Summer Purge Starts With Coach Crash
THE NEXT crucial phase of the Strachanovite Revolution got into full swing with a ruthless purge of the old guard: Boro have axed Colin Cooper, Stephen Pears and Martin Scott as the gaffer tightens his steely grip on the mentality of the club.
At the start of what is poised to be a ruthless summer of upheaval and radical change the Southgate loyalist old guard have been swept away and the "continuity" watchword consigned to the dustbin of history. Things are about to step up a gear.
In a terse short official communique from the Politburo, Keith Lamb said: "Manager Gordon Strachan is planning for the future following the end of the season. The manager wishes to make changes as we plan for a sustained promotion campaign next season and, as a consequence, the difficult decision to terminate the contracts of Colin, Stephen and Martin has been made. We thank all three for their services to the club and wish them all the very best in the future."
Coops has looked an increasingly isolated and peripheral figure and since being demoted from his highly visible shorts wearing pointing and shouting role in the technical area has looked a redundant figure on matchdays so the move has not been a surprise - but perhaps the speed of it, barely 24 hours after the season ended, is.
Strachan has made repeated criticisms of the tactical, technical and mental weaknesses of the squad he inherited from Southgate and has also been disappointed with fitness levels. Each and every public pronouncement has been an implicit condemnation of the coaching staff who have helped shape the squad, its style, stamina attitudes and who ultimately have paid the price for its institutional fatal flaws.
He has made it quite clear that he wants - needs - to recruit "men," players with an inner core of mental steel and fired by desire, hunger and a burning will to win and that also is an indictment of the old order and its recruitment policy that centred on technical abilities and pace at the expense of heart and graft.
And after a soft centred season that has been alarming in so many ways Strachan has already begun his work for next year. The squad - "the fittest ever" again, remember - have been doing gruelling pre-season style stamina work for the past fortnight and the gaffer has an unprecedented mid-summer training camp planned as he tests his squad to destruction. If such intensive work is to start so soon he will need coaching staff in that he knows and trusts and who share his philosophy to implement. He needs a backroom team that accord completely with his own thinking, methods and standards.
There have long been questions raised about the effectiveness of the coaching regime. Despite one of most qualified and badged up back-room staffs in the country the team have at times looked tactically and technically inept. We have been out-thought, out-fought and muscled out by better organised, fitter and mentally tougher sides and have repeatedly chaotically conceded from set-pieces that are predictable and avoidable and when preventative measures should be drilled into them.
Those are issues that stem directly from the training ground. If we are to be promoted those flaws must be eliminated immediately and the staff that have allowed the fatal weaknesses to go unchecked have paid the price.
It is possible that more heads could role in fitness, conditioning and scouting as Strachan uses the close season to implement the radical root-and-branch reform needed if his culture of excellence is to be imposed completely on every area of the club. This is a bloke totally dedicated to success and with little room for sentiment.
Of course, most fans will wish the departed well, especially Coops and Pearsy who were popular figures at a crucial stage in the club's history and who played important roles in the escape from the brink of extinction. That should never be forgotten.
And Coops, who returned as a player at the height of the Riverside Revolution and did well, is an organic link between the old and the new clubs. He played in the old third division and the Premier League, in the ZDS Cup final and the UEFA Cup. And he is a nice bloke too. It is a shame that it ends with his blood on the dug-out floor.
But it is another crucial moment in our history. If we don't get promoted next season the club will lose the advantage of the parachute payment, lose momentum and be forced into more cost cutting and faces stagnation at this level for years to come. There are going to be casualties as we take the tough decisions needed to make a club still flabby in places from the years of Premier league plenty a more efficient fighting machine.
Viva la revolution!
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No room for sentiment is excellent news - hopefully the rest of the summer will be as productive!
The departure of the Coops, Pears and Scott brings mixed emotions. One of gratitude to their service to the club but also one of relief that perhaps GSII is now moving into gear to do things his way.
I suspect that there was either an agreement to leave "as is" until the season's end or a calm controlled period of assessment of the resources around him.
Whatever the reason the need for a radical overhaul is without question. For the first time in years perhaps we will see action not words in the summer. The plaudits (and perhaps even inclusion) towards some of the playing staff I suspect is as much about ensuring top dollar in the marketplace as it is about reshaping.
Maybe, just maybe, Gordon is about to start wearing his underpants on the outside of his trackie bottoms? Lets hope so!
I am disappointed with what has happened in front of me this season.
I suppose many of the players are similarly unhappy, but some of them will move on elsewhere, so some of their pain will be alleviated. Some who remain in the coaching staff probably realise that massive mistakes have been made. It is not all down to luck.
Imagine what Steve Gibson thinks. If I put in ã550 a season for my seat, what does he pay for his, and he must ask whether he is getting value for money.
In my experience, very rich and very successful men are not always the most patient or forgiving. It could be an interesting next few weeks.
So,GS has his scapegoats. When he first arrived I was surprised he didn't change the backroom staff. I would have been happy if the purge had taken place then.
He presided over the second half of this seasons debacle, so he should carry the can. I seem to recall that it was he who signed the inept loanees and played various no hopers in wrong positions. This is the man who persevered with Julio Arca and brought Lee Miller to the club. Gordon Strachan should be the first name at the top of the list to be bladdered!
Surprisingly I don't see Steve Agnew's name here. Is he to continue as a coach?
This is the man who would like to keep Jeremie Aliadiere at the club! Well that speaks volumes. I'm sorry but his appointment was a mistake.
...and well done Stevie Mac at Twente - proving what a miss the guy was at the time of his England appointment. Top class club coach...
About time. No time for sentiment as the 'old boy' network that meddled in mediocrity are largely responsible for our massive fall from grace.
And the sooner we bring in some new talented coaching staff who have the wherewithal to make the kind of sea change Strachan desires, the better.
Especially before the Spanish boot camp. Strachan certainly has his work cut out as he wheels and deals. My worry is that his World Cup trip may cause a distraction and a break down in communication between Lamb's fax machine (he's very good at standing by it), himself, those lousy agents, managers and representatives of other clubs.
It will take some coordination to pull it off. I just wish he'd focus on us totally but that isn't going to happen.
Meanwhile, how on earth has Agnew escaped the axe? That one bamboozles me.
Excellent start - maybe they have been reading this blog, after all!! Next the medical and scouting set-up, please.
Another step in the building of a grey, soulless english-football-of-the-seventies long-ball team. Vive la mediocre.
Please someone, stop this man.
Hey, AV...
Next time you interview GS2, could you ask him to clarify summat which puzzles me...
He's repeatedly said that he's already hammering the squad with a new "sweatshop" pre-season training regime - however, before and after the non-event at the Crispy Stadium last Sunday, he said that it was a patched up team because "we had 11 players injured who could have been in the line-up"?
If, as he says, so many players are carrying injuries...just who exactly is doing this pre-season work? They can't train at full belt if they're injured!
...and anyway, knowing the now infamous "Crockliffe Curse" - with "training injuries" and those picked up in pre-season practices, is this really a good idea? If he pushes them too hard, we might not have enough fit players to field a side on the opening day next season!
**AV writes: It is football eugenics. He is testing them all to destruction, mentally and physically, and "weeding out the weak". People either step up to the mark or get sidelined, even if they can do a couple of step-overs or run 100m in 9.9 secs. There may be an element of driving the millstone over-paid, soft and molly-cuddled out, even if it means taking a pay-cut to get an easier life elsewhere.
It is simplistic ground zero stuff but hopefully he is creating a pool of powerful, rock hard athletes who will not be muscled out of games, will not wilt in the last ten minutes, will be focussed and driven and hungry. Once you have that robust chassis in place then you can think about the luxuries of guile, craft and flair.
Agree with Redcar Red's comments above. The swift move to make changes is to be commended. Hopefully, it's followed through in other areas too - with player moves as well as in the bootroom and backroom.
I have to say that I'd have preferred a clean sweep but if Agnew is to stay, then the Ressies role - which has been hinted at for him - at least gets him away from the first team.
All the rumouring seems to be swirling - not surprisingly - around more of the Strachs Celtic backroom team joining him. Blyth as goalkeeping coach, Clarke as Chief Scout and maybe even Lennon as assistant if he doesn't get the Celtic job, as seems increasingly likely.
If Lennon comes, that may also have an effect on Big Mick's decision about where his future lies - if only because a new manager there may well want his own men too. There's still the lure of European footy, though.
If, as Forever Dormo says, Gibbo's attitude has hardened towards some in the bootroom and backroom and he's given Strachan his head, is it too much to hope that he may see the need for change in the Executive roles in his Boardroom too, given what's gone on off the field in the last couple of seasons?
All good things come to an end and this decision by our new wee man is an inevitable course of action. We do however have to be careful we do not throw out the baby with the bath water.
Our squad is very small, hence Killen playing as a defender on Sunday, midfield made up of misfits, strikers apart from Scott Mac who cant hit a barn door at 2 paces. Change is definately required but we need to add not subtract numbers.
Maybe the previous bunch have grandiose ideas about their abilities and so demand too much mula for putting on our shirt, if so get rid. I would rather see a team of triers than a team of prima-donnas. It is a hard thing to get the blend right lets hope Gorden gets a team together that we can at last be proud of again for their fighting spirit as well as their footballing prowess,
AV wrote:-"It is simplistic ground zero stuff but hopefully he is creating a pool of powerful, rock hard athletes who will not be muscled out of games, will not wilt in the last ten minutes, will be focussed and driven and hungry. Once you have that robust chassis in place then you can think about the luxuries of guile, craft and flair"
I say bring it on. Clear out of coaching staff long overdue.Scouts look out, make the most of those KLM air miles.
From an earlier post. Q - for Wee Gordon
c) When you came into the club what were the key changes you made in training? How did this sit with the coaches? Why wasnâÂÂt it done previously when the club professes to have more coaching licenses than a UEFA sponsored pub crawl?
**AV writes: Good questions. Let us know if, when and how he answers.
Ans - He sacked them AV!
**AV writes: He is an 'actions speak louder than words' kind of guy.
AV, you state above that GS wants to recruit "men..players with an inner core of mental steel..fired by desire, hunger and a burning will to win" Lets hope so, but how is it then that he hoped that Aliadiere would stay;a stereotype of the very opposite of what you say GS wants at the club.
**AV writes: Did he want Aliadiere to stay? Did he want SSL to stay? Does he want the others out of contract to stay? Really? Some have been offered new deals at vastly reduced wages so that sounds like there is wriggle room and compromise if they are prepared to accept the new realities and new demands (and the club will also save a transfer fee) - but it is also a clear invitation for them to leave if they want. If they do leave he will use the wage savings to buy in cheaper components on less money and more fitting to his needs.
With Aliadiere there were brief talks over a possible new deal at much, much lower wages (which he naturally rejected) but the dye was cast in January when the club did not take up the two year option on his generous contract.
Who is that guy at FC Twente ?
I realise Riggott was unable to play in our last game as he had picked up an injury. How many times has he played, say, five consecutive games? He has never let us down when he plays, but unfortunately for him (and Boro) that happens only infrequently.
It might sound harsh, but for most of the last couple of years I have been a better player than Riggott or Aliadiere (and for the last year or so, Poggi). That is on the basis that if they are injured, they are no use to us at all.
So even if some of these players took a considerable pay cut if offered a new contract, the reality is that unless they suddenly hit on a period of good health and fitness from now on (and what grounds are there for supposing that?) they would still be receiving that income whilst mostly unable to play.
I agree, AV. Better to get others in to fill their positions - players who are not expecting the sort of inflated wages we can no longer afford, but who are fit enough to play a part in what we hope will be a promotion season next year. But then again, what grounds are there for supposing that?
Or Coach Party??
AV - Your **AV writes to borobythesea at 10.22 saved me saying the same thing in response (also to some others with the same point on the last thread).
I know it somewhat goes against the grain of the image he likes to present of himself as blunt and plain speaking - but Strachs has an approach in these circumstances that he's deployed a few times now and I'm beginning to recognise it.
As you say, I'm sure Ledge - and now Jezza - would struggle to identify just how and when Strachan evidenced his 'hope that they would stay' or any other such statement that comes with crossed fingers behind the proverbial back.
It's no different - and you can see this playing out with some other (expensively waged) players now - to the player saying stuff like 'Of course, I'd love to stay/I've been happy here/I want to talk to the manager about his plans/I need to see if the club matches my ambition'.
It's all designed to oil the wheels of graceful moves out of the club without overt ill feeling and to faciliatate the player finding a new berth (and Boro a fee or the removal of the burden of wages) - or at least to have those options open until decisions are made.
As you said above - its actions not words so, frustrating though it is, we have to watch and trust his feet and not his lips.
Shame we didn't have the foresight to do it when Martin O'Neil was interviewed and wanted his own crew in
Something tells me we wouldn't be having these conversations about out-fought and out-thought, misery and depression. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but at least Gibbo seems to have learnt a lesson...
**AV writes: Yes.... and if only we had the ã100m to give him as well.
Coops and Pears were a big part of what we achieved under Rioch, but they just weren't cutting it as coaches.
Irony is if we had a keeper half as good as Pears was, and a left back as good as Cooper, we'd probably have finished a lot higher up the table.
Best of luck to them but we need some experience in there.
Oddly, I'm looking forward to next season. The summer could well look like a game of Champ Manager.
Gordon Strachan is looking more and more like a tough, focused guy who knows exactly what he wants, which can only be good news.
It has always struck me that professional football management is an 'old boys club' ever since Robbo appointed his mates Viv and Gordon as assistant and coach.
GS2 appears more hard nosed and sacking the three coaches is a strong indicator of major change. We are seeing the second Riverside Revolution in its infancy I think. If Lennon does join Boro then hopefully McManus will be tempted to join permanently also, fingers crossed.
As for Aliadiere, GS2 claiming he wanted him to stay made me smile. As AV asked did he really want him? Of course not, Aliadiere is a light weight who will disappear into the obscurity of a mediocre European league somewhere, never to be heard of again.
GS2's actions are a cause for optimism, this time last season the thought of the coming season filled me with dread. Right now I can feel the optimism rising, early days but a good start.
Stephen Pears and Colin Cooper are Boro men through and through, but the idea of creating a 'boot room' culture a la 70's/80's Liverpool (which was a myth anyway) was not one of Gibson's better ideas. What is needed are top quality staff recruited from wherever they happen to be. I bet there is no 'boot room' culture/loyalty at Bulkhaul, footie should be no different.
Good to see Steve McClaren winning the Dutch league, do all those who slagged off his 'boring' football which kept us mid-table in the prem. rue his departure?
Time to let go of the old school.
Most of us said changes had to start with the backroom and it has. No disrespect for the guys that have left all Boro through and through but sometimes thats not enough.
Coops would make a good manager in the lower leagues would have liked to see Coops in the Darlo job. One thing i would like to see in now is a good striker coach.
I hope - and I think it's not impossible - the change is here. Perhaps we can start with hopes like:
- As 'tim from sa' said: One thing I would like to see in now is a good striker coach.
- less injuries
- less changes from a match to the next
If Tim has his wish for a striker coach would we try still Emnes or even Alves? This we be interesting to follow me thinks.
Up the Boro
PS. Many thanks, Coops! You'll be always remembered.
Can't argue with the changes, let's just hope we get in better coaches, more experienced coaches and ones with the ability to make average players good players, good players brilliant players.
It was SG1 downfall, backing his own inexperience with that of others less experienced than himself. Look at Pulis at Stoke - Peter Reid and Gerry Francis along side him that experience is vital.
I'd like to see a good clear out and start to introduce a clear plan of how to play throughout the core of the club. If the 1st team play 4-4-2 the reserves do and the acadamy teams do, that way the players that come in know their positions, know their duties and play in that position throughout. We have to have structure going forward and hopefully GS will implent it sooner rather than later.
COME ON BORO!!!!!
Boro's official pages say that senior recruitment Dave Leadbeater has left the club, too. So the changes are big. And GS2 says he has only terminated one contract in 13 years before yesterday. So it's not typical of him!
I hope the change is for better - finally. Up the Boro!
God knows why they haven't got rid of McQueen and Agnew too. Hopefully they'll follow with a entire regime change.
AV, will Mido be at the boot camp in Spain or has he gone home?
**AV writes: He will be due back but whether he will ever shows is another question. That will be a meeting of minds worth watching.
GS wasted no time indeed. Very sad on a emotional note to see Cooper and Pears let go, but from the footbal point of view, this is good news.
A lot of posts over the weeks from lots of people have high-lighted the need for backroom changes as much as changes to playing staff. This is the clearest signal that GS knows what he wants and that (hopefully) he is going to get it.
No surprise Gordie is bringing in people who he knows and trusts. In effect the whole management-coach-scouting team need to be a unit. When identifying new players, or opposition strengths/weaknesses the coaching staff must look at it as one, all coming from the same point of view.
This is not to say they will be a bunch of yes men or the previous coaches were poor, its just that Gordie is the King and he needs his subjects to fully understand his aims and objectives for the club not just the first XI.
As mentioned by other congrats to the Ex and best wishes to the ex coaches too.
AV, any facts and figures on what Gordie is going to do to the boys in Spain? Ten mile runs in an hour? Bleep test to level 18? Nice round of golf??
**AV writes: Well Robbo and Scott Mac have been scaring the lads with horror stories about running until they puke.
Looks like Dave Leadbetter has joined the exodus. This extract from MFC's website hints that his days would be numbered:
"DAVE moved in as Head of Senior Recruitment in summer 2007 after working in a part-time position for 14 years. As well as scouting players, he is in charge of assessing Boro's opponents to ensure Gareth Southgate (sic) is fully up to speed on tactics and formations."
I see that head scout Dave Leadbitter has also walked the plank.
This is for the best. Strachan has total control and I think he knows he must deliver something better next season otherwise not only might he join those out of a job but also with a reputation in tatters.
All those lauding Steve McLaren's achievements in Holland - and what kind of a bobbins league is that, it's like the SPL only worse - have got very short memories, that's all I can say.
His tenure here was marked by two unforgettable highs, admittedly, but also a long drawn out low in our league form.
Four out of five seasons of him in charge, we had a serious relegation scrap on our hands. In his second season in charge we went ten away games without even scoring a goal!! It was largely turgid, uninspired depressing, and he was not long lamented when he unwisely supped from the poison chalice.
James Emmerson:
Irrespective of what league it is and what the standard of play is, you cannot deny that FC Twente, over the season, have been consistently bigger points-gatherers than any of their competition.
Nor can you deny that it's the first time in their history they've won a national trophy. Nor can you deny that it's been during McClaren's tenure in management.
What I'd be more inclined to consider in argument, is how much was he, tactically and motivationally responsible and how much was down to the budget made available to him to bring in better/new players?
That, I guess we'll never know, because there are so many variables in play as to make any judgment quite subjective and as open to personal interpretation as there are people engaged in discussing it.
But the evidence IS accumulating that McClaren is a guy who can get results at club level, whether it's in the Eredivisie or in the EPL.
In English football, he succeeded in Cup tournaments. Boro never had enough money to support the quality and depth of squads required to compete for league honours in the EPL. Even saying that, his/Boro's second season in European competition was won via the league - our best ever placement in 7th.
That took us on the run all the way to Eindhoven. So it can be argued from a position of results evidence, that McClaren makes a strong positive contribution to club results. I couldn't quite make the FC Twente matches this season and so can't comment on the style of play. But I don't suppose there are too many disappointed and unhappy FC Twente supporters at the present time!
I was sorry to see him go from Boro. I didn't like his personal style much, but I thought he was a good manager.
Southgate was right when he said that it was too early for McClaren to take the England Manager's job - and so it proved. However, there was still sufficient evidence around to impress enough people at the top of the FA to give him a chance at it.
His big problem was that the media were never going to get behind him because he wasn't high profile enough and didn't have the "World Class" pedigree that the national media consider worthy of an England National side. He'd only ever managed unfashionable, lowly Middlesbrough for whom they mostly have neither time nor a decent word.
If GS2 can bring a level os success back to Boro as McClaren did during his time here, I'd be well happy.
Regrettably, that's NOT going to happen, because Gibson is no longer able, or willing (or both) to fund the levels of finance it takes to get there. European entry via the EPL is, at present, 'way out of Gibson's league and I feel it's unlikely to happen any time soon.
It takes some years to build EPL capability, but little time to destroy it!
James Emmerson - 'a long drawn out low in our league form',
Don't you mean a long drawn out high? When since 1986 have Boro consistently performed at a higher level than under Steve McClaren? We may not have liked the bloke much but ironically he was without question the most succesful/best manager Boro have ever had. The facts speak for themselves dont they?
Ye Gods... GS2 appears more like a dictator every day!
Best get the prayer mat out he knows what he's doing... a 32% win average in English leagues as manager of Coventry, Soton and the Boro would suggest otherwise. One in three is just not good enough for the play-offs let alone auto promotion. Dictatorships are usually sinking ships...
I'd pay good money to see Mido chugging his Chipchase chip butty at a Strachanite Boot Camp. The chances are, for want of a better choice of words, pretty slim I'd imagine.
I'm completely behind what GS is trying to do. He's taking the club back to basics and given that we've become so far detached from reality in recent seasons, it is clearly the only place to start.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to get the players doing doggies up and down Roeseberry Topping to start off with. They need running into the ground to build fitness so they are ready for a 60 game season. I want to see quality at the Riverside, but first and foremost I want to see effort and graft, and a willingness to work hard for the team and fans.
Eleven Barry Robson's would see us through.
Blimey Richard and I in agreement again, are the good times on the way back!!
Just to carry on with the McClaren theme a little longer. Roy Hodgson is being touted/pushed forward for manager of the year because Fulham have reached the UEFA cup final and yet the year Boro did it there was barely a mention in the media that we'd made the final, let alone a suggestion that the manager should be manager of the year as a consequence.
The difference of course between Hodgson and McClaren is that Fulham is in London and Middlesbrough.....isn't.
Hi Brian Hewitson,
Nice to see your political leadership style discussions, this week of all!
How did the open fans forum at Newcastle work out? Appeasing the masses with the appointment of a fallen King?
The King was dead for years, long live his remains!
Thanks legends and good luck for the future. Memories of the holgate ahouting englands no1 will never die
Nigel 'Reevalinho' Reeve:
Don't get carried away, Nigel - or you might get carried away! ;)
Brian Hewitson:
If you weren't a Geordie supporter, I'd be viewing your post at 4:09PM with a tad more benevolence. You make some great objective observations Brian and I admire that. It's just that because your leanings are towards being a Mag, there's always a degree of suspicion that the points you make on here are with more mischief in mind than benevolent intent.
I agree with what lies behind your observation about GS2 though. Not so much about the "Dictator" label, but about the radical reform currently underway.
The club admittedly needs radical overhaul, but as I said in an earlier post, it takes years to build PL capability (what I omitted but was implicit in the context of the post was that it also takes many ãM's too).
When a squad, coaching and training staff are dismantled as completely as appears to be happening, it's a huge gamble that whatever re-assembly is able to be undertaken over the closed season will gel to the extent that will be able to mount a Championship top-two challenge next season.
Strachan must surely be intending to make raids on clubs where there are the staff in place that he knows and wants - thereby not requiring to form too many new working relationships or partnerships. It's the only way to mitigate the risks of such a strategy.
If it goes wrong, then Brian, the "Dictator-ship" indeed becomes a sinking ship, irrespective of how much of a misplaced misnomer it is. There MAY be a degree of dictatorship in some form at MFC, but I suspect it's not Gordon Strachan. No more than Chris Hughton is at Newcastle.
Perhaps it would be more enlightened to call it "having football autonomy and a preparedness to be held accountable".
Is this for real? Were actually blaming the coaching staff for dropping 39 points vis a vis Newcastle in a matter of 7 months. The coaching staff (!). Thats a new one.
Whatever outcome, its no way to treat loyal servants. Its tempting to to hope for Coops getting his hands on a manager post and coming back to haunt us. With Spears as his assistant. In a couple of years well see:)
**AV writes: "It is simplistic ground zero stuff but hopefully he is creating a pool of powerful, rock hard athletes who will not be muscled out of games, will not wilt in the last ten minutes, will be focussed and driven and hungry. Once you have that robust chassis in place then you can think about the luxuries of guile, craft and flair."
The most poignant sentiments written on your blog, AV.
"Dictatorships are usually sinking ships..." let's hope someone sinks the numpty that plagues our blog while they're at it.
I look at these so called players who are always on the sidelines with niggling Injuries. Are there really Injured or does the club just say this because certain players wont play for the club?
Look at Huth. Always injured at The Boro once he moved away from the club the player has played far more games and been Injury free for Stoke City! Isn't It about time we addressed this and look Into this situation and address this problem. Because all we have is players who are always Injured. Or Is It because players these days are so fined tuned too been athletes Instead of Footballers!
Richard - some would say I should have been carried away years ago!
A meeting between Mido and GS2!!, watching that would be worth the season ticket fee on its own....
I'm glad to see some intent!
Regarding the importance of the parachute payments. The 4 teams reaching the playoffs have done so without this luxury. This money is not the be all and end all. If we have the right manager we will get promoted with or without these payments.
Only time will tell if Strachan is the right man - but he's gaining my support with the actions of today.
**AV writes: The parachute payments are vital, not to fund promotion pushes but to insulate relegated clubs against the toxic effect of still having a Premier league wage bill. Without that payment right now we would be looking to sell pretty much everyone. If we hadn't already.
"Is this for real? Were actually blaming the coaching staff for dropping 39 points vis a vis Newcastle in a matter of 7 months. The coaching staff (!). Thats a new one."
Just poor timing yet again, Anlov. Should have been sacked at the same time as Southgate at the end of last season.
In hindsight, this whole 'old boys' network should never have got their jobs in the first place.
Just imagine if Strachan had been given a run at it not mid-season but before the start of the season. We are in this mire because the Boro hierarchy got the culture and philosophy all wrong.
Thank goodness we can now make a fresh start with fresh ideas and a new beginning. Better late than never, eh? ;o)
It's terribly sad that the departed lot will go down as pariahs in this wreck of a season. In retrospect they should have gone 12 months ago after the final day at West Ham, not just after Sackgate. Hopefully the experience will serve Coops well as he embarks on establishing a long career in football management.
If given the choice, I would have much rather tried to salvage a sinking season with a completely new staff assembled to Gordo's liking, instead of gambling on the long odds of merging two disparate groups of footballing minds into a cohesive bunch that would get results on the pitch.
The rumour mill says Mick's loan spell has 'opened his eyes to a world outside of Glasgow'. We should all be rooting for Koeman or some other retread - bent on bringing in their own players - getting the Celtic job.
Any chance of Keith going next?
The comings & goings of the coaches are newsworthy, but they are unlikely to really get the fans excited. What we really want to know about now, is any movement on the playing staff side.
With that in mind, I think we should be running a book on the identity of the one player who has been told that his services are no longer required at the club. I'm sure everyone will have their own ideas about who it may be.
Possibly even try a little coercing to see if we can get AV to reveal the latest Rockliffe gossip. As he gets to hear all the whispers, I reckon there is a good chance he already knows the name that has not yet been revealed.
You don't have to tell us outright AV. Something along the lines of "it rhymes with barker" would do !!
Chris Marton said: Any chance of Keith going next?
The mediocre, holier-than-thou, arrogant culture that pervades the essence and core of our club are all of his making. Everything that is disfunctional and wrong with the CEO profession in most industries can be found in the club's ivory tower in abundance.
I don't know how he gets away with it but I guess as long as Steve Gibson can use him as a tool to take the heat off him it obviously suits his personl;a agenda and purpose. He's a CEO for the Chairman ONLY and serves no other useful purpose for the club. Bit sad that.
Anyhow, his only real use that the fans can commend him for is his ability to feed the fax machine with paper, scribble notes down on scraps of paper, meet people clandestinely and place great store on You Tube vids.
Why are most upset about Cooper being sacked? imho Krankie has done the right thing in wanting his own backroom staff. I dont think Coops will go far in management. Maybe Darlo/Whitby/a sunday morning team.
Commendable - and a proper recognition of his priorities - that Strachan has chosen to shelve his BBC World Cup punditry in favour of re-shaping Boro.
Interesting prospect of Gary McAllister becoming first team coach. His record since giving up playing would suggest - not a good manager but a decent coach.
Latest press news...
MIDDLESBROUGH have offered Gary McAllister the role of first-team coach as part of a major overhaul of Gordon Strachan's backroom staff.
McAllister, who held talks at Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground yesterday, has also been touted as a leading candidate for the vacant managerial job at Coventry following the dismissal of former boss Chris Coleman.
But Boro officials remain confident he will agree to join Strachan's Riverside revolution following the departure of four senior figures in the last 48 hours.
Chief scout Dave Leadbeater became the latest figure to be axed yesterday, and as well as appointing McAllister, Strachan is also hoping to confirm former Scotland international Jim Blyth as Boro's new goalkeeping coach and ex-Newcastle striker Ray Clarke as part of the club's scouting network.
Strachan, who has pulled out of a punditry appearance at the World Cup finals in order to devote his full-time attention to rebuilding Middlesbrough, is keen to entrust backroom responsibilities to people he has worked with in the past.
Blyth and Clarke both worked with him at Celtic, while McAllister played under Strachan for two seasons at Coventry.
The former midfielder, who won a league championship with Leeds United and a UEFA Cup and FA Cup with Liverpool, has been out of work since his dismissal from Leeds in December 2008.
He rejected the chance to be Scotland boss last autumn, but has been offered an opportunity to move to Teesside as Colin Cooper's replacement.
"There are people out there I've worked with before, and they know me and know my mind," said Strachan, who categorically ruled out any chance of Neil Lennon moving to Middlesbrough.
"They know exactly what I'm after. I can't experiment any more. We'll look into things in the next couple of days, but I'm not daft, and I've already tried to start putting things in place."
With a major overhaul already underway, Strachan has pulled out of a series of planned punditry appearances at the World Cup.
He had been due to travel to South Africa for the duration of the tournament in the employment of the BBC.
But with a significant amount of restructuring needed if his side are to mount a successful promotion push next season, the Scot has opted to remain in the North-East.
"I'm not going to the World Cup any more," he said. "The BBC sent me a schedule through and I realised I had far too much on here to be able to commit to it. I've got loads on in the next three weeks, and if I was to go to the World Cup as well, I wouldn't be able to squeeze everything in.
"That's unfair. I get paid here to do my job, and I don't think I would have been able to do it properly if I had gone to the World Cup. It's about priorities and I know I need to get this right."
In particular, Strachan is determined to ensure he is available to meet potential signings in person as he looks to strengthen his squad following this season's 11th-placed finish.
Had the World Cup been in Europe, he might have felt able to split his time between his club duties and the demands of the BBC. As it is, the flight time between England and South Africa makes it all but impossible to combine the two roles.
"There'll be times where I need to meet a player or discuss something with Keith (Lamb), and I wouldn't be able to do that properly from South Africa," he said.
"I've always felt that if you have to meet a player, it has to be eye to eye. You have to pay them the respect of meeting them personally.
"I'll miss the World Cup because it's a great experience, but this has to come first."
While Strachan is close to completing the capture of Livingston winger Andy Halliday, the transfer window does not officially reopen until the start of June. As a result, he has opted to finalise his backroom arrangements before turning his attention to on-field matters.
Chairman Steve Gibson had asked Strachan to retain the staff he inherited when he was appointed last October, but seven months on, the Boro boss felt it was time for a change.
"Steve said, 'Can you have a look at the coaching staff, give them a chance and see if we can all work together?' That was fine," said Strachan.
"That's what I did, and I didn't have a problem with it because in 13 years of management, I'd only terminated one contract.
"I believed it could be a success, but it's got to the stage now where it's not been successful. We're not progressing in the way we wanted to, so you say, 'Okay, what can we do?'. Is it enough to change the players and the formation, or do the staff have to change as well?
"We were over-staffed anyway. We had too many people and there were times when it was uncomfortable.
"The guys who are leaving have been fantastic servants, but I have to make those changes. The club has been on a long slide for a few years and it's about time we stopped it."
It is looking like there was an agreement to persevere with the existing coaching incumbents which has probably not helped GSII in his attempts to stamp his mark on the Club.
The Gordon Strachan I expected is now seemingly coming to the fore and starting to do what I thought he would have done last November. My complete lack of confidence and abject disappointment in the guy last season is now starting to slowly wane and whilst its going to take a while to regain my respect he is certainly moving in the right direction.
His decision to put Boro before BBC glory is the right decision and indicates he is planning to be very busy in the summer shaping a new team from the ashes of the last four years.
Interesting reading at www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100505/ex-factor-end-of-season-special_70638_2043413 about our ex-stars.
Both Macarone and Alves have scored a few goals recently. Macarone - Siena's top scorer - can leave them on a free transfer after relegation and Alves is the leading scorer in Asian Cup.
A second chance for one of them? Now we should have better coaching and a new system to play. Anyone?
Neil ~ wily ol' raccoon:
ëJust poor timing yet again, Anlovû.
Well, I've been hearing that every week since the sacking of Southgate. When is the timing, then. Never criticise, or is there a secret time schedule for such..
I truly enjoy my right to critizise one of the stupidest sacking Ive ever witnessed, in Southgate. The sacking of the loyal guys now is just a confirmation that Gibson has abandoned his contiuity and loyalty politics. The politics that has brought us the youngsters, the fun and the golden age.
If he hadnt we would be in the Premier League right now, or in worst case been looking forward to a thrilling semi-final.
Yet, the saddest thing in this saga is the new chiefs philosophy of football: Muscles, muscles, "manhood", grit. I wish I could see anything else in the games or in his interviews, but I cant. And it has got worse by the month. Not losing at home doesnt count for nothin when it doesnt give any points.
Less youngsters, football from the British seventies, players from the highlands and a manager from the stone age of football.
The good thing is that hes funny and stubborn and speak his mind. I like that, and hes an old hero of mine, as a player.
The best thing for the club is not being promoted next year, because then the club will be tied up to his ideaology for years to come. What a waste.
Why is Larry the Lamb still here ?????
Anlov -
Who was the Boro manager when we failed against Cardiff in the FA Cup quater final at the Riverside?
Who was the Boro manager when we were relegated from the PL?
Southgate has gone and if he was such a great manager why is he still unemployed?
Strachan is putting his stamp on MFC and will try to get in players that can get us promoted from the Championship.
If we get promoted the players style of football will change again.
C'Mon Boro!
sick as a parrot:
I hope youre right, and I sincerely hope Im dead wrong. But I can't deny what I see.
Anlov -
Could you not see that Southgate took us from a middle of the table PL team into the Championship?
Sick as:
Oh yeah, but I also saw that part of his job was selling every high earner (= the best players) along the way.
And I saw him being one point from the top in the championship. And if the fans in here are right, and the squad was so weak, thats a hell of an achievement.
Agree with the couple of posts from this morning about GS giving up the BBC World Cup job in favour of rebuilding Boro. Laudable and very welcome.
Matt said: "What we really want to know about now, is any movement on the playing staff side." In my opinion GS is going about this the right way round. Set up your backroom as you want it and anyone coming in will be coming into the regime as it will be.
I would have thought GS would also be keen to discuss any potential targets with his coaching staff. Also, part of the selling of the club to any prospective player is the coaching staff.
In any case, the window doesn't open for a few weeks yet, so there couldn't be much news on the player front anyway. I'm not particularly interested in the media fed rumour mill and I'm far happier to wait to hear concrete news about incoming players.
I'm pleased Strachs won't be heading to South Africa to sit on the BBC sofas for a few weeks. It shows that he is committed to the Boro cause and is determined to get it right and make it work.
Jetting off to South Africa for three weeks could have been a massive PR car crash...
Full Metal Tracksuit
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: I'm Gunnery Sergeant Strachan, your senior drill instructor, from now on you will speak only when spoken to, and the first and the last word out of your filthy sewers will be "Sir". Do you maggots understand that?
[Players answers: Sir. Yes Sir!]
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Bullsh** I can't hear you. Sound off like you got a pair!
[Players repeat with a louder tone]
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: If you ladies leave my training camp, if you survive boot camp training, you will be a weapon. You will be a minister of death praying for war. But until that day you are pukes. You are the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even human beings. You are nothing but unorganised pieces of amphibian slime. Because I am hard you will not like me. But the more you hate me the more you will learn. I am hard but I am fair. There is no racial bigotry here. I do look down on everyone. Here you are all equally worthless. And my orders are to weed out all non-hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in my beloved Team. Do you maggots understand that?
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Private Wheater, do you believe in the Virgin Mary?
Private Wheater: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Well, well, Private Wheater, I don't believe I heard you correctly!
Private Wheater: Sir, the private said "no, sir," sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Why you little maggot, you make me want to vomit!
[Slaps Wheater]
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: You Goddamn communist heathen, you had best sound off that you love the Virgin Mary, or I'm gonna stomp your guts out! Now you DO love the Virgin Mary, don't ya?
Private Wheater: Sir, NEGATIVE, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Private Wheater, are you trying to offend me?
Private Wheater: Sir, NEGATIVE, sir! Sir, the private believes any answer he gives will be wrong and the Senior Drill Instructor will only beat him harder if he reverses himself, SIR!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Who's your squad leader, scumbag?
Private Wheater: Sir, the squad leader is Private OâÂÂNeil, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Private OâÂÂNeil!
Private OâÂÂNeil: Sir, Private OâÂÂNeil reporting as ordered, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Private OâÂÂNeill, you're fired. Private Wheater's promoted to squad leader.
Private OâÂÂNeil: Sir, aye-aye, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Disappear, scumbag!
Private OâÂÂNeil: Sir, aye-aye, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Holy Jesus! What is that? What the hell is that? WHAT IS THAT, PRIVATE MIDO?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, a Parmo, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: A Parmo?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, yes, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: How did it get here?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, I took it from the mess hall, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Is chow allowed in the barracks, Private Mido?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Are you allowed to eat ParmoâÂÂs, Private Mido?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: And why not, Private Mido?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, because I'm too heavy, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Because you are a disgusting fat body, Private Mido!
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, yes, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Then why did you try to sneak a Parmo in your footlocker, Private Mido?
Private Gomer Mido: Sir, because I was hungry, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Because you were hungry...
[turns and addresses rest of squad]
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Private Mido has dishonoured himself and dishonoured the squad. I have tried to help him. But I have failed. I have failed because YOU have not helped me. YOU people, have not given Private Mido the proper motivation! So, from now on, whenever Private Mido messes up, I will not punish him! I will punish all of YOU! And the way I see it ladies, you owe me for ONE PARMO! NOW, GET DOWN ON YOUR FACES!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: [calling out to squad] Left shoulder, hut!
[Arca accidentally puts his left boot on his right foot, then corrects quickly, but not before Strachan sees it. He walks up on him]
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Private Arca, what are you trying to do to my beloved squad?
Private Arca: Sir, I don't know, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: You are dumb, Private Arca, but do you expect me to believe that you don't know left from right?
Private Arca: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Then you did that on purpose! You wanna be different!
Private Arca: Sir, no, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: [slaps Arca hard on the left hand side of his face] what side was that, Private Arca?
Private Arca: Sir, left side, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: [shouts] Are you sure, Private Arca?
Private Arca: Sir, yes, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: [slaps him hard again, this time on right side of his face, knocking his hat off]
[shouts]
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: What side was that, Private Arca?
Private Arca: [nearly in tears] Sir, right side, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: Don't mess with me again, Arca! Pick up your boots!
Private Arca: Sir, yes, sir!
Gunnery Sergeant Strachan: See Gareth, thatâÂÂs the way to do it!
**AV writes: What is your major malfunction private Wallah?
Jarkko - A second chance for Alves?
You're frightening me now...........
It makes sense for Pogi and Boro for him to stay. I would imagine at this point in his career he will struggle to get a better offer than the one Boro can make (even at Championship wage levels). For Boro it is one less transfer fee to spend.
Of course we need him to be fit through next season and for him to play at centre back and not left back.....please!
I know this is raking over an old bone of contention but has anybody else picked up on the absolute uproar from Fulham fans concerning the Europa final tickets?
They are only getting 12000.They have 10000 ST holders so you would think fine. Some idiot put them on sale with ST holders able to buy four tickets each on a first come first served basis so those that have missed out are going ballistic.
It actually makes us seem well organised by comparison.
Joyous news on the changes at coaching level, and of Gordon choosing to stay in dusty old Boro instead of joining the freeloaders off to South Africa. The revolution has started.
Bet we see unemployable Southgate taking up a chair and a fat wage in some plush studio on behalf of ITV in the summer...
First things first.... I think Grove Hill Wallah has lost the plot or stopped taking his medication.
It is interesting to read these posts through from the beginning to see how far they change from the original article to someone losing their marbles at the end.
Yes Cooper and Pears have been good servants to the club but they should also be judged on their merits on the coaching staff and the team on the pitch... consistantly bad defensive play. From set pieces or open play more goals conceded when we have been one up and heading for a win, then all of a sudden bang bang in the last ten minutes and no points.
When Martin O'Neill came to Boro he was told he couldn't bring in his own backroom staff and would have to work with what is already in place. We can imagine what O'Neill said to that proposition and hence the appointment of Gareth to take the poisoned challice.
Everybody knew what the final outcome would be but secretly hoped for the best and relegation never ever crossed anyones' mind. Well here we are, wake up and smell the coffee lets just get on with it.
For the first time in a long long time a bit of optimism has crept into these posts and a bit of hope for the coming season. This time last year it was doom and gloom with an exodus of players departing the sinking ship and now before even the transfer window is open there are positive changes afoot. Season ticket sales will rise and the first day of the new season will see almost a full house at the Riverside.
What was it I said about medication again? I think it is time for mine.
As regards to Steve McClarren and FC Twente. Forget about standards of football etc or any other excuse it is still a fantastic achievement. The only thing is I wish it was us. Good luck to them and may we join them at some future time
.......scrabbles around for his one remaining marble.
Wish list time, and IâÂÂm looking in your direction chief scout Powls and AV to add some weight or perhaps lay a red herring.
Strikers:
Snicky Maynard ã2.5m?
Keep Chris Killen- Free?
Midfield:
Left Mid, play offs depending, C Adam ã3m?
central any ideas?
right â Andy Halliday, done deal
Right Back:
Keep Kyle Nuaghton, ã1.5m?
Centre Half:
Keep McManus, ã2m? I think he will go back to the âÂÂtic?
Left Back any ideas ??
GK - Smithies of Huddersfield ã2m?
Looks like we would have to spend ã10m+ for these players and I canâÂÂt see that happening.
I would imagine the greater a player's ability the easier he is to coach. So it would stand to reason that to achieve something with average players you need good strict coaches who communicate well led by a manager with good man management skills.
It'll be interesting to see what backroom team Strachan puts together - it'll also mean he'll have nobody else to blame if Boro are not promoted next year - then again he probably already realises he's more than likely only got one more shot at getting into the PL.
As for giving up the world cup punditry - would any business allow any of their highly paid top executives to moonlight ahead of a critical planning phase to secure the organisations future? - No!
Grove hill wallah, blimey!!
Any one else heard the rumours and think that Michael Jackson may still be alive?
Anyone else think the closure of UK airspace for several days was a bit strange?
Anyone else see a hot air balloon land at Rockliffe during the Ash Crisis?
Anyone else think that Michael Jackson is currently taking advantage of the state of the art facilities at the Riverside to change his identity and come back as the mysterious âÂÂMatty BatesâÂÂ?
Some scoop AV, what do I get for the tip off?
**AV writes: He's Bad!
Apologies to posters who haven't seen the film; Full Metal Jacket.
Newcastle have opened a new hotline for
their supporters... Its 1800 10 10 10... thats 1800 won nothing won
nothing won nothing!!!
Wily Old Racoon & Anlov:
Do you think the goalkeeping 'department' have done a good job over the last 10 years? For me they have selected less than impressive goal keepers and then managed rate the poorest keepers as the best and vice-versa.
I love the continued support of Southgate. It's people like you who make those that run football feel they can charge ã75 to watch a game. You don't fancy starting a "Heskey & Carlton Cole for England .." Facebook group do you ?
Good season Gordon - it takes a while to turn around an institution, it's going well keep up the good work.
Smogonthetyne
Adding weight's no problem for me - as Ian Gill says, I'm a lot of space to be a waste of. With friends like that...
But I'm not laying any fish - whatever the species or colour. Like Muffin the Mule I'm sure it's a criminal offence.
But, talking of fish, I'm sure Maynard has bigger ones to fry than Boro. As you indicate, he'll be expensive - if he moves - new manager Coppell is sure to put a high price on his head and will want to keep him. I think we can forget that one.
Smithies is a good young goalie - it would be great to get him but I think that Joe Lewis from Posh is as good, bigger and more experienced and could be got cheaper now that they are relegated.
If not there, then (aside from North of the Border) the second string in The Prem for a season long loan is the way to go, I think. Except not for the lad at Blackburn we were supposed to be interested in - too small and no great shakes.
Adam will need to await the outcome of the play offs but I think his reputation is such that he may be too rich for our blood now. One of the newly promoted sides in The Prem (if Blackpool don't go up) or one in the bottom half of the top division will surely take a punt.
Ross Wallace would be my alternative.
There's a piece in today's Northern Echo that runs through some of the alleged targets in Scotland. I won't repeat that here.
I'd add Sol Bamba - Hibs Ivory Coast international centre back to that list.
If Leeds don't go up I'd look at Snodgrass, Becchio (not Beckford) and Howson as possibles. Similarly, Anthony Pilkington at Huddersfield as a winger who is big and bold enough to double as a striker - and Strachs says he wants versatile.
I think that Brodie the striker from York is worth a punt too. Someone's going to take the plunge with him and it wouldn't cost a lot.
A big priority for me is an athletic midfield holding player who can also box to box. My target for an affordable 'marquee' signing would be a season long loan for Sidwell from Villa who needs to get out of the cul-de-sac he's in to move his career on. If we don't, watch Coppell take him to Bristol City.
Left backs? Hmmm. Well, as long as it's not Pogi......
I'll put my thinking cap on - but I think the long term answer is Joe Bennett (who can also play wide left). The question is - given what you rightly say about money - and with Naughton on the wish list will Strachs prioritise a left back or make do with Bennett, Tayls and Pogi in an emergency?
Headroom can be cleared on the payroll but raising the funds for fees is going to be an issue - despite anything The Count has said about resources.
If we want to invest more in fees then more is going to have to be raised - and we aren't over-run with saleable commodities that are going to add that much to the coffers.
Makes you wish that the backroom/bootroom revolution had started somewhat earlier - oh yes, we suggested that too, didn't we. But what do we know....
Grove Hill wallah:
Don't be put off by lack of positive responses GHw. I thought it was lol funny, even though I haven't even heard of the movie - the stereotyping was enough!
The effort was commendable too.
I'm sure I've got a couple of (unused) spare marbles lying around you can have at no charge, if it keeps up the level of quality and variety of contributions you make to this blog.
alexwilloughby:
That was funny - even if slightly inaccurate. It's as well to acknowledge they won the Championship trophy, before you get sarcasm from our very good friend Mr Hewitson, or some overblown indignation incoming from some neurone-depleted or lobotomised Mags who may well think they're signing their names on ballot papers today.
Couple of comments here about missing McClaren etc now that he has gone and won the Dutch league.
I for one don't miss him at all. Although Southgate's appointment was ultimately a busted flush, I welcomed it at the time (albeit in the absence of a 'world class' manager we had been promised..) if it meant seeing the back of McClaren who I felt never connected with the fans in anyway shape or form.
I wouldn't want to see him back here despite Carling Cup wins and appearances in Eindhoven and all the rest of it, and I think that statement speaks volumes about McClaren. I remember being highly delighted when he got the England job, and thinking it was the perfect 'velvet divorce'.
Things are always much rosier in hindsight.
No way would I want McClaren back.
Thanks John -
If the players Strachan is looking at in Scotland are of the calibre he would have considered when manager of Celtic then they should be more than good enough for the Chimpship. Burke and McCormack at Cardiff, Adam at Blackpool and My Barry at Middlesbrough show that they are among the best players in this division. Also those four players will have cost less than ã2.5m in transfer fees.
It will be interesting to see how much money we do have to spend. Last year we had agreed fees for Hulse (ã5m), SSL (ã4.5m), Caldwell (ã1.5m) and couldnâÂÂt arrange fees with McManus (ã1.5m?) and Adam (ã3m?).
Now obviously some of these bids account for the same money at least 2 or three times but I think we could have ã6-ã7m to spend. If used wisely this should totally revamp the squad and our promotion chances.
With Spurs now in the Champs league I think they will happily dispense with Naughton, they still have Hutton and others and will spend big. I donâÂÂt think we will get him on a permanent deal but a season long loaner would be good. Maybe there are some other good youngsters at spurs worth looking at?
And as mentioned before Matty Bates. If fit what do we do with him centre back? Riggott, Poggi and Bates all on pay as you play deals?
"Newcastle have opened a new hotline for their supporters... Its 1800 10 10 10... thats 1800 won nothing won nothing won nothing!!!"
Theres the old misguided obsession with Newcastle again. Its pathetic and makes us look small time and bitter, well, it makes YOU look small time and bitter anyway, Alex.
Please enlighten us all as to why Newcastle are in your obsessive thoughts at the present moment of time instead of writing about the progress that we are making under WGS?
**AV writes: Yes, there is no place in football blogging for levity at the expense of rivals. They'll retaliate with the old Oxo laughing stock joke and before we know it there will be all out banter.
When looking at new signings the PFA teams of the season from the Championship and League One may be a good place to start.
Obviously those players who are going to have the oppotunity to play in the PL next season will be out of reach
GK Lee Camp Nottingham Forest
DF Chris Gunter Nottingham Forest
DF Fabricio Coloccini Newcastle United
DF Ashley Williams Swansea City
DF Jose Enrique Newcastle United
MF Graham Dorrans West Bromwich Albion
MF Peter Whittingham Cardiff City
MF Kevin Nolan Newcastle United
MF Charlie Adam Blackpool
FW Andy Carroll Newcastle United
FW Michael Chopra Cardiff City
GK Kelvin Davis Southampton
DF Frazer Richardson Charlton Athletic
DF Gary Doherty Norwich City
DF Patrick Kisnorbo Leeds United
DF Ian Harte Carlisle United
MF Wes Hoolahan Norwich City
MF Jason Puncheon Southampton
MF Robert Snodgrass Leeds United
MF Nicky Bailey Charlton Athletic
FW Grant Holt Norwich City
FW Rickie Lambert Southampton
C'Mon Boro!
**AV writes: Good idea for a blog piece.
We will win the league easily next term with this team which consists of a few bargain buys from sweaty Jockoland and young Kaspar.
Scmeichel
Naughton
McManus
Wheatus
Gomis
Driver
Flood
Robson
Halliday
Goodwillie
McDonald
GHW -
Whatever you do don't borrow any of Richard's marbles, otherwise you really will be in a right mess!! (only jokin Richard! By the way good to have you back Richard)
I've seen Full Metal Jacket, dont remember the dialogue though, more the imagery, seriously sobering film. And here's a bit of useless information, a large part of it was filmed in a quarry in Essex!
Drafted an 11 that I think should be achievable for the coming season. Take note Strachs!
Schmeichel
Naughton
Wheater
McManus
Pogatetz
O'Neil
McAnuff
Adam
Flood
McDonald
Beckford
**AV writes: No place for the RobboCop?
Nigel:
Never been away! Just keeping my powder relatively dry. Been following AV's blogs all season and made most home matches despite non-renewal of SC.
I've been just as a frequent visitor to AV's blogs as before, but have seriously restricted my posting on here and on Boro Banter. I'm no Slavenista, but collectively, we've been sorely tested of late. And there are more than a few of us in the same boat, I've noticed.
"**AV writes: No place for the RobboCop?"
I knew there was something missing. How could I forget the man who the team is most likely to be built around next season?!
Hands up who's sick of hearing the last regime being blamed? Strachan took us from 2nd to 11th with a succession of limp home draws and non-scoring away defeats. If he could have kept us in the top 2, maybe Johnson might have stayed.
Instead, our one creative player left and what has been broiught in is dross - as managers are fond of saying 'the league doesn't lie'. It's simply not credible to say 'ok, we were 2nd but it was obvious we couldn't stay there'. Take the shame WGS.
It doesn't matter, how fit or hungry someone is if they're no good. Now we've lost what pulling power we still had, just another middling championship outfit. And what of the famed Academy - the Teesside production line? From Eindhoven to Lee Miller. Wake up and smell the porridge AV - he's papering over the cracks.
**AV writes: Hmmmmmmmmmporridge.
If Strachan has ommenced a new training regime for the coming season I am totally at a loss to understand why. Any player who has played at a senior level will tell you that by the end of the sesaon comes around the last thing he needs is intensive training for the following season.
All this early training achieves is a tired out mentally and physically player for the start of a new season. I would suugest the Boro players to a man need to be given at least four weeks total break from football and maybe even six weeks to recharge their enthusiasm and mental attitude for the game.
Has Strachan ever heard of over trained athletes? I think not. This man appears to be blaming every Tom, Dick, and Harry, for his own short comings. His style of long ball rubbish will not endear him to the average Boro supporter, brought up on good football over the years.
London Cal -
The results of the kids and stiffs in our relegation season were no better than the first team. If they couldnt beat the equivalent teams of championship teams they were never going to be able to step up to win against first teams.
The slither was made by Gate, Gibbo and Lamb. It certainly wasnt turned round by Gordon Strachan but I ma not going to lay all the blame on him for the sale of Johnson. The player was going and the club realised the best deal they could.
If we are still mid table by Xmas then Strachan will be under real pressure.