in tenth.
I gathered we didn't play that well but the result was more important to break the hoodoo - So is Southgate now safe? I guess if he can negotiate the next three games relatively successfully then he'll reach the sanctuary of the international break and a chance to secure his position beyond the January window.
But I don't think the Championship is a difficult league - it's more a case of everybody being just as rubbish as each other. It's probably why most teams struggle when promoted to the PL.
Just been out in Barnet with my mates from Teesside, followed the match on a mobile, always new that bloke Southgate was a top manager!
Come on!!!!
Not many people posting now we have won eh? All the Bedwetters who wanted us to lose so they could get rid of Southgate will be crying into your beer. Bitter no doubt.
Unfortunately, Craig B, their beer will be doubly sweet.
Gareth, you were a class act in so many ways. The only thing that remotely pleases me about your sacking is that I won't hear my Boro family slagging you off any more (I hope!).
I will never forget the boost you once gave to my son on his birthday: you talked to him like he mattered and I just thought, "That man is pure class!"
I don't know what went wrong, but I suspect you are a bit of a rarity in this money-soaked and ego-warped world.
I know you worked your socks off and I also know a lot of us really appreciate your efforts as player and manager. You are a Boro great and I hope you know there is a lot of love here for you and so you don't need to be bitter.
Respect!
AV wrtites ~ "It would not have to fall much further to reach the politically sensitive figure of 17494 that would scream that the ground was half empty."
The attendance was officially 17,459, minus a couple thousand or so season ticket holders.
You were 4 out. How did you do that?
The BBC is running a southgate sacked headline!! WTF??? We just won!! Is this a hoax?? I know the stadium was half empty but we are one point off the top of the table. Haway Gibbo? Really?? Best be someone good lined up.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8317621.stm
He's finally done one: BBC and Guardian confirming that the gaffer has been relieved of his duties w/ immediate effect...bizarre timing after the crucial win, but maybe it just got too tetchy for everyone?
Alan Smith departs as well in what can only be perceived as a loyalist move towards his former charge. Now we must find out what was in that Power Point presentation!!
Let the carousel of rumours commence...
Finally, some sense and SG has gone. I've said for the whole of this year that we needed a new man in, we wern't going anywhere under this man's stewardship. Don't mistake me. I am truly sorry that he didn't do the honourable thing and fall on his own sword rather than go in this undignified manner.
Devo'd me, its on the official site... Money talks though eh? Thanks Gareth, all the best. PLEASE not just Colin Cooper SG.
Oh my god.
7.58pm in Indiana USA and read on sky sports that Gareth has been sacked.
Nice sentiment from Gibbo, I agree completely and I said it a while ago, Gareth is a great bloke, and a great captain, and a great servant for middlesbrough football club. Just not a great manager yet !
Hope we get someone like Strachan, someone with a bit of mongrel in them, don't think we want Curbishley or Coppel.
Hopefully Gareth takes a well earned rest, take the pressure off himself and his family, get a low pressure job on the telly and then who knows in years to come after his batteries are recharged, he might be able to come back bigger and better.
All the best Gareth, all our best wishes, and I am sure it won't stop you supporting the Boro.
Brave decision Gibbo.
Up the Boro, the Boro's going up, the Boro's going up to stay, ay.
Not crying in my beer but enjoying the champagne, 2 - 0 Boro and GS is history. Nice bloke but useless manager.
SACKED! As you lot sleep. So he won and was sacked, I hope someone decent comes in, I bet it's lined up. Just hope it isn't Curbishley. I'd like Hitzfield or someone, finally.
Just saw Gareth was sacked after tge game tonight - BBC.co.uk
Steve
Well, it's 2.35am over here and I've got to go to bed not knowing if it's a hoax or not.
Will this be the last post (!) here or first on the next one.
Sir Steve mind made up......
win lose or draw he was gone - WOW never saw that one coming.
Thanks Gareth I have to echo everything Gibbo said - it was just too early for you .
Good Luck - now for the real manager this club needs - any suggestions!
Holy @#&@. The website just announced that Southgate is out. One of the advantages of being in Australia.
What happens now!
I don't believe that even the most avid (rabid?) of Gareth Southgate's detractors would have wanted Boro to lose so that he would be replaced.
Conversely, I can't believe that those same people will see his departure as something to celebrate. They'll feel relief, I think, but little joy.
Southgate GONE. Oh no...who do we blame now?
So Boro boss Gareth Southgate has been sacked - with the club fourth in the table and bidding for promotion! His dismissal came in the early hours of Wednesday, shortly after we had secured a 2-0 home win over Derby.
Was it the lowest attendance at Riverside? Certainly the supporters caused this, anyway. Will the persons be back at Riverside who said they waited this?
I feel extremely sorry. I will miss GS as a person and manager. He still is a legend. Our most successful captain - EVER. As Gibbo said during a very difficult financial period.
Thanks GS - you did you best. You'll always be remembered in our hearts! All the best in the future, Gareth.
Up the Boro!
Trust the boro to do it differently, leave the manager in place after 3 home defeats on the trot,sack him after a home win and a clean sheet.
Boro West Oz.
Craig B said:
"Not many people posting now we have won eh? All the Bedwetters who wanted us to lose so they could get rid of Southgate will be crying into your beer. Bitter no doubt."
No mate it tastes quite good to be honest! We won and they got rid of him!
Now then!!
Just logged on after a long night out!
MFC.CO.UK - Gareth Relieved Of Duties!! wakey wakey Gazette!! Didn't expect that after tonights result! Obviously they must have appointed somebody? I'm happy but also very shocked..... strange feeling!
Why wasn't this decision made during the close season!!?? Keep Johnson - hopefully have a good manager and lets take this league by storm and suffer no winter wobbles.
Come on Boro!!!
Woohoo, Clappy the Seal is history! Just switched on Sky Sports to see the headline ive been dreaming of for 12 months. Totally shocked given last nights result, but finally fan power has come through, and Gibbo has taken the cotton wool from his desperately stubborn ears.
Gareth Southgate, great, great player, but a truly dreadful manager.
Heres hoping for an EXPERINCED manager, no more rookies, lesson learners or pet projects from Gibbo. My hope? Alan Curbishley.
Very prophetic AV - I looked at tonight's attendance and read sporting life's review of the match quoted below
"Gibson would nevertheless have been dismayed to see the banks of empty seats this evening with just 17,459 watching, the lowest ever at the stadium for a league game."
That 50 seats or so below half way was obviously the business decision of Steve Gibson and not the football. He obviously had set that as his bench mark.
I'm sorry for GS but football is a business and these are hard times.
OMG Please not Gordon Strachan!!!!!!!
I'm sure that for the vast majority of those who have been calling for Gareth Southgate to be replaced, the decision to finally remove him will be greeted with relief, profound sadness and trepidation
Relief, because from the first day he was appointed many of us felt instinctively and logically that it was the wrong decision. There is no comfort in being proved right. Since GS took over his performance is littered with records of the wrong kind - he was out of his depth, doing a job he was ill equipped to do at a time when the club was down-sizing whilst at the same time consciously feeding the fans false expectations...
Profound sadness, because virtually everybody remembers his achievements as a player and captain. He led us to our first trophy, his commitment to the cause was never doubted, and he was inspirational at times. When he made the move to become Manager his integrity and intelligence simply weren't enough - he lacked tactical awareness, he couldn't judge a player, he consistently failed to remove the fear that paralysed the team on almost every big occassion. Statistically, he will probably rank as Boro's worst ever Manager, and that's a tragedy for a guy as genuinely nice and as committed as he is, and who achieved so much for us as a player.
Trepidation because Steve Gibson has lost his aura: the fans have been consistently deceived, the decision to appoint GS was proved catastrophic, and until today he failed to see and act upon what was eveident to tens of thousands of us who have the clubs interests at heart. Does he have the judgement to make the right appointment now??
The ultimate responsibility for the position we now find ourselves in is, as Richard has pointed out repeatedly, Steve Gibsons - this doesn't change the fact that GS lacked the ability and experience to manage the club...
I will always be gratefull to GS for his time as a player and a captain. I will not forget that through his time as a Manager he gave it his best shot and put his heart and soul in to the job. I don't believe that he's cut out to be a Manager but whatever he does I sincerely wish him the very best of luck and every success
It didnt matter in the end. 17459 told its own story.
My last post told the story as it has unfolded as everybody took the blame in turn. Even Gates after match comments talked of the fine margins between success and failure.
I wish gate all the best and will remember the highs. After our relegation I said that Gate shouldnt take all the blame for us going down and that still stands.
I hope he has some quality time with his family. Sad to see him leave for him personally but not surprised, it was his time to go.
Just heard on the BBC that GS went late last night.No other news. Anyone (who's up) know any more?
Very odd, I went to bed thinking Southgate had secured his job following the victory only to hear he'd been sacked when I got up.
I guess Gibson had already made his mind up that it was not going to the sensible option to persist with Southgate if crowds were falling and we continued to struggle to perform at home.
Having said that I was shocked that it happened but overall it's for the best as we can't afford not to win promotion this season and Southgate still doesn't seem to know how to get the best out of his players.
I look forward in anticipation to hearing your take on it all AV.
Now, AV this must be the busiest days at your office for a long time. Will you park a van on the road to Rockcliff Park or something? Who is your favorite for the job? Certainly a motivator and someone who value our youth policy?
As I said earlier I feel sorry for GS. I have been sacked once even though I was SUCCESSFUL in my job - so I know it hurts. A lot. My best wishes to Gareth. An all time great (player) and a person!
The timing is interesting. The job should be easy to sell - Gibbo's reputation, our youth system and bad times elsewhere - and we are just one point from the top!
AV, please forward my greetings to the Boro legend, our greatest ever captain!!! Up the Boro!
Nigel
Well said. These last three years have split the support of this club at the very time when it could and should, have been going forward. SG's restructuring could have taken place in very different circumstances and with the continued benefit of Premiership cash.
The financial problems being experienced by many in the lower reaches of the Premiership are, with hindsight, vindicating SG's financial restructuring - we still have a club run by one of us and developing our own, something to be proud of. The challenge for the new manager will be galvanising the resources and realising the Gibson dream that I hope we all still subscribe to. But, SG's failure to act sooner over Southgate has diminished the faith that many had in his stewardship.
This will be the most important appointment of SG's tenure.
Yep, you lot were fast asleep while me, Brisbane Phil and Nigel in Mumbai and your other blogging ex-pats caught up with the breaking news. I even txt'd my dad at 2am in Normanby and woke him up, figured he'd want to know! Hmm I was a bit wrong with that.
Good job we didn't have your mobile AV, a demonstrated hungry journo like yourself would have been up and riding on your bike down to the ground or training centre to sniff out the story - wouldn't you ?
I've not been a fan of GS as a manager, he was given a chance, we hoped he'd make it but he fumbled the ball and we've suffered badly the last few seasons in a steady decline. Unfortunately hard work and sound bites as in many jobs doesn't make up for ability, man management and intuition as a manager.
I think we're all agreed he was a great player for the club and we appreciated him in that area and I doubt there's a single Boro fan anywhere who'd disagree with the comments of SG about his playing ability and his personal qualities, we liked him but in the end only results and style of play matter in that order.
I'd really like Mogga in charge now, pity he went to Celtic in the summer.