Flood Fluke: Fair To Middling.
BORO needed the luck of the Irish to claw back a precious point as Willo the wisp's jammy cross from the right somehow curled and dipped and sneaked in at the far post with the keeper furiously back-pedalling. We'll take it. After all, it wasn't a game for the purists.
That is the last two Boro goals that have come from fluke crosses after Justin Hoyte put in a similar speculative ball at Barnsley, although he brazenly tried to claim he'd been doing it all week in training while the delighted Dubliner admitted it was spawny as anything and a slice as outrageous as anything he's every done on a golf course
As usual Boro had already squandered a string of golden chances by that stage - Lita missed what could have been a hat-trick in the first 20 minutes - and then leaked a sloppy goal after a slow start to the second half and another defensive lapse.
The consensus - from both managers and all the players I heard being interviewed in the tunnel, except possibly the one laughing and joking in inpeneterable Cymru (the Welsh language radio lads must have a very small pool of players to pick from for their post-match natter) - was that the draw "was a fair result."
Maybe. Given that Swansea are one of the form teams and are above us, and given that Boro had lost six out of seven, and given that the plague of injury problems has reached Biblical proportions (Jonathan Franks was an over night casualty with suspected appendicitis) and forced GS2 to launch an early morning raid on the youth team coach bound for Newcastle to press-gang continental fitness fad Bruno Pilatos and well known public green space Cameron Park, and given that the bench included three teenagers and four players who had never started a senior match.... given all that, it was probably a "good point" and we should be grateful we did not lose.
But it didn't feel like that. Boro beavered away, looked to get the ball down and play and created as many chances as they had done in a month yet still the atmsophere was funereal, with a very low and mournful crowd - now an unknown quantity that is divorced from whatever figure is officially declared - attending out of a sense of gloomy obligation hoping to show some respect for a departed old friend rather than engage in what is supposed to be an entertaining spectacle. Many were depressed before kick-off and more worthy but fruitless labouring without goals wasn't going to lighten the mood.
Eleven fit senior professionals. Not all of them match fit. That said, they put in a shift. The team worked hard and in the first 20 minutes of so looked lively and their pace and movement going forward had Swansea reeling. Had Lita hit the target with his early shot, or not rattled the legs of the advancing keeper when through one on one, or put his header on target, or indeed had Adam Johnson's dipping shot that hit the bar been a fraction lower, Boro would have got a firm foothold in the game.
But we know that as time ebbs away the chances and invention gradually dry up and the opposition are allowed back in. As the first half wore on Swansea enjoyed some good spells of possession and some good chances - not least their not entirely co-ordinatated regimental rush forward en masse from the edge of the box at dead balls - and almost inevitably came out more motivated at the break than Boro and got an early goal. Why does that happen so often? Not just under Strachan but Southgate too. What is said in there that sucks the soul out of the team leaving them sluggish on the restart?
Still, it stopped the losing streak and may just give them a fillip going into Tuesday's trip to Doncaster, another team we ripped apart early on but now look a tougher prospect. The draw nudged Boro ahead of mighty Doncaster on goal difference. How sad does that taunting sentence now sound?
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The good news - the beer in the Fetid Frog was spot on. Bad news - we had to leave to go to the game.
Still we got a point, my match prediction turned out to be correct, and at least we have moved on from 32 points at last. A draw: I never believed we'd have to celebrate a draw!
And the traffic is much better now we have the "back road" out to the Newport Roundabout (speeding past Gazette Towers as we go). And the beer at the Frog was just as good when we got back after the game. We did, though, have to listen to a couple of callers on Radio Brownlee on the way back. It sounded like they were about to slash their wrists.
Let's get a sense of proportion here. We're not a good football team. Nobody died. Bet they'd settle for just "not having a good football team" at the moment in Haiti.
I think it should be inpeneterable Cymraeg (Welsh language) - Cymru (Wales) as in Radio Cymru (Radio Wales).
We might end up with Cardiff or Swansea in the play-offs and you'll be able to brush up on your Welsh language skills then AV.
**AV writes: Dim. Hedlu.
Was a slightly improved performance considering who they had to pick from.
Glad to see Joe Bennett come on and even though he only had ten minutes or so the play down the left was much more productive than when Hoyte is there,lets hope he starts at Doncaster.
As for Lita, he shouldnt be missing chances like that and if he spent more time busting a gut to score instead of rolling around the floor looking for free kicks we might have a chance to win a game.
My son spotted him clubbing in Newcastle with Emnes on Tuesday night, you wouldnt think he'd be stupid enough to go up there again so soon after being fined for being drunk and disorderly. Doesnt go down well with the fans when your team is not doing well
It is what it is now, win ugly but win. Mighty Doncaster or not we have to nail them.
Hopefully the walking wounded will consider pain killers. After all it's for a good cause.
I do wonder if there is some sort of curse on the Riverside. Lita is a guy with a proven record of knowing where the back of the net is.
Anyway chin up and roll on Tuesday, just the point brightens the weekend.
So talk is that Adam Johnson is to be signed by Chelsea for £5m but will stay at Boro until the end of the season. Clearly the money would help in getting players in.
I seem to recall posting the idea some time ago and a certain 'award winning journalist' categorically saying there is no way for it to happen.
It appears that the fears of a transfer ban are encouraging the transfer. You also wonder if Joe Cole's contract demands are somehow involved as is the fact Johnson is another Englishman with potential home grown talent rules from UEFA. You can also throw in the compensation via the tribunal paid for recruiting Sturridge.
But lets see the roubles before we get carried away.
**AV writes: What do 'award winning journalists' know? I've seen the stort resurface time and time again - and even a fairly senior club official has explained the logic of it - but I still can't see why Chelsea would do that when he is available on a free in the summer.
There will be no embargo (or it would have to be applied to all big clubs who poach players as a matter of course) and if there was it couldn't apply to a free agent without being in breach of European law.
We will still get promoted this season and reclaim our rightful place in the premier League.Dave
You sound a little more depressed, AV, or tired and jaded, than the majority of people in my area of the Lower West Stand were yesterday.
We're a bit flat in our bit of the ground, but that old Teesside humour is not yet dead, and considering the steady lowering of expectations we are enduring week by week, the love for the club is pretty steady and amazingly strong.
I left yesterday's match thinking about one major area of our team's weakness. We simply do not work hard enough on our falling down technique. Most of our lads fall over only when there is some physical reason for it, as a rule, although Lita is developing a bit of theatrical panache [he should work on shooting straight instead], and Jonno (possibly sensing a new life at Chelsea) can go down in very questionable ways. WGS needs to get into their heads the simple formula: "lose the ball, quickly fall. Poor control, crock and roll."
Swansea conned the referee time and again, and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that conning referees is one of the modern footballer's arts now.
Shame, isn't it?
**AV writes: You think I sound depressed. The rest of the Teesside press posse were blasting me for being a wild-eyed ra-ra at half time for saying it was going to fizzle out into a goalless draw and we'd get a point. Everyone now expects to lose. Who'd have thought we'd be celebrating a home draw with Swansea?
The other plus point is that we actually managed to get back into the game after going behind, albeit with a lucky goal. However, Flood's strike should've provided the momentum to surge forward and grab the winner but the attacks soon receded and it was our defence that was tested towards the end.
AV any news on new players from the mother ship yet OR is it all HOT WATER AGAIN
"a slice as outrageous as anything he's every done on a gold course"
;-) I know what you meant, mate!
Glimmer of hope on horizon today.....Not the match but the interview with Pears. It seems to me anyway that the Corporal has finally been told enough's enough son, on yer bike! In the local media called the 3rd choice by the goal keeping coach says it all. Saying he will bounce back it if not at the Boro somewhere else tells the story.
Good move and something vast amounts of fans have been saying for years. He will probably be on good wages as well as he was GS1'S favorite and recently signed that new contract, so maybe GS2 has decided and correctly that we are not getting value for money. If only this was decided in the summer then just maybe..Turnbull would have stayed.... but hey typical Boro!
A gritty performance against a team in 4th, who've only lost 5 times all season. We showed great character and guts to come back from a goal down, and we had chances to win it. Flood hopefully has the knack of getting crucial goals, and while Killen didn't threaten too much, he at least seemed more mobile than Bent.
Factor in our threadbare line-up and bench and it was a very promising display. The corner has turned and things are looking up.
OR
Another desperately poor performance under GS2. We didn't create many clear cut chances and the ones we did were squandered by yet another wasteful striker, Lita. We only scored from a fluke, and the new boys barely had a meaningful touch.
We were lucky to get a point, had Swansea had a bit more ambition, we could easily have lost. No sign of turning the corner any time soon, and we will be looking over our shoulders nervously rather than at the playoffs.
Either way, Gary O'Neil was outstanding.
As an aside, I thought Swansea's shambolic-looking dead ball tactics might have been a deliberate ploy once it happened a second time - it certainly created confusion in our defence.
No commentary/interactive collective consciousness thingy again. And we are a goal down. Only the bloggers on here know my pain! Stuck with dry, unfeeling BBC thingy. Dave Connor - put the last few blogs behind yourself mate. Time to move on. We need each other at this moment.
There were a few new faces on the team sheet but to be honest the entire 11 looked as though they had just met in the pub last night! That was a display bereft of planning, tactics, creativity, conviction, belief and confidence.
From the whistle they looked like they were going to get battered, a bit like 1st year versus 5th year in a snowball fight. Admittedly team selection was limited to an extent but in part because we have offloaded players without replacing when were supposedly short of numbers and Men in the squad before the window opened in the first place.
We switched off at set pieces again, we get throw ins and look as though we have no idea what to do so we just throw it as hard as possible, waist height to ensure the receiving red shirt has no chance of controlling it. Nobody makes runs, nodody opens up spaces, nobody drags defenders wide in fact nobody did anything off the ball and definitely nobody wanted the ball thrown to them!
The banners draped on the empty seats and walls reflected memories of a dead spirit, memories of individual brilliance that offered hope, memories of Pearson, Juninho, Boateng, Higgy, Merson and many others who either battled or turned the tide or had their magical "Massimo moments" enshrined in Boro history forever.
Sadly those hopes, dreams and aspirations have been shattered and left torn, ragged and bleeding like the banners, Spirit that has now unequivocally long since flown the Riverside. Anti Stricken murmurings and rumblings were gathering pace before Willo’s fortuitous but momentarily uplifting effort which pegged the Swans back.
In fairness Flood did show heart and fire in his belly and Killen looked at least as though he was trying but partnering Lita would be a struggle for anyone. How someone who got himself a three match ban in the manner in which he did and then show more fight with his off field antics than his on field displays is even allowed in the changing rooms is beyond me.
Williams showed more composure and hunger in the last few minutes than Lita managed during his stroll in the park. Someone in front of me made references to Paris Hilton whilst another behind me to Afonso Alves, in reference to his performance (insert your own jokes).
Gon looked stretched trying to get control of a midfield hampered by the Land Crab displaying his usual traits of dwelling on the ball, giving away possession and free kicks in almost equal amounts (Walker should have been given his opportunity).
Hoyte’s athletic prowess was non-existent as he continued to struggle on the left further illustrated when Bennett came on to fight for the cause (only to be told to calm down and remain composed by Stricken!).
Riggs was in pain only to be told by Stricken to get back out there and consequently we nearly conceded immediately afterwards. My view of our Managerial genius is that he is a product of the 80’s with a Management style reminiscent of the early 90’s whilst his opposite number displayed free thinking, flair, excitement and controlled football.
Mind you in fairness Swansea (like Nottingham Forest) have a squad full of talented, experienced and world class household names who would walk into any team in the country (removes tongue from cheek).
We started the season with a lower Premiership quality squad and Manager who looked like they just might somehow cough and splutter their way back. We now have a lower Championship squad with a has been Manager hollowly trading on rhetoric and now commencing the obligatory nonsense and bull after match interviews which are as accurate as the “official” attendance (more like 13,000).
Anti Stricken fever is gaining momentum and unless the next week delivers some stunning head turning aquisitions Gibbo's fear of autumnal Scapegoat protests will pale into insignificance come the end of February if this drab, dreary, lacklustre, confused display continues much longer (assuming of course anyone bothers to turn up by then).
Mr Stricken looks like he has the O.B.E (out before Easter) as his only chance of winning a medal this year. Even blind faith can see through this shambles!
Despite the result today I´m still enjoying this week - though that's mainly because I'm on holiday in southern Spain. Apparently we were lucky but I'm not sure if everyone feels that way - hopefully reinforcements arrive soon and we can win the next five!
Well I'll be back in a week with some more DIY tips - like how to attach a coffee table to the back of the sofa for watching Boro highlights
I went to the match today more in hope than expectation. I have not seen them win since the night of Southgate's sacking and last week's match against the Blades was too painful to be reminded of how bleak events have become.
However, walking back to the car for the drive back to S Yorkshire I drew some comfort from a performance that was more competitive and cohesive. Make no mistake Swansea were technically very good on the ball and simply had more skilful players than us and weaved lovely patterns across the pitch with their accurate passing and movement.
Yet we stuck to our task and created clear chances wasted by the hothead Lita. Killen seems a reasonable target man, he works hard and is involved in the game and similarly Flood who is good on the ball. Remember we did have Arca in midfield which is always a burden to carry.Our work rate was good and for once we had a break with the goal which was a fluke but deserved.
The defence is better balanced with Bennett at left back. If and it is a big if, we can acquire a clinical finisher, more creativity in midfield then we can improve and make progress up the table.
Sadly its likely to be too little and late for this season. I did feel a little more encouraged for the first time in weeks. I shall be at Doncaster (who play a similar style to Swansea) on Tuesday to see if this modest improvement can continue.
Johnson isn't available on a free in the summer though is he? We would get compensation, and Man City just received £3.5m rising to £6.5m for Daniel Sturridge, I would expect similar for Johnson.
He can't even sign a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea as we are both English clubs, so if they wanted to make sure they got him, signing him now and loaning him back would make perfect sense.
**AV writes: The point about him being "free" is not his price but his contract status. He is out of contract so could choose to go to any club he likes. And the embargo - if it happens - would not apply to free agents. So why would Chelsea need to go through any convoluted process? All he has to do is slip them the wink. The loan-back idea only makes sense if they need to head off interest from other clubs that Jonno is interested in and who want him now.
Incidentally Man City were watching him yesterday.
"It was difficult for us at times because they had the extra man in midfield but between the two boxes there were some terrific performances." GS.
Now I'm no UEFA pro licence holder....but. Why not match up the opposition until such time as we have the playing personnel to dictate the pattern of play? If it is obvious to the manager the difficulties we faced, why not counter them?
**AV writes: He has played a five on a few occasions lately but wasn't the point that he only had 11 fit senior pros and two of them were strikers?
I forgot to add...
"Middlesbrough are a good team and they have quality and that is why I believe draw was a fair result." Paolo Sousa, Swansea manager.
Did someone lend Paolo a pair of Boro, rose tinted glasses!
AV
I take your points but if someone in this crazy football world wants to pay needless spondoolies why shouldnt we get them rather than agents? We know only too well that strange business is conducted during the January window.
We do not know how true the story is but it has been on Sky and was even mentioned on The Sunday Supplement. I know it is only journo's on Sky but you do not air such a story without some substance. Come to think of it your comments about senior club officials hints at its veracity and it might be true!
**AV writes: He was only 'fairly' senior and I don't think he was telling me it would happen, only how it could happen. It struck me as wishful thinking.
And I wouldn't take the word of Sky sports sofa dwellers. How often did they tell us Downing was a cert for Liverpool, even though everyone on Teesside knows that Gibbo wouldn't deal with Anfield? How often was Downing going to Spurs even though Gibbo had told Levy no chance? Sometimes they pick up on a germ of a story at that end and won't let it go no matter what the evidence at this end.
I think it worthy to mourn the passing of ex Boro Physio Lew Clayton on here. He was a product from the old school. During his playing career he used to work down the Mines (this was in the middle of the Second World War and bombing raids!) during the week and play for Barnsley on a weekend.
He puts most of our Prima Donna Crockliffed walking wounded (and our current team of Physio's) to shame. Can you imagine all those with Hammy's and Bruised Ribs currently cosseted in 5 star Rockliffe luxury (leaving us with only 11 fit first teamers!) having to do a shift down the Mines?
I am traveling on business in Scotland next week. So can I see the Doncaster match on TV anyway?
Of course I will check if I can get to the Doncaster match while in UK but I need be back to Dumfries by 8:30 next day. Could I buy tickets for the away stand there?
Anyway, nice to see some positive comments here. So no way we could reach a hundred! Up the Boro!
**AV writes:No chance it will be on telly. I would have thought you could buy tickets on the night but best phone the ground first. If you do drive it you will probably not get back to Dumfries before 1.30am.
AV
I know it was only Sky but it was not sofa dwellers, they were experienced journalists (probably some had awards) and we all know they always tell the truth. Cough!
By the way, didnt you pooh pooh my idea of warding off interest as a reason at the time? maybe Maybe my memory is playing tricks?
Could be I dont fully believe the story but I am having a bit of fun.
What a fantastic last 6 days of football I've watched on tv. Renewed my faith a bit.
However, Boro seem a long way off being capable of showing spirit or fight. This is before there's even a mention of qualiity!
It did bring back lots of happy memories though. Did Villa's semi final performance against Blackburn remind anyone of our Uefa semi against Steaua?
"**AV writes: The point about him being "free" is not his price but his contract status. He is out of contract so could choose to go to any club he likes. And the embargo - if it happens - would not apply to free agents. So why would Chelsea need to go through any convoluted process? All he has to do is slip them the wink. The loan-back idea only makes sense if they need to head off interest from other clubs that Jonno is interested in and who want him now."
Yeah, I agree with that, the only reason for Chelsea signing him now is to beat off other interest. Which isn't so unrealistic, especially if they thought that someone else might come in this month with the same idea.
AV, I have been back from my vacation to Key West for almost three weeks now, and have been unable to join in the live blog on match days.
Please help. It is my only contact with fellow Boro followers. At least they make me happy with their witty comments during games, when I am otherwise depressed by what is going on, on the pitch!!!
Come on BORO!
**AV writes: Yes it is getting very frustrating, not least because we were building up quite a lively little audience. We are trying to get to the bottom of it.
Hi there JP. The last few blogs are behind. I say my piece and then get on with it.
I spoke to my son who went to the game and he said it was poor yet again. Lita is getting enough chances when he plays but he is not doing it. This was the same story with Alves chance after chance but no end product. Based on the form under Mr Strachan I am beginning to wonder where the next win will come from.
Mr Strachan comment " they had an extra man in mid-field" I thought both teams had eleven men, also where was your tactics to nullify the extra man? Another two points lost at home
Great article Redcar Red.
Strachan is not the manager people thought he might be. Time to move on this season is over. Our home record under him is worse than Southgate. A pub team could play better than this shower of so called professionals.
Just to put you right on one small point you've made twice now - "The embargo would not apply to free agents".
The embargo would be on the club registering players (even on loan), regardless of whether they are in or out of contract with someone else. It isn't classed as restraint of trade as the restriction is on the club and not the employee (player).
I live in Portsmouth, and it is just such an embargo that amuses and delights me on a daily basis. Now that the Boro have so spectacularly lost the ability to either amuse or delight, I have to take my pleasures where I can...
Slightly better stuff by all accounts so maybe we can push on from now.
Looks like Jones could be on his way this is all well and good all these players going out but still nothing coming in.Final week of the window still no closer to some new blood any body got any news.
Agree with BoroPhil Chelsea would rather fix a £5 mil deal now than allow others to come in any time with a pre deal any time between now and the summer.
Similer to Oneil buying Downing whilst injured.
Watched Stoke Arsenal yesturday and comentators paising Pulis on his shrewed bit of buisness with Huth and the Turk.
Well Flood's goal may well have been a fluke but Boro's continued shambles in defence isn't. When Swansea scored Wheater was no where to be seen, Riggott had been skinned and only McMahon made any effort.Total disarray yet again.
Boro's coaches should hang their heads in shame. They had years to bring some semblance of order and discipline to the back four and have failed dismally.
It's well recognised that most succesful teams are built on a solid defence but look at these stats:
Swansea Goals For 23, Against 20, Position 4th.
Boro Goals For 35, Against 31, Position 12th.
And they say it's strikers we're crying out for. I might argue it's coaches we need.
Hmmm, the voices of dissent against GS2 are already starting to gather pace. I always think that a Manager should be given time, but his record is atrocious. The only question is - does that say more about him, or more about our so called "professionals" that they wouldn't raise their game for a new boss?
My only worry is the quality of replacements. We simply don't look like a team with any flair in it - or indeed any clue. It's hard to buy in to GS2's revolution, if there isn't a coherent strategy or style of play. You know how low you're sank when Sheff Utd away is a case of trying to "limit the opposition".
Most of the other teams in this league blend experienced heads with some exciting youngsters. Jonno aside, there isn't really anyone in our team who would get you excited. And the most worrying thing is the number of local academy lads who've been shunted out. Are we really saying that Walker couldn't at least match Arca? That Bennett isn't the match for Hoyte at left back?
IF we go on a good run in the second half of the season, then there is still an outside chance of sneaking into the playoffs. BUT, I can't see how we're going to achieve that with the current squad. The sooner they get the likes of Routledge, Leon Best and/or another striker on board - the better - because otherwise we'll just be treading water.
I want to believe that GS2 will turn out to be the right man for the job, but if we're not top 8 by the end of the season then I think we might have to bite the bullet and accept that he isn't.
Which fool highlighted Gorka Pintado, he was bound to score, and nice move/finish it was too.
But I think we easily deserved a point and could easily have had more. I think we have turned the corner and we are now starting to see Strachan’s Boro, and I like it.
I felt we looked solid, organised and looked a threat, especially in the first half. Lita missed a couple of chances but name me a striker who doesn’t miss, I would rather praise him for getting in the positions.
Considering we only had 11 ‘senior’ players available against a form team I thought we matched them throughout. A quick word on Swansea as I think they deserve praise for their style of football and the number 8 Pratley(?) was excellent.
Taking last weeks defeat at Playoff wannabe’s Sheff U, when there was very little between the teams. And this week when I thought we looked just as good as the Swans, I think we are moving in the right direction.
I thought the atmosphere was OK on Saturday. If you are going to sit there and say ‘oh it’s quiet today’ then it’s not going to change. Getting up of your feet and getting behind the lads is all part of the fun of going to a game. And when you see a committed performance like on Saturday admittedly it does make it a lot easier. But 16,000 can still make a racket.
Onwards and upwards.
Dave from Scarborough said: "We will still get promoted this season and reclaim our rightful place in the premier League."
I just wish I could be as upbeat and confident in my expectations for the rest of the season. However, with the current state of the club, if a miracle did happen and we got promotion I doubt we would ever survive in the PL.
Despite my pessimism I'm off to Doncaster tomorrow - lets hope we have enough players to put out a team!!!
To smogonthetyne.
There have been many comments on the Gazette stories on this website and You and Strachan appear to be the only ones who think the display was any good on Saturday. Maybe the other people were at another game.
One guy wrote that the team looked like a "pub team" who had just met. I will clean my rose coloured glasses "oh sorry I stopped wearing them many years ago.
I really do hope we get better.
David Connor,
I too hope we get better. I think there is much more to come from the manager and players. But on Saturday I thought we were ok. Not brilliant, not world beaters but ok. I thought we were the better of the two teams. We created the better chances, had more of the ball and looked the more likely winners towards the end.
From some of the shambolic home performances we have recently witnessed I thought this was a step up and we could see the type of team and performance Strachan is looking for.
Just out of interest how did you rate Swansea?
Chris D
Take your boots, Riggs is back in the treatment room.
We will need to be solid at Donnie and try and nick a goal so why not go 451 with the following line up:
Jones
Riggott, Hines, Pogi, Taylor
McMahon, Williams, Bates, Osbourne, Robson,
Aliadiere.
My mistake as this is our sick room line up. I know Jones isnt injured but he will do as he is in urgent need of some form of treatment!
Scary isnt it?
Ian :
Both me and Son have boots packed, so thats at least two fit players!!
Not a lot to add about Saturday's performance than has been already said on here.
Danny Wellbeck on loan to Preston. All I can summise from that is the lad wanted to stay in the North West. I find it hard to believe that we missed out on that one. Was Wellbeck not on Strachan's scribbled wish list on day 1?
With more injuries to deal with, the club really is running on bare rubber. I am going to Donny tomorrow night, but I don't have too much optimism for a positive result.
It is desperate when a club is relying on a 16 year old to bale them out, week in week out. Ho hum, roll on the Winter sun holiday at the end of next month. A battery re-charge is required!
We may only have had 11 fit "senior" players, but other than Robson for Arca, who would he have played instead?
To be honest I would prefer to see some of the kids playing ahead of the likes of Arca, Hoyte, Lita etc. who are clearly not in the slighest bit bothered about anything other than their big fat wallets.
And why do we want to keep Johnson until the end of the season? Let's have the £5m, to spend on a decent defender or two, and he can go off and spend the rest of the season sat on the bench for Chelsea's reserves with Turnbull.
I can't see what he brings to the team at the moment (other than the chance to laugh at his ridiculous Bananaman boots); he consistently ignores other players in better positions; he insists on trying to beat the defender 3 or 4 times instead of getting a cross in; and I can count the number of times he closes down the opposition on no fingers!
The reaction to their goal by the "crowd" on Saturday was one of the strangest I have ever heard (or not heard) - complete silence brought about by acceptance of the inevitable and apathy - no "Come on Boro"s to be heard, nobody even booed!
**AV writes: Yes, I mentioned that in my colour piece in today's Gazette. I likened the atmosphere to a funeral, most people there out of a sense of obligation and unsure whether the correct demeanour was mourning or celebration.
It looks as if we are going to have endure the sight and sound of Southgate, the worst manager we have had and a failure in ever sense of the word, commentating and pontificating on matches for the rest of the season and probably through to the World Cup.
At least McClaren had the decency to leave the country and try again abroad but this guy is thicker skinned than we thought. It seems the more you fail in football then don't worry, there is always the soft comfort of punditry to look forward to.Talk about jobs for the boys and worse he is on both channels!!
**AV writes: I thought his assessment of Sean St Ledger was very funny. "An intelligent defender very comfortable on the ball... but he didn't have the best of times at Boro." How we laughed.
Welbeck to Preston (and Fergie Junior) isn't much of a surprise and he may not have been available to anyone else.
But what about Khizanishvili from Blackburn to Reading? A versatile, Prem and Championship experienced defender/defensive midfielder who's shown he doesn't mind a loaner to the NE this season available - and where are Boro?
What's the problem? Not a Scot or playing in Glasgow currently? And Reading can afford his wages. Ho hum.
As for tomorrow evening, what a disgrace that on form and momentum - particularly for a game at The Keepmoat - you'd have to make Donny clear favourites.
I mean absolutely no disrespect to Donny - far from it - but every lack of respect to MFC & Boro for (almost unbelievably - if we hadn't been there to witness and suffer it) dumping us in this mess.
'This mess' - along with the disappearing money that was supposed to make Boro's Championship budget second only to The Skunks - may well be another reason why it's difficult to attract players.
The fifth minute of injury time gets labelled 'Fergie Time' at ManUre. What's the betting on more 'Numpty Time' around this time next week at Boro?
I note Ian's 'Crockliffe Eleven' above. He'd probably find it easier to name a full bench for that side than Strachan will tomorrow.
And there's another disgraceful compare/contrast with Donny. Not only are they unbeaten at home in the last six games - winning five of those and only conceding one goal - but they've had a settled side for most of that run, including being unchanged for the last three games. These factors may not be unconnected, of course.
How, with their limited resources, is that achieved when - year in, year out - Crockliffe with all its much vaunted investment just produces lengthening queues for the treatment tables and more uber-crocks?
Perhaps whoever runs Crockliffe can travel to The Keepmoat tomorrow and, after the game, ask their guys for some advice.
AV - can you tell the club that JOE LEDLEY is out of CONTRACT in june has not had a suitable offer from cardiff NO FEE JUST GOOD WAGES. NEEDED.better than anything we have in midfield IE ARCA/ OSBOURNE
**AV writes: Isn't it already sorted that he is going to Everton?
Hi AV,
Any gossip on signings this week? The papers keep linking Routledge but say it will go to a deadline deal. Leon Best of Cov..any news?
I like the link of Hayden Mullins from Portsmouth, think he would do a great job for us but wages may be a big issue.
We need bodies in the squad and lots of players really want to come play for us! But where are they? Time is a ticking!
**AV writes: Apparently there is sliding scale of how close a deal is ... 70% if the player is in the club hotel, 80% if his family is with him, 90% if the agent is in the room next door. I think there have been a few 70+ per centers that are still bubbling under if GS2 doesn't get his A-list. We have been told that Keith is working very hard right now.
Donny Welbeck to Preston. Helps when Dad is the other manager. Boyd to the Boro. No chance.
Strachan comments that Lamb has been in negotiations with players for 3 weeks. Is that his get out of jail card. Lamb fails to deliver. Going to be interesting these next 6 days. Strachen did the best he could, as promised brought players in the first week, too bad Caldwell took the better bait.
I think the supporters who go to the games are in that transitsion mode between we'll be automatically promoted to we may be playing these teams next year.
We are back down where we didn't want to go. But it's not the end of the world and what you witness on TV these days where would you rather be.
I have no time for pessimists. So it's 3 points then tomorrow!
Its Fair to say,we all have the right to vent our discontent with what has happened over the last 3/4 seasons ,and thats ok but I hope we dont lose forever the loyalty Steve Gibson deserves.
Remember the elites in the south who just couldnt have this upperty club from the north have the audacity to build a new stadium, sign Brazil's player of the year, they even had to dock points off them to get them out of the way, whilst Spurs had their points deduction rescinded for a much worse foul of the laws.
Come on people, those sitting at home, show some thanks and grit ,get back and give them your backing. You can still have your say but dont bail out on them altogether and lets get back in the faces of those who are loving where we are right now
Ian Gill:
I'm not sure about the point you're trying to make, but what occurs to me is that there's only (maybe) a couple of those on your sick(ening)-list that I'd consider even wanting to play for Boro!
It's a desperately sad day when you're lamenting the unavailability of such mammoths of the game as, Aliadiere, Jones, Taylor, Hines, McMahon, Osbourne!!
What a sad state of affairs!
Denis:
You don't have to "endure" any such thing. You can switch it off. It's one of your human rights!
Not everyone shares your outright condemnation of Southgate. I find the guy intelligent, articulate, knowledgeable and he's experienced in actually living the game of football at many levels in several roles.
Such gratuitous abuse of a superb club servant and a gentleman, is unworthy of this blog. I doubt if you'd get Steve Gibson sharing your opinions or views - and he was the guy who sacked him!
Football is a game of opinions, we hear (conflicting ones if we compare Smogonthetyne at 10.45am with Redcar Red's post from 1.38pm yesterday) and maybe also one in which a certain amount of dissembling takes place.
Does anyone on here really believe that Alves was "regularly tucking them away in training", or that "in Jones and Turnbull we have 2 genuine No 1's in whom we can have confidence" (the latter being in the Premier League, no less)?
It is all very well saying "X is getting in all the right positions but just isn't getting the luck to score a goal - it will come". But in reality we would be better off with a player who gets into the correct position once or twice a game and puts one in the net, rather than one who regularly finds himself with four or five chances and fails to convert any of them.
I suppose it is possible that a player might show skill, power, placement of shots or amazing shot-stopping ability (or whatever) in training but is unable to do it in front of a crowd on matchday. But it seems unlikely and I would have expected the scouting/coaching staff to have worked that one out before we shell out money to bring the players in, or substantial salaries to the players concerned. Playing in front of a crowd is something of a "given" for a professional footballer.
"X looked great on YouTube" must have been said a few times by contributors to this blog. Pity the game is played on the pitch at the Riverside or on away grounds rather than the small screen.
And have we heard phrases like "We aren't going to bring players in unless we are satisfied they are better than what we've already got"? On that basis Steve Vickers might as well dust his old boots off again.
If we have no money we must make the best out of the players we have. Let's pose a question.
Suggest that at the end of this season, with the club having improved recent performances and maybe managed to finish the season in mid-table. Wheater has had a season to forget but, say, a manager like David Moyes remembers that David Wheater is a young player who should get better and that he looked good and was on the fringes of the England team a year ago. So the probability is that there is something there to be "got out".
Let's say Moyes, who wants to strengthen his defence with a young fit and desperate to succeed home-country player who would normally be good for 30-odd games a season.
The question is: "Is there anyone on this Blog who doubts that someone like Moyes and his coaching staff would improve David Wheater, make him a Premier League regular and maybe return him to the England fold?". So why doesn't our coaching staff do its job and coach him and the other young players?
And Boro Bob at 1.38pm today: I sympathise with the comments about Arca, Hoyte etc, and the young lads. On any reasonable analysis Arca was a better player 5 years ago than he is now. Equally at this stage of his career it would be foolish to believe Arca is going to improve.
Bennett on the other hand is a young player who seems to have the right attitude (maybe the coaching staff don't like to see that in a player - after all we did sign Mido despite his carrying enough baggage and signs he was "a risk" so loud and clear that they could be spotted by any casual observer on the Moon with a small telescope). Bennett will improve, possibly with every game he plays as he picks up experience and matures.
Maybe the management had overlooked the fact that we were regularly losing games. It would be one thing if we were doing well and it might be argued it would be dangerous to risk our promotion chances by putting young players in the firing line before they were ready. But the older, more experienced players (who no doubt cost money and receive higher wages than people like Bennett and Rhys Williams etc who have come through the academy) are NOT winning games and are often not showing the fight and spirit (let alone the ability) we need.
It would be a very odd world indeed where any members of our management team received a bonus this year. I HOPE Steve Gibson isn't happy but realises that we have taken so many backward steps recently that we are in danger of falling into the Tees. When things are wrong they must be put right. Inactivity is not an option unless the club is content to continue as it has for more than a year of gradual decline.
I am not slitting wrists but offer this view hoping we can sort things out before it gets terminal.
Forever Dormo good post above at 6:51.
I have been saying for an eternity that our coaching staff and scouts are getting money for old rope (we can include our Physio's as well). They have ridden on the back of others efforts and moderate successes whilst delivering absolutely nothing. The only gems we have came through the academy thanks to Dave Parnaby.
Perhaps its time to make Dave Parnaby the Manager, at least he knows the value of the youth at the club and would at least have the united support of the Democratic Republic of Teesside!
Forever Dormo - Top write up!
AV - You say Keith is working hard? He might be working!!
Having spent the day being ribbed by Cardiff fans that we needed one of their rejects to salvage a point against Swansea, you could say I'm not in the best of moods, but to top it off I'm sick of Chelsea supporters asking me about Adam Johnson.
In a strange way I hope he does go to a top club, especially if we don't go up. Hope he performs, wins trophies, becomes a regular with England and is successful and show the idiots/people who say he isn't proven in the premier league, I personally would have him ahead of Downing any day.
Keith, work harder!!
Richard
It wasnt a haunting lament on the pipes to go with Haggis and a nip, more a comment on the squad available and the alledged first teamers missing.
Some of the 'team' have spent mpre time in the treatment room than on the pitch. Some have also been unlucky.
A colleague said today that a full treatment room reflected some players who didnt fancy it. He mentioned that when George Graham went to Spurs he looked at the carnage and said those who were not available in two weeks woould be moved on. He had nearly a full squad to pick from in those two weeks.
To be fair I am sure for example that Bates doesnt enjoy crucicate injuries and Pogi isnt happy so we cant tar them all with the same brush.
**AV writes: When Venables arrived at Boro the first he did was told the injured players they had to be in at 8.30am ready for treatment at 9am before traing started. It proved a powerful medicine.
So, we're in for McManus now (thanks to AV's tweet)? Celtic fans seem as disparaging about him as they did about Caldwell, but I don't think we are in a position to turn our noses up at anyone.
In fact, here's a quote from a Celtic fan:
"McManus is a very lucky player, he was coming through at a time when there were no candidates to be captain, was made captain too young, became undroppable despite being really not good enough to play the position for us, never mind be captain, and his development suffered"
Remind you of anyone?
Richard
That was an admirable defence of Southgate's qualities. I didn't realise you were such an apologist for him.Yes I can switch off, or turn the sound down but that cleverly sidesteps the point of why he is commentating on television in the first place, certainly not on his managerial credentials.
I agree with you Southgate has those personal qualities you richly describe, none of which seemed were put to good effect whilst steering the Nasopharyngitis club to relegation.
In stating that Southgate was a failure,this is not abuse its a fact,surely that does not need spelling out to you as I know how well informed you are on Boro matters to the extent that you are aware of Gibson current state of mind on Southgate.
Sorry, I cannot compete with such insight and perceptiveness from yourself.We could do with you on the pitch not on a blog.
Great post, Dormo, and you go to the heart of the matter.
Let us forget about asking for or hoping for Mr Gibson or Lamb or Strachan to work really hard at buying us in any new players in the next few weeks. Let us agree that the club has been financially mismanaged to such an extent that the powers that are daren't admit it frankly in public.
Let us perhaps agree that getting promoted as the main aim of the season always smelt of the backsides of bulls, and let us even forget how insulted we felt by being thought so stupid as to accept any of that. Poor us, yeah, yeah, and let's get over that.
Politics is the art of the possible, so let us look at what we can actually do as a club.
First, we have too many injuries, real or assumed. Let us sack the people who haven't kept our players fit enough, or haven't been able to assess the feigning of injuries. If we can afford it, let's appoint a few people who know about the sportsman's body.
Secondly, we have become seriously financially embarrassed by two areas of incompetence: some people have clearly been egregiously stupid in making deals like the Mido, Alves and St Ledger deals; some major errors have also been made by the scouting "system". Let us clear our both areas of incompetence.
At least, this way, we should make some savings in terms of salary, which seems to be a mission statement for this season. (I assume at the moment that the scouting "system" is completely worthless, as WGS has chosen to trust only his personal knowledge - and, although it's early days, seems to have made the best deal I can remember since Souness at £30,000, with the three lads from Celtic for just over half a million quid. Hence, I assume we can safely clear the lot of them out and wait until we find some people who can safely judge a good player.)
Thirdly, let's promote Dave Parnaby, if only to change the ethos at this club: in future, let's try and have it so that those who do us some good get paid more than those who weaken us.
Some posters were saying quite recently that the Academy wasn't much cop: to them, I say this, "Steele, McMahon, Franks, Bennett, Wheater, Williams R., Williams L, Pilatos, Johnson, Park, Grounds, at the moment, to say nothing of the lads we've sold on. In the last few matches, where would we have been without this one and only sensible area of our club development?"
It doesn't bear thinking about. Dave Parnaby is pretty clearly the most important asset of our club. He should therefore be the highest-paid.
I tell you how I feel about these three suggested policy decisions: if Steve Gibson doesn't agree that they are blindingly obvious - and act on them - I would want him to explain very clearly why not. If he doesn't explain, he would appear to me not to be very serious about our club's well-being and his reputation as the caring Chairman would be very suspect, and his increasing reputation as the tax-exile who wants to recoup some foolishly extravagant expenditure would begin to grow apace in (at least) my mind.
Denis:
I hear your pain and I share it brother. I'm amazed that they think anyone would be particularly interested in hearing Gareth's views but even his most ardent supporter (blood relatives) would understand that many Boro supporters might be irked by his appearance as an expert witness.
Richard finds Gareth "intelligent, articulate, knowledgeable ..." - interesting description pity he couldn't apply these skills in his job as a manager.
Personally I think Gareth makes a good pundit, he's polite, diplomatic, good humoured I just wish he'd move straight into the phoney world of punditry and bypassed football management.
But worst of all, when Richard or anyone uses the word "servant" to describe any premiership footballer I can't help thinking wouldn't be great if Morrisons sold firearms. Servant !!!
Denis I have a coping mechanism which may help you, feel free to try it. Irrespective of where I am, in my house, down the pub, at my friends and neighbours home or even visiting the parish priest, if Gareth is on TV and says anything I shout out "what the expletive do you know you expletive?" But I replace the word expletive with richer and more colourful words
I find it does the trick and I have yet to be asked to leave.
Gareth is no worse (but also no better) than most TV football pundits. He shows absolutely no evidence of being "intelligent", "articulate" or "knowledgeable", but I can't think of any pundit that meets those criteria.
I suppose he's closer to that description than (say) Jamie Redknapp. Who'd have thought that sour-faced Cockney "geezer" Harry would have a Frank Spencer-soundalike for a son?
Still, it's encouraging that Richard now stops short of claiming that Gareth was any great shakes as Boro manager. Progress of a sort.
Even Gareth himself no longer seems to be claiming that he was sacked unfairly. His interview with Danny Mills (Jeremy Paxman, watch out) was less revealing than a burkha, but it was noticeable that Gareth made no complaint about his dismissal.
Gareth seemed to have decided (correctly) that the "counterattacking" tone of his Mail on Sunday interview, in the immediate wake of the sacking, was poorly judged. If he ever wants to convince another club's chairman to offer him a job, that interview has to be swept under the carpet.
AV writes: "less revealing than a burkha" ... that's a fantastic phrase.
halifaxp at 9.45pm -
I absolutely agree about Dave Parnaby. I doubt if anyone has contributed more than him to MFC over the last decade (actually more than that).
Even in cold financial terms the players he has produced for us and those who have been sold on to other teams (including those at a "lower level") must make him the most profitable part of the club over the years. And that is to ignore the incalculable value he gives in terms of making us feel that we are supporting OUR team, our players (whether it has been Cattermole, Downing, Wheater, Johnson or whoever).
And he is helping to sustain football generally in providing players who, in years gone by, have gone to clubs we would consider below us, but who have still been able to earn a living at the game and hopefully play according to the principles instilled in them at our academy. And for the work he previously did with England Schoolboys. On balance and like Harold Shepherdson, someone about whom we can feel pride for his contribution to the game of football, not just our club.
**AV writes: Nice bloke too, not in the slightest bit up himself.
Hello smogonthetyne. (now Nunthorpe) we actually live not far apart (Marton) when I am home.
In relation to your question "how did I rate Swansea?" As you will see from my earlier posting I was not actually at the game, but my son was and I have read all of the different websites, they all say near enough the same. A hard working team only. with 5 man midfield. Sorry cannot be more precise
I hope maybe next time home we can meet up with some of the other writers on this BLOG and have a real good debate in some local pub. all the best for Tuesday night.
When you speak about Dave Parnaby there is also Ron Bone (AV is Ron still part of the acadamy team) I know from personal experience how hard Ron used to work scouting all of the childrens leagues looking for a future player.
During the 90's Marton FC had more players joining the professional ranks than any other local junior team. Stamp, Gilchrist, Lee, Murty. to mention just a few. The latter 3 all went on to captain their later clubs. Well done to all at the acadamy over the years. AV, you are also correct in saying Dave Parnaby is very nice man also.
The problem with the academy was that it wasn't going to be able to support the club in its entirety with its local lad base.
The results of the reserves and kids last season showed that. If you can get a couple into the first team each season plus make money on moving players to other clubs it has done a good job.
Most of the players coming through are not world beaters but will make a career in career in the game or play at a decent level. To expect them to keep us in the premiership or get promotion back was and remains unrealistic.
Experience can only be gained over several years. Wheater is showing that, top centre halves are in their late twenties not just started shaving.
**AV writes: One first teamer a season is a real result. Anything else is a bonus. The real pay dirt will be in unearthing a prolific striker.
From todays scottish news....
"McManus is expected to travel to Middlesbrough this afternoon to discuss teaming up with former Parkhead boss Gordon Strachan on a loan deal until the end of the season
"Boro manager Strachan, meanwhile, has not given up hope of striking a deal with Celtic for top scorer Scott McDonald.
"Record Sport revealed on Saturday that Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell had booted out an official Boro approach for the Australian striker and made it clear that McDonald is not for sale.
"But Strachan has set aside around £3.5m for his one-time talisman and last night sources on Teesside confirmed the manager has not given up hope of forcing a deal through before the transfer deadline on Monday."
I agree with the professional and personal assessments of Dave Parnaby.
The evidence of the former is there for all of us to see and - to corroborate AV's comment - I have had the pleasure to meet and chat with Dave on a couple of occasions. I found him a genuine and nice guy and very self-effacing when I expressed what a contribution his Academy had made. All the more reason why we should listen to him, then.
On more than one occasion - last season and this - he has expressed concern about rushing his charges into the first team too quickly.
This is both about the balance and well being of the side but also about the effective development of the youngsters themselves - the risks being that they are damaged by the experience and set back in their trajectory.
One suspects that this has got worse in the thud and blunder Championship than it was in the Prem and isn't helped by the lads being pitched at short notice into a disfunctional squad and team just to plug gaps created by poor transfer dealings and Crockliffe.
As it happens, Bennett was one of the players Dave Parnaby talked about in these terms earlier this season but he's almost become an old hand now in terms of those getting pitched in recently!
Before last Saturday's game, I heard Dave Parnaby interviewed and asked about Pilatos. The gist was 'good prospect and very skilful but I'm really concerned that he's been picked and hope he doesn't have to come on - physically, he's still so frail'.
He's too loyal and too much of a pro and a gentleman to say it, of course, but I would imagine that he would also be concerned about quite what quality of coaching his young charges were going to get with the first team squad as compared to what they'd had at the Academy.
Balance is the trick in everything, of course.
You'd imagine that in even the best Prem and Championship Academies - amongst which Parnaby's must rate - every 'crop' of youngsters would turn out two or three players who'd come through to the first team and maybe a few more that would find a berth at another club in a lower division.
At that rate, they can be effectively managed into a first team squad and the first team rather than be pitched in.
Some who come through to the first team are going to be sold on to realise the benefit on the investment made, to be able to re-invest and to be able to make headroom for those following - or because you've got a surplus in their positions.
And, of course, there's no guarantee that you'll grow the players you need for the positions you need to fill. Bernie's not the only one to point out that the Academy system - not just at Boro - hasn't produced very many decent strikers. That means that - ideally - you'd still need at least half the first team squad at any time to be made up of experienced players bought in.
There's also a positive benefit in any organisation to letting in a bit of light and air through recruiting externally, however good your internal development is.
Getting that balance wrong - either way - isn't sensible. Too many Academy graduates at one time - especially if rushed on too soon - is as bad or worse than too few.
If we are going to buy Scottish strikers, I would like to mention David Goodwillie again. He looks an excellent prospect.
What is the latest on the live blog AV?
**AV writes: "Failing to transfer cdn mosso cloudfiles" is the latest on the live blog malfunction. Someone who knows what that means is taking a look.
David Connor,
I think the pub idea is a good one, we’ll have to ask Dormo for directions to the Fetid Frog. As I am new to the area are there any good boozers in the Marton/Nunthorpe vicinity or do you have to go out into the country?
As for tonight, team selections dependent I hope we can build on Saturday’s point. Donny like Swansea will be very neat and tidy but will give us time to get it down and play. Tonight shouldn’t be a game where we get ‘out muscled’, but might well get out played.
It would be nice to score a goal from a conventional source instead on relying on ‘Wonder’ strikes from the flanks. If a fairly fit 11 can be found I fancy us to nick it 2-1 with the much maligned Lethal to grab the winner.
Come on Boro
John
If ManU had a golden generation with Giggs, Scholes et al then the Boro Youth Cup Team were probably an Olympic semi final group.
The difficulty ManU had was that their superkids stiffled the development of other kids following in their footsteps. Ours have had to live up to unfair expectations.
The rejected 11 looks likely to have a new Member.
Wayne Routledge is on the A19, he’s driven past the Riverside, motored on past the Stadium of Sunny delight and is bound for the Sportdirect.com/wintersale@stjamespark stadium.
Next!
Routledge wings it to Magpies. Winger signs three-and-a-half-year deal
Another miss by Lamb. Is Best the next one we miss out on? Don't have big expecations from club if not free or on loan. I give up
On another matter, has everybody seen the Peterborough Chairman’s recent statement? Is this the sort of statement that we want SG and KL to make? If you were/are (PeterboroAngel) how has this made you feel? Closer to the club?
Interesting.
Wayne Routledge.....shades of Robert Lee and Gavin Peacock. I wonder if he's one of those who wanted to sign for the Boro, I await Gordons response.
AV writes: "Failing to transfer cdn mosso cloudfiles" ....
I guess he's signing for Wigan then ?
You can't blame Routledge guaranteed Premiership next season as against!!
**AV writes: "Failing to transfer cdn mosso cloudfiles"
Is that an exclusive AV? What nationality is this central defender? Has he gone to Wigan?
I only didn't get into this because I heeded the AV message about Cyber Cynicism and Viral Vitriol but I have to say that I think Boro have had a let off with Routledge and he will prove it at The Skunks.
I never rated him when he was with Fulham and it was suggested that Prem Boro were interested and I still don't. I haven't seen him do anything at QPR that makes him a must have and what put the tin hat on it was how easily even Boro's back four collared him at Loftus Road - including Pogi playing at left back!!
As I said when Caldwell did a Watson, the remedy is to go out and get someone better - not that we did it with Watson and it doesn't seem we're going to with Caldwell either.
But there's still the opportunity to do it with another wide midfielder.
The more upsetting thing - but again nothing new in this window and before - is Strachan setting his sights on targets and then the deal (repeatedly) not being closed so they disappear elsewhere.
I refer to my earlier posting on the rapidly approaching 'Numpty Time', now supported by Strachan having to spout the line others who have preceded him have had to trot out - 'we need players but they have to be the right ones - and they're difficult to get'.
Well they are if you do things the way The Count does them, Gordon mate.
Wayne Routledge is on the A19, he’s driven past the Riverslide into Oblivion, motored on past the Stadium of Sunny delight and is bound for the Sportdirect.com/wintersale@stjamespark stadium.
.... touche Smog!
It’s hardly surprising the Routledge deal has been gazumped by the barcodes. Boro made the fatal mistake of bidding for only one QPR player making it obvious (even to the mags) who we were after.
Had we followed the “Celtic 4 gambit” they would have had to guess who the real target was. Like when Wigan jumped straight in for Caldwell when all along the real Boro target was Flood.…………At least that’s what I tell myself.
Never fancied Routledge - he seems to have had a lot of opportunities at various clubs but failed to take his chance. It worries me if we were thinking of paying £3.5m for him.
Go for Burke at Cardiff, Bertrand at Reading, Gunther at Forest, Snodgrass at Leeds, Johnson at Leeds
Why aren't we looking for a goalkeeper to challenge Coyne? I put the Samaritans on speed-dial when I heard Stephen Pears say Jones would fight his way back into contention.
Palace in administration ! Six or seven more of those and we will be up where we belong. Originally I thought what a shame for the fans then I remembered I hate everyone from SE London (apart from Captain Oneil)
Looks like Crystal Palace are going into administration - see BBC Sports website.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crystal_palace/8481549.stm
A 10 point deduction from the club in 9th, is all part of the GS2 master plan! Piece of cake! Let's get rid of Cardiff, Watford & a few others and we could sneak in the back door!
Well the transfer window clock is ticking, and I can almost hear the Countdown music playing in the back of my head.
Did Gibson and Lamb get the numbers question right? One from the top and 5 from the middle? nope, the sums just don't add up, and all we've managed so far is a few from the bottom.
Well we are just about to see how far the mighty has fallen, and what depth remains of SG's ambition/money (replace as applicable) but when the few remaining club staff have to recycle old Bulkhaul stationery as they can't afford to buy new pens, files etc then it is time to worry. After all, the cost of those pens over the course of a year could be used to pay one players wages for oh, at least half a day...
I feel Mr Gibson will be sweating on writing the carefully scripted contents of any potential interview once the window has closed, and having to explain just how far he has let supporters down who took his "Blind Faith" promise at face value. How will such a proud man regain the trust of supporters without firstly a damn good apology (for what has been construed by some fans as outright lying to them) followed by a frank admission that there is simply no more money, and with such an admission, which players would consider coming here in the future?
Man Utd, Liverpool etc may have dug themselves a huge financial hole, but with worldwide brand loyalty at their disposal it will be easily filled after a year or two of pain, whereas SG only has a small local audience (reduced further by his own limited view) a good percentage of which have already voted with their feet, with more to follow without some instant high quality breakthroughs in the transfer market that can spark fans imaginations, or else the heavily massaged attendance figures will become even more of a lie, and the 13,900 (?) that actually turned up this Saturday will reduce further.
We have not yet hit rock bottom, but therein lies further danger, what seems to be the bottom is just a glass ceiling to a whole world of lower league pain that we could yet fall further into.
Things have definitely changed since the start of the season. What we had in Southgate was a vain hope, masking an ugly truth. What we have now with Strachan is the threadbare grim reality. What concerns me most is will Strachan actually be given enough cash to even sustain a mid table championship team?
Hi AV,
Is their any chance of seeing how many vote on the Gazette Live polls and is it possible to have a not recommend click or thumbs up and thumbs down regarding peoples comments below storys?
**AV writes: I'll ask.
Two minutes to go and under a bit of pressure according to Radio Brownlee, having conceded a late goal at Donny. I might be taking my life in my hands but this is looking good!
How much difference does a quick 90 minutes make....AND JONNO HAS JUST SCORED NUMBER FOUR!
Football. Don't you just love it?
Not sure why, but I'm so chuffed and relieved by the performance and the result at Doncaster that I'm inspired to make John Powls puke:
Donnie undone
By Boro, four-one
I listened throughout via Brownlee
I'm going this Sat
To find out if that
Is repeated against Bristol City!
A result to savour at last! Even if the verse is absolute crap! I hope GS2 gets the home-match psychology sorted out. For the first time in ages, I'm actually looking forward to a match! Oh dear!
Looks like Strachan is going to get another Man he's after; McMANus to be precise!
1-4 tonight! That's 4 points and a two-game non-losing streak. Things are looking up!
Bring on Bristol City! They got hammered at home and are there for the taking!
It has taken a while but tonight I am happy. a very good win. However, Mr Strachan says they were unlucky (I hope he means with their own injuries)
Good win hopefully we can build on it as Bristol City got beat 6-0 last night.
From what I understand the area reserved for scouts at Donny was full. Mmmm something about to happen, thats why Gordon is going crazy to get people in but I belive we could still loan until March