Small Screen Shocker Points The Way
A NERVOUS, error strewn grind that had small screen neutrals flicking through the channels for the end-to-end entertainment of Farming Outlook or the East Enders Omnibus. A turgid, laboured master-class in misplaced passes, wasted possession and statuesque players caught snoozing on the ball. But hey, we got three points.
And to be fair Gordon Strachan is not dodging the issue. He said everything that I would have said, and that the punters (less than 14,000 Boro fans) were grumbling as they trudged away, most barely able to believe the shocking display they had been subjected to. But at least this dreary display was mitigated by the relief at the crucial first win.
The Beeb's Mark Drury substitute microphone man got the first question in pitchside after the game: "It wasn't a game for the purists, was it Gordon?" he inquired hopefully. The angry gaffer twitched a bit, thought a while then growled dismissively: "Were there any purists here? I didn't see any purists, that's for sure. If there were any purists they wouldn't have been happy.
"I didn't see anything for the purists. I saw two sets of fans desperate for a win, two teams desperate for a win and two coaches desperate for a win... and the result of all that was a desperate game of football."
Upstairs he was asked what he though the armchair audience would have made of the small screen snoozeathon and he admitted candidly: "I think I would have turned over. I just hope there was a good film on the other side, a bit of John Wayne or something."
He went on: "It wasn't a great game. I thought it was two nervous teams, two teams who have only picked up one point from two games, and you could see they were desperate to get a win, and at times were desperate not to get beat. It wasn't pretty, we were just fortunate that we had a finisher."
"I must admit that the two boys in the midfield, who didn't have a great day, stuck at it, and that's all you can ask. If you aren't having a great day you make sure the other team don't do well, and I thought they did alright there."
But is the team coming together slowly? Is the new look team gradually starting to gel? Errr, no. It is a patched up side that is just about beavering away to tread water, that still lacks pace, width and creativity and that has just about sqeaked to a win against an equally nervous outfit that rarely threatened.
Said Strachan: He said: "No, that's not gelling, I can assure you.That's working hard and digging something out with sheer guts and character."
We are going to see a lot of that this season. For all the talk of a need for creativity the players who have been brought in - what is the collective noun for a group of mono-paced gritty midfielders? A tackle? - all reflect a template for a side based on industry, graft and who are difficlut to break down.
The team started with two natural wide men - both making their first start - but almost from the off Strachan was out in the technical area urging them to squeeze in and play through the middle. At the back there was an equal imbalance as the team lined up with four players who by inclination are central defenders. It was a disjointed and unconvincing side that seemed only too aware of their own structural limitations and played as they were looking over their shoulders waiting for a mistake.
So what are the positives of a performance that will have had even the Boro fans watching at home switching off?
A second successive clean sheet, certainly, although in truth Boro were not tested at the back as vigorously as they were at Leicester. A clinical first goal by Kris Boyd who confirmed the pundits assertion that he doesn't do a lot off the ball but give him a real chance and he will score. A decent debut in flashes from Andy Halliday, another solid show in goal by Jason Steele (bar one fumble), another gritty show by David Wheater, a galvanising appearance from the bench by Julio Arca and a buzzing, busy show of movement and link-up play from Scott McDonald. And no new injuries.
And the negatives? A woeful first half in which Boro looked shapeless and clueless and in which far too many balls were wasted and - more alarmingly - they were caught in possession time after time in dangerous positions: Nick Bailey was the worst offender but even the normally rock solid Barry Robson and Stephen McManus were at fault in a game where Boro caused most of their own problems. A very low crowd that should ring alarm bells for those in charge of ticketing policy. And the thought that with the on-going injuries this mix-and-match teams are nowhere near the finished product, and on this showing nowhere near good enough yet to mount a serious title challenge.
But hey, three points....
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Blades out for Mosso!
John Powls is a published poet and my wife was suitably impressed by his wordcraft in a text to me after the game: '***** - but 3 point *****.'
Paraphrasing Morecombe and Wise - No one writes words like what he does.
Vic. Shame error 403 didnt apply to the TV feed but following Toons win expect incoming to the board.
Brutal enough for yeeâÂÂs?
AV I dedicate that goal to you big man. It was your blog and band of acolytes that tempted me south of the boarder.
AnywayâÂÂs get it up yeeâÂÂs!
The beautiful game?
Rollocks to that ; this is football, and three points is three points. Not a classic, in truth ruddy awful but it was just what we needed.
The positives:
Boomers goal was taken brilliantly sitting behind his shot in the north stand was the best view in the house. In from the second he struck it. Scott McDonalds performance was exemplary. Hardworking, always available and looking to support Boyd wherever possible. The discipline of the side was impressive.
Whilst young Halliday may not have caused much of a threat going forward, often I saw him covering a midfielder counterparts position if they had gone forward. Fitness wise I think we looked good and never really in trouble towards the end. Finally Jason Steels, assured, competent, I think heâÂÂs the real deal.
Negatives:
Four centre halves across the back four. Solid, yes never troubled by an expected late on rush of high balls but were not able to offer anything going forward. To the midfield, pleased to see two wingers but they didnâÂÂt really work, understandable in some cases but this area must be improved if the team is to improve.
And then the McDonald - Boyd Partnership. For me this isnâÂÂt working, and I canâÂÂt see how it can. I think they would both benefit from playing alongside a big man (Lee Miller). BoydâÂÂs performance was the footballing equivalent of a Jackie Chan one inch punch. A knock out blow from minimal threat. If we could get him supply we could be onto a winner.
Finally the big negative. As brilliant as it was to see a win, it breaks my heart to think there were lees than 14,000 Boro fans in the ground. I understand all the reasons why attendances have dropped and IâÂÂm not criticising fans who canâÂÂt/donâÂÂt want to attend. I just think its sad that the ground is more that half empty. As a season ticket holder I would have no objections to the club running promotions with ticket prices the same or even less in some instances to what I have paid.
Hmmmmmmm clears throat
âÂÂOn the route of the 19 busâŠâŠâÂÅ
Bailey has to be the worst midfield player we have had to endure for decades. Can't pass or tackle so no idea why Strachan keeps selecting him. Josh Walker surely could not do any worse and in all probability would do a lot better.
Worrying times when Arca looks to be our best player...... No chance of promotion with the current midfield and the anti football tactics. An average team is going to tear this side apart soon.
Three points, up the Boro!!
90 minutes of dross with a quality finish taking the points.Cant find much else to say about it but a mention for a few players:
a] Halliday-considering he's come from part time football I thought he showed he has something in the first half.
b]Kink needs time to get used to the physical nature of English football -I wouldnt write him off by any means.
c]Well done Arca who shut the idiots up by giving a 45 minute example in how to keep the football.
d]Bailey-oh dear me!!!
What can one say, after just about the worst display I have ever witnessed from a Boro team? And that goes back sixty odd years of watching.
Football is a beautiful game when played with good passess, clever ball players who are prepared to hold on to the ball before passing to a team mate in an open space, simple football logic, creating scoring chances and putting the ball in the back of the net.
What does this match say for Strachan;s football ability as manager when the best man on the field Arca, is not selected in the starting line up? I shudder to think what Juninho would have made of this hoof it up the field mentality that gives the opponets possession 95 % of the time.
To be honest Sheffield United were the better team over the whole match, and played the more constructive football from two very poor teams.
To see the ground empty was disheatening to say the least and must affect the performance of the players, but on this display there will be even less at the next home match.
To see the antics of Strachan on the touchline reminded me of a demented Dervisher, this sort of behaviour does not lend itself to giving the players confidence, only making them reluctant to hold the ball in case they make a mistake.
Where do Boro go from this low point I do not know. Some one should bite the bullet and sack Strachan and all his Scottish imports and start from scratch before it is too late.
I agree with just about all you have said, AV.
Mrs Dormo was not impressed with the football but reminded me that on her (rare) attendances the Boro do OK. She is, however, becoming something of a football pundit.
"That shot lacked conviction" she said in the first half (I think it was McDonald with a weak shot on goal). She felt that (his one fumble apart) Jason Steele had the confidence of the players around him, but also the confidence of the crowd (and that isn't something that could be said about "The Corporal").
It was all about the three points. Of course if we had played like that AND LOST, someone might have ended up floating in the River Tess. But at least we have won a game.
(And for those who might not have understood, The Times yesteray carried a lengthy obituary for Gordon Strachan, who recently died. A Church of Scotland Minister and author of many works including books on theological geometry (!) and Merlin. Two thirds of a page to read, which isn't easy if you've splutterd milk and cornflakes all over your clothes until realising that he was several decades older than OUR Gordon Strachan).
**AV writes: "Theological geometry" .... sounds like it squares the circle, Godwise.
I am sure the club are not considering Strachan's position at this stage of the season but the sky influenced crowd is worrying indeed. How long are sub-15,000 crowds allowed to continue?
I only listened on the radio and reckon it cannot have been as bad as the Blackpool 3-0 thrashing last season which was my low point last year.
It sounds like the players are giving their all but they simply have no craft and guile. This must be a failing of the manager and point questions at why he brought in the players he did. Still no left back, still no GK (though it may just be back-up thats needed now) and certainly no creativity.
Everyone understands that this kind of result is a necessary evil of championship football and many more will be required to mount a promotion bid. However, these results are not going to bring the fans back who now, including myself, are fed up of dire football.
Not sure how many people on here would agree but I think attractive football is THE only way to get people back into the Riverside - I just don't think Strachan has the ability to provide it.
I told you all some time back Strachan would give you the worst football you have ever seen and empty the ground just like he did at Celtic.
How he gets a job is anyone's guess. He is tactically clueless and his signings average... Bailey, Miller... he wastes hard earned cash.
Sad to hear about Gordon Strachan's untimely passing - if only his team could learn to time their passing better!
But it sounds like all the pre-season talk about being good on paper was only ...er talk. Still let's not pass judgement too early - we'll know more after the next three games (Barnsley, Burnley and QPR) whether the writing of Gordon's obituary is a little premature.
Anyway, it was three points - nothing more, nothing less - though not an encouraging display to sway the non-believers.
Well at least we won our first "must win" game, but I agree with everyone...the game was dire.
Plus points - well 3 points obviously, a goal for Boyd, another clean sheet (two in a row...when was the last time that happened?).
Minus points - still not creating chances (the goal came from a defenders mistake), despite starting with two wide men, still no width, even when we did get into good wide positions the quality of crosses was abysmal. In the last 15 minutes we couldn't string more than three passes together, as soon as we won the ball we gave it straight back to them. Fortunately for us Sheff Utd were awful.
Verdict so far? Automatic promotion? No chance. Play offs? Possible but unlikely. Relegation? No chance. A lot is going to hang on this weeks recruitment.
Woeful match - terrific result. The gaffer has made no secrets that he is supremely uninterested in producing a performance pleasing to the eye if it means we get bog all from the match. Boyd's supposition on Radio Brownlee the other night was bang on: it's just 11 guys trying to win a fitba game.
The absence of Mosso - was it just me? - reduced my participation to incredulous internet streams and a rolling Twitter feed...our favourite ex-Rangers blog contributor took quite the pounding from anyone with a mobile and a #boro tag, up until he displayed that excellent predation.
The gamble to throw Halliday and Kink right out there was bold and pleasing...their performances weren't as optimistic, but I do believe along with the others that they'll get stuck in soon enough and play important roles.
The Argentina-inspired back line of four central defenders worked a treat too - Kilgallon lent some professionalism to the left back slot and Bates was really good from my vantage. Full credit to Jason Steele too...he's gripping the chance afforded to him and immersing very well at this level.
Let's keep building on the positive results in hope that they breed greater confidence and expressionism out on the pitch...
Benny Brown said: "What can one say, after just about the worst display I have ever witnessed from a Boro team? And that goes back sixty odd years of watching."
I know what you mean and agree to a point. But hey, we got three points because of Boydy. As said after Leicester game - we would have lost the match last season. Let's not forget how many new players we have got. And if Robson has played badly - but he will be back. Nothing lost yet!
I just want to say this team cannot play any worse. And still, with all the injuries, we have got two wins, a draw and lost the opener. I hate to say but we play like the Barcodes did last season - how many 1-0 victories they got on the way up?
As Strachan keeps on repeating he wants better passing and matches of beautiful football. Hopefully that will come - keep faith.
Up the Boro!
The negatives from last night match against SheffU: 14,633.
I cannot complain much as I wasn't there but for football in general and Boro in particular it was the most worrying thing.
AV, how much was it down because of the timing and the TV coverage? How much there will be in the next game against Burnley at home?
Up the Boro!
I paid for three of us to get into the Riverside and should get a refund after what was served up.
Yes, Boyd's finish was class but he had no service all game . Arca was the only player on the pitch (when he eventually got on) who could use the ball and make time on the ball. The rest were a bunch of strangers who thought the ball was a bomb.
Too much long ball forward then battle to get it back and then square balls along the back four. Were the wings mined in the night as we never used them?
Scott Mcdonald did work hard too but nobody was running off the ball.
Being too scared to lose was stopping us playing freely .
I cant afford to pay to go and see displays like that live and Im not the only one!
From Arsenal lite to Wimbledon lite?
Shocking
How long can Gibson stick with Strachan if the crowds stay at 15,000?
Was it not the potential crowd size that got Southgate the sack?
C'Mon Boro!
Nervous?
I though that one of the qualities that Strachan was buying with the 'men' was the ability to handle themselves in these circumstances and to cope with the expectations.
I suppose his justification would be that Boro won and would probably have lost last term. Well, maybe so.
But it isn't anywhere near enough - assuming that the ambition is to get promotion and still have anyone watching.
But, I'm still holding the 'glass half full' on the grounds that it could get better - and that it would take a considerable effort of will to worsen the quality if not the result.
I noticed the obituary too, also that Sheffield United's team coach had the words GORDON and WGS boldly displayed on the front of it.
Bailey was poor in the second half, but I thought he was one of our more committed and busy players, breaking up United's play well in the first half.
It is hard to keep the faith so far this season, but how about these positives (for such as need reminding of them)?
1) The club will probably not fold under the pressure of wages we cannot afford with our current playing staff (quite important, this!);
2) The goalkeeper bred from Teesside Steele could well turn out to be nothing short of heaven-sent;
3) The central defence is more settled (McManus has signed) and stronger (Wheater playing really well so far this season) and Kilgallon gives us a first-rate deputy;
4) Justin Hoyte has been playing better and Bates is no longer injured;
5) The midfield (when all fit) could be very impressive [until we see O'Neil, Thomson, Rhys and Robbo all on song, we cannot judge this one], and Arca looks fitter and better than last year;
6) We have two proven goalscorers if we can get service to them (and Scott has been my player of the season so far, quite different now he's fit);
7) Andy Halliday looked very promising, so are Franks, Hines, Grounds, Luke Williams, Joe Bennett, Cameron Park and Bruno Pilatos, so the Academy input has not yet dried up and we have plenty of Under 21's to reinforce our 25;
8) Strachan's wave to the crowd yesterday was stronger.
And what's got worse, folks, that can't be put down to a new team finding its feet? (Apart from the attendances at the Riverside, of course...)
WhatâÂÂs the right price for a ticket? I think walk up tickets were ã25.00 yesterday. ThatâÂÂs a lot, in fact its far too much.
I was dead set on going to Barnsley on Saturday, where tickets are ã25.00, yesterdays performance had me doubting whether to bother, but Boyds finish and the hope that we can only get better has persuaded me to go.
And there in lies the rub. There is always some idiot willing to pay ã25.00 to go and watch Barnsley play Middlesbrough in the second tier of English football. I went last year, where the away end swelled to 4,500, but I think tickets were only ã19.00, IâÂÂll dig out the stub and check.
Would reducing the price help? To those who didnâÂÂt get to the game yesterday would you have gone if it was ã15.00 for a walk up, or say ã40.00 for admission for the next two home games?
Anyway for the best part of a Monday Morning the Smogonthetyne promotion predictor é â¢
Promotion prediction = Possible playoffs.
We are still on course to match last years points total of 62 points. However we have recorded better results over the last two games than last year. These 3 extra points all other results remaining equal would give us a total of 65 = last years 8th placed team. But if the gain of 3 points over the last two match are extrapolated over the season would have us attaining enough points for automatic promotion.
With the visit to Barnsley to come, where we got beat last year, anything would be a bonus, a win would have smoke coming out of the predictor and a prediction of Champions league football.
Up the Boro
Ignorant -
I woke up Sunday morning and the temptation was there but then I weighed up the cost of a ticket, travel plus sundry costs (ã60+) and balanced that against the fact I have ã300+ car bill this week. The vote came down in favour of watching it on TV.
My lad came round and thank goodness we won or the afternoon barbecue would have been a real misery.
Was it any worse than our 0-0 with Blackburn in our relegation season? In that match we played a back four of Wheater, Riggott, Huth and Pogotetz with Bates and Walker in central midfield.
We had Johnson and Downing on the wings but were so negative that we barely got into Blackburns half and should have been well and truly buried.
On balance, yesterday was marginally better because I hadnt forked out ã60+, a dispiriting drive back and we got three points.
We must play Robson in central midfield though even he was afflicted by the passing disease. If we need to, play Bailey out right where his tendency to squander possession is not so threatening.
And praise for the Land Crab. He stuck to the simple stuff, no tricks, twists or twirls. His control has always been good, it is the little demon between his ears that causes some of his problems.
When the centre, sorry, full backs got forward we had a few promising attacks. Kilgallon looked happier than Bates, maybe Hoyte would be a better option especially at home. I would rather have McMahon to be honest.
Boyd showed us what we already knew, he is a top finisher. He isnt going to make superb runs down the flank or track back into full back positions. He does exactly what it says on the tin.
McDonald looked brightish and showed some good movement. Both wingers looked like they needed a run. Lita was lively when he came on.
Steele, Wheater and McManus were sound.
What did strike me was at one of our few corners, Wheater and McManus went up and were dwarfed by the their defenders. To defeat these sides more convincingly we have to play further up the pitch and get them turned, we need to play closer to Boyd and McDonald so we can play short balls into the channels.
We have a long way to go before we are justifying our pre season favouritism. Strachan has addressed a lot of the issues that needed addressing, get a couple of suitable players in then get them playing decent football. Then I will be happier, at the moment I cant quite see where we are going.
I have just watched Newcastle demolish Aston Villa in a display of football I did not think Newcastle were capable of. Carroll will be the next England Centre Forward. if Newcastle can do, it why not the Boro?
Newcastle have an attacking team. Boro have a defensive team,Newcastle have players who hold the ball and take on defenders, Boro do not have this type of player. The Newcastle team all wanted the ball, Boro players could not get rid of the ball quick enough.
So we now know what we have to do to achieve an atreactive team playing match winning football. Do we have the players and Manager to achieve this goal? No we do not, so we will have to be satesfied with a middle of the table existance until things at the Riverside change dramatically.
I can not see fans with families turning up at the Riverside, paying over one hundred pounds for the pleasure of watching this rubbish, so the days of the 30 000 plus crowd are gone and we may be looking at the 10 000 crowd being the norm.
Three points and a great finish from Boyd is about all I can say about this one.
If it sets us up for a good run then I will take it. Barnsly next. I think we lost this one last season so lets get points in the bag as we have two more tough ones coming up.
By all accounts we are still in for Conway. Agree with Ian, Robson must play central and Baily wider until the troops are back.
Benny
Toon were not attacking at this stage of last season, they were grinding out results getting points where they deserved nothing. They were getting own goals and dodgy decisions from refs.
As they stretched away the confidence grew and they started playing better and scoring goals. That is the way football can go. The team that Jack built started the same way.
If Conway comes then he, Halliday and Kink are the sort of players who want to attack defenders. The likes of Robson, Thomson and Arca are passing footballers. I think we are currently lacking at full back so lose some width.
I am no lover of Robson on the right wing as he is the man to drive us forward. No problem with him switching positions because movement creates passing opportunities.
If we are still as wooden at the end of September we may be in situation where we have an awful to do to catch the leaders.
Good old Smog has his promotion predictor. As he said, we have three points more this season than we did last from the same two opponents. Sadly that is offset by three less against Ipswich.
Anything from Barnsley would put us in credit!
Looking for the slightest sign of encouragement! Still half full, this is a competitive league and yesterday saw a real battle to see who could look the worst. A draw would have been a fair result, the lack of quality deserved -2 each.
For me a positive was Kink and his shot at goal. He at least looked bright and quick. I was bemused when he was took off at half time and replaced by Arca who surprisingly did very well. He did well because he wasn't trying to do the clever stuff in is own half were squandered posession can be costly.
I don't think I have seen such a clean finish from a Boro striker for a long time. You knew that as soon as he was one on one there was only one place that ball was gonna end up.
The first half was appalling and they must lower the prices to get more people through the stands. Better to have 20,000 paying ã15 for the most expensive ticket than 14,000 paying a maximum of ã25. We must remember that it is late August and a lot of people may have been on holiday.
Looking forward to the match tomorrow, hopefully a better gauge as to where we are at playing an in form, attacking Millwall team (even though they lost at the weekend)
For all the change brought by the Strachanvite revolution there seems at the moment little change from the Southgate team and tactics that ultimately got him the sack.
OK, perhaps this team has more potential but it doesn't seem like entertainment is particularly high on Gordon's agenda - so if it was poor home form and falling attendances that ultimately showed Southgate the exit door, then Strachan is no safer.
Though I think Gibson is now a little more desperate for promotion, whilst at the same time more reluctant to wave the axe after buying in to GS2's overall strategy and taking Boro a considerable way up the scottish high road.
At least only QPR have maximum points, which leaves us just one win from the promotion places - though all our points have come from games against the current bottom two.
We all know we were bad. I myself have not been expecting too much until probably a month after the transfer window closes (although I still expected us to be better than we are at the minute).
By then we should have at least three more players in, playing together regulary and gelling a lot better. We have to give them time and be patient. (Easier said than done).
So it was a poor game, Boro by all accounts were dire, someone above (sorry cant remember who) posted it was the worst performance in 30 years. Yet we didn't concede, scored a goal and won.
The goalscorer has it would appear had one chance in three games and he put it away. And we managed this poor but winning performance with virtually the entire first choice midfield missing and no recognised fullbacks on the pitch.
Good teams manage to win when they are playing badly and succesful teams all have one thing in common - a goal scorer.
After three games its impossible to judge how good or bad we are, but surely its way too early to be demanding the sacking of the manager or writing off the season?
Lets hope there are one or two more players to come in and that the season is starting off as a slow burner, its a marathon not a sprint.
Smogonthetyne now in Nunthorpe said:
"But if the gain of 3 points over the last two match are extrapolated over the season would have us attaining enough points for automatic promotion."
I disagree. On my spread sheet which takes into account that the only points so far collected were from the bottom club in the table at that time we are on target for 53 points this season which is not enough.
Granted we have not lost away but I can't extrapolate the draw at Leicester to be anything other than an untypical point against the bottom of the table. Similarly the home three points against SheffU whilst again untypical for Boro cannot be anything other than the indication that we will win 10 home gaimes this season, and draw five.
Away? we will win 4 or 5 and draw 3 or 4. So promotion, not possible to hope until after we have beaten 3 or 4 of the teams above us in the league.
I enjoyed the ride to and from Boro on my Harley more than what was served up at the Riverside.
Different playing staff, but the same conundrum of playing better away from home than at home. I can't explain it, but everyhing seems better at an away game. The atmosphere and standard of play is always much better.
Perhaps if Strachan could get to the bottom of that scenario, he could then find an answer to the Home town blues.
Roll on the visit to Oakwell....
Three points when you play badly .... that's what successful teams do
Blimey, did we lose? I've never seen such a reaction to a win.
We did what we had to, and always looked comfortable. Sheffield United barely threatened, we looked solid at the back - did Steele make a save? Kilgallon had an excellent debut and surprised me with his willingness to get forward.
The wingers were poor, but it was their first starts, the central midfield two were playing their first game together so will take time to get used to each other.
Great to see Boyd off the mark, him and McDonald seem to be forging a good partnership.
Excellent result, it seemed like a typical match where we would lose and it gives us something to build on.
Hi Allan in Bahrain,
The Smogonthetyne é ⢠predictor is a little tricky to get to grips with. To be honest I donâÂÂt really get it. But what I was saying was we have picked up four points from the last two games, where as last year we picked up just one from the same two fixtures.
If we continue to turn last seasons defeats into draws and last seasons draws in to victories we will be automatically promoted (as long as we still beat the same teams again this year)(!). Anyway glad to hear someone else has a spread sheet up and running and mapping out the season.
And to prove how worthless my interpretation of the data is, look at this.
You can prove anything you like with stats. The Smogonthetyne é ⢠predictor has just spat this little nugget my way. So far this season, we have lost a game we won last year. Drawn a game we lost and won a game we drew. If this record was to be repeated through the course of the year would end up with 14 wins, 16 losses and 16 draws = 58 points. So a drawn on Saturday is the Smogonthetyne é ⢠predictor prediction.
However this does mean we will get beat twice by Scunthorpe, QPR and Doncaster. Worth the paper its printed on?
Good teams win when they play badly? DonâÂÂt good teams just play well?
AV, any clues for new players? A left back, right winger and some loans for goalie and central midfielder me thinks.
The loans shouldn't be a big problem as there are plenty of left overs in PL with the 25 man rule. The right winger could be bought,too, after all the money we got for Jones. Perhaps we need to wait for Dundee United's midweek match in Europe.
The biggest (or heavies) obstacle is to sell Mido and Digard - but there is hope. The latter is in talks at Nice and Ajax will know more after their match on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 in the Champions League.
But please give us names, AV! Up the Boro!
**AV writes: We think Mido will sign a one year loan deal with Ajax before the close of play today and Digard will go to Nice tomorrow. That will free up wages for a couple of loans coming in with Conway and Dawson still on the list.
AV: There is a little handshake symbol on Sky Sports transfer ticker saying the Mido deal has been done http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_6331811,00.html
Is this true? Has the little stoat finally left?
Big questions are: did we pay him off? is there any chance he could return once Ajax realise what a SOB he is? Has Christmas and Ramadan come early?
**AV writes: My understanding is that it is a year long loan so there is no pay-off - the club were adamant about that but there may be a small contribution to his wages, hence the haggling.
24 hours later and I'm feeling a bit more upbeat. The numbing effect of the performance has warn off, now I can just look at the score. As a few have said, winning when you play badly is a good habit to obtain.
Hate to be a pedant to Ian Wood's comment, but 20,000 at $15 ($300,000) is not actually better than 14,000 at $25 ($350,000)...although to be fair he did say 14,000 paying "a maximum of" $25, and you could say that there might be atmospheric benefits to having 20,000 in the ground (assuming a $10 price cut would tempt another 6,000 souls to turn up). That $50,000 would pay Mido for a week. Is the rumour that he has finally gone true? Now that would cheer me up!
Worst display from a boro team ever? are you mad? we have been far worse than that surely? (I have just watched it again for the purposes of research by the way).
The first half i'll grant you was appalling, but we were reasonable in the second and never looked like we would need more than the one goal we had. It would have been madness to throw men forward looking for a second.
As for the formation it is clear that BR needs a passer alongside him to function, halliday was honest enough to say that his "legs had gone" after 60 minutes and arca showed that the centre is the best place to play him (if there is no spot free there then he should be on the bench).
The back five should keep getting better the more games they play, great to see Bates crunching into cresswell after he has nobbled robson and kilgallon looked solid.
It looks as though Mido is away so we should have space on the wage bill for two or even three more players so i think we should just all stay calm and give this lot a chance.
Up the Boro
Mido has left the building.
It's alleged that Mido has gone to Ajax - but we've heard that before. If I was Greggs I wouldn't give the analysts the profit warning just yet!
Martin Jol reckons Mido will give them extra depth, doesnt he mean width.
Yesterday John Murray talked about the very large ship moored by the Riverside, I guess that set off shortly after the match loaded to the gunnels with Egyptian.
Further to AV's reply to Jarkko at 3.18pm - I see that it is now being reported on the Interweb by Stefan Coerts, that as at 16.08pm Mido has moved to Ajax on a Free Transfer with a one-year deal.
Dundee Utd website reports that bid recieved and turned down.
http://www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk/index.asp?tm=2&nid=3559&cd=2010&cd1=8
Just had a thought... we need a Merson inspiration, why not push the boat out and try and get Wright /Phillips from Man City on loan. Dont they owe us one,for giving them Johnno for nowt?
It appears that when footballers change clubs they take their boots with them because Jinky has his short studs in again even though it was a certain penalty in the Citeh Lpool match.
Dear AV,
Please accept this message as notification that I will be posting on the blog later today.
Best Regards
Smogonthetyne
Any live commentary from the league cup tonight?
Will Mosso be get a run out?
**AV writes: I'm being "rested" tonight. I could still do a live chat although it would be an ill-informed ramble that adds nothing to your understanding of the game's unfolding drama... (insert your own punchline here).
Happy Sunday for the Smogs and Jawdees. 6 points and 7 goals. Long may it continue!
I presume the offer/refusal exchange over Conway is just the opening salvo in a process that will conclude in a deal.
My advice to Greggs re Mido looks like it was well founded. It seems like the deal hasn't happened yet and that if/when it does, it's just a loan rather than a transfer.
Presumably it was the best we could get - but it still leaves us carrying the risk that lard, injury or just his usual behaviour will see him darkening our (very large) doors again. This risk might see The Count being less generous than he might be in allowing Strachan the wage headroom that a transfer might have freed up.
The lard/behaviour risk is less with Digard than with The Pie Pharaoh but an injury isn't out of the question, as we know. So, again, a loan may be the best we can do but it's not getting shot.
As to M&S, it all seems to have gone quiet. I wonder if we might see him on the bench at Millwall tonight?
Any more news on goalies - Wright still in the frame? - or central midfield loaners or Dawson yet?
**AV writes: My understanding is that the loan suits Boro as they do not now need to terminate the existing contract and so are not liable for severance pay-offs, wage demands and various other "financial dues" that selling him when he has not asked for a transfer would entail. (It also suits Ajax as they are not paying a fee and can dump him after a year if he reverts to his default). But yes, it carries risks.
It was only ã19.00 at Barnsley last year, and it has shot up to ã25.00 this season. Couple of ideas why this maybe.
1, they were surprised at the large away following and want to cash in this year. I think they may be disappointed when only 1,000 T T Teessiders turn up
2, The Barnsley fans probably had to pay ã25.00 for the privilege of coming to the Riverside last year.
Fair doâÂÂs
It was after the game at Oakwell that GS2 talked about them turning it into a cup tie in the second half and we couldnâÂÂt adapt to it. It was also after that game that GS2 was seen making a phone call from the centre circle (a better reception?) probably trying to rectify matters.
The fruits of that phone call are now evident in McManus, Robson and others have joined to make us a more physical side. Should it get a bit tasty on Saturday we are better equipped.
IâÂÂm sure you are like me and are wondering what else can the Smogonthetyne Predictor é ⢠accurately predict? Well I fed in the data of Barnsley ticket prices to get an estimate of next seasonâÂÂs prices.
ã30.00 Premier league fixtureâŠâŠâŠâŠâÂÅ .whereâÂÂs me spanner!
As for Tonight AV you have to have a live blog. Not just for the local fans who wonâÂÂt be there but for the ex-pat massive who depend on it to try and recreate the match day atmosphere. Mind you SundayâÂÂs atmosphere could have been recreated on the moon
AV writes "I'm being rested tonight.....an ill-informed ramble" etc. Nothing new there then!(joking of course)
Watched the game on TV. As already stated, not good - although to suggest, as some have, it was the worst game ever, is ridiculous. I thought the first half was particularly awful and boring, although I did think defensively we were quite sound, Wheater in particular had a strong game.
What a cracking goal though and made the game(just about) worth sticking with. Even worse than the game however was the continuous rantings and critisism of co-commentator Gary Birtles. What a plonker.
It's weird though, how as supporters we can be as critical as we want, even to the point in some cases of making derogatory and sometimes deleterious remarks about individual players and staff. But when we hear to much critisism from pundits/outsiders we become almost protective of our team.
Does anyone know if Mido had to be paid off to leave. Also, I hear that Dundee Untd have turned down Boro's latest bid. Any news?
Ill informed ramble will do just fine tonight as BoroWorld are broadcasting the match. I guess Ali and Gary should also be available on BBC locally.
It would be good for the Boro fans scattered around the world who cant get the commentary to have a live blog (pre-supposing Mrs Vic doesnt mind - many thanks in advance for her patience).
Is there live coverage of the match in London? It would be good to get some feed from London based fans who cant get to the match. It is interesting to hear a non Brownlee view from the other teams commentary - a bit like I try to do from matches against East Midlands teams.
On the Conway transfer I suspect that the AEK Athens match will swing the deal. In their current form it is highly unlikley Dundee will overturn the 1-0 away win by the Greek side. Once the tie is over and considering the managers comments about Conway's head being turned, I guess things would move fairly quickly.
Dundee may want to get players in themselves to try and kick start their season following a 4-0 home thumping by Iverness.
The first test is getting through the cup tie without injuries, showing better form and getting through to the next round. No matter what competition we are in am unbeaten run is precisely that.
**AV writes: I'm not sure about the Europa League game. Our understanding is that Boro hope the deal can be done before then so he can prepare for Barnsley with Boro rather than make a round trip to Greece. It is just haggling now.
Re my last blog above about Mido. I see from you and John Powls that it's only a loan rather than a complete got rid of. Fingers crossed thats the end of the unhappy saga.
Brian Hewitson said: "Happy Sunday for the Smogs and Jawdees. 6 points and 7 goals. Long may it continue!"
I hope we meet in the PL next season! I trust Boro will be up there about in May. But seriously as you have seen some of the Boro fans are not very optimistic about promotion - not at least yet.
Brian, how do you see the Jawdees' chances of staying up this season? I mean the gap is big from the C'ship to PL and I don't know if you have much money to spend. Is the squad deep enough if you get injuries? And then there is the owners issue - the two teams seem to be very different in there as Gibbo was born in M'brough.
I am one of the optimists. Up the Boro!
Maybe this is the stumbling block..
"Interested spectators will be Ayr United, who are due 20% of any transfer fee so the division two club could net a sizeable windfall."
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/dundee-united/dundee-united-reject-middlesbrough-s-600-000-attempt-to-lure-craig-conway-1.1050106
Just go for David Goodwillie instead.
Was Mosso available at Chesterfield? Is AV trying to avoid being "cup tied?" Mosso less than reliable these days, Hmmm.
The truth is out there.
**AV writes: Chesterfield there was no wi-fi or even mobile reception in the pressroom. People had to go outside to send. Not practical for a live blog.
Has Mido left on a free or on loan? This is crucial. A loan means we still pick up the tab for his wages. Like we are doing with Digard.
A loan meaning he might return?
This must be the last year of Mido, Digard and Emnes contracts so this time next year they will have to find their own clubs and most definitely WILL be off the wage bill. That might be the best we can hope for.
**AV writes: It is a loan but Boro are not losing money on it. He won't be back.
AV
Fair shout on Conway, suppose it depends if they have given up on europe. A clue would be if he goes to Athens.
Obviously it would be better for us if he came now, as long as he doesnt play left back.
Eric Paylor leaves out unsettled Anthony Vickers
Anthony Vickers was today left out of the squad travelling to tonights Carling Cup visit to Milwall increasing speculation linking him with a move to Untypical Wigan.
WiganâÂÂs recent abysmal form has made their blog increasingly attractive, the moans and vitriol aimed at the owner and management are just the sort of thing AV has missed dropping down to the Championship. Although the standard has been kept up on Untypical Boro,it is hardly a substitute for Premiership blogging.
AVâÂÂs agent Mosso Cloudfiles today said âÂÂAV is no different to any blog host, he has tasted the Premiership and wants to get back there as soon as possible, if that is with Untypical Boro all well and good. But if a chance comes along then I would hope that the Gazette would not stand in his wayâÂÂ
Speculation is also rife that should AV go he is poised to take some of his prized posters with himâÂÅ
More to follow..
**AV writes: *kisses Gazette badge and points to Red Faction*
I hope the turncoats who are linked with AV's proposed move will come on here and make their positions clear. Is their no loyalty in the game anymore?
Just go for David Goodwillie instead.
"Goodwillie" sniggers!
**AV writes: He hasn't signed yet. Don't go off half-cock.
About the transfer rumors, GHw. Is it a loan move or a free transfer of AV to Wigan? I mean could they send him back if injured or ...
Jarkko said:
"Brian, how do you see the Jawdees' chances of staying up this season? I mean the gap is big from the C'ship to PL and I don't know if you have much money to spend. Is the squad deep enough if you get injuries?"
Well JK, that's a question and a half!!
Other than those who started on Sunday, there's new ã3.5m man Tiore (a Steve Mclaren recommendation from FC Twente... don't hold breath then! Looked ok in World Cup tho) Sol Campbell, Taylors Stephen and Ryan, Lovenkrands, Guthrie, Simpson, Gosling, Ameobi, Best, Ranger, Xisco, Kadar and Vuckic all of whom I think can do a job in the Prem.
Slovenian Vuckic is one to watch. He's 18, 6ft 4ins, brick outhouse and boy does this lad look the part. Hope he gets a chance this season. Ranger and Kadar are young uns with promising futures too.
As for staying up? I will be happy with 17th place, however, after Sunday I am inclined to revise and say 16th!!
I've put a new blog piece up by the way, so if you want to refresh or whatever we can talk about the pressing need to find a new scapegoat elect before the deadline.
A change of blogmeister is just part of football, you cant blame anyone for the doing the best for their career and family. We just get on with our posting, its nothing to do with us really.
Personally, I am just concentrating on tonights match with Millwall.
Obviously it is flattering to be linked with a move to a premiership blog. No one has said anything to me so it is merely speculation. What happens between now and the close of the virtual window is another matter.
Grove Hill wallah
How did you get a quote from Mosso Cloudfiles. He's been missing from action of late and has not made the coach let alone the bench in recent away games.
So long suckers.
'Show me the pies.........
I can not see your new scapegoat blog AV
I will go for Bailey and Strachan to be the new scapegoats
C'Mon Boro!
Dundee Evening Telegraph story
BoroâÂÂs bid to land Conway looks dead....
Dundee United are hoping Middlesbrough are true to their word â so Craig Conway remains a Tangerine (writes Tom Duthie).
The English outfit finally came through with their long expected bid for the winger and, when they only offered ã600,000, it was instantly knocked back for being way short of UnitedâÂÂs valuation.
And now United hope that will be an end to the matter.
I am fed up. Its been 3 or 4 years of rubbish football. Now its worse - we are playing rubbish football in the Championship and we have Gordon Strachan as a manager. Why is he good? A moneky would win Celtic the league.
He has done nothing in England in the past and now he buys the whole SPL. The SPL is equivalent to the top of League 2. We hav ebo good players and to the Boyd goal, it was a mistake. You couldn't see him scoring otherwise. It was a one on one and he's a footballer. A nine year old should score them.
Forget the Scots. We need Boro ways of old - McClaren, Juninho, Mendieta, Hasselbaink, Rochemback, Yakubu. We need flair players that are creative and talented and we won't find them in Scotland or with ordon Strachan.
JUNINHO JUNINHO JUNINHO
Why havent we mentioned him as manager?
A Premier club off the field - Rockcilffe n all that - a second rate club off the field as per usual over the decades...?
...and how did our manager get an OBE...because to date the guy is not livin' up to his TITLE...?
AV OBE has a rhyme and reason to it!
So, what bloody kept them? Third game in, and we're on 4 points!
This time last season, with a decent start, we'd amassed 7 points and 3 clean sheets (which became 10 points and four c/s with the next game - we were the last side to concede in the four opening games and were almost pole position just behind Cardiff).
Then of course, two of our key players were sold off to Stoke - Tuncay and Huth (the Huth/Wheater defensive pairing at least kept us those four clean sheets and unbeaten start), and the rest, as we all know, was a plummet down the table and loss of form and a campaign of increasing woefulness which only accelerated the moment GS2 arrived (all those home draws and defeats!!).
The notion that Boro will be promotion favourites even this early in the day is now laughable..... I dare say we'll have one of those seasons like last time where we'd be hard pressed to score more than 2 goals in a game - due in no small part to the anticipated poor service provided to the McDonald/Boyd strike partnership....
Any more of this dross and I'm sure the latter will start wondering what he came to Boro for. Like - to have his goalscoring prowess snuffed out by the blanket mediocrity with which Boro so excel.