Untypical Boro is a lively topical blog by the Evening Gazette's award winning football columnist Anthony Vickers that aims to get behind the headlines to flesh out the stories that Boro fans are talking about.
Incisive, provocative and well informed it seeks to engage with articulate supporters and give them a platform to help set the agenda on the issues that matter.
Posted by on August 6, 2007 9:58 AM | Permalink
OKAY, now I'm worried. Pogatetz crocked and out until Christmas (full story exclusive in today's Evening Gazette). Woodgate missing for the first three weeks. Huth's return shrouded in mystery... Boro will be frighteningly short at the back for the start of the season and if we don't get off to a flyer it will be another long hard grind.
More on Poggi as the story develops....
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Christmas? Which Christmas?
Is this info from the entrails of a chicken at Hurworth or informed medical opinion?
Did they operate on the correct knee?
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 6, 2007 11:26 AM
chin up Mr vickers,
Southgates jsut told us we came close to signing alan smith so all it well.
Posted by: alf | August 6, 2007 12:02 PM
Ian we have to be careful when we read any press releases given by MFC.
'Spectacular signings' this was only mentioned as a possibility, the fact that it was a few days before season ticket renewal was pure coincedence.
Woodgate to have knee op so he is fit for the start of the season - in mitigation no one from the club said which season (see your post for the same on Pogi)
Huth or Hoof - Douglas Barder was back on his feet quicker.
Riggott - bruised foot, how the hell does a bruised foot keep you out for so long?
One final thing, if Mr Lamb was not concerned by the lack of season ticket sales, why was every man and his dog sent an e-mail from GS asking for them and any friends to get down to the Riverside and purchase a ST.
Posted by: Never Happy | August 6, 2007 1:11 PM
Injuries can actually rejuvenate others into stepping in, and make the unexpected click.
No-doubt the Mad Dog would have broken his nose, jaw and cheekbones against Blackburn anyway, because of his wonderful win at all costs attitude.
We will get by and also get stronger, because one export and one import this week must be forthcoming surely.
If we don’t buy, Garmin will be entitled to a refund.
Took me keyboard apart AV, and fixed the problem by the way! It was a Strawberry Jam Job, but I dare not mention its makers, because they are bigger than Garmin and would make the perfect sponsors.
Can someone please tell me who is fit for Saturday in defence, or will it be featured in the Gazette today, because I am lost in names?
**AV writes: The back four from Saturday plus possibly Riggott... although he has played very little football in pre-season. You can tell looking at the touchline that Coops is desperate to get a game.
Posted by: Very happy | August 6, 2007 1:26 PM
Views on the transfer rumours, lads and lasses?
1) I can't believe we're letting James Morrison go, and especially for only £1.75 million. This is madness. He must be worth nore than that!!
We are already short in midfield, having Rochemback out and Jason Kennedy out on loan. Not that the midfield was particularly strong before!
I've long been a believer in Morrison, who I think has genuine skill, and I think he's always done a good job for us. Didn't he prove himself in the pre-season games - from what I've read, he was the best player? Wouldn't it have been better to sell Rocky? Very sad and very upset to see JM going.
2) Georgios Samaras????? You're jokin' arnya? If Boro really have offered for him then there's only one phrase that comes to mind -"You don't know what you're doing."
Pog news is devastating. Reagardless of the PR hype coming from GS, we all know the squad is paper thin. Depths of despair.
Posted by: Clive Hurren | August 6, 2007 1:54 PM
Never Happy
Do not take much notice of MFC statements.
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 6, 2007 2:07 PM
Never fear least we nearly got Smith!!!
If this is the sign of things ahead for the season are any of the few supporters who actually renewed wishing they hadn't.
Does anyone know if its true Euell got booed on Saturday?
Posted by: C J | August 6, 2007 2:18 PM
We still have time to buy.
C'mon, let's see a cheque book cure our problems.
In line with how other clubs are addressing their
issues.
Posted by: Very Happy | August 6, 2007 2:19 PM
Clive
No need for depths of despair because the 15,000 new fans Lambie has identified will cheer the team home.
And the charge will be led by Mendi and Eueuseless in midfield backed by Gate and Coops at the heart of our defence.
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 6, 2007 2:28 PM
Any truth in the rumours that morrison is off to west brom
Posted by: dave | August 6, 2007 2:50 PM
Bloody hell - the season hasn't started and the chickens are climbing out of their run!
Let's give the lads with the shirt the chance to perform. Negativity in the stands quickly transfers on to the pitch, so if you lot go with the current attitude on display here we have no chance. Might as well start booing at kick-off...
Posted by: Andy, the Hague | August 6, 2007 2:55 PM
Andy - the negativity was started by the club, no input given to the fans ref: white band, prices, radio comm, to name just a few of the issues discussed on this blog.
The club has been taking the mick since the UEFA Cup final ticket fiasco, and fans have now decided to vote with their feet. This is the reason Boro have sold only 14,000 season tickets. Does Mr Lamb thank these fans for their support?
No he virtually takes the mick and says the club does not really need them.
I have never know such apathy at the start of a season, most fans I have spoken to have come to the conclusion that if Boro don't give a toss about them why should they care about the Boro.
Sad but true.
Posted by: Never Happy | August 6, 2007 3:14 PM
I am not being negative but realistic. At any club, any player in Woodies position may take a few weeks longer than expected to recover. Add in his injury record and that becomes more of a concern. Then, factor in our superb history of treating injuries and dont hold your breath becomes the order of the day.
Bates is shear bad luck.
Huth is no surprise at all, we havent got him fit so far, why change the habits of a lifetime.
As for Chris, it looks like Riggott Mortis has set in. He stopped moving shortly after he signed.
Last but not least, Pogo has fallen off his stick. We all suspected his exploratory operation would turn out as it has. Xmas 2008 cant come soon enough.
At least Young played 45 minutes though telling us he feels a bit tight is not reassuring.
Andy
I wont be booing on Saturday and as long as the players try and do their best no one can ask for more. If we have one of the 'cant be bothered to turn up' or 'have to leave early to avoid the rush' performances I will vent my spleen on here.
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 6, 2007 3:34 PM
NH - so you'd rather see Boro sink and be damned?
The 'issues' you talk about seem to me to be small potatoes, although the fiasco with UEFA cup tickets was hard to bear however, MFC is not a democratic republic and until it becomes a co-operative run by the fans for the fans it never will be.
So whilst, understandably, you feel let down by the lack of consultation, the biggest issue to me is performance in the Premier League, which is one area the fans can influence.
My point is that we all need to be behind the team if we are to get the results we all crave, whatever the make-up of that team is. Is that not the reason we all fell into that love-hate relationship with the Boro?
I think the burden of unrealistic expectations is weighing heavily this pre-season...
Posted by: Andy, the Hague | August 6, 2007 3:44 PM
Andy
Regardless of the injuries we need new blood.
I am all in favour of giving every place on the field to our Academy players, because they are my jewels in the crown and I back those lads to the hilt.
However, we lack another creative player who has bags of energy to keep driving us forward.
Blackburn will come at us with all guns blazing, because they are in my opinion one of the most improved clubs in the Premiership.
Pace, speed and talent are 3 point destroyers. I still think someone is on their way!
Posted by: Very Happy | August 6, 2007 4:02 PM
going to miss pogatetz. class act at the back. The Count (in all fairness) needs to sack off, because he is doing my nut in!
I think we should have southgate and coops at the back for the first game! not really, bring back TLF is thats the case.
if anyone has any sway with the club alert them to the fact that we need to strengthen the squad!
"southgate's parmo army!"
Posted by: Olly | August 6, 2007 4:09 PM
"The club has been taking the mick since the UEFA Cup final ticket fiasco"
why is it that a lot of boro fans dont understand that we didnt have enough uefa cup final tickets to go round.? Not a lot the club could do.
Posted by: fickle happy | August 6, 2007 4:31 PM
Andy
Agreed to some extent, mate. I'm a North Stand season ticket holder and on Saturday, I'll shout and sing with the best of them. I
'm always prepared to give the lads a chance, and it actually distresses me considerably when fans boo or when there is no atmosphere at the game.
Reports from the Alkmaar game are positive and I'm right behind the Gate's attempts to play positive, fast attacking football.
But Never Happy's right to a very large degree. The club has done its best to alienate fans, and I really do think we need to spend more on good players to add more depth to this squad.
One or 2 injuries and suspensions will seriously harm us. That's why I think we're wrong to sell Morrison. We should be trying to keep our quality players.
Posted by: Clive Hurren | August 6, 2007 5:24 PM
1) I can't believe we're letting James Morrison go, and especially for only £1.75 million. This is madness. He must be worth more than that!!
Absolutely agree. He hasn't been given a proper go here and has been messed about in my opinion. At that price he's an absolute bargain and I really hope GS sees the error of his ways and keeps him here.
On the subject of injuries...
I realise that the guys are training hard and so some injuries are totally inevitable. But I do think that we've had this problem for a long, long time and I just cannot understand why we haven't put in more new and much better qualified and experienced people in the back room.
Some of these people have been around for years on end and should have been replaced yonks ago.
When you look at where some of these people have come from it just doesn't seem right to me that we have never improved and strengthened in these areas, just as we have done with players. Better quality players need better quality coach's as I see it.
The example of Woody being fixed here is completely bogus as he came over from Madrid with his own team of people who he still works with to date and this is well known.
" Bloody hell - the season hasn't started and the chickens are climbing out of their run!
Let's give the lads with the shirt the chance to perform. Negativity in the stands quickly transfers on to the pitch, so if you lot go with the current attitude on display here we have no chance. Might as well start booing at kick-off... "
Totally agree here too. Although I have loads of doubts about many aspects of the team, coaching staff and of people like Keith " We'll Pack Out The Stadium No Worries " Lamb, hope springs eternal that I am totally wrong and that we start the season with a few good strong and truly passionate perfomances that will spread a much needed air of positivity that will hopefuly continue throught the season and take us back into europe where we belong.
As far as surprises go, I think Eriksson will prove his worth and prove many, many people wrong as he was an excellent coach with a sterling reputation before he took over the England job, and he looks to be putting together a pretty strong looking Man City team.
TB
Posted by: tonyblack | August 6, 2007 6:31 PM
Re Boros injury crisis.......
I'm sure Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce will see his way to lending you Peter Ramage if you ask nicely enough.
Posted by: F T Maxwell | August 6, 2007 6:35 PM
The KICK OFF supplement in tonight’s Gazette is great, but two more faces on that front page would have made it look awesome.
There must be loads of transfers still in the making.
When does the window officially close please?
**AV writes: Midnight on August 31st... traditionally Boro's busiest day of the year.
Posted by: Very Happy | August 6, 2007 7:58 PM
Another from the Florida Mall Apple Shop.
I'm almost frightened to log on now.
Desperate news about Pogo. Makes the crass mismanagement of the other defenders' injuries - with the obvious exception of Matt Bates - even more glaring.
Samaras??!? Clive, why were you so generous in your assessment!! We still only have one striker who has a Prem goal to his name and now we get linked with someone who even that nice Mr. Paylor deals with harshly - deservedly so.
But you can believe the story when you read that Gate is prepared to let Mozza go for a relative song when we have few, if any players of his type, particularly if Tuncay gets a knock; we'll be back to The Boat or Catts on the right wing.
If he's got to go - and it's clear that, for whatever reason and despite what the rest of us have seen, that Gate doesn't rate him - and he's going to The Baggies, than what about Gera (unless he's alreday moved whilst I've been away)?
And what's all that garbage Gate's been spouting about Smith? We failed - at whatever stage. Many of the reasons are pretty obvious but if I was moving from ManUre then moving to a club that was pleased to fail and be also rans would not be a big attraction, whatever the salary.
And he's beginning to sound like The Count - threatening us with the team we can afford. It doesn't work like that, mate, you have to ante-up first - with new players and a playing style and wins.
We're fed up with broken promises and lack of delivery, Gate - just in case you didn't get it.
And you're worried, AV. Why on earth would that be.........
Now promise me you'll do better for the next few days until I get back, guys!
Posted by: John Powls | August 6, 2007 9:56 PM
Have been to Burnley, Hibs and Alkmaar games and Boro have "played" for a total of 60mins in all three games, ie 20 minutes in each.
Euell was booed when he came on against Alkmaar, for good reason too...he was shocking as he was at Hibs. GS doesn't know what he's doing playing Euell in centre midfield of a three (or was it a five - such is the attcking football)
By the way we all might have a lucky escape on Saturday, the high tech turnstiles were a complete disaster against Alkmaar, they couldn't even handle 6,000.
It's not looking good on or off the field, come on Stevie G get a grip, get it sorted and get rid of Lambie. (Cancel his freebie season ticket would be a good start)
HC
Posted by: HarryC | August 6, 2007 11:25 PM
'And he's beginning to sound like The Count - threatening us with the team we can afford. It doesn't work like that, mate, you have to ante-up first - with new players and a playing style and wins'.
Teesside still wouldn't back its football team - it never has done, which is why the club has never reached its potential. So why should the club gamble its own future by embarking on an unsustainable spending spree now?
This is / was our golden era with some of our best performances and achievements in the UEFA Cup and domestic competition. Yet the club has generally struggled to sell tickets.
That the team has still been successful despite the apathy, negativity etc. makes its success all the more remarkable and laudable, particularly given the increasing dominance of a cash-rich elite.
Posted by: coggins | August 7, 2007 8:56 AM
I knew something like this would happen to our team as soon I saw the "brain dead" from the you know where message board mocking Joey Barton's broken metatarsal injury.
These things happen in football and can happen to anybody and laughing at players being injured is not big and its not clever.
Keith Lamb Out, by the way!
Posted by: Peter Holton | August 7, 2007 9:08 AM
Andy - NH - so you'd rather see Boro sink and be damned?
I have never posted anything which has wished the above on Boro. My gripe was with MFC not the playing staff.
Everything on the Boro front may seem rosy from the Hague, but its a hell of a lot more gloomy back in the Boro.
I hope Boro win the League and all the cups, I hope GS becomes the greatest manager ever.However he is turning more and more into Keith Lambs glove puppet everyday.
I never expected any spectacular signings, I think Luke Young is an excellent siging, I hope Tuncay and Alliadiere are a success, but where the hell is our new RW.
GS recognised our need for a RW when he first took over, 3 transfer windows later still no RW.
God help us all if Boteng is stuck on the right of midfield, how will this help us to play fast attacking football.
Morrison on his way to the baggies, an attacking central midfield player who has never been played in his correct position.
It seems a matter of time before Yakubu, our only proven goal scorer is sold and is replaced by someone of the calibre of Samaras or Hulse.
It may be manager speak, but when GS talks of been happy with the squad even if he makes no more signings, you can almost fell the 'hand of Lamb' been inserted where the sun doesn't shine.
I hope we beat Blackburn and I for one will not be booing regardless of result or performance.
However I get the feeling we will be hearing about rookie centre backs and Blackburn being that bit more forward in preparation than us, despite the squad being the 'fittest its ever been'
Posted by: Never Happy | August 7, 2007 9:21 AM
Sorry AV this is going to be a long one.
Looks like Keith Lamb is already planning a new career after MFC. After his recent diplomatic success in front of the camera, whereby he single handily managed to rally each and every Boro Season Ticket holder to the cause by declaring they are actually a financial burden to the club blocking Boro’s access to the more profitable revenue stream which is the occasional fan, Lambie looks to be turning his hand to an international peace brokering role.
Having obviously got the bug for frequent international travel whilst jetting around the globe to liaise with Boros secret web of international scouts which has proved so fruitful this summer Lambie is now going to solve one of the longest running international stand-offs after the Israeli conflict.
Yes, Lambie is going to bring peace and unity to Greece and Turkey and once for all end the conflict over Cyprus.
By utilising the Boro strike force he is going to unite Greece and Turkey behind a Boro strike force of Tunjay and Samaras.
The sght of the two old foes best exports to the premier league hugging each other with glee after sharing the spoils in a 3-0 drubbing of Newcastle on August 25th will see the leaders of those two nations shaking hands over the table of peace once and for all.
Yeah, right !
I don’t know what’s least likely. Boro scoring 3 goals in any one match this season, or Tunjay and Samaras actually speaking to each other in the dressing room, let alone actually acknowledging each other on the pitch.
It is a fact, Greeks and Turks do not get on. Having recently attended a work training course with two individuals from those two great nations for two whole weeks it was easily observed that they diplomatically gave each other a wide berth. So the chances of two footballers displaying unity in the public area are very slim.
Come on Boro. Get your act to together and do your home work.
We are the only club that could in one close season make their best ever bargain purchase (in Tunjay we have signed a hungry international player who works hard for the team and is reported to be quite skilful), and then to welcome him to the club and help him settle in we target a player with whom he is never going to be best buds.
I may be doing the two individuals an injustice. They may be big enough to put 40 years of conflict a side in favour of the smoggie revolution.
If we sign Samaras I would suggest our next signing should be Kofi Annan and his UN peace keeping force to unify the Boro dressing room.
Lastly (sorry this has been a long post but hey there are no other new Boro related stories to keep me occupied) with all this talk of cutting cloth:-
“We have to cut our cloth according to the situation we are in, but both the chairman and myself are desperate to push this club forward. We are working very hard to try to do that.” Gate in today’s Gazette.
It sounds as though Boro are in the market for a new suit rather than new players so to use the clubs analogy:-
The Matalan Suit transfer policy (cheap but functional):
1.Get Sami Hyppia on loan for 6-12 months to the plug the defensive crisis.
2
.Sign Liam Rosinor from Fulham for £1m (can play right back or right midfield and will be adequate cover for Young and the departing Morrison).
3.Get Julio Baptista on loan from Real Madrid with a view to a permanent deal (ala Woodgate) as when given a chance last season he tore Liverpool’s Defence to shreds with Aliadière season.
The Next Suit transfer policy (slightly more expensive and better to look at – but might only get you through tweleve months):
1.As Above but take the £6m Smith money and sign Baptista to stop the bar codes buying him next year when he has terrorised premiership defences in a boro shirt.
2.Also, stick £3m back on the table for Gokdeniz Karadeniz from Trabzonspor which will sort out the right wing and actually help Tunjay settle as a result of having another Turk at the club and allowing him to play in his favoured and more effective free role.
The “Oh what the hell” Savile Row suit transfer policy
1. Same as above except break the bank and sign Dutch scoring sensation Klass-Jan-Huntelaar for £8m
Job done – UEFA cup here we come again.
But as I said in my only other (and much shorter) post – under no circumstances should we let Yak go to another Premier League outfit.
Having said all of this I still think that if Gate can get his first 11 on the pitch as soon as possible and keep them there for the season that Boro will fair the same as last season but by entertaining along the way – our only problem is our squad is lighter than a newly promoted outfit.
And does it matter what colour strip we play in or what the badge looks like – it is the 11 players on the pitch and the points on the board that make me hold my head up high as I walk into my place of work in Leeds every morning which is filled with exiled Geordies, Mackems ,Gooners and ManYoo fans.
C’Mon Boro ! ! !
Posted by: JMc | August 7, 2007 11:55 AM
'Specialist scouting network, second to none.' gingganggoolygoolygoolywotsitgingganggoo!!
Posted by: Neil | August 7, 2007 12:29 PM
Where could we get a player of Morrisons qualities for £1.75m? We couldn't.
If the squad is paper thin with players going down like flies, why not keep him, play him right wing and move Tuncay in the centre as a striker?Two problems solved.
Posted by: Dek | August 7, 2007 12:39 PM
The signings this summer will add some pace and directness that has been lacking from boro sides for such a long time.
They will hopefully be a breath of fresh air to the majority of boro supporters and reignite the support experienced during the Rav,Emo and TLF era.
However, many supporters feel the club has stalled in its ambition, and is content now with mid to lower table mediocrity.
The "cutting our cloth" phrase is really starting to annoy a lot of people, and keeps being stated over again. Yes, we know that the club should not be held to ransom by inflated tranfers and wages, but the fact is, supply and demand will determine what the market value for a player is.
If the rest of the premiership is paying what they see players to be worth, then that is what they are worth. If boro want to participate in that market then they have to accept that is the prices they will have to pay.
We have seen in recent years that the clubs coming up from the championship dont have the same funds to invest in the team, as their premiership counterparts do. And we see every year what happens to these teams.....RELEGATION.
So for me, its an easy question, how much is your premiership survival worth to you. If it is only worth investing £10 million for premiership survival, then thats all you should spend. However, when you see sunderland bidding 9 million for a keeper, it certainly makes you wonder when the sea change in boro's ambition occured.
Posted by: borolad32 | August 7, 2007 1:01 PM
"Tickets for the Tees-Tyne derby against Newcastle United on August 26 will go on sale on Thursday. Adult prices range from £31-£40."
Thats me, my brother and the kids stopping at home to watch it on Sultana TV then. I hope this makes Mr Lamb happy because thinking about the money I will save by not going for the day out sure makes me happy .
Posted by: Gordon Woods | August 7, 2007 1:50 PM
Boro are clueless with a squad full of players no other Premiership club would look at - you'll be going down unless you can find 3 worse Premiership teams this year
**AV writes: That shouldn't be too difficult. We are too close to Boor to realise it but there are far worse teams out there.
Posted by: BrooklynWanderer | August 7, 2007 2:40 PM
Are the injured players added to the attendance cos that would swell the crowd.
On a more serious note, Woodie is now expected mid September. Davies and Wheater look like getting a run of games so good luck to them.
Lawro has done his seasons predictions. If we keep Yak mid table, without him a bit of a struggle and probably bottom six. Reasonably accurate forecast always with the qualifying comment that no one really knows until the season starts.
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 7, 2007 2:52 PM
I see the Boro supplement from last nights Gazette keeps rehashing the good old "Gareth is a fine young manager" theme and the usual "we are just a small (minded) town in Europe" rubbish.
Not to mention that embarrassing cringeworthy Teesside Tommy piffle!
Posted by: Peter Holton | August 7, 2007 4:08 PM
Last night, a German cup match was played between a non-league team SV WACKER BURGHAUSEN and the mighty Bayern München who managed to scrape through with a margin of one penalty kick AET.
The reason for this humiliating experience for the mighty BM was the magnificent display of the Burghausen goalkeeper MANUEL RIEMAN who has already received rave notices in the press on the TV.
It could be a worthwhile proposition for Boro to give him the once over. At around 20 years of age, he is not yet ready for the knacker's yard.
Posted by: Growler | August 7, 2007 4:30 PM
You could say I am very angry. Mogga has joined Mogga at the Baggies.
Gate says "I trust Boro's youth." Boro sell Morrison.
Gate says " We are always looking to strengthen the squad further but valuations of players are currently very high and it’s difficult to operate in this market." Boro sell Morrison for £1.5 million (plus a bit more for appearances.)
Gate says he's trying to strengthen the squad. Tony Mowbray says "Morrison is a very skilful and creative player."
Is there perhaps a contradiction or 2 here?
The Gazette says Boro probably won't go for Gary O'Neil because midfield isn't Gate's priority at present. Clearly not, considering that he's jsut weakened it considerably by selling Morrison for peanuts.
Posted by: Clive Hurren | August 7, 2007 4:31 PM
I am getting slightly concerned at both the quality and numbers we have within the club.5 players out, 2 in, lack of proven striking quality, lack of right hand side player we do appear to be making life difficult for ourselves before a ball is kicked.
Love to be wrong,though.
Posted by: Rob | August 7, 2007 4:33 PM
I'll join in the calls for LAMB OUT.
Back to the Boro, I truly hope Riggott plays alongside Wheater. We may just do okay. If not, best case scenario at this stage would be Southgate stripping off the suit (which looks a lot better than managers in tracksuits, by the way) and turning out at the back for us.
Vic, could you reply to this question please. Antonio Cassano (the still-young former Roma wonderkid now at Real) has apparently been offered to West Ham and Bolton on loan.
Are we interested in him? He's make the perfect signing as he can play attacking midfield and up front and as a loan would be risk-free.
Posted by: Malc | August 7, 2007 5:24 PM
You have to feel a little sorry for Powls on holiday. I said a little not a lot.
He sneaks off to an internet cafe to check on the Boro news which will hardly improve his holiday. Meanwhile his wife and daughter are let loose in a Shopping Mall. What a disaster!
Posted by: ian Gill | August 7, 2007 8:15 PM
AV
I reckon this mystery man in the directors’ box delivered a box of Cadbury’s Milk Tray and did a runner all the way back to Feyenoord Football Club.
The name I have in mind is some player.
Saturday cannot come quick enough and a three point start is there, if the lads come straight out of the traps & show the fans what wearing our shirt means.
Whoever plays Central defence will do for me, because some of our Academy Kids are mustard, and want first team football on a regular basis.
So, if we get off to a flyer then Woodgate must wait in the wings, because everyone must be given a fair crack of the whip.
That is all I ask and it is a positive policy that one manager in particular ignored.
Posted by: Very Happy | August 7, 2007 8:56 PM
Three right sided players out, two in (Tuncay & Young) ie squad weaker.
One proven striker out - one unproven striker in ie squad weaker.
Does Gareth know what he's doing and with all this talk about cutting cloth, would he be better working for Burtons?
And finally LAMB OUT!!!!!!
HC
Posted by: HarryC | August 7, 2007 9:59 PM
Again Vic, could you let us know whether or not we're in for Antonio Cassano on loan. Still only 25 and a huge talent, despite his disciplinary problems.
I await your response.
**AV writes: I don't know but would imagine his wages would be prohibitive in the current climate of cloth cutting - that said the pressure is mounting for the political gesture of a 'spectacular' signing.
Posted by: Malc | August 7, 2007 11:44 PM
I must admit the Morrison departure becomes more baffling not less unless there is a right sided player coming in.
I havent seen him yet, but putting Tuncay out there doesnt seem the right solution as we know he can score goals. The obvious choices from what we had would have appeared to be Aliadiere or Morrison. Both of them like to get forward and can provide but are not prolific scorers.
I know we are looking for goals from all areas of the pitch but it shouldnt mean playing a player with a history of goalscoring out on the flank and a non scoring striker upfront. It may well work out and lets hope Aliadiere can start scoring.
And back to the Morrison situation, the one benefit is that we get some money for the lad after our recent history of losing money on our dealings. And he is from the academy. Still think he wasnt given a decent chance but I dont know what happens in training or at the club.
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 8, 2007 9:52 AM
IAN GILL
If Morrison's departure isn't a sign of a new signing to be, then I am back to believing in Father Christmas.
Its logic must be a stone cold certainty without explanation.
One major scoop will not only higher the crowd on Saturday, it will give the whole region a buzz, which is well needed.
If I’m wrong then I will hold my hands up, but that Milk Tray man is lurking.
My score prediction for Saturday on AV’s board is a 2-1 victory for the lads.
Posted by: Very Happy | August 8, 2007 10:40 AM
Very Happy - who is the milk tray man?
Posted by: Never Happy | August 8, 2007 11:52 AM
Very Happy
I agree with you that the logic is a stone cold certainty. That is why I put forward the flaws if we dont replace him.
The other side of the coin could be that we couldnt give Morrison a decent run in a team that has to accomodate Aliadiere, Tuncay, Yak, Downing, Boat, Cat, Arca, Dong Goal Less, Johnson and Rochemback plus others pushing through from below even though he was only one to have played right side regularly.
It may be thought that it was better to take some money and give the lad the opportunity to play regularly.
While no one should be guaranteed a place some are less guaranteed than others, he may have had to wait months for a go and ended up with cameo substitute appearances.
I wish him well and will look out for his performances. The final thought comes from my scouse may who is astonished we let him go. If nothing else his launching of Ronaldon has given him cult status.
If we dont bring someone or Tuncay isnt a success on the right we will be back to double marking Downing with people out of position on right side midfield.
Still, it all brings Saturday closer, if we start well a 2-1 should be on the cards. If we are slow out of the blocks we will struggle.
Posted by: Ian Gill | August 8, 2007 12:09 PM
Ian, I take your point about did they operate on the right knee, but surely the issue is do the Boro medical staff know what a knee is? Rumour is he has his elbow in a sling. Clearly the medics. don't know their knee from their elbow...
So Smith nearly joined did he? A narrow escape there then!
Garmin? So we all know where we are going this season then.....
On a serious note it is good to see GS stating he has faith in his rookie centre backs, they have a great opportunity to seize the moment.
I was very surprised and disapointed to see Morrison go to West Brom, a good player I thought.
Given we now have no recognised right midfield players my guess is we are going to see Boro play one up with five in midfield, Tuncay and Alaidiere playing behind the striker , Christmas tree style......well it works for Chelsea!
Posted by: Nigel | August 8, 2007 12:43 PM
NH
Someone was at that game on Saturday that no-one is willing to put a name to. A footballer?
Yes Ian, I fully agree with all you say.
AV has already stated that the last day of that window is generally our busiest, from facts.
At a guess I would say only 40% of the wheeling and dealing has been done and there must be heaps of almost confirmed deals waiting for a chain to move.
I would like Anthony to be kind enough to reflect his own experience on things, and just generalise on what he thinks about my 40% figure, because he has the knowledge on board to either add or subtract.
**AV writes: I would imagine that Boro - and a lot of other clubs - are working on a string of possible overlapping deal as we speak. Sales elsewhere mean people become available that had not previously been considered that mean a sudden unforeseen shift in priorities.
Pre-season is busy but also the week after that opening game is too as managers realise where they are weak and decide to bring in new blood.
I think Boro need two more - a right/central midfielder and a striker/attacking midfielder - to maintain the flexibility of the new shape and may also be considering a loan deal or two (a central defender for three months? A target man? )
It is equally possible that they may need sell to finance that.
Posted by: Very Happy | August 8, 2007 12:56 PM
Nigel, Tuncay is signed to be the right midfielder
Posted by: alf | August 8, 2007 12:58 PM
Tucay is a very versatile player Alf who is equally at home, either in the box, or coming forward from the right side of midfield and scoring as Man Utd found out.
We have never had such a fantastic option before, so imagine signing another top right sided midfield player who could also feed our front forces as well, if Tuncay plays up front.
We need at least 10 goals from Stewy Downing this season, because that’s part of his job.
Finally, you were spot on AV and I would not bet against that flow.
Posted by: Very Happy | August 8, 2007 2:14 PM
Alf - I think you're probably right, which means we need another striker before 31 Aug.
Posted by: Nigel | August 8, 2007 2:24 PM
AV - Boro have £6m (Smith money to spend) to £1.75m from Morrisons transfer, so should not need to sell.
However I think that if Boro did buy Smith then Yakubu would have been sold to balance the books. Golf courses and luxury hotels cost plenty of money to build!
Do you know if the interest in Samaras was genuine? Surely a player who has failed miserably at Man City and is surplus to their requirements, chould not be considered for the Boro?
Also what about the story in the Times claiming that Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Reading are all chasing Monaco's veteran Czech striker Jan Koller.
Neither Samaras or Koller fit the profile of a speedy footballer, so if GS is to play this style the above can hopefully be considered as newspaper gossip and no more.
Very Happy - I know there was a mystery man in the directors box - which player do you have in mind 'that is some player'
**AV writes: I'd say 72% of the stories at this time of year are generated by agents trying to drum up interest.
Posted by: Never Happy | August 8, 2007 3:14 PM
very happy, that french guy is playing upfront. Selling morrison really proves tuncay will be stuck on the right most of the season
Posted by: alf | August 8, 2007 3:26 PM
I posted on an earlier blog about signing Baptista (possibly on loan) and with Aliadiere and Woodgate in our squad this might be a possibility.
He would be a replacement for Yakubu who now seems certain to leave the club.
When Tuncay and Aliadiere were signed, GS said both were strikers, the fact that one of them is going to be stuck on the right of midfield is another sign of our coaching staff failing to grasp the nettle and go out and buy an out and out right winger.
The squad numbers have been released and the one thing that jumped off the page was the totasl lack of strength in depth in the squad.
GS's remedy - sell Morrison and in the next few days Yakubu.
I hope I am wrong but it could be a long and difficult season for the Boro
Posted by: Never Happy | August 8, 2007 3:48 PM
Morrison's departure is deeply disappointing, but I suppose the fee pays for the Academy for a little while.
Perhaps the most astute part of the agreement - if it is as I understand it to be - Is that Boro are entitled to 15% of any onward sale (or is that sale price over £1.5m ?). So, when Morrison becomes the success many of us expect, Boro can buy him back , for say £6m and save 15% i.e £900k!
Who suggested Larry was out of his depth as C.E.O.?
Anyway, at least we get back to proper footie this week and letters etc. can focus on the match/players etc. I'm bored with all this Strip/Badge/Century side-show
Posted by: Another nigel | August 8, 2007 4:02 PM
Another Nigel - I agree its time for the show to begin!!
Posted by: Nigel | August 8, 2007 4:15 PM
AV - 72% - statistics can be used to prove anything, %14 of people know that.
Posted by: Never Happy | August 8, 2007 4:20 PM
Interesting to note that none of the current crop of Boro strikers has been awarded the No. 9 shirt when the squad numbers were announced today. Read into that what you want. It could be that there is a suprise on the horizon, or more likely the Yak and/or Dong Gook Lee are on the way out. Watch this space......
Posted by: Chris | August 8, 2007 4:28 PM
Ive been calling this one for years but i'll make my point known as well..... LAMB OUT!
Secondly, Congrats to Boro, only one of nine teams going into their 10th successive season in the premiership.
Thirdly: 'Where could we get a player of Morrison's qualities for £1.75m? We couldn't'
Rudolph Douala. Didnt have the best of seasons with pompy last year but if you could link him up with his old mate rocky, think we could get the best out of both of them.
How about Wayne Routledge, he is useful, pacey, young and skillfullyou could prob pick him up on the cheap or like I said weeks ago, Chris Eagles from ManU, espicially with the signings they have made, I think he will be available for loan.
Id like to see us go for Leroy Lita and Matt Darbyshire to boost the squad or even that Scott Sinclair at Chelski take him on loan.
I know ppl want to see perm signings but right now a loan move could be benifitial for us. Danny Gabbidon on loan to help at the back if needed.
O well i guess once Tuncay gets injured we will either have 2 centre mids fighting it out for the right wing (cattermole & boateng) or 2 donkeys (Euell & Mendieta).
Finally, what must these acadamy lads be thinking now that they have just signed their first pro contract when GS comes out and says that acadamy players only have 2 roles, squad players or to be sold on.
good luck boys, think your going to need it.
Posted by: Mainy | August 8, 2007 4:32 PM
Thanks for the response Vic. It sounds like Real are willing to pay some of Cassano's wages so I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Anyway, this is the kid in action. He made 19 starts for Real last year, but this compilation came before he signed for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3--8s5PTC4M
He would certainly appease the fans and has passion in spades, I'm sure you'll all agree.
Now we've sold Mozza we're going to need another right sided midfielder. How we're going to find another quality, young English, right-sider with pace who's happy to sit on the bench is anyones guess.
Posted by: Malc | August 8, 2007 8:27 PM
I think too many people are overating Morrison. He's had his fill and not produced the goods. He's weak, struggles to go past players as a result and will be mostly remembered for his ridiculous challenge on Ronaldo at Old Trafford. £1.5m + possible sell-on cash represents good business and he will find his feet in the Championship.
It does leave us short in terms of cover, though - espicially cover with Prem experience. I've said it before but Saturday is a massive game for a million reasons and we need to come out of the blocks on fire. We have been written off by the pundits already but that's nothing new.
Skysports as I write are saying Yakubu has told GS he is unhappy at the club. How much do we read into that? I was all for selling him for anything over £10m but with nobody to take his place seemingly on the horizon, I'd be keeping a firm grip on his shirt.
Unhappy players can cause all kinds of trouble though so it would be best to let him slide if he is unhappy - a replacement for his goals is imperitive however.
Posted by: Shaun | August 8, 2007 11:31 PM
AV
I dont really know much about the finances of Boro, but we have spent £9million so far and you suggest we may need to sell first before we can recruit. That makes us one of the lowest spending teams in the premiership this year.
Do you think this is what we can expect from Boro in future years, and if it is, do you find it worrying for our premiership servival in the coming years?
Also, I would be really grateful if you answered this. Do you think Steve Gibson regrets the "spectacular" statement, or do you think it was just a ploy to get us to buy a season ticket?
**AV writes: The cost cutting policy started two years ago when it was decided the club should be self financing, falling crowds really started to bite and Keith Lamb stated that "sooner or later Teesside would get the club it could afford."
Since then crowds have dropped further and the club have spent another £21m... something has to give and while people talk about the Sky money that just covers the wage bill. The rest has to come from somewhere, hence the pruning of the wage bill.
I don't think Gibson will regret the 'spectacular' wording right now. At the time it was a genuine statement of intent. People in the club were excited by the possibility of a genuine change of style on the pitch. They were in talks with Tuncay and had encouraging noises about Smith and one or two others that didn't come off.
I think he may come to regret it further down the line because unless the club deliver there will be a lot of cynicism about any similar statements in the future.
For the first time Gibson personal kudos and leadership is being questioned and combined with Lamb's "relaxed" attitude to season tickets the 'spectacular' phrase could yet be used as a stick to beat them with.
Posted by: Lee | August 9, 2007 12:34 AM
NH
Someone was in the Director’s box, but who?
I think Matt le Tissier has caught the Bernie Slaven bug, because he too, believes Viduka’s departure is a wobbly guillotine.
There are strikers a plenty that can replace anyone and we will be getting a player whose contract prints the future, age wise.
It is vital that the Yak is moved on before Saturday, because he has no future at the club and has now stated that he is unhappy therefore, his frame of mind is no good to us and I want him out rapidly.
For all we know the YAK could be now talking to his next club, which will get the chain moving.
Everyone must be given a set number of goals to try and reach, because that sort of manoeuvre does increase the mind’s capacity to shoot.
Anthony, stated that we may take a central defender on loan etc, which is another must, because imagine if we lost one more such player against Blackburn.
I don’t care who wears our shirt as long as they play from the heart.
Winners fill grounds and we have a framework of players who with a couple of new signings, could become some force as the season rolls on.
I am sticking to a 2 -1 home win, anyone else having a forecast.
I thought the Gazette had gone bust by the way, then up pops the perfect striker, which explains a lot.
I hope they send me my cheque back!
Posted by: Very Happy | August 9, 2007 1:13 PM
Completely and totally disheartened by the summer's comings and goings. Will not return to the Riverside until Southgate has gone.
It is like watching Bryan Robson's last season with us, ie buying a shed full of strikers whilst seemingly ignoring a crocked and non-existent defence and lack of defensive midfield.
Posted by: ChrissieM | August 15, 2007 1:01 PM