Mid-table Mediocrity.... Yes! Let's Party!
BORO finish slap bang in mid-table with a zero goal difference and the same points tally as last season.... who'd have thought back in August we'd be celebrating such mediocrity as that? But celebrate we should. Given where we were heading before Mogga arrived to perform CPR it is a real result.
The routine win over Doncaster helped Boro sign off with a home win, took the recent run to just one defeat in 12 games and gave us a glimpse of the potential of the next generation of academy starlets and it sparked a euphoric post match buzz that will keep us nourished through what could be a difficult summer.
Supporters were smiling and cheering - bless the players kids who were roared as they poked goals home - and thousands stayed for ages after the game as a public demonstration of their optimism in the future. And that is a real achievement.
Under Gordon Strachan broken Boro were heading for the rocks, a disjointed and demoralised side that were not fit for purpose was flailing in the relegation zone and the relationship between club and fans was breaking down. We were going down and the club were slipping into a bleak financial and emotional abyss. Everyone knew it, even the players. To turn that around is no mean feat.
At Preston on December 28th Boro leaked an early goal and were briefly dumped on the bottom. Since then everything has been on the up: the team, the club, the form and morale of individual players, the spirit of supporters and the prospects for the future. That is the real achievement that was being applauded on the lap of honour. And that is down to the catalyctic presence of Tony Mowbray. respect and thanks are due.
We know the summer won't be plain sailing and that next season will be as tough - but at least we can go into both now with some confidence and a bit of a buzz.
More later.
And congratulations to Darlington. A Quaker shaker goal in the final minute of extra time of the FA Trophy final gave them a 1-0 win victory over mansfield and made them the first Wembley winners from Gazetteshire since mighty Whitby won the Vase in 1997.
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AV, during my first trip to see Boro in 1980 Guisborough Town reached a cup final in Wembley, too. Can anyone remember was it that year, result and the competition, too?
But back to our Boro - great finish to the season. Four wins in a row. All smiles here.
Up the Boro!
**AV writes: Yes, it was in the FA Vase. They lost 2-0 to Stamford.
A calm, composed and measured performance which almost delved into boredom midway through the 1st half. After 30 minutes of polite interplay I heard myself saying âcome on Donny just accept it and stop putting up a resistance, you know you are going to lose in the endâ.
What a change in mindset in just six months. Mogga's Boro has an air of confidence, more than a whiff of belief and the determination to keep passing, keep playing and keep moving knowing that goals will come.
The result put us in the top half for the first time in a long time, unfortunately time is something we could have done with a bit more of, our current form would have seen us in the play offs and nudging an automatic promotion spot in a few more weeks.
Under the circumstances it was a good ending to a season that started with hope and unravelled so quickly. Ironically if a few of those last minute howlers we were once famous for hadnât happened we could have had another dozen or so points which would have made for a very exciting run in. This summer allegedly will be one of cost cutting but with Mogga you still get the feeling that he could put out a Pub Team (no pun intended Cardiff) and still make the play offs.
Good to see Park get on and of course the dream debut for young Adam Reach who looks another exciting prospect to look forward to next season.
The nearly 20,000 gate again was a positive to carry forward as well as the genuine goodwill and brilliant support they generated today especially during the end of season lap of honour from the playing staff (just a shame a few numpties nearly ruined the occasion).
Maybe it was just me but I thought the kit looked terrible and uncoordinated and a lot worse in the flesh than in the pictures, I just hope it doesn't affect the mindset of the players.
I guess its part of the cost cutting measures as another bespoke Boro Banded shirt carries a cost penalty. Instead we have reverted to I presume an âoff the pegâ option (Adidas Toque ?) similar to the previous season's âme tooâ which seen us wearing the same undistinguished kit as the likes of Peterborough, Bristol and countless other Sunday League teams.
If the Adidas savings mean we can attract a âDanny Grahamâ to the pay rbll then I can suffer the clumsy kit in the hope that 2012-13 will see us back in the Prem with the band.
Can't wait until next season and see what Mogga can achieve with a clean start and of course, Bates, Bailey, Zemmama and co all fit and raring to go along with the youngsters breaking through. Its also important to recall the change in fortunes for Emnes (squad number?) who was ignored at the seasons start by Strachan and Bennett likewise ostracised by the "wee man", well done to Mogga and them in proving their worth.
The thousands who remained at the end today demonstrated the healing process has begun under Mogga not only on the pitch but most importantly off it as well.
Took my lad today, he's nearly three so I thought it was about time. What a great day. Everything about it felt right.
Good crowd, good atmosphere and a performance to match. Really pleased for Mogga and the players. We look like a team and a club at ease with itself for the first time in a long, long while,
Lots of positives to take into next season. Let's keep quiet about Adam Reach please, we could end up selling Bennett, losing Taylor, we need this lad as he looked total class.
AV - please tell Eric to slam him in the match report and suggest he go on loan to Darlo!
Up the Boro
I cannot believe the turn around under Mowbray. After going bottom and looking dead and buried, a certain Mr. Gibson had a chat with Mr. Strachan, who agreed it would be in the best interests of the club if he were to leave.
He, in my opinion, showed what a decent man he is by leaving without compensation. Other managers and player, take note!
Then Mr. Gibson does us all a favor by appointing a galaxy commander by the name of Captain Mowbray. And as they often say, the rest is history. He brings self belief back to an under performing squad, brings confidence to the fans and gives our academy stars the chance to push on.
Great news for everyone, the fans, town etc. The smiles are back on our faces and we are looking forward already to next season. I can't wait, and think with a few tweaks, we should be looking towards achieving automatic promotion.
Great result today. That's two clean sheets in a row, with six goals scored. one defeat in the last 12 matches, absolutely unbelievable. Plus a goal for Adam Reach on his debut. The future is looking very bright for Middlesbrough Football Club. Mr. Mowbray, if I was wearing a hat, I would take it off to you! RED ARMY.
The academy, the manager, the feel of optimism as we go to the game.....
It's suddenly all good news. Pity the season can't go on for a couple of months more. No team in this league could feel confident of beating us, home or away.
And that's BEFORE going to the "Crooked Cat" to celebrate.
First of all congrats to Darlo. I always look out for the results of Pools and darlo hoping they have won. I also look out for Toon and the Mackems with different emotions.
A good result but no more than we should expect without being rude to Donnie and their supporters with our resources.
That is the type of score that we will be looking for next year. When people were talking about promotion I said I would be happy with an improvement on this season, delighted with a play off place and over the moon with promotion.
My views are the same, just the bar is now a little higher.
Well done to Reach and Park. I sent a text to John when we made both changes that I was worried we could lose control of midfield but we didnt and they showed great purpose.
That leads us on to who wil stay and who will be leaving us.
The departure lounge must include Mosso, he has had more no shows than Boksicknote. One even starts to suspect that either AV isnt at the match or he is in hospitality whilst his poor uncle covers for him!
With so many left footed players in the squad including a seemingly endless supply of cak handers from the academy you can see the logic of Mogga about those he can let go. Sadly I suspect we have seen the last of Julio.
If I were Taylor I would start thinking quite seriously about the contract offer. Watford looked more attractive in January than they do now.
The rest of the list we have discussed stays the same. We can shed most of those without overly weakening the team providing we have injury levels like the rest of the league.
A few key players in and we should be able to mount a challenge in the upper half of the table.
Massively delighted with the end to the season and the whole turn around in the club. We went through a period under Mowbray of throwing away points at the end that left me concerned about where our final league position may be but thankfully we nailed it!!
Only managed two games this season unfortunately, due to weekend circumstances and distance from boro but will try to make a few more next season.
Did get straight in there to buy two new shirts though, although slightly dubious about the sponsorship logo. Which leads me to ask, does anyone on here know how you get a boro shirt personalised with name and number on back?
Advise pleeeease??
**AV writes: Can't you do it in the club shop?
Alright, Ive calmed down. The kit is what it is, not my cup of tea but so what,
We need I would say three or four physical players,who can dominate set pieces on corners and free kicks,whether defending or attacking, and hello prem we are back
Before Mister Tony turned up I think the club was lost. There was no togetherness on the pitch or amongst the crowd. When opposition fans chanted - WHO ARE YER? We didnt know anymore.
The drop from the Prem smashed us and we were still shattering further under Strachan as he tried but failed to stop the disintegratinon of Boro.
Mowbray has arrived and totally reversed all that giving pride and confidence back to the players and the fans.
It was a blame game under Strachan as we fell apart on the pitch but now its same players enjoying the team responsibility of victory.
Cue Wagners ride of the Valkyries AV
Fantastic end to the season. Great away days out at Sheffield, Hull and Cardiff,who would have thought that way back in December?
Hope we can offload the high earners and keep the likes of Williams, Bennett etc. Take note the young lads the grass isnt always greener when a Premiership club comes in for you. Look at David Wheater he cant get into Boltons team. I'm sure he is feeling a few regrets now,bench warming is no substitute for playing!
Another great result yesterday which on paper to any outsider, looked like a nothing game.
To Boro though, there was a lot to play for, 12th position for a starter, and did we have fun on the terrace yesterday keeping up with the Ipswich and Watford scores through mobile media.
Tony Mowbray has achieved nothing short of a miracle at this club in his short tenure, and who wants the season to end? I don't.
Something we shouldn't forget either is the fantastic job that Dave Parnaby does with the Academy. Another one off the conveyor belt yesterday, with the most accomplished of finishes for a youngster. He has an apt name in Reach, as in time he really could 'Reach for the Stars'. Just hope it is Boro that he can do it with.
Can't wait for next season. I appreciate that reality will kick in during the close season and TM will have a hell of a job keeping a strong squad under the financial constraints, but if anyone can do it, Tony can. Good luck mate....
UTB
Forgot to add to my last post, a big well done to Darlo. It was a great crowd at the Riverside despite 10,000 leaving the Tees Valley for a day out at Wembley.
Perhaps the tide is turning for the Region.
This was an English street party with an exhibition footy match been played in the middle. Warm enough not to need a coat, slightly humid and naturally a tiny bit of rain.
This was a Coming-of-age romantic comedy that left us all with a happy ending glow and tear as we walked back to our cars. The director, with perfect last minute timing even cued in the gangly youngster to scoop his first ever goal around the extra in the Donny goal.
The game was full of contrasts, there was a division between the two teams on the day. Donny going down into League One, Boro on their way up to a championship play off place next year.
McDonald moaned and whined and ran around like a mad fly, we can forgive him as long as he scores goals. Then there was Williams, what style, what poise, what strangely long bionic telescopic legs.
Thompson who has played his best game before he joined the Boro, and not may quite make it with us; while Park who craves the football, runs for it, moves for it and uses it well, is destined to be a hero in mostly red with variable patches off white.
I really was expecting, the Red Arrows to fly over the stadium when Mogga strode onto the pitch at the end. I did cry.
Thank you Tony.
Oh,I am convinced Lita said goodbye to us on Saturday, he will be taking his shirt off elsewhere next year and he could never score a hat-trick as he would not be on the pitch for the third !
I owe an apology for a previous prediction. A few months ago I suggested that a points total as low as 45 would be enough to stay up, I also thought we would get the mid 50's.
Wrong on both counts with 43 being the safety figure and us on 62.
Great day, it was a nice surprise to be surrounded by so many people in the east stand lower for once! It actually seemed like there was a lot more, it's amazing how used to the small crowds you get.
Couldn't disagree more with Redcar Red about the strip, I liked it anyway and thought it was even better in action. One of our best strips in years. I stand to be corrected, but I'd be surprised if it was an 'off the peg' adidas strip like the first one they hurriedly did for us.
I really hope we keep Barry Robson now, I could have taken or left him a couple of months ago, but he has had a storming end to a season where he has clearly struggled with injuries.
Andrew Taylor absolutely has to be signed on, he's been a revelation since he came back and as Ian said, Watford surely don't have the pull they did in January.
Can't believe the season is ending now and can't wait til the next one starts.
Mucho congratulations to Mogga and the lads for a rousing end to the season. All the doom and gloom of the early part of the season is almost forgotten. The coming season will be met with a greater sense of proportion yet still a big bag of hope for good things to come.
Would like to see DG of Watford back in a red and white shirt but reckon that's wishful thinking. SG's made the rich list with an est of £130 million or there abouts but when you look at the details it's an accumulation of assets and others not all cash in the bank.
I sense a new sense of careful financial management either by will or necessity. Maybe SG is a little tired of paying mercenaries (can I use that term AV?) shocking big salaries when they of course have little loyalty to the club or their fellow players or fans. I vaguely remember that the great Cloughie didn't relie on mega buck signings to bring in the silverware but engendered a real self belief in players who would otherwise not get a sniff. Remind you of anyone that has been recruited to the position of Boro manager recently.
If Mogga can do half as much for the Boro over the coming seasons as Cloughie did, I for one will be 'Over the Moon'. UTB
Yes, an incredible turnaround. Over the last eight matches, we finished 2nd in the form table, even with a makeshift team that is a work-in-progress and suffering injuries. Given TM's assurance about no fire-sale, with strengthening purchases allied to youngsters continuing to comethrough, there are reasons for hope of a top six.
However the injury rate must be a key issue. Injuries have been a problem for years (nearly 40 players used in each of the last two seasons - a record). It's not just the loss of players; it's the inability to gain understanding & cohesion from a settled team, which we have seen above all in defence. It will impede any promotion push unless addressed.
If injuries can be brought down to normal levels and the squad strengthened then progress is guaranteed and a promotion push possible.
The most likely rivals? As usual, most of the relegated clubs and those who fail in the Championship play-offs. Brighton and Southampton are comparatively big clubs on the way back and at least one might have the momentum to continue climbing. Out of those 8 candidates, I'd expect four or five to be in the running next season.
On top of them, Leicester have the resources to progress fast, Leeds continue to develop and Burnley are heading in the right direction. Finally, there is often one or two teams that come good out of the blue. Along with Boro, that probably accounts for the top 10 in a year's time.
You don't need to be very good for promotion - QPR have been little more than workmanlike and resilient. You need a balanced squad and fairly settled team with no glaring weaknesses. Above all, you need belief, commitment, fighting spirit and never-say-die durability, which Boro have demonstrated over the last couple of months.
With Boro's finances stabilised, then, if not next season, I am confident the Premiership will be regained soon. The most pleasing aspect is that any promotion will not have been artificially bought with sugar-daddy financing. Boro are finally living within their means and any promotion would be genuine & sustainable, the result of an outstanding academy and wise purchasing producing a sound, balanced squad, allied to top class coaching & management.
..... I'll have to wear shades!!!!
By the way we had a top half finish not mid table ;)
A lump in my throat and a tear to the eye when the Boro and their kids did a lap of honour. Did I regret not being promoted or in the play offs? Of course I did but relief at staying up and absolute enjoyment at seeing a togetherness with the team, the management and the fans that I thought was lost forever under GS and GS2.
The improvement of Smallwood has made a big difference in the midfield and his replacement by Park in the midfield was even more noticeable to the midfield as he strolled around looking as if he belonged in the team.
Reach a big gangly lad took his goal well and I wonder how many other young lads are going to step up to the mark next season.I hope julio signs but the kids look as if they can cope in this division.
A big thank you to TM and the rest of the managment team and coaching staff, I bought the shirt yesterday, I am buying my season ticket again after a 2 year gap and I am enjoying watching my boro again!
UTB
A great end to the season but we cannot get carried away. With a wage bill as big as Norwich's and Queens Park Rangers combined its cutting will have to be significant. So if someone comes in with big money offers for one of the starlets they may have to go to subsidise the weekly wage bill.
I'll be pleased if we are in contention for the play offs next year even if we don't make them. We may be lucky: we have only been down two years and are beginning to look as if we are on the road back already. Contrast that with the likes of both Sheffield Clubs, Leeds, Forest and Southampton whose fall has been deeper and longer. QPR, worthy champions, have been out of the Premier League for 15 years.
If Mowbray gets us a top eight finish next year that will be an excellent outcome.
In the circumstances it was the perfect end to a season that was full of high expectation and then sank to despair and disillusionment. What Mogga and his coaching team have achieved cannot be underestimated and is a significant feat of management.I am referring not only to the changes on the field which are there for all to see but the changes that I as a supporter feel.
No longer do I feel anxious, irritable with how the team are going to play and fearful of the outcome. When I attend matches now I feel confident and positive about our chances of winning but playing good football.
Yes there will be changes, some enforced , some not, I would like fresh faces anyway because as whole this squad has failed in its quest to achieve promotion.
The future looks promising, we now have sufficent experience of this division to knwo what to expect and what has to be done.
The last twelve matches has shown that we can slip into a grove of winning matches and as Saturday showed it was only a matter of time before we would make the breakthrough.
The summer beckons, which for me means turning my attention to summer sports like Tour De France but keeping a watchful eye on the comings and goings at the Riverside.
Enjoy the break everyone
I think DARIUS HENDERSON. from sheff utd
could do a good job for us big lad good in the air
Saw a bit of Arsenal v Stoke, they are a sort of Boro Lite. The part they are lite on is local lads and some hard nosed professionals.
Just like to say a public 'well done' to everything Mogga has done.
He has galvanized a one paced and one dimensional team full of 'round pegs in square holes' into a pacy and attacking 'balanced' looking side who clearly all want to play for him and each other.
The good run ties in with many things so not sure what has swung it. Boyd leaving? Emnes and Taylor key players in the team set-up? Smith in goal? Thomson fit? Williams fit?.....or just a top piece of management my Mogga and not forgetting Mark Venus?
The last couple of months have seen Boro transform into a mirror image of Mowbrays WBA in this league....scoring goals and letting a few in as well and for me may it continue after all football is entertainment is it not?
Yesterday was the perfect send off and wet the whistle for next season. I guess i am a little gutted when i look at the amount of points we dropped in the last 5mins of games in Mogga's early days.......oh what could have been? That said if you asked me at Xmas I would have taken the level of performance and final league place in a flash.
So what will the summer bring?? I would be happy if we offloaded Boyd,Hoyte and Arca freeing up some wages. As for signings? I really do not think we need that many as long as we can keep the bulk of the current squad and more importantly fit....Thomson and Williams have been massive misses IMO.
I would like to see a 'physical' CF come in just to 'mix things up' in the Holt/Graham mold and i see Ishmael Miller is linked so maybe Mogga agrees?
We have Arca,Taylor and Flood going out of contract....any news on them??? I hear Arca will have to take a 50% pay cut....i would like to keep him as he fits into the Mogga 'ethos' but not at a ransom. I also think its a must we keep Taylor as he is Mr dependable since coming back....surely we are a better bet than Watford and he seems to be playing with a smile on his face so come on Andrew sign on.
So its now the pain of a boring summer building up until Aug but we can all look forward to next season and some 'sexy' football and a local club who once again we can 'believe in'
UTB!!!!
@Steve86 - I was hoping back in January/February time that I really hoped that we'd finish higher in the table than Watford because from what I was seeing, there was a lot more to Taylor than we'd seen at Boro.
I just can't believe that it's happened. 12th place just seemed like a daft little fantasy way back when the nights were long. I think Taylor must have been a big miss for them because they were playing some good football and he might have made all the difference.
Need I remind anyone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvfQSy0L3mU
Agree absolutely with the return of the feel good factor under Mogga. A quite brilliant end to the season and another very good team performance on Saturday. Roll on August! Just a word of praise for Rhys Williams, who I felt was awesome.
As far as the squad goes I would happily lose Flood (runs a lot), Kink (not lived up to promise), Halliday (one good game but still too big a leap in this league), Davies (too expensive) and Seb Hines ( not really rough and tough enough at centre-back.) Oh and Digard and Boyd, of course. I'd like to keep everybody else if we can.
Darius Henderson has already done a good job for us. Did yiu not see his performance against us?
Thank you Tony and team. What a job you have started, A+ so far.
Roll on August
The first time we've won four in a row since '98, a top half finish, some great football, fans saying they're renewing their season ticket for the first time in a while. Exciting football on view, what's going on?
Mogga is back in town, the Mogganaut is an irresistible force!
Looking forward to watching the comings and goings over the Summer, a bit of cricket, camping with the kids and then I'll be raring to go come the new season in August, can't wait.
Well done to Gibbo and the Count for appointing the right man, and a huge thank you to Mogga for giving us our club back.
Never doubted we would stay up, but everything is far more positive than I could have hoped for at Christmas.
I keep saying the same, but keep faith with the kids. We must hold onto as many as we can - including Taylor.
My fingers are crossed for a POSH play off victory so I can see the real Boro play next season.
I still think Peterborough's George Boyd would be a good signing and I understand he is leaving this summer. However, Joe Lewis (GK) is also rumoured to be leaving who I wouldn't touch with a barge pole. Great shot stopper, but never comes out for crosses or commands his area!
Well done to all the management team at Boro for giving the fans some pride back.
Put the improvement in the team under Mogga down to CONFIDENCE, smashed by Strachan to rock bottom, re installed by Mogga to Sky High, particularly amongst the Accademy graduates.
I saw the little Scottish gnome pontificating on the Manchester United v Chelsea encounter, and felt sick that any one in their right mind would employ him as football Guru.
What a crazy World we live in.
AV -
Now the inquest must start and it should be in depth with no stone unturned. What happened to Mosso, have the gates been locked and tumbleweed rolling around the terraces in the BJ stand?
We deserve to know.
**AV writes: When I went to log on to Cover It LIve I got a message saying: "Controlled content - contact your provider to verify you are over 18."
Maybe someone has been liveblogging something unsuitable for miners...
Great result and fitting end to the season.
Another youngster doing his stuff and a bumper crowd.
If we hit the ground running next season that type of attendance can be maintained. If we are flirting with promotion even higher.
Now for a very nailbiting close season.
Most of the people us bloggers reckon need to go will not effect the team too much so hopefully TM can do that.
Have a great summer over there guys and AV keep up to speed with all the news. Some of us will be at work.
Clive Hurren -
Your list just sums it up. I agree - only one point we could argue with is Halliday. He is still young, just came over from low league in Scotland and not costing a fortune.
I would still add Lita if we need to reduce the wage bill even further. But as Mogga said no fire sale expected in the summer.
I feel very optimistic now. Up the Boro!
Hewn from the mines of the Eston hills, forged in the white hot furnaces of Teesside, the Boro lion goes roaring all the way to 12 place in the Championship!
Everybody 'round my house for a parmo!
**AV writes: The #Mogganaut roll son.
Steve86 -
As I have already posted a lot is due to players being fit. A midfield of Thommo, Smallwood/Bailey and Robson provides a good blend of passing, drive, niggle and the odd goal.
Having McManus and Williams/Bates at the back looks good as well.
You can build a good team around that spine allowing the likes of Emnes, Bennett, McDonald to strut their stuff.
But it is keeping them on the park that is the key issue. Of that spine only Smallwood hasnt been Crockcliffed but there is a pre season to sort him out.
AV -
In reponse to Ian's missing Mosso post were you suggesting the live blog has gone so deep underground that it offended some of the people working there - or did you mean minors?
**AV writes: It was a subterreanean spin on the old Viz Comic "not for sale to miners" strapline.
AV wrote:
Maybe someone has been liveblogging something unsuitable for miners...
Miners - or minors, Vic?!! ;)
I would just like to say, "Happy Off Season" to all bloggers, especially Chris, Kev, Jarrko, Dormo, Smog, Clive and the blogmeister, of course, whom I had the very good luck to share bits of this strange but fascinating season with.
I missed the last match, because of being at a wedding in Surrey (which I only agreed to attend, naturally, because the Donny match was originally, when I accepted the invite, on a Sunday! Thanks, Murdochs!).
Anyway, Jarkko, watching online in Finland the events in a northern English town, kept me in Surrey up to date with events - and with his own level of excitement mounting to a kind of serene ecstasy - and this, with my mobile on "silent" of course, made the wedding service much more interesting and much less painful than it otherwise could have been. I think I should probably apply to MI5, as I managed to follow the coverage without being detected!
One part of the service caught my attention more than the rest. A hymn in the Order of Service was "All Things Bright and Beautiful," and, bless me, there's a verse in there about Mogga!
He gave us eyes to see them,
(Well, this obviously refers to how he put 5,000 sets of eyes on the gate vs Donny, all witnessing the new Boro miracle)
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
(Self-evidently about Mogga, that, although some Surrey folk claimed not.)
Getting news about the Boro from Finland - well, nothing surprises us any more about the world wide web, of course, but singing a hymn about Mogga in Surrey - that was weird!
A few weeks ago I realised that I was falling back in love with the club. It had happened without me really noticing. It seems strange that even during the McClaren era I felt somehow missing a bond. The success was great and European nights unmissable but something seemed detached.
The last six months have shown me what has been missing.
I just did a quick calculation (as I reckon many have) and it looks like Mogga's average points per game would have seen us on around 71 points over a whole season. More excitingly, taking the last 23 games our points per game average would be equal to 76 points.
The break is going to tell us a lot. Is Gibson willing to minimise the cuts to keep as much of the squad together as possible. If so we ought to end up in the play-offs at least. If not, there are a lot of youngsters but I reckon we could still scrape our way to 70 points.
We got it amazingly wrong over Strachan. (I was one of those who thought he was a masterstroke and that the Scottish signings were great.) I reckon next season is our last chance to go up before we have to settle for a few years in the championship waiting for the tide to turn.
How to sum up THAT season, a season which promised much, delivered little and yet leaves most with the warm glow of hope?
It was a year of three thirds really: The first a turgid and disjointed period of hope-sapping shoulder-shrugging. The second a period of adjustment and the third the real lift-off aboard the Mogganaut. Thank goodness we've finished on a high and can look forward with optimism.
Mowbray, his staff and team, as well as Gibson and Lamb deserve great credit for turning the tanker about - and so do those hardy supporters who turned out every week on the terraces when there was nothing to get excited about.
If the squad was to remain the same for next season I'd be fairly confident in predicting a play-off spot next term (though goodness knows why given my record in making Boro-related predictions), but we all know that that is unlikely to happen - deep cuts will have to be made to return the club to sustainability.
Fingers crossed that Boyd and Digard can be rehomed and the sooner the better. Tavares, Flood and Haas can go with our best wishes. I'd like Arca and Taylor to stay, but not at any more than £10k/week-ish. I hope we can cut deals with them, perhaps whereby promotion would guarantee them a pay-rise (subsequent relegation could incur a paycut). Who knows how these things work?
Injuries have cropped up as a topic again (does it ever really go away?), and Ian Gill, Nikeboro and others are right that we need to get a full season out of more players if we're going to succeed. My hope is that Mogga's from a different school of thought than the GS's seem to have been, and that beasting the players is not to be a feature of their pre-season.
Enjoy your summers boys and girls, and a quick note of thanks also to AV and all the contributors across the diasBoro for the ever interesting bubble that is this blog.
Cheers.
**AV writes Don't everyone be thinking they can knock off for the summer. This is where the hard work begins.
Thanks for the good wishes HalifaxP... what a fantastic end to the season! It really felt the good times are back with a minor miracle from Mogga, and the enthusiasm and ability of the youngsters.
People are beginning to believe once more, and only a firesale from Gibbo and the fiendish Lamb will dampen that enthusiasm in the summer. We must keep these youngsters and build around them.
Well done to all fellow bloggers ... but don't sign off just yet! It's gonna be a rollercoaster summer, so hang onin there. All this, and the return of Morrisey to the Town Hall!! "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" indeed! Come On Boro!!!
Sign off for the summer? Not a chance, supporting the Boro over the summer is the luxury bit, no stress worrying about the previous defeat or the up coming game against a team in the top six. Just the intrigue of who is going and maybe arriving and the anticipation of the forthcoming season. Its going to be a great summer.
As the steel plant comes back to life what news of the Smithy?
Will it burst into life as parts are recycled? Will there be any part exchanges taking place? Might we even see some low cost new items?
There is certainly no time to relax from posting, we may have to be inventive and make spurious links to keep going but a blogless summer is like alcohol free beer.
Perish the thought. Mind you the blogmeister will have to spend time with his family as they tour tractor factories in North Korea in their customised trabant.
**AV writes: Ah yes, the Smithy. We are still in the early stages of deciding on this summer's analogy. Last year we were spoiled because by this stage of the close season Strachan had showed us his itemised list of finished ironwork on order and his secondary schedule of irons in the fire. But then, he had money to spend.
This summer it depends on who rings Mogga and who they are calling about. It could be similar to the tense time two years agao when all the transfer activity was predicated on the sales on Mido and Alves and it came down to brinkmanship and some ingenuity (and the extended Emirates deadline) to get them out.
If anyone has an anaolgy they think that works, shout up.
Can someone tell me why Strachan keeps appearing on ITV pontificating about things he has no knowledge of. This is a joke surely. Also why does Lita keep removing his shirt. How come he gets away with that?? He is an embarrassment to the club and players. Answers on a postage stamp please.
AV -
Bring and Buy Sale?
Spanishsteps -
1. Strachan appears for the same reason as Southgate, dont have a proper job and available. Both have a certain presence on camera, in small doses Strachan is quite witty and speaks some sense, Southgate talks well, is measured and reasoned. It is ironic that two of the architects of our demise appear on TV to give advice to the likes of ManU and Barcelona.
2. Lita is just a loose cannon. I believe he is probably a smashing bloke but a handful to deal with.
AV -
This summer's analogy? Don't look any further than the front of the shirts - Ramsdens.
Very successful locally based business with ambitions where the business model is one of the few that gets a boost from austerity, buys and sells gold (and, maybe, the family silver), deals in loans, turns your unwanted 'valuables' into ready cash - but maybe not at what you'd think they were worth......
spanishsteps -
Couldn't agree more - you must be able to read my mind as I was about to post the same.
Strachan can have little credibility (although I am happy to give Southgate the benefit of the doubt).
Lita must be a total bone head! Do the club fine him for the bookings he receives? Maybe it comes as such a shock to him that he's capable of scoring he can't resist?!
**AV writes: Mogga has been asked about Lita's six pack card count a few times and has sighed a bit in resignation but said ultimately he doesn't mind if he finishes the season with booking in double figures so long as he is scoring.
It is stupid but there are worse things to get cheap bookings for in far more dangerous areas.
If I calculated correctly we played the last half of the season like this:
Played 23, For 39, Against 38, Points 35
Over a whole season it would have made:
Pld 46, F 70, A 76 and Pts 70.
So we would have finished just above Burnley and below Leeds. The team on Trent finished on 75 and last spot in the play-offs.
But of course our bigger total would have meant that some teams would have had less points, too.
Anyway I think we must me aiming for a top six finish nest season as there won't be any fire sales according to Mogga. And foam-hands'd say top two (especially if you look the last 12 games of this season)!
Up the Boro!
It is rather stupid that Lita keeps taking his shirt off and getting the bookings but there are two things to consider:
1) I agree with Mogga in that if he is getting bookings for taking his shirt off then at least it means we're getting goals out of him.
2) It shows a certain amount of passion for the game. Yes it is stupid but I'd much rather have a player who has a passion to score and enjoys it than one who doesn't seem to care at all (Boksic anyone?).
Technically Leroy Lita is a limited footballer and certainly doesn't have the technical ability of many players we have. I think what makes him different and to a certain extent successful is his desire. He works hard, tries hard and despite any limitations, he's been scoring goals. At this level he's a pretty good weapon to have.
John -
A problem with Lita is when he gets into hissy fit mode and starts standing around in double teapot mode because he doesnt get a free kick or like against Scunnie where he gets sent off needlessly with us leading 3-0.
As I have said before he can be unplayable in both senses of the word.
So we are staring to see some movement with Tavares, Davies, Smith, Haas and Flood all leaving the club.
You have to feel a tinge of sadness for all of them one way or another because it is their livelihood and their passion.
At least it is taking something off the wage bill for players who may only have had a small part to play in the future of the club.
Reference the Leroy Lita debagging surely the solution is there for all to see?
Simply replace the bandages supporting his shoulder injury with velcro or double-sided stick-tape! Lets see him get-out of that then
**AV writes: It was a subterreanean spin on the old Viz Comic "not for sale to miners" strapline.
Even older than that, a Derek and Clive LP (black thing with a hole in the middle, not to be confused with a Japanese power plant) I beleive
**AV writes: And yah, unto infinity.
I enjoyed saturday, as a part timer it was good to see the night and day difference to the last performance.
But this is the exciting bit of the season, who stays, who goes (already underway, would like to have seen more of Flood) and who is to come in.
I am one of those that like the close season, its the same in F1 for me, the intrigue and second guessing can be far less stressfull and more enjoyable than the crushing dissapointment of the actual season itself.
Well done to Darlo on Saturday, I did feel a tinge of jealousy that they score one goal and actually win, but its great for the Tees basin.
Now its time to push on and complete the root and branch transformation, you do know how to spell "I resign" dont you Keith?
Onward with the rumours.
AV said: " Don't everyone be thinking they can knock off for the summer. This is where the hard work begins."
Quite right. The tone of my previous post was an aberration, not to mention a blatant lie to myself. In a way I wish I could knock off for the summer, but football addiction is a wonderful thing.
The club have made it clear that sustainability is the future, and the unconfirmed reports say that our wage bill is close to £20m a year, with half that figure being the bottom line for said sustainability.
This raises a few questions:
1) Are those figures accurate?
2) If so, does the £20m figure include Digard and Mido?
3) Is halving the wage bill still the plan, taking into account the improved performances (thinking perhaps Gibson may be inclined to have yet another roll of the dice)?
If the answer to all of the above is yes, and taking into account that Mido has now gone as well as Flood and the loanees, then we might only need to find buyers for Boyd, Digard and Hoyte (I say only...) to make the the lion's share of the savings.
Add in the savings on Taylor and Arca and we'd be about there wouldn't we? No money to replace them but still...?
My wife's friend works in a pub and she heard a bloke who works at Teesside airport say that Keith Lamb had just got off a private jet with Peter Crouch.
I accept the award for the first daft rumour of the close season
Let battle commence!
**AV writes: I was in Redcar on Sunday and saw a little bloke buy a lemon top then get into a Ferrari with the numberplate M3SS1
So... Smith, Tavares, Haas, Flood and Davies have already left through the revolving doors at the Riverside.
Assuming that they were all included in the £20m, how much do you think we've already saved? Presumably you could net off Smith and Davies against the Boyd wages - so in reality we've not saved anything there (until we shift Boyd).
How much for Flood's wages, £5K per week? That's 250K saved, probably 200K saved for Haas and 400K saved for Tavares perhaps. Around £1M saved on those figures. Or, one tenth of our target if we are aiming to get from £20M to £10M.
Presumably the £20M includes Digard and Mido? If it does, getting rid of those 2 off the payroll would save around £3M. Does anyone have any firm ideas who is included in this magical £20M and their rumoured weekly pay packet?
Realistically speaking, it is essential that come the end of the summer that Digard, Mido, Boyd and Hoyte are no longer on our payroll. Add to this the fact that Arca and Taylor will no longer be on the same level of wages (if they are here at all) and we may already be most of the way towards our savings target.
No thoughts of knocking off for the summer here. In fact I'm about to get the scientific calculator down from the loft - no doubt it's multiple calculation lines will come in handy trying to work out Boronomics over the summer!
AV's could be the reporting coup of the century, never mind Summer:
A very reliable source close to the club (within the five-mile radius), who wishes to remain anonymous, saw a Ferrari with numberplate M3SS1 on Monday morning in South Bank, up on bricks.
And my stepson's best mate's second cousin's girlfriend's father-in-law's partner, who's an Arriva bus driver, dropped a small Argentinian off at Durham Tees Valley International Airport about Monday lunchtime, not wearing a watch and clutching a handful of notes and a Ramsden's receipt.
Me Dad says the bloke in the Nunthorpe paper shop swears he seen Mario Kempes coming out of Charlie Amers' house with the Ramsdens Boro shirt tucked under his arm.......
BishopsWalthamBoro said:
"Reference the Leroy Lita debagging surely the solution is there for all to see? Simply replace the bandages supporting his shoulder injury with velcro or double-sided stick-tape! Lets see him get-out of that then."
Bishops, as I said in a blog earlier in the season, we need to get him a one piece kit. They call them onesies over here in the states. You know, they are what babies wear (very appropriate!). That would do the trick. I would find it very amusing watching him try to get it off and only getting a wedgie for his troubles!
RED ARMY
"**AV writes: I was in Redcar on Sunday and saw a little bloke buy a lemon top then get into a Ferrari with the numberplate M3SS1 "
That must be your little friend Mosso AV. Not only can't he last a full 90 minutes, but he can't even get his name right on his car! He's being paid far too much if he drives around in a Ferrari mind! Get rid!
I heard a rumour...Keith Lamb will be gone by the end of May...there again, AV's Pacitto's whisper probably has more credence!
AV, can I suggest that we still have a live blog every saturday during the off season?
That way, all of the ex-pats and fellow BJ Stand fans can keep in touch with each other and the goings on at the Boro.
This will also allow the people at the EG and Cover it Live to get the system tested and working before the new season starts. I would rather have it breakdown in pre season, and not have to swear at my computer because the match is on and I am blog less!!! The sound of Brownlee on his own with no lively banter with my fantastic blog friends, who I will miss for the next few months, sends shivers down my spine - sorry Ali.
I know its extra work for you AV, when you would probably be looking forward to time with the family, so can we not get a stand in referee, like Jarkko, or myself to administer it? I promise I will uphold the integrity of the Blog, EG and AV! (said with hand on heart).
What do all the other fellow BJ Standers think. Be interesting to hear who is for and against it.
RED ARMY, Steeeeeed, COME ON BORO come on boro COME ON BORO come on boro, YMRA DER, OROB NO EMOC, type UP if you love Boro, AV give us a wave, and all that comes with the live blog experience.
**AV writes: You appear to be suggesting I have no close season. My wife will love you. I may do a one off special at some point over the summer to keep my hand in. I'm going to talk to the geeks about a few other possibilites too.
....on the other hand, if Lita was a really good goalscorer, he'd not be able to take his shirt off after a goal. It's alright if you only score the odd goal a few times a season.
Imagine - he'd be sent off after the second goal. No chance of a hat-trick then! I note that Messi doesn't do it, and I heard today he's scored something like 50 goals so far this season. Messi's left leg has more intelligence than the head of "Six-Pack".
A nice talk from Mogga on the Beeb:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13345625.stm
Up the Boro!
I suspect Messi could afford to BUY Ramsdens, let alone pawn his watch there! Maybe he was in South Bank thinking of buying "The Commercial Hotel"?
Sorry lads, you'va all got it wrong. It's Iniesta who was seen in the Europa having a Parmo with The Count. It's open late at nights (early if you want to take it that way...) and that's much more convenient for The Count. He doesn't do deals in the daylight.
AndyRand Smoggyinexile.-
It is spreadsheets to the fore as we all calculate notional sums saved. The main hope is that we do not sell just because we can as we did in 2008.
The other hope is that the other thing we did in 2008, take the money and waste it buying for the sake of it.
Just like when the wife and daughter come in telling me how much they have saved from a shopping trip. The pair of black shoes equate to the injured player who occupies a place in the bottom of the wardrobe/treatment room.
Selling a right footed midfield player to bring in a left footed one, selling a striker and bringing a centre back. I would rather sell and bring in nothing than waste the money we have available on the remnant box at the bring and buy sale. If there is no value in what you are buying dont buy it.
Finally, dont do half a job like we did last summer and have an unbalanced squad.
Who was the little kid in blue shirt number 5 ? His goal brought the house down. He can't be more than three but he had excellent ball control. Is there a video of the goal anywhere. My friends down here in Norfolk didn't believe me when I told them that his goal brought a standing ovasion.
A good end to the season. I went to the pub tonight in my Boro shirt and the Canary fans were falling over to buy me drinks. I normally get abuse but now, thanks to Cardiff giving up (apparently they had been on the beer the night before), I am in favour. Unfortunately, they all think we will go up next season. That's what they said last year !!!!
**AV writes: I think the nipper was Barry Robson's boy.
Im not going to get into it yet but I have some real concerns about certain players in the squad who have long term fitness issues, This club owes the fan 100% truth on them. These players if not fit are useless to our future.
Some are fans favourites,and that makes it hard but the club has to be honest and if the club want to get promotion ,then they have to let them go,ITS A TOUGH WORLD
On another issue we had coaches awhile back,who didnt have the confidence or abilty to see that Downing and Johnson should .play in the same team,
I have the same concern with Tarmo.I believe he has something most English coaches cant see. If you give him support behind, even if he is in and out of games,like Tarrabt,he has the ability to come up with something,I hope Tony keeps him
AV, I heard a rumour from my neighbor that Steed Malbranque is about to sign for Boro. He said that Steed has earned so much money during his time in the PL that he wants to do a favour for us and sign for £ 10 000 a week only.
That would make half of our US based fans happy me thinks! Anyway one cannot start to support a black cat, though.
Seriously, I think we cannot test the live blog with a small audience. I think AV needs to go to a small ground like Peterborough and have some colleagues there as well as a large live audience on the blog.
But I support the idea of a live blog once a month, for example. Let's try it, AV!
Up the Boro!
Jarkko -
I watched Mogga's interview and it sounded like the situation is under control, they know what they want to do and have a plan. That is dependent on the plan working of course but the frantic activity and inacticvity of the past look to be precisely that, in the past.
I stick by my view that I will settle on improvement over the season just gone and take what that brings. Challenging for play offs would be good, playoffs would be great, promotion would be magnificient
Mogga has become the mouthpiece for the club. No false promises, just plain talk. I just hope people are patient.
Why do people persist in treating "the Count" as some kind of pantomime villain? He was found to have acted in good faith over the Blackburn postponement and still got betrayed by the FA.
He has been telling us straight the consequences of declining crowds and relegation on the finances of the club.
I could make a case for arguing he is in reality a hero. If the rumours of his origins are true he deserves credit for using his connections to ensure our unlikely victory over Steaua. Don't forget we were playing a Romanian club and it was a night match.
In these enlightened days, (and nights), we should not tolerate discrimination against people irrespective of their dietary requirements or their ability to use mirrors.
Keep at all costs:
Steele - Bennett, Reach, Rhys W, Bates & McManus - Thomson, Smallwood, Park & Zemmama - McDonald & Emnes.
Must definately sell:
Digard, Boyd, Hoyte, Grounds (Total Savings £5.0M)
Already left: Davis, Tavares, Flood, Haas & Smith (TS £2.2M)
Still need to depart: Lita & Taylor or Arca (TS £2.2M)
So the above will save Boro around £9.5M in wages. To buy a right winger and a striker Mogga will need to move away one of Bailey, Robson or McMahon - just to spend a few bobs on new players' wages.
I hope Gibbo is not asking exactly the £ 10M to be saved on wages. Or better still that Mido was included in the original calculations (and already "saved").
Anyway now I understand why Mogga is saying that our squad can be slightly weaker next season before we aim at full speed to the PL in 2012/13 season. Interesting summer ahead - let's hope Boyd will be sold!
Up the Boro!
AV: Can you please put to bed the issue of the parachute payments from the prem. An article on BBC sport of an interview with Neil Bausor, one part suggests there is one final payment of £8m this summer whereas another part of the interview he says season ticket money is going to be the main income for Boro this season.
Have the payments finished or 1 more to come.
Thank you
**AV writes: My understandin is that Boro will get an interim parachute payment £8m this coming season. The old two season payment system has been extended to a four season arrangement and Boro fell betweem the two so were awarded a discretionary one off windfall,
AV. I am not suggesting you have no close season. I/we appreciate all you do and I would not want to get you in to trouble with your wife.
Please read the following paragraph as it appeared in my previous post:
"I know its extra work for you AV, when you would probably be looking forward to time with the family, so can we not get a stand in referee, like Jarkko, or myself to administer it? I promise I will uphold the integrity of the Blog, EG and AV! (said with hand on heart)".
RED ARMY
so what if Lita scores and rips his shirt off and goes mental. Good lad. up the Boro!
"Geordie la Forge said: Why do people persist in treating 'the Count' as..."
You almost got me going there, GlF, but just in time I've spotted the irony of your humour so, very well done and: Ha(!) Ha(!) Ha(!).
**AV writes: My understanding is that Boro will get an interim parachute payment £8m this coming season. The old two season payment system has been extended to a four season arrangement and Boro fell between the two so were awarded a discretionary one off windfall,
Surely if this is the case this was money that Boro were not expecting and could/should be used to relax the existing £10/20m muted savings requirement, that or we were in a possibly worse position than originally thought!
That said I will be renewing my season ticket in the hope of a play off/promotion run next year.
UTB
**AV writes: "My understanding is that Boro will get an interim parachute payment £8m this coming season. The old two season payment system has been extended to a four season arrangement and Boro fell between the two so were awarded a discretionary one off windfall."
If that is true then it's great news. Also if we get 3,000 spectators more on average that makes £1.2M more income for the club. So the gates go up from 16 000 to 19 000.
Interesting summer I think. Perhaps Uncle Eric must sit down with Mr Gibson and talk where we are. I hope we are saying we are poorer than we are to get a better bargaining position in the transfer market.
I hope we can get a forward and right winger signed but we need to off-load several players first.
Up the Boro!
Sky Sports report: "Middlesbrough have handed a contract to Curtis Main, after he impressed during a trial stint.
18-year-old Main has long been regarded as one of the top-prospects in North East football having made his debut at just 15.
However, Main parted company with Darlington earlier this month and has been looking at a number of options.
The young forward spent a brief time training with Hartlepool before being offered the chance to try his luck with Boro."
So several out and first in - and we are four days into the close season! Up the Boro!
Jarkko -
Mogga can shed several players from the squad that by definition make it weaker. The key is getting the players we have availble for selection. A first team squad of:
Steele, Smith, Coyne, Ripley.
McMahon, Hoyte, Haas, Davies, Hines, Grounds, Williams, Bennett, Taylor, McManus, Bates.
Flood, Tavares, Smallwood, Bailey, Robson, Arca, Thomson, Kink, Reach, Park, Haliday, Digard.
Boyd, Lita, McDonald, Emnes, Williams, Franks, Miller.
...plus more academy players pushing for a squad place is far too big.
Admittedley I have counted the loans in and out into that number.
The players who have already left will make it weaker, eg Paul Smith, Davies and Haas in defence, Flood and Tavares in midfiels all make the squad weaker because options are removed.
We are not in the Champions League, we just need those we have to be fit and available most of the time. If, like other teams, we have seven or eight players turning in 35 plus games a season then the classic squad of 23 should be enough.
Five have gone so another six to go, Boyd, Digard and Miller mean there are another three.
I guess three out of Arca, Grounds, Taylor and Lita are candidates. Three for wage bill purposes one becasue he is down the pecking order.
Then it is a case of can we get more for the wages we are paying for the others but they have to add to the squad.
A fit Robson and Thomson are better than most in this division, (I suspect on less than Arca and Taylor). We tried the get them off the wage bill without replacing by suitable players, got relegated and were left with Digard, Hoye and Emnes.
We can point to Thommo missing most of the season. His broken leg was unlucky, his treatment and rehab straight out of Mr Bean. Robson and McManus could have offered us more pitch time. But so could Williams, Williams, Hines, Bates, Franks etc.
They are three I would keep but I dont know their wages. What I do know is that when they front up to the camera and speak I am impressed.
I cant fault their efforts and their honesty. Nor do we hear of any 'I am off if we dont go up' type talk. But I live outside the 5 mile zone so am not privvy to any gossip.
AV - do you know who was included/excluded when the budget was drawn up (for example, were the wages of the out of contract players excluded as there was no ongoing liability?)
And was the £8m one-off windfall taken in to account or has this come later as a 'bonus' that eases the pressure on the previously stated position?
In the past we have kept/bought expensive experienced players and sold the youngsters, many of whom have gone on to establish themselves as Premier League players.
My hope is that this policy will be reversed not just because the homegrown players are cheaper but more importantly because they have a passion and commitment to the club
Tony Mowbray's honesty, openness and caution are like water in a desert - we've been starved of this for too long and it's refreshing, and the catalyst for restoring the affinity between the club, players and fans.
The team as of now is looking strong, everything is moving in the right direction, everyone seems to understand and accept the realities of the situation, but nevertheless we're (almost) all optimistic and confident of moving forward. There is patience, but there is hope and expectation as well
If all of this can be translated in to more season ticket sales then the financial pressure on the club eases, and TM's options increase as do our chances for a fantastic season ahead
I get the impression that our finances are pretty sound at the moment, and while we obviously need to lose some of the wage bill, we aren't desperate, and some of it will be used to fund new players.
Mogga seems to be keen to downplay expectations for next season, which is no bad thing considering what happened when we were favourites, but I suspect he is really aiming quite high.
BoroPhil - That's my impression also.
Presumably the club management have known for some while that there was a chance of an extra payment from Sky. But one imagines that they did not include it in any budget until it was confirmed.
What Gibbo and Mogga have both said recently is that the finances are sound/ there'll be no fire sale etc. Which suggests the extra £8m has taken the pressure off the need to sell players we ideally want to keep.
Of course that still leaves us with the problem of off loading Boyd, Digard and Lita and maybe also Emnes simply because they earn too much, in order to have Gibsons subsidy paid into the transfer kitty account rather than the players wages account.
By the way, I'd like to see Emnes stay, but given he's on premiership wages I guess he'll be sold if an offer is made.
That said I cant see anyone buying Digard and Emnes and paying them the wages they're on now. At least Emnes contribures something. Digard I'm afraid is simply a void Boro must pour money into.
I hope and pray that the boys on the Trent go up and Boyd goes with them.
**AV writes: The extra parachute payment was agreed last year and confirmed earlier this year and will already be accounted for.
But rememeber, it is not extra cash that is a bonus. The past two season's Boro have had parachute payments of £12m which have gone to support the age bill. Having £8m this season is welcome but it still represents a £4m cut on last's years income which needs to be made up somewhere.
EG report: "If he (Boyd) becomes a Forest folk hero by firing the club into the Premier League, then his permanent move will be guaranteed."
Yep, let's have a live blog when the unmentionable team play, AV? We could all urge the ex-Rangers player to run - except Smogon, that is!
Up the Boro!
Message to Jarkko... Sttttttteeeeeeeeeeeeed!
RED ARMY
Check out this link. http://www.borateem.com/
Just noticed this product in my local supermarket over here.
Apparently Kris Boyd had been washing his kit with it. Guarantees the colours wont run - just like Boyd there then.
Also it must have been used by the whole team when GS2 was in charge (check out the statement on the front of the box, top left!
Lightweight formula - hahahahaha!
Could only have been funnier if the spelling was Boroteam!!!
RED ARMY.
Watching the team by the trent. Missed first half and the replays of the tackle for the sending off.
What I did see was the replays of McGugan who had been tackled having a sly glance at what was going on. No doubt many will disagree but he should get a retrospective yellow card for simulation.
That wouldnt stop the Swansea player having a red for the challenge which I didnt see. Bloggers will know my view that I hate diving but unless someone does something about the situation it wont get better.
Hardly a game-changer, is he [Boyd]? Notts Forest 0 Swansea 0: Swansea reduced to ten men from about the second minute & Boyd sub'ed in the 77th minute! *shakes head* Let's face it, he's coming back to Boro at the end of the season... :(
Watched the Forest match last night it was on live over here. Boyd touched the ball 3 times in the 70 or so minutes he was on the pitch one cross and two passes never tested the keeper once and was subbed.Swans were down to ten men after two minutes, On that game i doubt he is going anywhere. Hope i am wrong
Apart from bleating about McGuigan the result was a disappointment last night.
Poor Smog must be being rippped apart, we want rid of Boyd but the best way for that to happen is for the Tricky Trees to get promoted.
I have a similar situation in that I want the three East Mids teams to stay down so I dont have any smug fans to deal with and local matches. But Boyd must go.
One fears that one escape route has been blocked.
Imagine the Swans going up, coming in to buy Emnes and we are left with Boyd! Emnes still doesnt have a great end product but he is developing and starting to worry defences.
PS
The problem last night for the Team by the Trent was not Boyd, it was that they didnt create anything
Simon, I like you. You are so enthusiastic for Boro but I don't like a black cat!
For the army part you know my father fought as a machine gun operator against another Red Army (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_army).
TM's Red and White Army!
Well Mogga is starting to get a few things sorted, which is good to know. May and June are usually dead quiet, all the players and sports writers (!) jet off to their apartments on the Dubai palm island for a month or two. No doubt all the agents are out there to, just to oil the wheels as it were.
Us poor supporters just have to sit and wait for news, I think I'll take the kids camping to the Lakes at half term to relieve the boredem a little. Hopefully the club will tell us soon how season ticket sales are going so we can chat about that as well.
Jarkko said: "Simon, I like you. You are so enthusiastic for Boro but I don't like a black cat! For the army part you know my father fought as a machine gun operator against another Red Army (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_army)
Jarkko, does that mean you do not like Arca? Personally I am not one of his biggest supporters, but must admit he has played really well this season, and I would give him a new contract if he is willing to take a pay cut.
I don't care where any player has played before, if they sign for Boro. All I want to see is them giving 100% for the club and supporters, who will welcome them if they show Teesside steel and improve the team.
Secondly, I would just like to say Magenta and Yellow mixed together ARMY does not sound right to me, so if you don't mind I will continue using RED and ARMY together.
It has nothing to do with anything other than the BORO. My father, who passed away just a few years ago was a prisoner of war and was marched across Europe during winter, watching as other prisoners died, and having to dig up potatoes from the frozen earth with their hands so they had some thing to eat, does not put me off Germany or their people.
I only hate them when we play football against them!!! Only joking there, I just dislike them when we play them. Hope you understand.
RED ARMY
Jarkko,
Just read the link you sent on wikipedia.
Very interesting. Looks like you guys kicked butt. Well done to the mighty Fins.
Tony Mowbrays RED ARMY.
What's this I see before me?
Surely not! A complete open goal?
Just in case.
**AV writes: LOL. That was like one of those late consaolation goals when the home side are four down and the ground is almost empty apart from the away fans. No one will every remember it but you. Brian Deane got one of those against Newcastle.
When the Untypical Boro archives are unearthed at some time in the distant future, it will still be greeted with...
"Bloody Hell, this wallah character was certainly prolific!"
That has got me thinking, I wonder what a new generation of fans, in say 100 yrs would make of this blog. It would be a good reflection of a supporters eye view of the present state of affairs at the club.
**AV writes: I hope so. That's the aim.
GHW. I was going to do that after I noticed I had #97, but I thought it was like playing football when you are a child, on your own, pretending you were playing against another team with seconds to go in the FA Cup final. You score, put your skirt over your head, take the applause from the crowd, then you pick up your jumper and coat (goal posts) and go in for your tea.
Great winning goal, but only you were there to see it!
RED ARMY.
AV Jr, that was a rubbish post, your granddad AV will be spinning in his grave!
If you think winning only 7-0 at home against Man Utd is acceptable then itâs time you checked the archives. Whatâs the game coming to?
I remember when a player had to scrape by on only 25,000 grand a week! These modern day footballers donât know they are born!
AV jr -
My great grandad used to post about the number of injuries Boro used to have and your grandad always posted it was only anecdotal.
Gill snr said he was watching a programme called Match of the Day and they mentioned Sunderland, yes, the team with the biggest ground in the Northern League played in the top division at the time.
The commentator said their injury list had reached ten players. The manager whose face looked like smacked bum come on moaning he wanted the season to end. Grandad said that was nothing because at one time we had a full team and a sub or two at Crockcliffe.
Of course that was before they found out the sports scientists were actually a couple of sado masochistc, Sunderland supporting decorators from Seaham.
Allegedly.
Clearly off-side if you ask me. There were no players any where to be seen, let alone between GHW and the vacant goal line.
Due to inappropriate behaviour on the Bosco Jankovich Stand, the match was played behind closed doors.
Simon in the USA
Is there something you want to tell us? Pulling your skirt over your head???? Is that why you emigrated?
Well done InGabon, I thought that little dig at the girl who claimed the 100th post was going to go un noticed!
When I was writing the entry, I must admit it was a slip up, and I noticed it when previewing it. I was going to change it after falling off my chair laughing but then thought, what the heck, I should leave it in to see if anyone notices it!
You are an eagle eyed star. I'm still laughing at it now.
RED ARMY.
I go out of the reach of the internet for a few days and guess what happens?
Dormo -
At least we did not meet as last time around when you wondered about the future. Must have met Juninho near Hurworth...
Up the Boro!