BREAKING NEWS - YAKUBU

Aaron wrote...

I will be sad to see him go, but if he doesn't want to play for us then he should go and if the deal is £11.25m then great.

Would Alves be a good buy? He seems to have scored loads in Holand but would he make the switch? We do need someone else as lee is to light weight

Posted by: Aaron  | August 22, 2007 3:56 PM

Aaron wrote...

Didn't the transfer to boro take ages as i remember, we going to buy him then not and then finally signed him, he was unsettled in pompey too poor guy. I hope he likes liverpool :-)

Posted by: Aaron  | August 22, 2007 4:35 PM

Scott Duncan wrote...

Ive posted on the other Yakubu thread that it is a good bit of business. I also think that Alves would be a stunning buy, going by his records. As far as I am aware, he has said he would like to come, but that was said in a Dutch Newspaper, so whether it is true or not is a different matter.

Even if we dont buy a striker, and only bring in a right sided midfielder I think we will do well. Push Tuncay up front just behind Aliadiere and Mido, or any 2 of the 3.

I would still prefer Alves though.

Posted by: Scott Duncan  | August 22, 2007 4:37 PM

Darren wrote...

Good bit of business..... Well done gibbo and lamb....

For a guy that has lost interest, gone awol, has not scored since feb (not including friendllies), and spends most of his time on his bottom during games......

Everton must have listened too much to the mersyside plank Hanson and paid this ridiculious amount for the yaks obvious heading ability!!!!!! NOT

Come on Everton, what chance 8 million for Euell........ ha ha, and you Boro fan's who say Lamb is a joke should look over to the North West and be thankfull we do not have ther counterpart.

Now lets get mido fit, a player who has hunger, passion, and most of all wants to be here..... and get the brazillian wonder Alves.

Everton you have yourself a bargain, mmmm lets see i predict under 18 goals this season form the YAK!!!! seen as andy Johnstone takes the pens .....ohh yes and lets see how long this overpaid, overhyped player takes to mouth off about our great club like FAT BOY up the road did......

Daz*

PS Woody will have him in his pocket when we play them.....

Posted by: Darren  | August 22, 2007 4:43 PM

John Powls wrote...

AV

You're right about a good bit of business. The story in today's Gazette also re-inforces how necessary it was to get rid for the good of the rest of the team and squad too.

Now we need to move to secure a great replacement but we must not forget the midfield too.

Good new also on Euell about whom I admit to a mistake in judgement in welcoming his arrival last year.

I hope they are joined through the exit by Rocky and Arca - which doubles the need for midfield replacements.

In the context of strikers and midfielders (and this doesn't mean that we don't need others in) do we know how Moatab and Shawky are faring on their non-trial trial?

Why do we have to temper all of this good news and potential by yet another confirmation about how poor our dealing with injuries is?

No sooner than Tayls gets his toe sorted than he's having to have treatment again - shambolic.

Posted by: John Powls  | August 22, 2007 5:23 PM

tosh wrote...

southgate is a mug if he does not sign alves. He seems keen on cuming to teeside and an attacking midfielder that has broke a goal scoring record that was held by van nistleroy is just wot boro need. I dont think that mido is the answer to our problems alone

Posted by: tosh  | August 22, 2007 5:24 PM

Nigel wrote...

Lets buy Alves now and give the Dutch the 11.25m from the Yakuba car boot sale. Come on! Lets not mess about!

Especially as Sunderland are now sniffing around Alves. It would be great to nick another striker from under their noses again.

Posted by: Nigel  | August 22, 2007 5:43 PM

hussain alashqar wrote...

i think it's beter for us & for him to let him go , so we can get a new striker who relly want to play from his heart

we need some one like the new striker MIDO somebody relly care about the team .. £11.25m it's agood amount for us to have agood quality striker .

Posted by: hussain alashqar  | August 22, 2007 5:58 PM

Olly wrote...

hurrah! i know he has scored goals but the man cannot be bothered and that we do not need IMO.

nice return on the 7.5m makes a change! then we can hopefully use this money for a midfielder (Farfan i heard) and a striker (Alves) which should amount to around 12-ish with a bit of wheeling and dealing and to me they would be "spectacular"........better late than never if it happens

Posted by: Olly  | August 22, 2007 6:04 PM

JK wrote...

disapointing but the 11 mil must be spent ASAP

Posted by: JK  | August 22, 2007 6:13 PM

Werdermouth wrote...

It's quite hard to believe just how ridiculous the transfer market is at the moment - £11.25m for a forward who hasn't scored a goal for about 8 months!

Then again if Darren Bent is worth £16.5m and Nugent went for £7m it's probably in line - especially since he's been bigged up on the BBC by Hansen and Lawro, plus his stats on paper look good.

Though I'm not sure how much Boro will end up with since I recall £3m of the £7.5m we paid for him went on 'agents fees'.

I guess we may end up buying 2 more forwards as we need to ensure we don't lose our new attack to the African Nations Cup for six weeks - plus any injury or suspension could mean LDG and Aliadiere playing up front for a month with nothing on the bench.

I must say I becoming a bit more optimistic over the way Boro are dealing in the transfer market - it seems more grown up than of recent times.

Oh and finally, I read Euel was shocked to hear he could also start looking for a new club as he wasn't going to be in the Gates plans this season .It's probably the same shock I'd feel if Miss World said that i didn't feature in her plans - what planet has he been living on?

Posted by: Werdermouth  | August 22, 2007 7:19 PM

Very Happy wrote...

AV

We will spend the dosh on a winner.

Congratulations GS on getting him out, because the last few months with him, must have hurt your winning pride.

Now you can bring in the winners and we can get that ball rolling exactly as you planned.

Well done to Keith Lamb for supporting, GS 100&!

Posted by: Very Happy  | August 22, 2007 10:34 PM

Samuel wrote...

Superb stuff...BUT...the money will be pretty useless unless we act fast, not to the point when we are buying rubbish, but fast as in we have only 8 days to get at least 2 new faces in, now thats gonna be hard for the backroom staff!!

However i'm sure lamb is working on it as we speak, and with the support of Gibbo i'd like to see Alves and Farfan, i think then we could expect a very exciting season!

Posted by: Samuel  | August 22, 2007 11:20 PM

Scott Duncan wrote...

AV, I posted something on the other Yakubu thread, any ideas where it went?

**AV writes: Are you sure you pressed the right button? There's something by you at 4.37pm on this thread but I can't see anything else in the last 24 hours or so.

Posted by: Scott Duncan  | August 22, 2007 11:41 PM

Allycat wrote...

As the song goes 'Oh my god i can't believe it'. We are going to make a healthy profit on a transfer.

We are doing the right thing in getting rid of Yakubu and Euell and slap my bum and call me charlie, there even seems to be a note of optimism in the messages being posted. Even Lamb is getting a bit of positive feedback!

Mido looks like he is bringing a touch of luck into the club, Aliadiere set up a Arsenal style goal, which Cattermole took well and Woody is nearly fit.

All we need to do to round the week off is to get Alves and Farfan over for medicals and sign them up by next week. In the meantime we could teach Fatboy Sam and his Skunkadelic misfits a lesson on sunday.

On top of which Rocky may benefit from the likes of Tuncay, Aliadiere and especilly Alves and could be almost like having a new, ex Barcelona quality player. UEFA cup is on the cards again... maybe!

Posted by: Allycat  | August 23, 2007 5:37 AM

Ingo the Swede wrote...

Afonso Alves would be a great signing.

I have seen him play both for Orgryte in Gotenburg and for malmo ff in malmo.

His free kicks are really good...

Posted by: Ingo the Swede  | August 23, 2007 6:05 AM

Peter from China wrote...

So the Yak has gone,for whatever reason he has not cut the mustard since last xmas. I have mixed feelings but it was the same with the Duke. Lets move on.

I am sure Gareth Southgate will get things going and prove all the doom mongers wrong and despite a shakey start will be at the top end of the table at the end of the season.

Steve Gibson deserves success at the club and the man he choose to be manager. Good luck for the future.

P.S. Lets start with a win against the Toon

Posted by: Peter from China  | August 23, 2007 6:23 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

It looks as if Yak is almost gone and as with all who leave I wish them good luck as long as they dont start mouthing off. Clearly the time had come for him to leave.

And it looks like we made some money out of the deal. Nothing wrong with that. With Rocky likely to go along with Euell it leaves us short of bodies. I dont include Mendi the invisible in this category because Most Haunted have been trying to find traces for months and like most their ghosts there is no substantial evidence of his existence.

With Mozza gone and Dong Goal Less proving to be a bit like a Chinese meal - no real substance - I think we will need to be very busy in the next week. We have shed an awful lot of bodies this year and it has left us thin.

A slight concern is whether the Yak move was a last straw reaction or part of a master plan (he had to go so there is no quibble from me).

Only time will tell. The good thing is we have been active in the market, it hasnt been all last minute but because of the way system works many european squads as well as ours are now shaking out

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 23, 2007 8:14 AM

tim from sa wrote...

Good buisness thanks to the Yak for all the goals although not lately he had a good record with us.

I think we will get the replacement as i dont believe Gareth would allow the Yak to go if he had nobody lined up.

Alves not sure how the work permit goes but if thats ok hes the man.

Things seem to be falling into place this season will be a true Southgate team and i am beginning to think a good one.

Posted by: tim from sa  | August 23, 2007 8:47 AM

Never Happy wrote...

Ian – you are right about the witch doctors, it must be catching as the website said Woody underwent an operation on his ankle (and there’s me thinking he had a knee problem)

Maybe it is the surgeons that are being used, Dr Nick from the Simpson’s comes to mind.

As posted on the other Yakubu thread some of the money must be spent on a right sided midfielder.

Nice to see Mac’s coaching skills coming to the fore with England last night. Richards was by far the best player in the first half and what does the ginger one do, moves him to CB and replaces him with the donkey Wes Brown.

Richards and SWP down the right hand side would have torn Germany to shread’s, instead we have an unfit and pace less Beckham and a player who would get the chance to play for England if he did not play for Man U.

Still at least its England who are now suffering under Mac and not the Boro.

C’mon Boro!! – stuff the Skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 23, 2007 9:15 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

Never Happy

I apologise for being right about the witch doctors.

As for MacMoses England are welcome to him. You may have noticed I am not a big advocate of left footed players on the right but Joe Cole had a good game.

My criticism of him has been when he reverts to show pony as opposed to the Jose 'do as I tell you or I will drop you' mode he has to adopt at Chelsea.

Last night was all about being effective and he was our best player. Solution? Take him off and leave a struggling Beckham on - clearly he wasnt fully fit but did his best. Wrong! SWP should have replaced Becks.

Still lets hope for some more signings and a good result against Toon. No goals for Veruka or Smith please.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 23, 2007 9:55 AM

Joe wrote...

I'd get Alves in, but then I'd bring in 2 centre mids as well, Boateng hasn't passed to a red shirt yet this season and Rochembach is hardly committed to the cause.

I'd go for one strong intimidating presence - Bouba Diop is going cheap - and one technical player who does what Makalele, Scholes, Xavi and others do: makes simple passes but hardly ever loses the ball.

I'd like to see Marcus Senna from Villareal or a very very cheeky bid for Sneijder from Ajax.

As for Cattermole in the centre well he's good, and he's committed, but he's not THAT good. I reckon he'll follow Morrison out the club in the next few years.

Posted by: Joe  | August 23, 2007 10:30 AM

Never Happy wrote...

Stolen from elsewhere but I thought it was funny.

When Nigerian striker Yakubu heard figures like £12million attached to his name yesterday, he assumed it was a Lagos-based internet scam.

The only figure more laughable is his age, officially 24, just as it has been for the last five years. It's always a risk signing Nigerian players because they invariably suffer a difficult 10 years between the ages of 29 and 30.

I've just seen Kanu's passport and he's officially older than Nigeria. Burly Yakubu is making the lucrative move from Teesside to Merseyside despite looking like Ironside.

And now Everton boss David Moyes must pray he's worth his weight in goals because that would make him one hell of a striker.

C'mon Boro!! - stuff the Skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 23, 2007 10:39 AM

James wrote...

Ahh. 3 Games into the season and the Boateng criticism has started already?

He was arguably our best player against Blackburn - it seems a lot of Boro fans aren't happy unless theyre laying into someone be it Boateng, Downing, Davies or Parnaby.
If the Boat keeps winning all the balls and Julio Arca/Rocky are distributing them nicely it's fine by me.

As for Yakubu, I'm not particularly sad to see him go, a couple of months ago I would have been devastated, but all this carry on had made me dislike the guy. If he doesn't want to be here, get rid, £11 mil is a great deal.

Not just for us, but for everton too, it's 5 mil less than Bent, and Yakubu has more goals in him. Moyes just needs to figure out how to make him play past February.

Now that Rocky's mate at Benfica has been sacked, I trust he's not leaving anymore? It would have been a bad decision to sell him I reckon - we can get plenty more out of him. And I hope Southgate hasn't forgotten about our right midfield porblem, Tuncay doesn't look amazing there, and he has to forget about Catts playing there, perhaps he should look at bringing someone in on loan.

Posted by: James  | August 23, 2007 10:52 AM

Mainy wrote...

If the deal goes through for Yakubu then it will only be good business if we sign a replacement.

We need to strengthen the attack first before we strengthen anywhere else.(Kanoute,Alves, Luke Moore & is Mohammed Kallon still available?)

Someone mentioned Bouba Diop above, I said that about a week ago, he would do well for us.

Right Midfield, Routledge again, he isnt fancied at spurs and if they wont sell him they may well listen at a loan offer, if not then see how much they want for Danny Murphy. Chris Eagles & Rudolph Douala would be good loan options too.

If we are still paying Mendieta then get him back to training and make him fight for a place or sell him, why should we tell him to find a new club and let him bum about all summer? Either we find him a club (like we have done for players in the past) or we make him play.

Final thought on England. Mclaren does not have a clue. He cannot blame injuries as Germany had just as many if not more. Mclaren just dosnt know what to do with the players he has.

He played 2 right sided players on the Left, Downing is a left footer isnt he or do I mistakingly see him in that position every week for us? Beckham, fit enough to play for country but not club, something isnt right there.

Wes Brown, hahahaha I cant believe he makes the squad never mind the team. Brings Crouch on who is suspended for the next game, whats wrong with Defoe? Smith up front, he has played midfield for the last 3 years. Shorey isnt good enough and Robinson is really under pressure now.

Come on Mclaren, at least see if you can get us to the play off place at least!!!

Posted by: Mainy  | August 23, 2007 11:31 AM

John Powls wrote...

Disappointing to see the phrases appear in today's Gazette article that Gate won't be getting all the cash from The Yak's sale because of 'other financial commitments'. If this isn't players then is it Hurworth golf course and hotel?

Could you tell us, AV?

I also hope that another striker isn't the only target - we MUST strengthen in midfield. If we can get money for Arca and or Rocky to help with that we should.

I still see no update in the Gazette on our 'non-trial' triallists, Moatab and Shawky.

Again - do you know anything, AV?

Let's hope that Mido, Tayls and Luke Young are fit to start on Sunday - that would be a big boost for an important game. And that's not just because it's a derby.

**AV writes: It wouldn't surprise me if the other financial commitments were pay-offs to departing players and their agents. The finances for the golf hotel were long ago allocated from elsewhere in the Bulkhaul empire.

I believe the trialists are due this weekend - butr that doesn't leave long to make a decision and get them signed. If they are up to it of course.

Posted by: John Powls  | August 23, 2007 11:38 AM

Neil (USA) wrote...

What I hope will happen: Boro spend their new found wealth on a striker (one at least) and a midfielder (one at least).

What I think might happen: We're linked with everyone under the sun, but we miss out because we refuse to meet players' evaluations.

Poor Steve McClaren. I really stuck up for him when he was first manager at Boro, and I think that, overall, he did a great job for us.

But he definitely lost the plot as his tenure wore on, to the point where his selections for England are frankly baffling. He is well out of his depth.

I wonder if the FA will give him time, as Gibbo suggested that they should, or whether he will be gone if there is another bad result in qualifying. Sam Allardyce must be loving it.

Posted by: Neil (USA)  | August 23, 2007 12:13 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Now for the Toon and a hope the injuries ease up.

Luke Young we can cope without because we have done so far. Arca in for Taylor doesnt fill me with confidence and the loss of Mido could be crucial. We know he wasnt fully fit before the match and the fear is he now has an injury that may take some time to clear up, in fact it may be because he wasnt fully fit in the first place. I am not going say anything about the TLC he will receive at Rockcliffe.

Is it time for young Craddock to have a crack? Dare we trust Rocky? Is Dong Goal Less the man for a match against Toon? Will Euell peak for the the occasion? Will mendi rise Lazarus like?

Assuming the worst, how about this for a team based on the principle of right footed right side, left footed left side.

Swarz

Davies
Wheater
Riggott
Arca - not ideal

Tuncay/Aliadiere
Cat
Boat
Downing

Craddock
Aliadiere/Tuncay

It is far from ideal but any suggestions from those who get to see the Reserve and Youth teams. It certainly looks fairly bare bones to me, there must be targets about to be landed.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 23, 2007 12:35 PM

Never Happy wrote...

Ian - for all the positives that are happening Boro being Boro there has to be negatives.

Boro's penchant for signing injured players is now compounded by injuring the fit ones that we sign.

Then Dr Nick (an arm for a leg was one of his operations) fixes the injured player, only for a relapse to occur a few weeks later.

If this happened once it would be worrying, however Christie, Huth and now Taylor all seem to have had skirmishes with Dr Nick and the club urgently need to address the situation.

I like your idea of giving Craddock a game, however hopefully Mido will be fit, however I fear he will not be.

I think the team will be
Swartz
Davies
Wheater
Riggott
Taylor
Cattermole
Boteng
Arca
Downing
Alliadiere
Tuncay

C'Mon Boro!! stuff the skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 23, 2007 1:11 PM

Olly wrote...

i agree with Neil(USA) lets concentrate on the newcastle game. what is wrong with Luke Young, man has signed and is yet to play?!?
i would have

Skippy
Davies
Wheats
Riggot
Taylor
Cattermole
Boateng
Arca
Downing
Tuncay
Mido/Aliadiere

Not the best but it will have to fit if the worst comes to worst. should try tuncay up top and cannot drop cattermole even though RM is not his favourie,

Posted by: Olly  | August 23, 2007 1:34 PM

Neil (USA) wrote...

On the premier league's official site, it has a story claiming that Mendieta's "dream" is to fight for his place in the boro team.

I wonder if he'll suddenly be named in a squad, and the good old days of "it's like a new signing" will be trundled out. I don't think GS will do that, but...

Posted by: Neil (USA)  | August 23, 2007 1:56 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Never Happy and Olly

Thanks for the alternative teams but mine was based on the premise Young, Taylor and Mido were being treated by our medical staff not Jesus!

So what line up if all three are still unfit?

Never Happy

You also missed off Downing and Boat from his medical successes. And sending Ugo away for the summer to rest with a cruciate injury only for it to flare up in pre season. You musnt damn with faint praise!

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 23, 2007 2:36 PM

alf wrote...

any news on the yak today?
can he sign for everton today to play at the weekend or will he have to wait for a work permit?

also worried that yaks agent(s) will be demanding a large fee from everton and might mess things up.

Posted by: alf  | August 23, 2007 4:14 PM

Samuel wrote...

This whole Mendi “fighting for his place”!!

Sorry but this goes against the whole new outlook on the team! Mendi is 33 now and isn’t gonna get any younger and definitely is not going improve as a footballer and outshine any players we already have! I’ll eat my hat if I am proven wrong, no…wait, my whole wardrobe!

I’m not saying he is bad, but I think he should really try and move on, he still has a lot to give, but his giving days in a Boro shirt are over!

Boro have significantly reduced the average age of the whole team drastically recently, which I think is great, a whole new fresh approach as they have said!

Exciting times to come, I can’t wait for progress to made in the next week! I think there will be lots of boro news on the way…brilliant!!!

Posted by: Samuel  | August 23, 2007 4:40 PM

Mainy wrote...

I have found Mendieta, he is going by the name decka & is cutting hair in the clip joint in Redcar.

He was telling me its his dream to fight for a place in the boro team, this is either a ploy to let people know he is still available or he actually means it and will fight, either way it can do no harm. I'll be looking on the website & programme on sunday to see if he gets allocated a number at all.

Here is a daft shout for you, persuming that Mido and Taylor are out of sundays game. It'll have to be Arca at left back, bring Cattermole into the middle & on the right, how about playing Luke Young there? He will get back to support Davies and he will also get forward to put crosses in. It cant be any worse than playing a centre mid out there.

I would also give Craddock a go - but only from the bench. Play Tuncay & Alidierie up top, Rocky on the bench & Johnson aswell, They are 3 decent players to bring on all of whom would be good for actually changing the way a game is going!

Posted by: Mainy  | August 23, 2007 4:58 PM

paul connor wrote...

yakubu going great bsuiness for the boro but i feel sorry for us everton supporters. no way in the world is he worth that much money. hope im proved wrong but doubt it

Posted by: paul connor  | August 23, 2007 5:58 PM

Malc wrote...

Let us not forget we still have the whinging Aussie in sticks and Calamity Brad Jones as backup. This wis a great time to bring in Thomas Sorensen. He's only 31, a solid player who knows the northeast and is available. a great player with just one year on his deal and he has been unsettled by the arrival of Carson.

We need to think ahead, as next summer we'll be held to ransom when the Schwarz does a runner. Don't wannt to do a Sunderland and splash 9m.

Posted by: Malc  | August 23, 2007 6:14 PM

Samuel wrote...

After mendieta's comments, boro have come back and said "haha, no chance, ba-bye"

Anyone know the current situation with Yakubu's contract talks?

Posted by: Samuel  | August 23, 2007 6:47 PM

kinomuchi wrote...

guys...

no more potential targets please..
the transfer window is less than eight days..

ok..
11.25million is in the kitty..
let euell go for some cash..

buy one of these 3 Brazilian strikers..
+ Vagner Love..
+ Fred..
+ Alves..

why Brazilian..??
Brazil players have proved them self..
in la-liga..
in the dutch league..
what's more to prove their ability..
they we're born to play soccer..

& buy highly recommended (by poggy) right winger..
Christoph Leigteb..

he can really play on the right dude....

errr.. no degen..??

Posted by: kinomuchi  | August 23, 2007 8:23 PM

dave wrote...

"Anyone know the current situation with Yakubu's contract talks?"

Probably on hold until yakubu's agent flies in and sorts himself a nice big fat fee

Posted by: dave  | August 23, 2007 11:28 PM

John Powls wrote...

In the run up to the 1970 World Cup Gordon West the then Everton goalie wrote to Alf Ramsey saying that he wouldn't be available for selection for the squad.

A mate of mine was so incensed by this that he also wrote to the manager saying that he too was unavailable for selection on the grounds that he stood as much chance of being part of the squad as Gordon West did.

On the same principle - and taking he current situation with Mendi - can this be regarded as my open letter to Gate, The Count and Gibbo stating that I am willing to stay and fight for my place in the Boro midfield - meanwhile never appearing at the training ground or anywhere else in the environs of the club, much less in the squad.

And I am prepared to negotiate a fee of much less than that being paid to Senor Mendieta for doing so.

Now there's a deal for you!

Posted by: John Powls  | August 24, 2007 8:22 AM

Never Happy wrote...

Ian - I did not include Young or Mido, I picked Taylor as he seems to have been playing with a broken toe since last season.

As for the witch doctors and Boro's injured players, you obviously have a better memory for these things than me.

The worrying aspect is that our new signing are unable to cope with the new super training regime that has been carefully prepared by GS for a year.

C'Mon Boro!! - stuff the skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 24, 2007 8:45 AM

Werdermouth wrote...

Dave - I heard the deal with Everton is in danger of falling through after the medical discovered a hairline fracture of his lazy bone - though he told medical staff that he's had this problem with his lazy bones for most of the year but it hasn't affected his ability to pick up heavy pay checks.

Posted by: Werdermouth  | August 24, 2007 8:51 AM

Never Happy wrote...

John - please reconsider your availabilty for selection, you could be the right sided midfield player we have been searching for.

I would play holding midfield, as then I would not have to do to much running and passing to a red shirt would not be on my job description.

A few pints and a parmo would be my opening contract bid (I will of course have to check the finer details with my agent, he will probably insist that the pints are Stella and that the parmo is from the Europa)

I'm sure I can dig out a couple of old jumpers for goalposts, so we can have plenty of arguments about the ball crossing the line or being to high to count.

Rumour has it that Boro are checking the finer points of getting a work permit for Alves.

C'Mon Boro - stuff the Skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 24, 2007 9:37 AM

John Powls wrote...

Never Happy

If I was to be played wide right then I'd be out of position like Mendi used to be (and The Boat and Catts and.......). Hey. maybe we're onto something here.

Several disappointments in today's Gazette article.

We're not bidding for Riquelme - despite the £10m now being quoted being very much over-blown for a player that was loaned out all of last season.

Luke Young's not available for skunk-stuffing. Oh dear - are we in for more 'our season starts here' against Brum the weekend after (despite the fact that everyone else started 2 weeks ago).

Now the Egyptian 2 - Moatab and Shawky aren't coming for a trial. What the hell's going on with this AV? Don't know about Moatab but Shawky seemed like exactly what we need.

**AV writes: Maybe having investigated further than YouTube Boro don't want to take it further? Maybe they think the seven days before the transfer window closes is enough to make a judgement? Maybe the players don't want to be put on trial just because they share a passport with our latest signing? Who can say?

As for Riquelme, why should Boro bid for a player that would clearly not come just to be seen as active in the market? Listening to his quotes from Argentina - he has offered to play for year without wages to help Boca fund the transfer fee - his heart is clearly with a club he loves.

Posted by: John Powls  | August 24, 2007 10:28 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

Never Happy

John and I come as a joint deal. He can fill in right side midfield and myself at right back.

We are a perfect partnership, we would be a pair of Bobby Murdochs cos by the time their left sided attackers have run round the pair of us they will be well and truly knackered. We are a lot of space to be a waste of. Movement and passing arent our strong points but you cant have everything.

As for contract talks that would be tricky because I wasnt a great lover of Parmos but I did like Newboulds polony and pork pies, sadly the transfer of Stampy and then Ricketts did for them.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 24, 2007 10:42 AM

Never Happy wrote...

John - being played out of position would know doubt do wonders for your England place.

We all know how much Mac likes to play his square pegs in round holes (I was careful how I typed that as I did not want to upset the two Steve's).

Ian - I think your system would work well and I am not going to type the obvious and say know wonder you talk a load of old polony

C'mon Boro 'stuff the Skunks'

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 24, 2007 11:47 AM

John Powls wrote...

Never Happy

You see, this is why Ian and make the perfect right wing partnership - he was polony and pies, I was Newbould's scotch eggs and pease pudding.

This accounts for the ring-road length detour required of left sided opposition.

AV - it's not so much the other bits about the 2 Egyptians but the fact that only yesterday the news outlets were carrying confirmatory quotes from MFC that they were coming and today they're not. Our usual PR fiasco?

And the timing of their coming (or not) presumably also had something to do with us. Leaving stuff until the last minute panic is par for the MFC course.

I see what Riquelme says but, as you've often pointed out, players say all sorts, including the badge kissing stuff. So do their agents. We'll see where his wallet and Villareal's lead him.

Whatever, I just want to see MFC shape themselves as soon as in this next few days to sort out a striker and a right sided midfielder for Boro. Leaving Riquelme aside there is no shortage of candidates.

And to (nearly) quote you again 'Everyone and his dog knows we need another striker and a right sided midfielder and have done for yonks'. So why hasn't it been dealt with - again?

The fact that it's late isn't a surprise for us but it shouldn't be peddled as an excuse and it's better than never - which is where we've been for a season and a half.

**AV writes: There's loads of nail-biting, snubbing and wild-goose chasing to go before Boro's traditional deadline day signings.

Posted by: John Powls  | August 24, 2007 12:04 PM

Very Happy wrote...

John Powls

We have just got rid of one lame duck, so let the run in to the end of August, answer your question.

If you & Ian read more into mine & Never Happy's posts, you would realise why we are so wickedly popular.

I hope Mido is fit for Sunday, but I see Viduka is struggling to get fit. Apparently he pulled a muscle in his cheque book.

Finally, John have a bet on our Turk to score the first goal, because it’s due.

Posted by: Very Happy  | August 24, 2007 1:10 PM

Its fitz wrote...

Of those of u hoping the Riquelme deal is in the pipeline read this link ive provided and many others ive read on the the man and im sure u'll think twice:

http://football.guardian.co.uk/continentalfootball/story/0,,1996215,00.html

Posted by: Its fitz  | August 24, 2007 1:19 PM

Mainy wrote...

"buy one of these 3 Brazilian strikers...

+ Vagner Love..
+ Fred..
+ Alves.."

Vagnor Love every time, I've no idea how good a player he is but i think we should sign him for that name alone & wait to see how long it will b before someone gets his name on the shirt with an added 'i' in there somewhere!

So 7 days to go in transfer window, Keith Lamb should catch up on some sleep now as he is going to be very busy come 5 to midnight on 31st.

The press must have ran out of players to link us with as they are going round in circles now as Riquelme has already been linked with us earlier this summer.

So the 2 eygptions arent coming on trial then, maybe we will just buy them outright, i've heard the youtube clip impressed Sven so we best get them signed up before he does.

I've just been thinking how bad the the world is crying out for right sided midfielders as our world wide scouting team havent been able to find anyone. If there is stil hope for John Powls then there must still be hope for me too!

Come on boro, stuff the gordie scum!

Posted by: Mainy  | August 24, 2007 1:19 PM

Malc wrote...

So the scouser Lawrenson has again predicted us to lose 2-1. I'd love to know where his dislike of us comes from.

All reality goes out the window and it would be fair more accurate if they said "Lawro got eight incorrect results" rather than "got two correct" as he seemingly knows nothng about the game.

Posted by: Malc  | August 24, 2007 2:14 PM

alf wrote...

Malc, lawro does get a few times right. we have a poor riverside record against newcastle and not exactly started teh season very well. Over the years we have been a lower mid table team so it is natural he wil expect us to lose a few games. We arn't manutd or chelsea you know

Posted by: alf  | August 24, 2007 3:22 PM

Samuel wrote...

Alf, you say we have bad record against Newcastle, which is true, however if you look over at the last 3 years, we have slowly improved against Newcastle and have actually got some good results.

On paper right now it might look like they will have the better team, but they aren't Man U or Chelsea either, we have every chance of walking away with something on Sunday! And as for Lawro, he has yet to predict a win for us this campaign...

Posted by: Samuel  | August 24, 2007 3:30 PM

Never Happy wrote...

Malc - you are right about that tosser Lawrenson.

If his predictions on the Boro scores had been right last season we would have been relegated with about 15 pts.

He like many of the media seems to never have anything good to say about the Boro.

Even after we beat Chelsea 3 - 0 and Man U 4 - 1 it was not because Boro played well, it was because the opposition were so poor.

Do not expect it to change, its always been Boro against the ROW

Come on Boro!! - stuff the skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 24, 2007 3:41 PM

John Powls wrote...

Now, Mainy - let's not get carried away....

Posted by: John Powls  | August 24, 2007 3:48 PM

Never Happy wrote...

Samuel - once you have been on the board for a while you will realise that Alf is this boards Lawrenson as far as Boro are concerned.

I don't think he (Alf) has ever had anything positive to say about the Boro.

C'mon Boro!! - stuff the skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 24, 2007 3:55 PM

Mainy wrote...

I wouldnt listen to a word Lawro says anyway. When he does commentry on a game he hardly speaks and when he does it is always some random comment about something that has nothing to do with the game.

The pundits are always against us and at best usually tip us for a draw & not because we are playing well but because the opposition have a few injuries etc.

What you have to remember is that most of these guys last played the game in the eighties/early nineties. The game has changed a lot since then but most of them just go by past glories of the teams they use to play for. Take Hansen as an example, they have him as a pundit on England games, why?

All he does is say 'it's terrable' no matter what (fair comments on recent games tho) but the point is he wouldnt give a positive even if we had just won the world cup for the 5th time in a row and remained unbeaten in all that time. He still wouldnt say we had done well.

The only pundit I like is Ian Wright as when england play, you can tell he is kicking everyball with them, if they play well he will tell you, if they played bad he will lay into them until Lineker cuts him off.

All time favourite pundit has to be Gazza. I think it was the '98 or '02 world cup & ITV employed him to interview fans during the game. He was already hammered before the match kicked off & at one point he was in a fountin singing with the fans. Legend.

Prediction for Sunday, 3-2 to boro, Viduka & Owen for them, Tuncay, Alidaire & a late winner from wheater for us. Come on boro.

**AV writes: I'm putting a daft quid on Whater for first/last goal.

Posted by: Mainy  | August 24, 2007 4:00 PM

Never Happy wrote...

AV - Wheater is 28/1 to score 1st / last goal with Corals and 9/1 to score at any time, lump on.

His 8 yard pile driver will have become a 20 yard screamer by H/T, 40 yards by full time and from doggy roundabout by last orders.

C'Mon Boro!! - stuff the skunks

Posted by: Never Happy  | August 24, 2007 4:16 PM

Mark B wrote...

It just goes to show how clueless Lawro is when he says that now we've lost Yak we're going to struggle to score. Does he ever actually watch us coz Yak hasn't scored for 6 months!

Posted by: Mark B  | August 24, 2007 5:21 PM

Very Happy wrote...

alf

It's a pity Lawro wasn't still coaching them Zebra Crossings on how to defend.

They followed Lawro's tactics to the letter and the keeper ended up on Ralgex.

Then up he pops on Match of the Day with his crop circles.

Like Robinson the other night playing for England, who should have focused his body energy and mind on making certain one hand tipped the ball over the bar.

He acted like an aeroplane, instead of releasing one wing.

So, they can stick them crop circles where the sun doesn’t shine, because fans know the field.

Posted by: Very Happy  | August 24, 2007 6:34 PM

Ken wrote...

It seems that only the trials have been canceled, but Shawki is already at Boro having his medical and will be signed without a trial - this a quote from Mido (who will likely start on Sunday).

Speaking of quotes, I'm quite interested in what AV thinks of Southgate's latest: "It’s highly unlikely we’ll find the right person in the time we’ve got."

Posted by: Ken  | August 25, 2007 7:26 AM

Mark B wrote...

I see according to the BBC today that Euell is off to Shef Wed for 200k. Just need rid of Mendietta and Southgate will have removed all of the deadwood.

Fair play to him. We must now move quickly to get another striker and RM before the window shuts.

Posted by: Mark B  | August 25, 2007 9:02 AM

John Powls wrote...

Waited until this morning to calm down a little after the interview I saw with Gate yesterday evening but I made the mistake of reading the paper this morning and the same quotes are in there.

I've been cutting Gate a fair bit of slack because I rate him as a decent and honest guy who I want to succeed and who was given a tough job by Gibbo when he wasn't ready.

I can also understand that with £11m about to be in our pockets (less what MFC are taking for 'other financial pressure') that he doesn't want to be 'held to ransome' with inflated fees.

But what was infuriating was acting as though Yakubu leaving was some kind of surprise and that it has come late in the window. Well, der.... - what planet have you been on Gareth?

And even more that it is 'highly unlikely that we will be able to get anyone in at this late stage in the transfer window.' That had me almost launching something at the TV screen - that's not so much a smokescreen for not getting ripped off as total b*****ks.

Where is all the much vaunted scouting and detailed dossiers we are supposed to have so that we would be prepared? Just how many strikers have we been linked with and are known to have talked to the representatives of?

Leave aside the move of Yakubu. To (nearly) quote you again and again AV 'Everyone and his dog knows we need another striker and a right sided midfielder and have done for yonks'. So why hasn't it been dealt with - again?

So whose fault is it that we still haven't done the biz with a week left.

In the same batch of interviews 3 other Prem managers were saying that they expected to be bringing in up to 3 new faces in the next week. Why can they if we can't?

And to say that he is happy with the squad he has got flies in the face of what we've seen this season already. He alluded to others than strikers getting goals. Well, who precisely and where is the evidence to back up the suggestion?

Any more of this and I'm going to be switching the CAPS LOCK ON!!!!!

I'm going to try to listen to Gibbo before the skunks game and see if he is in b*****ks mode too and whether anyone asks him anything like the hard questions he needs to be asked.

Posted by: John Powls  | August 25, 2007 11:23 AM

Lee wrote...

I think there is one world class striker available that it would be worth having a try to get, and that is Nicholas Anelka. He would fit perfectly into the new style of play, and if offered good money he would go anywhere.

Mainy, Ian Wright is the worst football pundit on tv, he looks so awkward the way he moves about all the time, and makes me cringe with the crap he comes out with.

When asked the other day during England match why Michael Owen didnt include him in his all time fave strikers he replied "is'nt it obvious, it's coz I is black", what a prat.

Posted by: Lee  | August 25, 2007 11:32 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

John

Stop beating about the bush and sitting on the fence - difficult thought it is to do both at the same time, WHAT DO REALLY THINK OF THE TRANSFER WINDOW DEALINGS?

What really does amaze me is the fact we keep spouting drivel. It would be better saying we are working away and leave it at that. To go from bare bones to happy with what we have got is insulting the average Boro fan. We know it isnt easy to attract players.

Something else that baffles is the fact we have had only three windows to bring in a right sided attacker before we sold Morrison without a replacement. And of course, the sudden and unexpected departure of Yak caught everyone by surprise!

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 25, 2007 2:23 PM

Very Happy wrote...

John Powls

Please tell me your sentence below was written before breakfast.

'highly unlikely that we will be able to get anyone in at this late stage in the transfer window.

We are now coming up to the busiest transfer stage in the market.

It’s going to be like a sale at Harrods’s, because all managers can now see their weaknesses, and heaps of players are wanting to cash in on their talents and move.

We will sign a player/s because January is a long way off, once that latch comes down

Posted by: Very Happy  | August 25, 2007 2:40 PM

dave wrote...

You can never tell if southgate is telling the truth. one minute he says teh yak is happy, staying and wont be sold then he is sold.

**AV writes: In football 'the truth' changes by the hour.

Posted by: dave  | August 25, 2007 6:19 PM

alf wrote...

its clear why southgate was chosen by gibson as a manager. he is never one to question the senior management and will sell players when told to. Happy to go with what gibson and lamb decide. You wont hear southgate complaining. he is a yes man.

Posted by: alf  | August 25, 2007 6:22 PM

Shaun wrote...

The next few days are going to be crazier than a 5am Next sale in Boro town centre.

I'm reserving judgement until the morning after the midnight deadline. I think we're all getting a bit twitchy at the moment because of the noises coming out of the club.

I'm happy to let them get on and say whatever they want for the time being. We have to remember that everything that leaves the Gate's mouth is being tracked by other clubs and agents alike.

We all the age old quote that is banded around these boards everyday - the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If by next Saturday morning we've signed nobody, feel free to lambast.

Posted by: Shaun  | August 25, 2007 10:08 PM

steve h wrote...

Yakubu, Viduka, Morrison and Parnaby replaced by Tuncay, Mido,Aliadiere and Young, And still made about 2 million profit on those deals. That sounds like good business to me.

**AV writes: I agree with that. The problem is that others have left too - Ugo, Parlour, Maccarone, Xavier and in effect Mendieta too - leaving the squad very thin.

Boro urgently need to bring in the two or three squad players that will give them depth and give them options.

Posted by: steve h  | August 25, 2007 10:22 PM

Benny Brown wrote...

Great piece of business by Southgate, selling Yakubu to Everton for 11 1/2 million. This ranks higher than the stunt played by Allerdice on Boro when he sold us Ricketts for 3 1/2 million and the 8 1/4 million we forked out for Maccaroni.

I was surprised to see Moyes paying such a fee for a player who really is not 100% in his endeavors on the football field and only appears to try spasmodically.

Having watched Newcastle recently I hold no fears out for the Boro in Sundays clash and expect Boro to get home in this Derby game

Posted by: Benny Brown  | August 26, 2007 12:29 AM

Ian Gill wrote...

Shaun

I agree that what leaves Gates mouth is tracked by other clubs and agents. So are the utterances of Lamb, Gibson and sundry staff and players.

The communications are also being tracked by Boro fans and howefer you dress it up, drivel is still drivel.

However the messages are distorted by the media and ourselves, spectacular signings, club we can afford, cutting our cloth, bare bones, happy with the squad, thin on the ground, ambition, moving forwards, other financial pressures etc. do not add up to a consistent message.

We all know it isnt easy bringing players in, we all know we havent got £40m to splash out, we are not stupid.

Perception is all, a consistent message would give more assurance of a club who know what they are doing and give confidence to waverers to return. By givng such mixed messages fans will pick up the bits that reinforce their views.

Following on from AV's answer to Steve H we have also lost Christie, Graham and Euell possibly followed by Rocky. My big regret over the summer is Koumas to Wigan from the Baggies who then buy Morrison to replace him.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 26, 2007 7:40 AM

Diablo Rojo (Costa de la Darlingtono) wrote...

I loved the cheap shot at the geordies in the Gazette about Newcastle being also rans when it comes to winning trophies in living memory.

Trouble is though mate, so are you lot, you only have that 3rd rate mickey mouse cup to brag about in over 130 years of trying. That competition is as insignificant as you can get seeing as teams only play reserve sides in it. Lets face it, only you lot count that "trophy" as a major one, nobody else does.

You lot keep trying to big yourself up but keep making yourselves small time whilst doing it.

Posted by: Diablo Rojo (Costa de la Darlingtono)  | August 26, 2007 9:16 AM

John Powls wrote...

Very Happy

You'll have to ask Gate or Dave Allen when the 'highly unlikely' phrase was penned. If you read carefully you will see that that was me quoting what Gate had said.

AV - we need more than just squad players - that's what we've already bought, with the exception of Young and, hopefully Mido. We need a first choice striker and right sided midfielder.

AV writes: When fit (yes, I know) Boro have a very good first XI. It is on the bench and the ability to change it that they are sorely lacking.

The problem is two-fold: can we afford to bring in proven quality players who would go straight into the first team? And can we find players who are good enough to go on the bench and be impact subs able to change the game and give the boss options and - crucially - who willing to come here and take that role.

I think the answer to both questions is 'yes'. I think th eclub think so too and are trying behind the scenes to do so.

Posted by: John Powls  | August 26, 2007 11:34 AM

Neil (USA) wrote...

Dear Father Christmas,

I hope things are well with you in the North Pole. I have been a very good boy, and I wondered if I could make a special request for Christmas this year.

I would very much like it if you could help Middlesbrough Football Club get a right midfielder and a striker. Oh, and if this could possibly happen before the end of this week, I would be eternally grateful.

Thank you,

Neil (USA)

Posted by: Neil (USA)  | August 26, 2007 12:25 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

AV

In response to JP's blog you state the club know what is needed and are trying behind the scenes to get the people in. In which case why dont the club give a more consistent message rather than swinging from spectacular to doomed and all points in between?

A simple, consistent message along the lines of 'working away behind the scenes to bring in identified targets' cant be that difficult.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 26, 2007 12:26 PM

Mainy wrote...

Diablo - shut up, you talk/write rubbish, It's only the big 4 that play their reserve teams in the league cup, why, because they know they will be playing champions league football at the end of the seasons.

If it is such a Micky mouse cup then why is it all the other teams in the country play full strength sides to try and win it.

2 reasons -
1. It is seen as a excellent route into europe
2. It is a sign of progression & achievement.

Posted by: Mainy  | August 26, 2007 12:50 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Just seen the line ups and I am a bit wary with the number of players coming back from injuries -Woodie, Taylor, Mido, Young.

Midfield looks interesting with I guess Boat on the right, Rocky and Arca centre. Not exactly blistering pace, Downing wont get double marked then!

Still, lets get into them and give it a real go.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 26, 2007 1:20 PM

Diablo Rojo Costa de la Darlingtono) wrote...

"If it is such a Micky mouse cup then why is it all the other teams in the country play full strength sides to try and win it."

I seem to remember Notts County reserves winning at the Riverside last season, you plum.

By the way, Bury FC have a more illustrious history than you jokers. ie. They have won real "trophies".

Posted by: Diablo Rojo Costa de la Darlingtono)  | August 26, 2007 5:42 PM

Ian Gill wrote...

Diablo Rojo

No offence to the fact you are a ManU fan whether by birth or choice. Fans support their team be it Bishop Auckland or Arsenal, hopefully it is the team of their background or where they live. They should be respected and shown courtesy.

I dont think Boro fans should post on Toon or Mackem sites, they are for their fans. This is a site for Boro Blog. Like many, I would appreciate it if you keep off it.

Most welcome if you want to post about Darlo where you live, otherwise please dont post here.

Posted by: Ian Gill  | August 26, 2007 7:59 PM

Mark B wrote...

I see on the BBC that Yaks been refused a work permit. Yhis isn't good as the appeal hearing is on Wednesday. This is going to seriously knacker up our attempt to get a replacement.

Also if he gets refused on appeal we're going to be stuck with him, he obviously doesn't want to play for us. Will he put the effort in or is he just going to rot in the reserves earning big bucks for nothing?

Diablo Rojo, why don't you go back to Darlington you pathetic little glory seeker (he's a Manu fan!) You get to many home games?

Posted by: Mark B  | August 26, 2007 8:41 PM

Malc wrote...

Southgate promised us attacking football and he's delivering it. Marvellous!

Posted by: Malc  | August 26, 2007 9:03 PM

Shaun wrote...

One of the best things about Arca's goal was Mido being the only Boro player to fetch the ball from the net to look for the winner.

He's going to be a big, big player for us and providing he settles in the area and we can match his ambition, he could become a true Boro hero.

Posted by: Shaun  | August 26, 2007 11:04 PM

Diablo Rojo (Costa de la Darlingtono) wrote...

"otherwise please dont post here."

I'll post here if I want. Wether or not Mr Vickers chooses to publish any of my posts is entirely up to him, so kindly mind your own beeswax!

Just because I dont like your grubby little football club, I defend my right to say it.

**AV writes: I have a open access policy and only edit posts that are lpotentailly ibellous, overtly insulting or deliberately provocative. As far as I am concerned you can come here to make comments if you want but I do wonder what you get out of it.

Posted by: Diablo Rojo (Costa de la Darlingtono)  | August 27, 2007 1:09 PM