Glory Or Disaster? Script Your Own Season.
THREE sleeps to go. I'm excited and optimistic about the possibilities and prospects for the new season for the first time in ages. Gordon Strachan has rewired the mentality of the squad and created a well balanced and hungry outfit that means business. Bring it on. I'm even thinking of putting a daft quid on a champions/Kris Boyd top scorer double.
But a new campaign is always a leap into the unknown. How will it all pan out? Who will be the heroes? The flops? Will the wheels come off? How many more Scots can we get in before the deadline? How long will Matty Bates knees last? And will the once bitten Teesside public climb back aboard the bandwagon if Boro deliver the good?
Questions, questions. Let's hear your answers....
It is time to nail your colours to the mast and predict how the season will pan out. Tell me where you think we will finish, what the strengths and weaknesses are and which players will stand out - or disappoint - this season.
For my part, I think Boro are going up. No, really. I am already preparing to saw the top off the double decker. There is a steely determination about the place now, recruitment has been systematic and rational and addressed some long standing glaring weaknesses, the players brought in are all totally focused on getting into the Premiership, the squad has a mean looking midfield and someone who on paper should be a genuine goal-getter. We are the bookies favourites and they are very rarely wrong. Four times in the last five years the favourites have won the title. And at least they gives som external validation to our parochial hot-housed ambitions.
And crucially, the opposition are no great shakes. The team who have come down are weaker than in recent years and several rivals are in deep financial trouble. The teams who over achieved last year - Leicester, Swansea - are unlikely to repeat their feats and there is no powerhouse packed with established Premier League talent. I is there for the taking for a hard to beat side with a winning mentality. And that is what everyone now at the club radiate from every pore.
Now it is over to you. Am I a deluded foam fingered ra-ra? Are we going to choke and falter in a "Typical Boro" flatter to deceive disaster. Or flop about on the fringes of the play-offs and just fall short? Tell me what you think. Here's some questions for you to mull over as you frame your own impressions. Scripy your own season.
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right?
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses?
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy?
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals?
Who will be the player of the year?
How many season tickets have we sold?
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
What will the average crowd be this season?
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll?
Go for it.... the future is unwritten.
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Right - I'm back - primed for the new season, leaner than ever and ready to take my seat in the Virtual Bosco Jankovic Stand, not yet equipped with a new season shirt (I'll wait until a really cool sponsor comes along first!) but anticipating the start of New Boro...
Here's my altitude sickness predictions, based partly on the fact I am high with expectation, and partly because I live upside down, in a state where the average temperature is a cracking 23 celsius in the middle of winter!!!!
Finish top - promotion by my birthday (march) and champions by Easter Of course the bookies are right, don't they always win?
Watch out for the Trees, Pompey, and Burnley - Dark Horse Bristol City
Boyd and Thomson to shine. Very worried that too much will be expected from Halliday
Up front is strongest, but still needs one more in reserve. Goalkeeping and wingers are the big concern.
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot - Yes, unless McDonald gets more than he does!! Who else will score the goals - looks like goals from everywhere this year..
Robbo for player of the year
How many season tickets have we sold- who cares we make more from the walk up. But if we start as I think we will, they may become a hot property, especially if we go on a cup run and it looks like we may only get 10,000 tickets for a cup final!!
My guess 18,000 against Ipswich at the riverside and 851 in the VBJ stand
We'll average 24,000 by the end of the season as the Riverside rocks to full houses in promotion months of March and April
All shirt sponsor slots will be bought up in a Christmas shopping frenzy when we'll struggle to hold onto a born again Wheats and GON will go.
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest? PLEASE LORD YES (on both accounts!)
And finally If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll? - Hasn't it already!!!
And then I take of my rose coloured glasses and think we may just struggle in which case........
Did I get my post in before Jarkko!!
C'mon Boro
PS AV - any further news on the Jones to Liverpool story - it's definitely not April 1st!!
**AV writes: Not yet but I'm sure Strachan will be asked at this afternoon's presser.
AV-
I dont care if we finish 6th and get up through the play offs. This division is so unpredictable you can pick any of maybe 18 teams that could claw their way into the top six.
I think its important we realise its 46 games. We have to make ourselves hard to beat to begin with, we know we have scorers in the team and as the Mags did, realise each game is 90 mins, not just the first 10mins. Grind it out if we have to.
Like I said the guys upfront should have enough about them,to turn what looks like drawn games into wins.
I also think the Fans are going to be more important this season than they have since 1986,its pivotal we all get behind SG and the team
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right?
Champions.
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses?
See above. Sheff Utd Barnsley
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy?
Kris Boyd. GON.
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
Midfield. Defence
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals?
Yes. Barry Robson plus a host of others
Who will be the player of the year?
Barry Robson
How many season tickets have we sold?
11,000
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
23,450
What will the average crowd be this season?
25,000
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
Yes
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
Yes, No
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll?
Immediately.
I think we have sold about 12,500 ST and that we will get about 18,500 on Saturday. Ipswich will bring about 1,000 and I think there are about 5,000 waverers of our lot who will show up waiting to be convinced by Strachan's McMiddlesbrough.
I think we will do well, be hard to beat and up among the leading bunch from the start and safely in a promotion spot by Christmas in time for Boro to do a cack-handed Xmas ST offer that gets us loyalists we renewed from the off furious.
If the team keep it up people WILL climb back aboard. Everyone out there wants a club and a team they can believe in. They want to fall back in love with Boro. If the team are winning and the club play it sensibly with prices (a few clever offers) we can steam through the run in with crowds of 25-27,000 and finish with a full house to pick up the trophy.
If we don't get off to a flyer and we waren't in the top three or four pretty much from the off the feelgood factor will soon drain away, there will be no walk-up and crowds will flat-line at 15,000.
Boydy will get 20 goals this season and Supermav 12-15. The mifield will chip in with a few too. I don't expect to steam-roller teams though. A lot of 1-0 and 2-0 games. Once we get a goal up teams will find it very hard to get past our midfield. Midfield looks the best in the division.
I'm optimistic. I don't care if we are the story or not. In fact, I'd rather not. We'll sneak in under the radar while the press focus on when Hughton gets the sack and the Mackem fans turn on Mrs Doubtfire.
Saturdays crowd...ding-ding-bong-bong-eek
Season average....eek-eek-bong-ding-ding
Kris Boyd goal tally..bong-bong-ding
Total season goals...bong-eek-eek-ding
Total points....ding-ding-eek
Chances I get carted off before the season ends...eek-eek-bong-ding.
Nothing is certain in football. But if Boro fail to spark, then an anti-Strach bangwagon will absolutely definitely start to roll.
This will be an interesting season. I've often wondered how Celtic/Rangers would fair in the Premiership. Our results this season might give an indication. I suppose a quite lot of people, both north and south of the border, will be following our results.
A good friend of mine, who has inside information, is convinced that Boro will finish top this season. In fact he backed them at 10/1, just before we signed Boyd and the price came in.
I'm a bit more sceptical. I think we'll be in the top six all season. There will be many a set back, but we'll come with a late run to clinch one of the automatic places.
Ipswich crowd....17500 (disappointing)
Average crowd....22000 (disappointing)
But what will be the starting 11 on Sat Mr AV?
What is now or best 11 Mr AV?
Oh 2 sleeps now !!!
Mid table mediocrity next season .... and for many a season to come. Strachan is a useless wee krankie and these one paced plodding carthorses that he has signed will bear this out.
Also i think that we will never progress as a club as long as Keith Lamb has his puzzling influence over Gibson.
Pompey survive thankfully
we will have a 46 game season
Play up Boro,
Boro Play up
I guess there will be another Paul Bell post following the 12,36pm one (an optimistic one).
In Scotland - well, at least in the North West Highlands -_ I have to tell you that, for the most part, the burning topic of conversation is when the next dry day might be.
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right?
Yes, I have my cash on to, win the title at 10/1, pay for next years SC
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses?
Boro, Bristol City as dark horses
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy?
Thompson will shine, no new boo boys in a winning team.
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
Midfield is the strongest, no real weak area's if we can keep injury free.
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals?
Boyd can win the golden boot, McDonald will be better this season and Bailey, Robson and Kink can chip in with goals from midfield
Who will be the player of the year?
Thompson
How many season tickets have we sold?
12,200
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
22,864
What will the average crowd be this season?
22,000
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
Yes, sponsors will want to spend their cash on the 2010/11 champions.
3-0 tomorrow
C'Mon Boro!
Slightly off base but who will be the captain this year? O'neil's out tomorrow, last season he used Robson as skipper but was that because Big Mick was only on loan.
I feel this is a really important issue as there are a lot of strong personalities in the team this year who may require the odd kick up the backside at times.
My pref; would be Big Mick.
Any views.
Watched Tarmo Fink on YouTube if hes half as good as he looked he could set the Riverside on fire. Good luck parmo boy
What are bloggers predictions for tomorrow?
I am going for 3-0, Bailey, McDonald and Boyd.
Crowd - 22,864
AV - virtual bottle of beer for the winning prediction?
C'Mon Boro!
Brisbane Phil -
You were quicker than me. I see that AV wrote the story on Aug 4, 10 10:51 PM. I saw it first time on Friday at noon. I wondered why he talked about 3 nights as I only have one. And then there was 10 posts already.
Really where do you see the blog earlier? Or perhaps AV is blocking me out - been posting too often...
I predict a 2-1 victory tomorrow and 22 500 there. Then a defeat (possibly at Chesterfield) and then a long, long unbeaten run like in Jackie Charlton era. We have won the championship at Luton .. sorry at home Hull City on April 23 (I have difficultiest to type in with my foam hands!).
Our strongest is central midfield - weakest the right wing and left back. (Goalkeeping, too if we loose the Great Brad).
Scotty will score 17 goal but Boyd goes near 30. We will get plenty of goals from left and central midfield, too.
Last home game sold out and an average of 24 800 all season.
Up the Boro, the 'Borough is going up!
Predictions?
Pretty much like last season I am afraid.
A pretty good start but then we lose Boyd/McDonald up front and McManus at the back to injury/suspensions and we really do not have a Championship standard backup so we plummet to midtable and then its a case of can we put a run together for the playoffs later.
But
if we get shot of liability Jones and get some cash even just ã1miliion for Digard and invest those moneys we can be a bit closer to Strachan's team. Which I think we are still only just over halfway towards.
Amongst the comings and goings this summer a few things have bypassed everyone's notice.
Strachan has replaced the full midfield and strikeforce (first choice at any rate) since his arrival. Only Lita up front and O'Neill remain from the squad he inherited. And I cant believe Lita counts as one of Strachan's want to keep players.
But behind that there is just 1 arrival - McManus - and 2 players I reckon Strachan would have called his type of man in Pogatetz and Riggott (less so than Poggy maybe) When he drew up his initial shopping list this summer one of those two would have been expected to stick around.
So between now and the end of August I expect three new arrivals - two fullbacks and a central defender because I cant see Wheater, Bates, Williams, McMahon, Taylor, Grounds, Hines and Hoyte as anywhere near what Strachan would see as his defensive lineup. To me he would view each of these as squad players at best. About the same in the pecking order as Franks up front.
And if some cash is needed to do that then Jones going is a no-brainer.
**AV writes: I think Kilgallon and a left-back plus hopefully still Dawson and maybe Conway too... the later may depend on Mido/Digard going.
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right?
2nd, have a sticky patch during xmas, fans get on back, refocus after xmas and a run to 2nd spot
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses?
Title contenders, Burnley, Notts Forest Dark Horses, Norwich, Reading
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy?
Shine- Thompson (everyone loves a grafter), Stutter- Kink (caught out by pace) New Boo-Boy Boyd (expectations so high one dry spell is all it takes, hope not though)
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
Strongest- Centre Mid, Bailey, OâÂÂNeil, Thompson, Robson Weakest- Goalkeeper (surely ã2m can bring in better than what we got, Weaver just gone free to Sheff Wed)
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals?
McDonald for golden boot class above
Who will be the player of the year?
Robson
How many season tickets have we sold?
8,000
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
22,000
What will the average crowd be this season?
20,000
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
No- but will be covered up by the old âÂÂthey found the benefits last month so overwhelming they have decided to extend another monthâÂÂ
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
CanâÂÂt see it ,see Newcastle struggling but getting through, Sunderland to strong
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll?
Yes hasnâÂÂt it already- does my head in!
I forgot that Thomson will be the player of the season. I expect a lot of him. But of course Robbo will be close second.
And Bates - he will shine and play over 35 matches this season. Interesting to see if is it at right back or CB (and who is left out).
Automatic promotion. Top six most of season, top three from Nov at latest. Just a chance we'll emulate Big Jack's glories of '74 but, more likely, it'll go the way of Robbo's first season. Personally, I'd be more than happy to settle for something like Robbo's less-than-convincing second promotion.
Title contenders: Burnley, Forest. Dark horses: Bristol City, Leeds.
Star newbies: Thomson, Boyd and possibly Bailey. Strugglers: Kink and possibly Halliday.
Strongest department: midfield. However, we're presntly weak down the flanks - need full backs and wide players.
It's now or never for this season. Even with the parachute payment, money's clearly been tight this summer. Next year the relegated teams will get much more over four years and our parachute payment will have finished. So, if we fail this season then, yes, the anti-Stachan bandwagon will find 5th gear.
I think we will have a good season and be promoted. If we can get a few out and bring in a couple than our position as favourites will be justified.
Of the others I cant see a clear cut title challenger but lots of promotion chasing clubs. Sheff Utd, a place by the Trent, Burnley. I dont see Leicester maintaining a challenge, one of the promoted teams will do well.
My fancy for star billing is between Robson and Thomson. We have a couple of central midfielders well capable of driving us forward.
In reality it is the scorers who get the glory so Boyd will be to the fore.
I still think we are vulnerable at the back. Last season saw more permutations in the back four than the national lottery. If we get the keeper (whether Jones stays or goes) and left back positions resolved quickly then we should tighten up at the back.
I would be pleased if the first day crowd is above 20,000 and suspect a 1-1 draw against Ipswich. If we do get off to a decent start and keep it up the average will end up 22,000ish.
If we are the media story it is likely to be because we are struggling and there is anti Gordon sentiments.
But I sense 'a team that Jack built' moment. We will be ignored in the same way that team was by the BBC and national press. Truth is I dont care if we go up unheralded as long as we go up.
Well then.....
First of all what the heart and pre-season exctement & anticipation says:
Finish as Champions, way ahead of anyone else and promoted by Easter!!
Crowds - start off slowly, around 18000 then gradually grow to around 28000 as the unbeaten record grows!!
Weakest area : none, once the corporal leaves!!!
Sponsorship - over run with offers due to regular appearances on TV as league leaders!!
...AND NOW THE HEAD :
The Boro never fulfill expectations of being favourites for anything or do what is expected of them soooo.......
Finish : Lose out in the play-offs to a last minute on form Doncaster Rovers!!!
Crowds - start optomistic, 18000 but tail off mid season to the core season card crowd of around 11000. End of season boost in figures to around 25000 as people return in the hope of qualifying for priority in buying play-off final tickets!!!
Weakest area : Goalkeeping - Liverpool didn't increase their offer!!
Sponsorship - poor TV coverage so struggle to attract sponsors until we hit the play-offs.
Sincerely hope the heart and excitement over rules the head!!!!
Can't wait for Saturday - Come on Boro!!!!!!
AV ... What was the problem with my predictions?
Shall I re-submit?
**AV writes: Could you? There have been a few problems this week. I think this entire thread was invisible for two days.
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right? -> Champions of course
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses?
Contenders:- Nottm Forest, Sheff Utd, Reading & Leeds Utd. Dark horses:- I think to watch out for Norwich City especially, but also Bristol City & QPR
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy?
Keith Lamb has certainly played out of his skin this close season so relinquishes boo-boy status to become the new hero ... New player to shine has to be our Mr Boyd, but as for a new boo boy, if Brad is leaving us, then maybe it will have to be Miller.
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
Strongest I think is mid-field, but we are still short of a good option on the right. Then I would say up front, but I do think we could benefit from getting a good target man in for Boyd & McDonald to play off, especially in this league. Then I think defencively we look possibly weak at full back, but more particularly I think we are well short of decent cover for the first choice across the back. Finally, I think we are weakest in goal ...... but is that all changing ?
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals?
Oh yes. McDonald will be not too far behind him and I expect Thomson to be chipping in with a good few from midfield, with a couple of memorable show stoppers to come from Tarmo
Who will be the player of the year? Tarmo
How many season tickets have we sold? No idea. I never trust any of the published numbers either.
What will the crowd be against Ipswich? 21,597
What will the average crowd be this season? 26,738
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots? By the time we are racing clear of the pack, at the end of October, there will be a queue of takers a mile long.
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
The Scottish press will be all over us all season long, with the English based media continuing to do what it can to overlook, belittle or plain ignore us. However, the relegation bun-fight up the road will make all that worthwhile.
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start?
Now, what kind of nonsense is that. We cannot fail to spark. In the extremely unlikely event that we don't go up this year, we could always apply to the SPL for next season. I suspect we would qualify on the "Home Grown Player" front !
24 hrs to go!!!!
Unfortunately I have to go to wedding tomorrow, so cannot be there in person. So will someone berate the linesman for me? Even if he doesnâÂÂt make a mistake, just a gentle ribbing about his waist/hairline should suffice.
However I believe the hotel has free wifi access so I might try and make an appearance in the BJ Stand. Mrs Smog canâÂÂt complain about that, can she?
Come on Boro
Smogonthetyne now in Nunthorpe, I will quite happily slag off all the officials for you
C'Mon Boro!
Optimistically and everything clicking into place, with no long term injuries and few suspensions, then top two.Realistically and the least demanded, top six.
Dark horses QPR and Bristol City. Expect Burnley, Sheffield Utd,Cardiff, Robin Hoods,Ipswich,Reading and Preston to contest for top six place. Norwich may be suprise package eventually.
Central midfielders look good and hope O'Neil remains as like him or not,he has proven premiership and championship experience and on his day some genuine class.
If Boyd can cope with the high expectations of him, then he could score the goals to ensure promotion. I'll be glad when Rhys Williams returns, hopefully to right back.
Like many I'm particularly concerned about our Brad, who will need to do it this year or disappear to the outback from whence he came.Would still like Conway in, another striker, central defender and left back unless Bates can make the position his own.
Season tickets, havn't a clue, but at best a poor 10500. Saturdays gate, if sun shines) 19975, Average following a good start, 17000-20000, behind Norwich, Sheffild Utd Leicester, Leeds and Ipswich.
Boo boy target, Jones and any of the strikers who don't hit the ground running. Players of the season,Robson, Thomson Mcmanus, just pipped by Boyd(which is likely to mean we're promoted).
I suspect that if Boro don't win promotion. Gordon will walk away anyway.
AV, I note when discussing Mido et al, Gordon said that Boro now have their squad of 25. Did I misunderstand, or is the championship going to be the same as the premiership?
Boro will contine to be overshadowed by by Newcastle who wil I think struggle to stay up. Sunderland likely to have an ok season, but no more.
Ps Saturday, Boro 1 Ipswich 0
Looking forward (unlike last time) to a great season and happy next May.
Arrived back from Germany on this morning's ferry.
After the first 40 mins at Union Berlin, I thought I was watching a different Boro, they were so disjointed. However, after two quite sublime McDonald goals they settled down in the second half to probably just shade it.
Your list is a long one A.V. I'm not convinced they will start off like a house on fire, but I think they will eventually settle down to have a good season. Shame we haven't been able to get Naughton back on loan because the full back berths (to me) look dodgy.
Here's looking forward to tomorrow...
I am away for a few days well earned break so am relying on you all to do your stuff.
Like Smog I may well be able to sneak some virtual terrace time and the odd glance at the blog. Got to be careful because it is someone rather importants birthday. In the words of Basil Fawlty 'you will have to sew them back on first!'
Hoping for any sort of win.
3rd time lucky AV.
As Boro fans aren't we always optimistic come the start of the season but this time I think we have good reason to be.Ive not been this excited about Boro for quite a longtime.
Here is my scores on the boards and predictions:
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right? If we do not finish as Champions then we will come 2nd 3 points adrift of the top.
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses? Boro,Forest and Burnley.The darkhorses will be Bristol City and Norwich City
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy? Boyd and Thomson to shine.If Jones is sold then O'Neil could become the new boo boy if he stays.
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest? Midfield is now our strongest area and our weakest is goalkeeper(s)
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals? Boyd will come 2nd in the Golden Boot.I think we will get Lita.
Who will be the player of the year? Thomson
How many season tickets have we sold? 12,300
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?18,000
What will the average crowd be this season?21,000
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?If we get off to a flyer then yes but Boro have taken a very brave move by offering monthly sponsorship.The value of the shirt can go down as well as up depending how successful we are on the pitch.
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest? It all depends what happens up the road but hopefully in May 2011 the papers will be full of stories about Boro being promoted.
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll? If we are not in the top 4 at the end of September that unfortunately the anti Strachan brigade will be very vocal.
Ive been impressed with Strachan's summer dealings and with further players joining soon things are looking very promising.Let us hope we have a great start so that we can get rid of the negativity about the club and start enjoying going to the Riverside.You never know the fans might actually start singing a few songs.
Looking forward to tomorrow, most optimistic for a long while. In fact if you judge it by the fact I've bought my first Boro shirt for 7 years then yes, I am very optimistic.
Can we win the Championship? I don't think so, but looking at likely winners is still difficult. Burnley, Forest spring to mind, or how about Bristol City as dark horses. If we avoid serious injuries to key personnel then I feel second spot is ours.
I fear a quiet start as players get used to each other, and fans will have to be patient. But the key is the Riverside. Not losing at home is a must in the Championship, so let's get off to a good start please!
Brad Jones situation is interesting, but we should keep him. It might not look like it from the terraces so to speak, but it would be weakening our squad before a ball is kicked. Don't do it without a worthwile replacement .. and I do not mean Coyne.
COME ON BORO!
Chris from Beverley, you're so rational! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and on our trip to Leicester! UTB!
We're going to crack this division like a kinder egg...the surprise will come around January, when GON leaves and we have injury troubles, but we'll recover and make it to the top by the time the season's over.
Last season I made confident predictions about various team's placement come the end...this time I'm going to be a little wiser and use a random number generator. Contenders: Swansea, Notts Forest, Derby
Dark horses: Leeds, Coventry, Doncaster Which actually isn't *totally* implausible...
I was expecting Bates to really shine way back before he got injured, and after the assist in the Berlin friendly my expectations are unchanged. The scots should do well collectively, but I'd say Flood is potentially the shiniest, he's got a bit more fire even if he isn't quite as solid (I've heard a few negative comments about him, but he really didn't play enough last season to reveal anything but potential). Then again, I was sure Mido was going to be our top man when he first signed up... basically, on past experience you should probably ask my opinion and then bet the other way =P
Tarmo will stutter, be dropped, train up, and then when January comes he'll have his chance again and prove himself. Jones will have one bad game, the fans will evicerate him, and after hearing the boos he'll take copious amounts of "personal time" until Liverpool pick him up.
And if the fans in the stadium are anything like some people on this board I really wouldn't blame him -- he may not be the best keeper in the league, but he's family.
Strongest department? Is that rhetorical? We just need width and we'll be unstoppable (I know, keeper's a worry, but we just have to score more than we concede until we've got a replacement lined up/Steele's ready).
Boyd for the golden boot, obviously, plus a bunch from the wing, and maybe even a cheeky few from Wheater if he finds his old form. I'd prefer Speroni being our player of the year ;P but probably Thompson, hopefully with a lot of heated debate because Robbo's right on his tail.
As for crowds and seats...I don't think the recent optimism will create a storm at the gates, but it should be a nice primer -- if Ipswich and beyond goes the way we're all hoping, it'll cement the tranfer optimism rather than having to create its own, and attendance should quickly climb. I predict the average crowd will be cheering!
We'll sell all the spots, I'd say the real question is how low we'll have to go to do so...
UTB
Oh and Powmill, I'm loving how precise your crowd predictions are. Have they taken into account the likely weather on the day, and if so will you be providing revised updates as the winds change?
Watched the first half of Norwich v Watford with the Canaries losing 2-0. It shows that this division is difficult whatever the final score of this match.
A bit like International football, teams are mostly well organised with the odd run away score when fate conspires to bless or kick you in the gonads.
A message comes out of the match and that is patience. If we draw 1-1 that isnt the end of the world.
Also well done Danny Graham.
We won't finish top, that's for certain.
Forget the bookies predictions. They mean nothing. With the new look side we might just scrape into the play offs if all goes well. If Calamity Jones is still with us and the first choice, then we've NO chance of being champions.
I really think that we're still well short of being a consistent side that can keep winning games like the way the Magpies and Baggies did last season - or even Notts Forest for goodness sakes - check their 19 game unbeaten run. Can Boro do summat like that? I doubt it! They can't even win four league games on the trot these days, let alone any more. Time for me to be proved wrong as usual then, eh? let's see what transpires after the draw with Ipswich tomorrow......
I'd say anywhere between 3rd and 10th place is an achievement for Boro at the end of this coming season.
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right Champions and we'll beat 102 points
Who will be the title contenders - Forest, Bristol City,
Who will be the dark horses - Black Beauty and Leeds
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy? I think they will all shine to be honest and think it's Wheater and Jones who need to step it up this season.
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest? Foward line up is the strongest, with width and pace lacking - if Parmo gets injured we've got nothing. (Need to see Haliday)
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals I fancy McDonald to be top scorer at the club.
Who will be the player of the year - Bailey
How many season tickets have we sold - 7500
What will the crowd be against Ipswich - 18,457
What will the average crowd be this season - 18,500
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots - Yes (Sad state of affairs if we don't!!)
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest - Being the only club to have brought silverware to the North East for most people who can remember a trophy being lifted we are always the only story!
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll - Don't ask a silly question.... Of course.
We'll finish top and get promoted - it won't be a runaway, but there will be just enough of a gap between us and the chasers to keep it interesting
Contenders? Burnley, Reading, Leicester
Dark horse? QPR
Tommo shines, Tarmo has a bit of a kink, and Justin Hoyte gets most of the venom
Midfield is our strength - having all these Scottish internationals our weakness
Boydy won't get the GB (I'd go for DJ Campbell or the Morison lad from Millwall), but he will score enough - 24 I say - to erase any doubt that he's just McDonkey ...McDonald and Bailey will hit double figures + Robbo and tommo will get theirs
POY - Tommo
ST - 13,000
Gates for Ipswich? 22,000
Average gates? 20,000
Sell all the shirt sponsorships? Barely
Will we be media darlings, or get swept aside by Prem relegation battle? Louise Taylor will be writing about us frequently, and the national media will constantly be tapping up Vic and EP, maybe even Phil T too, for insight and commentary on our stellar season
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bandwagon start to roll? Of course!
See you lot tomorrow!!
TheProph said:
"Oh and Powmill, I'm loving how precise your crowd predictions are. Have they taken into account the likely weather on the day, and if so will you be providing revised updates as the winds change?"
It was the tea leaves in my cup what foretold how it will be. My tea leaves have never let me down ....well, I've always managed to get a decent cup of tea from them!
Where will we finish?
2nd. Forest to trump us.
Can we win the Championship?
Only if we have a regular defence and that includes the fullbacks
Are the bookies right?
I wish.
Who will be the title contenders?
Us, Forest.
Who will be the dark horses?
Any number of teams but it shouldn't matter if we get our act together. This division is there for the taking and we have the manpower to do it. Ignore what other teams are doing and concentrate on what we're doing and we'll be alright.
From the new boys, who will shine?
Is Big Mac a new boy? By the same token it would be good to see Bates have a good run in the team.
And who will stutter?
Arca
And be the new boo-boy?
Hopefully in being in the ascendancy, Arca will remain the boo boy
Which department is the strongest?
Midfield
Which is the weakest?
Goalie/fullbacks
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot?
That's Mr Boyd to you.
Who else will score the goals?
Robson
Who will be the player of the year?
Robson
How many season tickets have we sold?
Uh huh
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
Uh huh
What will the average crowd be this season?
Uh huh
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
Uh huh
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
Nope. Champions League, Prem, FA cup and then cynical space filling.
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll?
It hasn't already?
BRING IT ON.
Come on you Reds!
Can't wait for Paul Bell to eat humble pie!!!
73/4 all over again. Maybe.
Well here we go again.
As usual, I'm looking forward to it and as usual I'm optimistic, though not as optimistic as most of the posters so far.
My big hope for the season is that Matty Bates can get through the season without another injury. The boy really deserves a crack after all he has been through. If he can stay fit he can be a big player for us...maybe even replacing Wheater who has been patchy for a couple of years now.
Promotion? Maybe. I think we'll finish 4th, but I don't think we'll have what it takes to get through the play offs. I think the division will be very tight - not much seperating the top 14 or 15 clubs. I fancy Forest, and then there's probably another 10 clubs that will be in with a realistic shout.
Unfortunately I think our problems this season will be two very familiar ones.
(1) Goals. I have a feeling Boyd won't spark. Just like Alves, the expectations are very high, but he has been a high scorer in a weak league. Top scorer will be Robson with nowhere near enough.
(2) Soft goals conceded from wide positions. Our full back situation is dire.
I fear it will start to unravel as early as tonight. We will murder them...and lose 1-0.
Hopefully I will be proved wrong, after the last few years it would be fantastic to have a really good season to celebrate.
One final wish for the season...it would be nice if Tony Black came back.
**AV writes: I don't think he's been on since Southagate - his Nemesis - went.
I have to agree with the opening remarks. I'm also feeling optimistic and excited for the first time in years. Lets just see Boro win some games!
I'm not making any predictions against Ipswich. It will be great to get off to a winning start, but in reality, the result won't give too many pointers to the season ahead - win or lose.
I wasn't a fan of Strachans appointment, but I have to say (before a ball has been kicked) that he seems to be doing a very good job.
Lets all get behind the team, the club, management and directors and make it a season to remember.
Has anyone noticed that on mfc.co.uk the shirt sponsor is still Garmin?
I think that with the solid signings that GS has made with more to come (I think Speroni would be a great character to sign he would be the voice the defenders are looking for) I think we are going to spank this league as the first choice spine of the team looks pretty strong.
Do not put Robson, Thomson or Oneil out on the wing they have play through the middle, in an Gerrard type way we will lose the width as they will naturally drift back into the middle. For me its Thomson and Robson as the first choice pairing. ONeil has to go, has he really pulled up any trees whilst he has been here? I don't think so. Anyway.... my predictions:
Where will we finish? Can we win the Championship? Are the bookies right?
I think we will win the league quite comfortably. Brian Laws struggled with Burnley last year and he will this year. I don't think he cuts it for me. Forest are our main rivals.
Who will be the title contenders? Who will be the dark horses?
Forest, Bristol City and QPR/Coventry could be the dark horses
From the new boys, who will shine? And who will stutter and be the new boo-boy?
Shine - Thomson, Boyd and Kink Stutter - No new boys will stutter. I think Jones if he doesn't start well is gonna get crucified. We should have accepted the reputed 2million from Liverpool. Hopefully Arca will not get a look in unless the new boys changes his attitude and he raises his game.
Which department is the strongest? Which is the weakest?
Stongest - Midfield followed by the front line
Weakest - Full backs/Wings
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot? Who else will score the goals?
Yes he will get the Golden Boot. McDonald, Robson and Kinky will pitch in too
Who will be the player of the year?
Robson or Boyd
How many season tickets have we sold?
12,000
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
18,000
What will the average crowd be this season?
17,500
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
Yes
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
We always get ignored. For example the first Football League Weekend on Sky Sports did not even mention us!
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll?
Yes but it depends on the style of football we play. If we fail and we are playing unspectacular football then yes if we are enterprising and perhaps like Ipswich last year are not turning draws into wins I think they will be more paitent.
Is the glass half full or half empty?
The case for a disappointing season:
We haven't got a keeper that inspires widespread confidence. We haven't got a left-back that the manager fancies. We've no genuine right winger. The left wingers are an unknown quantity at this point. We lack cover at centre-forward. We lack cover at centre-back.
The case for promotion:
How many teams can we definitely not finish above? None. The league isn't strong this year and to me, despite the gaps in the squad, we look as good as anyone and better than most.
We look like we've got goals this year. I'm expecting Boyd, McDonald & Lita to bag 40-45 goals between them and for the first time in years we've got goals in the midfield. Robson, Thomson, O'Neil, Bailey and Kink should be looking at getting another 20-25 between them with another 10 or so from the back.
I don't see us romping away with it but we'll grind the points out whilst everyone else beats each other.
Automatic promotion for me.
How will the season pan out?
Long and tough.
Who will win the Championship?
The Bookies - they rely on sentiment over accuracy of prediction, and they're the only ones who'll get it statistically right over the season. They'll make money while most of the rest of us won't.
That's all the predictions I'm offering.
As a supporter, the rest is hope. I have essentially no substantive influence nor resource to effect favourable outcome and there's no way of being sure. Optimistic and hopeful, yes. Sure (tending towards say, >85% probability, no. (Only 2 out of 24 go up. that's just over 8% which we can confidently claim! In top six is 25% on purely statistical basis before making capability differentials).
The positive observations to make at this stage of the season are that Boro have done a lot - the major transformation of a characterless and weak side - to give themselves a reasonable shot at promotion- but they still lack strength in depth particularly in deep defence, and how they gel and ride out difficult patches will determine whether the transformations have been enough.
The more they do of that nature before the transfer window closes, the better their chances - provided they don't compromise on quality. They need to distinguish themselves from the pack - not just do enough to remain part of it.
As many have observed before me, this IS a tough league to get out of (upwards), but it's remarkably easy to go the other way! (That's a general observation, by the way - not a doom and gloom prediction!)
We'll only know for sure come next May.
That puts me sitting on a fence, but with the sun shining on my back at present. A boring mix of statistical observation, open-minded empiricism, and with a "Typical Boro"-influenced, natural reticence!
AV, any news on Gilgallon joining us and the Liverpool deal for Jones?
Cannot wait until afternoon. Bring it on. Up the Boro!
Feeling nervous. Quick shower, then off to the pub for a little livener, before the Pilgrimage begins to the Holy of Holies, and the trip to the promissed land at the end of the season. Hopefully...
It would be good to get out of the traps at full speed and set the pace for the others in the division. Go on - if you must - 2-0 to the Boro. Hopefully...
And good luck to all in the Virtual Bosco Jankovic Stand. Hope you have a good attendance. I'll be with you in spirit (maybe a sly Macallan?) but the body will definately be at the Riverside.
Where will we finish?
Top two, but I'm not sure whether we will actually walk away with the title.
Can we win the Championship?
Of course, we just need to add a couple of players to the squad. Namely, a left back & a winger by deadline day.
Are the bookies right?
They are never far off, that's for sure !
Who will be the title contenders?
Boro, Forest, Burnley.
Who will be the dark horses?
Who cares, the others will be fighting for a playoff place. That should be of no concern to us, as we have more lofty ambitions.
From the new boys, who will shine?
I suspect Thomson will get into his stride quickest at his new club. After that, boyd is the obvious candidate.
And who will stutter?
Taylor, Emnes, Digard, Mido. Seriously though, Jones may well become a hate figure if his frequent mistakes continue.
And be the new boo-boy?
Hopefully none of the new lads. Arca & Jones will retain their places in that particular area.
Which department is the strongest?
Midfield, without a doubt. Although any late sale of Gary O'Neil would lessen the strength in depth.
Which is the weakest?
Left back & right wing.
Will Boydie be the Golden Boot?
If he is not, I hope McDonald is the only one to beat him !
Who else will score the goals?
Bailey, Robson, Wheater etc.
Who will be the player of the year?
Boyd, if he gets us the 25 goals we expect from him.
How many season tickets have we sold?
No idea.
What will the crowd be against Ipswich?
20k ish.
What will the average crowd be this season?
22k.
Will we sell all our shirt sponsor slots?
Of course, but some may go for a lot less than others, depending upon form.
Will we become "the story" in the NE for the media or will Boro be over-shadowed by the Newcastle/Sunderland relegation bitchfest?
"Newcastle/Sunderland relegation" what a mouthwatering prospect :)
If Boro fail to spark, will an anti-Strach bangwagon start to roll?
There is already a number of Riverside regulars who need to be convinced that his appointment was the right one in the first place. I think the question is "will the anti Strachan movement increase this season?"
I've got wifi but where's the live blog?
Come on my boro, come on lads!
**AV writes: Kicks off at 2.45 or so.
To the expats and other remote Boro followers:
Good luck with Mosso, guys! Hope he plays a blinder.
I'll be pre-occupied at the Riverside, but with you all in spirits!
As I am technically working...I feel that i cannot merely watch the game in the BJS.
Therefore, evoking great memories of 1973-74 in the Holgate, I will be selling Evening gazettes..Geeeezette !
Or....'Five pence- Golden Goal...Five pence- Golden Goal' !
Can you remove my last post please!
Well that wasn't the start we were expecting.
We need to get more shots in and more service to the front men. Time for a right winger.
19th in the league, but only 3 points behind first place :-)
Come on Boro.
Andy R. I hope we get the eighty goals you are predicting (on the top end).
Can't wait for them to start flowing after today!
Where to begin?
The score was a fair reflection of the game. We were lucky to be 1-0 up at half-time. Whatever Gordon Strachan said to the lads by way of gee-up at half-time, it would be helpful if he'd promise not to say it again, this season.
In short, we've employed a couple of new chefs, a couple of new sous-chefs, and some new serving staff. A larger than expected group turned up at the restaurant for the opening of the new season, looking forward to tasting the new dishes on the menu and dreaming of some tongue-tingling titbits to come.
Pity the soup took so long to bring to the table that it was cold (and too salty), that the vegetables were virtually raw but the meat was burnt to a cinder. Even the pudding was stodgy and sickly to the taste.
If this is a taste of things to come, it may well turn out to be inedible. (I'll not go so far as to invite Delia in, but come on! That was grim).
Before everyone kicks off, it's only ONE game.
Give them time to bed in.
"Simon in the USA said:
Can't wait for Paul Bell to eat humble pie!!!"
hee hee.
Paul Bell,
I'm still confident. You appear to be a doom monger.
Enough said.
UTB.
Don't know what feel, let alone say. It was only one game, rank bad performance it may have been. Was it an off day or have we got nine months of this to look forward to?
I've only been watching the boro for twenty five years and have been extreamly lucky to be there for our most successful period but know we are at a crossroads. My support is not in question, my loyalty is undiminshed bit we are on the edge. How will this season go ? God knows. All I know is that I'll not do it alone, let's just try and enjoy it and have a laugh where possible with you lot
Good night
In a mini break so out and about and caught the match on BBC rushing in to get last ten minutes on Radio Brownlee so here are some thoughts after being totally unliveable.
After the last pre season friendly I posted concerns about the apparent line up with a midfield of Robson, Thommo, Arca and Flood.
''If MFC report is correct we had four right footed defenders in the back four, in front of them a midfield with three left players but right footed Flood on the left.
I am sorry but, if true, it makes little sense to me. I despaired of McMoses and Gate doing the same and criticised those type of selections. If it continues into the season then it is absolute nonsense.''
Had sundry responses in cluding the following from
''AV writes: It is pre-season and it is about giving people pitch time. I don't think it is any great new tactical innovation being unveiled.''
We then had debate about people being flexible
''I also agree that players can and should be able to fill many roles but I still cant see the logic of Flood left and Robbo right. I have difficulty in seeing what was gained from that midfield.
As the spine is crucial to the team why not play it especially in the last pre season game. You may well find Ipswich have been doing just that and tinkering on the fringes.''
Still in a gang of two or three the debate continued and I posted
âÂÂPeople like Robben (and Jinky) can play on the right and cut in and the full back can bomb on, Chelsea can do the same on the other flank with Ashley Cole at left back for the same reason.
Put a right footed left back behind a right footed midfield player and you are posing needless questions and the opportunity for the opposition to exploit a weakness. Whether Ipswich are good enough to do so is a totally different matter as is whether we line up the same on Saturday.âÂÂ
So poor Flood comes off after 11 minutes, on comes the Land Crab and we get Robson, Thommo, Arca and Bailey across midfield - AV's non tactical innovation in action.
An answer to the last bit of my post! It appears we lined up the same and Ipswich exploited it.
A central midfield of Robson and Tommo just seems so sensible, ARCA is a good pro but has no pace and gets shrugged off the ball too easily as he twirls.
The midfield wouldnt have been the sole cause of our problems but control the middle and you control the match.
May have it totally wrong and I am not revelling in the gloom.
Still plenty of matches left to play and points to be gained. Still pleased with the players we have and no doubt more to come in to improve the squad but the suspicion is we did not get the best out of what we have.
Many odd results over the weekend but remember 'the team that Jack built' lost its first home game of that memorable season.
Finally a word for poor Flood, a sickening blow after working so hard to come back.
"Paul Bell, I'm still confident. You appear to be a doom monger.
Enough said. UTB."
Simon, you appear to be a bit of a foam hander with little or no grasp of reality.
Enough said. UTB