Welcome back to The Boro Blog, and a lot has happened since the Derby game.
Lets go chronologically, Boro fans traveled down to Suffolk with high hopes after beating table-topping Derby, but still aware of the danger Ipswich would pose. There was, however, a rather lack luster performance put in by some of the Boro players, which was backed up by AK's refusal to pull any punches in his post match interview, saying he was 'embarrassed' by the 2-0 defeat. Which, in truth, could have been a lot worse from a Teessider's perspective.
He also said that some players weren't up for the fight against Ipswich. Now at the time I was beginning to become concerned. Karanka has said that a lot of times after lacking performances. I was worried he was making up things, which is more a feature of the man still currently in the Newcastle hot seat (but for how much longer is uncertain.)
The next game, however, vs Nottingham Forest would've proven me wrong. (If I had actually wrote this at the time.) The whole town was looking forward to Boxing Day. Which gave me all the more reason to worry. Would it be another performance which failed to deliver in front of the packed Riverside?
No
After a shaky first half where no-one took charge of the game, and which went by without much goal mouth action, the second half was a vast improvement. Even though Forest switched to a 1-up-top. The deadlock was broken 8 minutes into the second half, as Friend's Ayala-esc run, that George only made due to Ayala's absense, was perfectly timed as he headed home from Leadbitter's corner.
From that moment on, we never looked back and the introduction of Jelle Vossen only helped the cause. He was going to come on anyway, but a rash challenge from Kelvin Wilson, which saw the ex-Celtic player given his second yellow of the day, meant Kike was taken off as a precaution.
11 minutes later a good passing move, a dummy from Bamford and a rather fortunate deflection was rounded off with a powerful curling shot from outside the box. This was Jelle Vossen's first goal at the Riverside.
The goal scoring was complete in the 88th minute as Bamford was tripped by Darlow (even though he was going away from the goal, hence why the referee didn't brandish the red card for the second time) and Leadbitter did what Leadbitter does from 12 yards. Score. Low and composed into the bottom right hand corner - where all 3 goals went! Funny, hey! Well perhaps not from a Forest point of view.
The evening was topped off by the return of Rhys Williams from injury. He look a little out of sorts in the centre of midfield, but he dug himself out of a hole on more than one occasion. A chorus of 'Olay's rang out as Boro controlled the final stages and soon enough the game was over.
(Not before the North and South stands vied for Karanka's attention with a round of 'Aitor, give us a wave!' Each.)
So, once again spirits were high as 7,000 Boro fans made their way across the width of the country to Ewood Park. Smoggies made up just under a third of the 22,000 attendance, but not all were in the stands for the 3 o'clock kick off, as issues on the motorway delayed arrival times.
They saw a dominating first half from the boys in red, where yet again Simon Eastwood was in inspired from. The only time we have beaten him in 180 minutes was via a deflection. Vossen saw his good low shot tipped onto the post, whilst Adam Reach's touch let him down as he burst through the Rovers' back line and Kike refused to lay the ball back to Leadbitter. Greed is becoming a real flaw in Kike's game, a greed not seen in Bamford's or Vossen's play. One would hope that this dispels sooner rather than later.
When the second half came, it was a more open affair. This isn't good for Boro because they need to dominate games or we don't get a result. Our counter-attack seems to be rather weak, which is strange considering the pace in our team. And with a right-back in left-back and a right-midfielder in right-back you felt Blackburn were there for the taking. But then again, there was still Eastwood.
Due to our failures upfront, the defense was put under pressure and we have Leadbitter to thank for his captain's duty on the front post. So, equally, the only time Blackburn have scored past Dimi, was after a certain Chris Brown decided to injure him and a certain Mark Clattenburg decided not to give the foul.
But I'm not still mad about that.
What I am looking forward to in 2015 is a cup run. We have Barnsley on the 3rd and I hope we can get further than we did in the Capital One Cup, even though we had a very spectacular exit,
I also am looking forward to this promotion push. And I hope you are too! So onwards and upwards and I'll see you in 2015.
UTB
Tuesday 30 December 2014
Monday 15 December 2014
We Are (joint) Top of the League
Well that was what we call, a good day at the office.
2-0 vs Derby! In our previous encounters against those at the top of the table, victory had eluded us, with a 1-1 and 0-0 in home games vs Watford and Bournemouth respectively.
This game was different, however, this game was a statement of intent, much as the victory at Millwall the week before was. If you can put 5 past a team then it shows you are strong, but to hold the leaders and make them look like a team fighting relegation, not tipped for the top, then you can count yourself as either very good, or very lucky. And I'd like to believe it is the former.
Every single player on the pitch did their duty, even Leo on the touchline and Karanka up in the stands. (And the guy sat next to AK, who I did my work experience with!)
The tactics for the game were much appreciated on social media, by both sets of fans. But as Steve Claridge himself said, that is how to set up a team against a 4-3-3.
I disagree with Claridge over a lot of things, including his understatement of Boro. With him saying on FLS that we pressured 'the best team with the ball.' And although he did refer to us as the best team without the ball, I think we put Shteve's men to the sword and showed that we are even better than them.
From kickoff, however, it looked like AK was taking after his friend at Stamford Bridge as we sat back as Derby played it around their defense. That wasn't to be the case. As the first time we entered their half (basically) we got a goal out of it. As the ball was played to Reach and he showed the pace that us, the Boro faithful adore to see from our homegrown left wingers and he looked to pull the ball back from the byline. With only seconds to think, Bamford stroked the ball towards the net with a finesse that has endeared him to us smoggies and did endear him to the Derby fans. That endearing was soon undone as he wheeled off to celebrate,
Paddy received a lot of stick from the Derby fans for that. Despite going over to clap them at full time. Many also thought that his 'treatment' to his 'former teammates was appalling.'
But he was just on loan, you say. Well if he was like this, complementing the team etc at Derby and then leaves and tries extra hard against them, then I would feel aggrieved if the teams were reversed. But as Leadbitter once said 'That's football'
And the football did continue for 84 minutes after Bamford put the ball past the dive of Grant (their goalkeeper, not Leadbitter)
But he more than made up for his errors later in the match. 20 minutes after the goal, Bamford was set through and after making that save, proceeded to make another great save to deny Jelle from getting his first goal on Teesside. Grant was the only reason that Boro weren't up by a fair few by halftime, with the indignant Keogh's moaning and Shotton's giggling at pushing the neck of Bamford not doing anything to stop Boro's onslaught.
Now, I feel I'm writing 'Bamford' a lot in this post. I've tried to vary it with 'Paddy' but it feels very repetitive. But I'm not going to moan if it means that he plays how he does every week. He and Vossen pressurised the defense constantly in both halves, with the only difference between the two being Derby's formation. They went 2 up top with the Coldplay singer being partnered by th ex-Manchester United striker. Oh, no sorry that is LEON Best up top with Chris Martin (but not that one) This was a tactic to combat the dominance of Gibson and Ayala at the back, who had Martin in their collective back pockets. Jordan Ibe was also introduced.
Truth be told, they did little to enthuse the Derby faithful. Grant, therefore, felt the need to entertain them by 'dilly-dallying' on the ball and diving 'Jens Lehmann' style over Bamford's attempt to get the ball.
The giggling Shotton I mentioned before, whom all game was tormented by the Chelsea loanee, brought Bamford crashing to the floor 15 minutes after the interval. His smile was non-existent as a chorus of 'Cheerios' ushered him off the pitch. I don't know a time where i've been so confident in our penalty taker. He dispatched his 6th penalty of the season in similar style to the previous 5. Hard and low into the corner.
The only real threat that Derby posed to the goal came in the final minutes of the second half as complacency leaked into the back line and, luckily, Dimi was alive to the well struck shot.
But we were top, for a matter of a few hours, as Bournemouth (who I feel will be our nemesis throughout this season) dispatched Cardiff, who look a shadow of their former selves under Malky Mackay. Their is an air of hope that is now turning into genuine optimism around Teesside. And I hope that this is realised, when Karanka eventually looks at the table on the last day of the season.
2-0 vs Derby! In our previous encounters against those at the top of the table, victory had eluded us, with a 1-1 and 0-0 in home games vs Watford and Bournemouth respectively.
This game was different, however, this game was a statement of intent, much as the victory at Millwall the week before was. If you can put 5 past a team then it shows you are strong, but to hold the leaders and make them look like a team fighting relegation, not tipped for the top, then you can count yourself as either very good, or very lucky. And I'd like to believe it is the former.
Every single player on the pitch did their duty, even Leo on the touchline and Karanka up in the stands. (And the guy sat next to AK, who I did my work experience with!)
The tactics for the game were much appreciated on social media, by both sets of fans. But as Steve Claridge himself said, that is how to set up a team against a 4-3-3.
I disagree with Claridge over a lot of things, including his understatement of Boro. With him saying on FLS that we pressured 'the best team with the ball.' And although he did refer to us as the best team without the ball, I think we put Shteve's men to the sword and showed that we are even better than them.
From kickoff, however, it looked like AK was taking after his friend at Stamford Bridge as we sat back as Derby played it around their defense. That wasn't to be the case. As the first time we entered their half (basically) we got a goal out of it. As the ball was played to Reach and he showed the pace that us, the Boro faithful adore to see from our homegrown left wingers and he looked to pull the ball back from the byline. With only seconds to think, Bamford stroked the ball towards the net with a finesse that has endeared him to us smoggies and did endear him to the Derby fans. That endearing was soon undone as he wheeled off to celebrate,
Paddy received a lot of stick from the Derby fans for that. Despite going over to clap them at full time. Many also thought that his 'treatment' to his 'former teammates was appalling.'
But he was just on loan, you say. Well if he was like this, complementing the team etc at Derby and then leaves and tries extra hard against them, then I would feel aggrieved if the teams were reversed. But as Leadbitter once said 'That's football'
And the football did continue for 84 minutes after Bamford put the ball past the dive of Grant (their goalkeeper, not Leadbitter)
But he more than made up for his errors later in the match. 20 minutes after the goal, Bamford was set through and after making that save, proceeded to make another great save to deny Jelle from getting his first goal on Teesside. Grant was the only reason that Boro weren't up by a fair few by halftime, with the indignant Keogh's moaning and Shotton's giggling at pushing the neck of Bamford not doing anything to stop Boro's onslaught.
Now, I feel I'm writing 'Bamford' a lot in this post. I've tried to vary it with 'Paddy' but it feels very repetitive. But I'm not going to moan if it means that he plays how he does every week. He and Vossen pressurised the defense constantly in both halves, with the only difference between the two being Derby's formation. They went 2 up top with the Coldplay singer being partnered by th ex-Manchester United striker. Oh, no sorry that is LEON Best up top with Chris Martin (but not that one) This was a tactic to combat the dominance of Gibson and Ayala at the back, who had Martin in their collective back pockets. Jordan Ibe was also introduced.
Truth be told, they did little to enthuse the Derby faithful. Grant, therefore, felt the need to entertain them by 'dilly-dallying' on the ball and diving 'Jens Lehmann' style over Bamford's attempt to get the ball.
The giggling Shotton I mentioned before, whom all game was tormented by the Chelsea loanee, brought Bamford crashing to the floor 15 minutes after the interval. His smile was non-existent as a chorus of 'Cheerios' ushered him off the pitch. I don't know a time where i've been so confident in our penalty taker. He dispatched his 6th penalty of the season in similar style to the previous 5. Hard and low into the corner.
The only real threat that Derby posed to the goal came in the final minutes of the second half as complacency leaked into the back line and, luckily, Dimi was alive to the well struck shot.
But we were top, for a matter of a few hours, as Bournemouth (who I feel will be our nemesis throughout this season) dispatched Cardiff, who look a shadow of their former selves under Malky Mackay. Their is an air of hope that is now turning into genuine optimism around Teesside. And I hope that this is realised, when Karanka eventually looks at the table on the last day of the season.
Monday 8 December 2014
Take that Holloway.
If I had a fair crack at being a Premier League boss, with a budget as good as some, I believe I could do it. I am not one of these foreign fellas who gets a job just because he has known Jose Mourinho for 10 minutes or met him on a train
Holloway said this after he left Crystal Palace. He left on the 24th October 2013. AK started on the 13th of November 2013. And i'm not saying that this was directly aimed at Aitor, but it seems suspicious.
Even if it wasn't aimed at Karanka, then up putting 5 past his Millwallians won't have strengthened their relationship.
But that shouldn't be the headline, it should be he scores when he wants, does Jelle Vossen. Well, he does in December vs Millwall. We can say that for a fact. But hey it took a long time coming didn't it. And I'm tempted, for journalistic reasons, to say that it was worth the wait.
But the wait was nearly shorter, when Forde pushed Vossen's front post flick, lets not be biased and say 'away from the goal'. When it probably did cross the line. Well make your own mind up.
https://twitter.com/VossenJelle/status/541387259531235328/photo/1
(even though the quality is EXTREMELY poor)
But after 21 minutes, our number 21 showed us class is indeed permanent, dispatching Big Ken's delightful 40 yard pass. You got the sense then that this was going to be a good away day. But that sense only heightened after 7 more minutes had passed and we got the familiar face of Patrick Bamford celebrating another goal, his 5th in 6 games.
The last time (excluding Bournemouth where no-one scored) Bamford last failed to score on the 25th of October, around about the same time the previosuly mentioned Cherries were putting 8 past Birmingham.
Truth be told, we could have scored 8 or even more. Reach had a field day, in the no-mans-land that was between the 3 centre backs and right midfielder in Ian's 3-4-1-2.
How very continental of the Bristolian,
The afternoon got even worse for the great southern tactician as Jelle strode through the wobbly cockney defense and slid the ball home twice more before the interval. The first hattrick scored by a Boro player since the, now Millwall player, McDonald vs Hull in 2011. (both of which were first-half hattricks incidentally.
Unfortunately the half time interval seemed to take the sting out of our attacking presence.
Well from a goals point of view. We still dominated proceeding, even when the inevitable did happen and the little Aussie McDonald stole in with a goal.
OH NO!
Typical boro, we aren't going to let a 4 goal lead slip are we?!?!?!
No
Less than a minute later the striker formerly known as Enrique Garcia Martinez (or Kike to normal people) who had replaced Vossen minutes earlier, planted his right footed curling shot into the goal infront on the travelling Smoggies, The first goal at that end all game.
Kike had been dying to get on the pitch as he could smell goals even from the bench. Or so I was told by the BBC Tees commentary trio of Ali Maddo and Mark.
Boro are a strange team. Why oh why oh why couldn't we have not reserved one of those goals for last week? Like Vossen? But, hey, lets not moan. It's a 5-1 victory. Our biggest away victory since the same score against QPR in 2009. The game afterwards, however, we did lose 3-0 to Blackpool. But history never repeats itself, right?
Only time will tell, and one way we can tempt fate against doing that is by packing the riverside to the rafters and singing our hearts out for the lads.
So come on the boro, lets put on a show for the cameras!
Holloway said this after he left Crystal Palace. He left on the 24th October 2013. AK started on the 13th of November 2013. And i'm not saying that this was directly aimed at Aitor, but it seems suspicious.
Even if it wasn't aimed at Karanka, then up putting 5 past his Millwallians won't have strengthened their relationship.
But that shouldn't be the headline, it should be he scores when he wants, does Jelle Vossen. Well, he does in December vs Millwall. We can say that for a fact. But hey it took a long time coming didn't it. And I'm tempted, for journalistic reasons, to say that it was worth the wait.
But the wait was nearly shorter, when Forde pushed Vossen's front post flick, lets not be biased and say 'away from the goal'. When it probably did cross the line. Well make your own mind up.
https://twitter.com/VossenJelle/status/541387259531235328/photo/1
(even though the quality is EXTREMELY poor)
But after 21 minutes, our number 21 showed us class is indeed permanent, dispatching Big Ken's delightful 40 yard pass. You got the sense then that this was going to be a good away day. But that sense only heightened after 7 more minutes had passed and we got the familiar face of Patrick Bamford celebrating another goal, his 5th in 6 games.
The last time (excluding Bournemouth where no-one scored) Bamford last failed to score on the 25th of October, around about the same time the previosuly mentioned Cherries were putting 8 past Birmingham.
Truth be told, we could have scored 8 or even more. Reach had a field day, in the no-mans-land that was between the 3 centre backs and right midfielder in Ian's 3-4-1-2.
How very continental of the Bristolian,
The afternoon got even worse for the great southern tactician as Jelle strode through the wobbly cockney defense and slid the ball home twice more before the interval. The first hattrick scored by a Boro player since the, now Millwall player, McDonald vs Hull in 2011. (both of which were first-half hattricks incidentally.
Unfortunately the half time interval seemed to take the sting out of our attacking presence.
Well from a goals point of view. We still dominated proceeding, even when the inevitable did happen and the little Aussie McDonald stole in with a goal.
OH NO!
Typical boro, we aren't going to let a 4 goal lead slip are we?!?!?!
No
Less than a minute later the striker formerly known as Enrique Garcia Martinez (or Kike to normal people) who had replaced Vossen minutes earlier, planted his right footed curling shot into the goal infront on the travelling Smoggies, The first goal at that end all game.
Kike had been dying to get on the pitch as he could smell goals even from the bench. Or so I was told by the BBC Tees commentary trio of Ali Maddo and Mark.
Boro are a strange team. Why oh why oh why couldn't we have not reserved one of those goals for last week? Like Vossen? But, hey, lets not moan. It's a 5-1 victory. Our biggest away victory since the same score against QPR in 2009. The game afterwards, however, we did lose 3-0 to Blackpool. But history never repeats itself, right?
Only time will tell, and one way we can tempt fate against doing that is by packing the riverside to the rafters and singing our hearts out for the lads.
So come on the boro, lets put on a show for the cameras!
Thursday 4 December 2014
Points Sheer-ed
Thanks for taking for taking the time to read this post, and I hope your head isn't too bad from drinking away your sorrows from the *technically* last minute equaliser. I say *technically* because Dimi was down injured for 5 minutes. This obviously had nothing to do with the elbow in the back. Not since 2009 has someone called Chris Brown inflicted such pain ( Ba dum tss )
I'm sure these words have been voiced by every Boro fan since Saturday's encounter, but HOW IS THAT NOT A FOUL. In fact there were 3 fouls, one on Dimi, one on Gibbo and a handball by Brown! Eeh Marky you've fluffed your lines here mate. May be the blame lies with Mr Sheeran and not Clattenburg, after all he did sing 'Don't' and that may have been Clattenburg's though when asked 'Shall I give a free kick?.'
Protest we may, it was a draw. 1-1. According to Sky Sports 'an even match' and the equaliser came ' when Konstantopoulos did not deal with the ball in to his box late on.' Obviously. But hey, we are still in the playoff places. We have only experienced defeat once in 14 games. But that 5th place spot we occupy looks unappealing when you're looking up at that 2nd spot. Everything would look so much rosier.
But now the 'typical Boro' doubts seem to creep in with people thinking the post Crimbo decline has come early this year. Even before the game, an air of uncertainty hung around, well it was in the East, where I heard one guy say he wishes Danny Graham was starting instead of Vossen. So after I had picked up my jaw from the floor I began thinking that this wasn't something we had experienced for a while, Last year perhaps when people thought Juke should start over Main, but someone we don't have? And Danny Graham? Well I guess you can't account for some.
As the game kicked off, you could see what kind of game it was going to be. It was a Watford game. You can tell it'll be that kind of game from the line-up. With Bamford wide, you know you're going to get him and Adomah will get in and around the Striker, with the fullbacks pushing up. In this formation too, you get 'Tomlinho' pushing deeper and deeper with Leadbitter and Clayton. But on Saturday Clayton was suspended so Deano took his place. And with Whitehead acting as a 3rd centre back at times, it isolates our lead goal scorer, Grant. Grant Leadbitter has definitely benefitted from Clayton as he now has licence to get forward. Now you'd think - surely Whitehead does that too? But the difference in mobility between the two and the positioning. These little differences can majorly affect Leadbitter's style of play, he feels he has to stay back and gets lost in the 3 ahead of him when he goes forward.
Even with MY questions about formation, we started well, keeping the ball and the man I was talking about staying back, Leadbitter, had the best chance from the opening stages. His long range strike stopped by Eastmond, which became a feature of the game. The only time Eastmond was beaten in the half, Jelle found Duffy in his way, otherwise he had an open goal in front of him after collecting the rebound from his previous shot, which followed a goalmouth scramble. These chance, along with Rhodes attempted bicycle kick were the best chances of a slow first half, where Ayala, Omeruo, Deano and Tomlin probably had the most touches of the ball by far.
The second half started rather similarly, but increased in tempo as it wore on. Chances fell to that man again, Vossen who is still looking for his first goal for Boro. Although he must be cursing some back luck after he saw his point blank header tipped over the top by Eastmond. He might have been able to direct it somewhere else, but he thought he had scored with any touch and it was just the heroics from Steeley's replacement who couldn't play due to the terms of his loan.
It took until the 83rd minute for Boro to get the ball in the back of the net. This followed a good little run and shot from Tee Lomlin (see what I did there?) and the corner was headed down by Friend at the back post (with the hint of a foul there, but nothing compared to what was to come) and Bamford hit the ball sweetly into the back of the heel of the Blackburn player which helped the ball on the way into the back of the net. That's it. 9/10 times an goal in the minutes 80-90 win a team the game. But brilliantly, this was the 1 time it doesn't.
In fairness there shouldn't have been an opportunity for Blackburn to draw level. Our attempts to retain the ball in the corner were pretty poor and in retrospect, a pass inside to Kike from Adomah would've been the better option, but at the time it didn't look like it would lead to us losing 2 points. But, helped by a few other things (including a referee with a poor haircut - not that i'm still upset) it did.
The 94th minute came and the ball had gone out for Blackburn's second corner in succession. And I'm sure you know the story now. It ended with Dimi face down in pain and the Blackburn players celebrating like they had just won a point against Liverpool in the Capital One Cup! (Which they didn't do by the way)
This lead to 'Karankatoa' as Anthony Vickers put it. The Spaniard flipped his lid and rushed like the bull from his native country to confront the 4th official. Suggestions of a push have been dismissed by Karanka, but from a fans point of view, I love to see that.
I mean, no I don't like that he may be missing on the touchline for a number of weeks after this. But seeing someone with so much passion for the club is so endearing to us fans. Mowbray is a Boro lad through and through but he wasn't likely to 'fight 100%' for the club as he wasn't that kind of manager, player yes, but not manager.
'Apparently' this confrontation ultimately led to Higgy's departure. Yes, news just in from Sky Sources! No, it's probably one of those 'through the grape vine' rumours. But apparently Karanka hasn't been best pleased with Higgy. I can only imagine this is in reference to the fact he has a different way to Karanka, and the fact that he didn't 'back him up' in the questioning of the official and that was the straw that broke the camels back.
Now i'm not for one minute saying that this is the definitive answer, because I don't think I fully believe it, but I just wanted to let you know because it seems like an interesting view on the whole confusing situation.
But we can't let thoughts of the lovely scouser shroud our vision as we head towards Millwall. I'm more than sure that Karanka will send out the lads to attack, because Millwall are 20th and a team we should be wiping the floor with, if we have any hope of gaining promotion.
Ooh this is a long one, by my standards. Well I missed the report on the Wigan draw so I feel I have to make up for it. I just hope that this situation is sorted out soon and that this won't have a damaging affect on our season. After all, before Higgy we were really struggling for goal. But again, that was with Danny Graham spearing our attack so hopefully we won't slump back.
We can be nothing but optimistic now because Karanka has shown no reason for us not to believe him in the past so why start now? Lets look forward to Saturday and more importantly, the 13th where we can hopefully pack the Riverside and put on a show for the cameras, another Norwich would be amazing, Aitor cheers mate!
Up the boro!
I'm sure these words have been voiced by every Boro fan since Saturday's encounter, but HOW IS THAT NOT A FOUL. In fact there were 3 fouls, one on Dimi, one on Gibbo and a handball by Brown! Eeh Marky you've fluffed your lines here mate. May be the blame lies with Mr Sheeran and not Clattenburg, after all he did sing 'Don't' and that may have been Clattenburg's though when asked 'Shall I give a free kick?.'
Protest we may, it was a draw. 1-1. According to Sky Sports 'an even match' and the equaliser came ' when Konstantopoulos did not deal with the ball in to his box late on.' Obviously. But hey, we are still in the playoff places. We have only experienced defeat once in 14 games. But that 5th place spot we occupy looks unappealing when you're looking up at that 2nd spot. Everything would look so much rosier.
But now the 'typical Boro' doubts seem to creep in with people thinking the post Crimbo decline has come early this year. Even before the game, an air of uncertainty hung around, well it was in the East, where I heard one guy say he wishes Danny Graham was starting instead of Vossen. So after I had picked up my jaw from the floor I began thinking that this wasn't something we had experienced for a while, Last year perhaps when people thought Juke should start over Main, but someone we don't have? And Danny Graham? Well I guess you can't account for some.
As the game kicked off, you could see what kind of game it was going to be. It was a Watford game. You can tell it'll be that kind of game from the line-up. With Bamford wide, you know you're going to get him and Adomah will get in and around the Striker, with the fullbacks pushing up. In this formation too, you get 'Tomlinho' pushing deeper and deeper with Leadbitter and Clayton. But on Saturday Clayton was suspended so Deano took his place. And with Whitehead acting as a 3rd centre back at times, it isolates our lead goal scorer, Grant. Grant Leadbitter has definitely benefitted from Clayton as he now has licence to get forward. Now you'd think - surely Whitehead does that too? But the difference in mobility between the two and the positioning. These little differences can majorly affect Leadbitter's style of play, he feels he has to stay back and gets lost in the 3 ahead of him when he goes forward.
Even with MY questions about formation, we started well, keeping the ball and the man I was talking about staying back, Leadbitter, had the best chance from the opening stages. His long range strike stopped by Eastmond, which became a feature of the game. The only time Eastmond was beaten in the half, Jelle found Duffy in his way, otherwise he had an open goal in front of him after collecting the rebound from his previous shot, which followed a goalmouth scramble. These chance, along with Rhodes attempted bicycle kick were the best chances of a slow first half, where Ayala, Omeruo, Deano and Tomlin probably had the most touches of the ball by far.
The second half started rather similarly, but increased in tempo as it wore on. Chances fell to that man again, Vossen who is still looking for his first goal for Boro. Although he must be cursing some back luck after he saw his point blank header tipped over the top by Eastmond. He might have been able to direct it somewhere else, but he thought he had scored with any touch and it was just the heroics from Steeley's replacement who couldn't play due to the terms of his loan.
It took until the 83rd minute for Boro to get the ball in the back of the net. This followed a good little run and shot from Tee Lomlin (see what I did there?) and the corner was headed down by Friend at the back post (with the hint of a foul there, but nothing compared to what was to come) and Bamford hit the ball sweetly into the back of the heel of the Blackburn player which helped the ball on the way into the back of the net. That's it. 9/10 times an goal in the minutes 80-90 win a team the game. But brilliantly, this was the 1 time it doesn't.
In fairness there shouldn't have been an opportunity for Blackburn to draw level. Our attempts to retain the ball in the corner were pretty poor and in retrospect, a pass inside to Kike from Adomah would've been the better option, but at the time it didn't look like it would lead to us losing 2 points. But, helped by a few other things (including a referee with a poor haircut - not that i'm still upset) it did.
The 94th minute came and the ball had gone out for Blackburn's second corner in succession. And I'm sure you know the story now. It ended with Dimi face down in pain and the Blackburn players celebrating like they had just won a point against Liverpool in the Capital One Cup! (Which they didn't do by the way)
This lead to 'Karankatoa' as Anthony Vickers put it. The Spaniard flipped his lid and rushed like the bull from his native country to confront the 4th official. Suggestions of a push have been dismissed by Karanka, but from a fans point of view, I love to see that.
I mean, no I don't like that he may be missing on the touchline for a number of weeks after this. But seeing someone with so much passion for the club is so endearing to us fans. Mowbray is a Boro lad through and through but he wasn't likely to 'fight 100%' for the club as he wasn't that kind of manager, player yes, but not manager.
'Apparently' this confrontation ultimately led to Higgy's departure. Yes, news just in from Sky Sources! No, it's probably one of those 'through the grape vine' rumours. But apparently Karanka hasn't been best pleased with Higgy. I can only imagine this is in reference to the fact he has a different way to Karanka, and the fact that he didn't 'back him up' in the questioning of the official and that was the straw that broke the camels back.
Now i'm not for one minute saying that this is the definitive answer, because I don't think I fully believe it, but I just wanted to let you know because it seems like an interesting view on the whole confusing situation.
But we can't let thoughts of the lovely scouser shroud our vision as we head towards Millwall. I'm more than sure that Karanka will send out the lads to attack, because Millwall are 20th and a team we should be wiping the floor with, if we have any hope of gaining promotion.
Ooh this is a long one, by my standards. Well I missed the report on the Wigan draw so I feel I have to make up for it. I just hope that this situation is sorted out soon and that this won't have a damaging affect on our season. After all, before Higgy we were really struggling for goal. But again, that was with Danny Graham spearing our attack so hopefully we won't slump back.
We can be nothing but optimistic now because Karanka has shown no reason for us not to believe him in the past so why start now? Lets look forward to Saturday and more importantly, the 13th where we can hopefully pack the Riverside and put on a show for the cameras, another Norwich would be amazing, Aitor cheers mate!
Up the boro!
Monday 10 November 2014
Back down to earth we go?
I don't know about you but I certainly feel like i'm sobering up after Tuesday's 4-0 thumping of Norwich. But why? We drew with top of the table? And we are still 3rd, just a point off top.
I think it's because the nature of the Boro fan. I know that me especially, as you've probably seen, have grown old and pessimistic during the 5 years we've in spent in the Championship (yes I know i'm still 17.) And I know that's not interesting to read so I'm trying to change my way of thinking, but I still sense this uneasy feeling around the Riverside, even when we go 1-0 up in a game, you sense our lead isn't safe until a 2nd or 3rd goal is scored, and it is very rare that occurs. It is something I can't put a finger on.
For we have a very solid goalkeeper in Dimi, who added to his excellent save on tuesday night with an amazing tip-over-the-bar from a Ritchie half volley and some of the very best championship CBs ahead of him. Ayala is growing in confidence every game he plays and his distribution is rivaled only by our central midfield due and Tomlin - who I feel has also been growing despite the fact he wasn't involved in the weekend's stalemate as I'd have wished (excluding his great runs in the opening miniutes.) Gibson is a great young talent and is performing at this level. And with Omeruo on the sidelines we have a very capable replacement, along with the injured Woody and Rhys, we look unlikely to concede. We are, infact, unlikely to concede now, with 8 clean sheets so far this season.
I think I'm allowing this pessimism to shroud my view on how good a coach Karanka is. He demands excellence and I can't see a slump similar to 2 seasons ago happening under his regime, but there is this 'typical boro' idea that I think won't allow me to think we will win the league, or believe we are behind Derby as the second most likely to go up.
In retrospect, however, when we look back at the game I think that it was a very good 0-0, if that is a thing. Reach was out best out let of the game with his thunderous strike nearly costing him a weeks wages so the bar could be replaced. Tomlin's early running in the game was our only other chances we really had, and that took its tole as Tomlin was struggling with a niggling hamstring for the rest of the game, which probably should've ended up in a half time substitution. Bamford looked a frustrated figure upfront, getting few touches on the ball and even fewer sights of the goal, this would probably end up in a substitution, most games if it hadn't been for Kike's fatigue (he could've started if not for that as I feel Lee works best with Kike in front of him.) Bournemouth's pressure amounted to little too, with Dimi equal to things thrown at him, along with the Defense, who seemed more air-tight than they did against Norwich.
An optomistic approach is what is needed as we go into this international break. The last one proved fruitful as the friendly vs Sunderland meant we came back refreshed and ready to take on the league. So perhaps we have missed a trick not arranging another one, perhaps with the geordies this time. But we will see how we play on the 22nd, as Boro fans (including myself) take their seates in the DW stadium and the teams come out.
I think it's because the nature of the Boro fan. I know that me especially, as you've probably seen, have grown old and pessimistic during the 5 years we've in spent in the Championship (yes I know i'm still 17.) And I know that's not interesting to read so I'm trying to change my way of thinking, but I still sense this uneasy feeling around the Riverside, even when we go 1-0 up in a game, you sense our lead isn't safe until a 2nd or 3rd goal is scored, and it is very rare that occurs. It is something I can't put a finger on.
For we have a very solid goalkeeper in Dimi, who added to his excellent save on tuesday night with an amazing tip-over-the-bar from a Ritchie half volley and some of the very best championship CBs ahead of him. Ayala is growing in confidence every game he plays and his distribution is rivaled only by our central midfield due and Tomlin - who I feel has also been growing despite the fact he wasn't involved in the weekend's stalemate as I'd have wished (excluding his great runs in the opening miniutes.) Gibson is a great young talent and is performing at this level. And with Omeruo on the sidelines we have a very capable replacement, along with the injured Woody and Rhys, we look unlikely to concede. We are, infact, unlikely to concede now, with 8 clean sheets so far this season.
I think I'm allowing this pessimism to shroud my view on how good a coach Karanka is. He demands excellence and I can't see a slump similar to 2 seasons ago happening under his regime, but there is this 'typical boro' idea that I think won't allow me to think we will win the league, or believe we are behind Derby as the second most likely to go up.
In retrospect, however, when we look back at the game I think that it was a very good 0-0, if that is a thing. Reach was out best out let of the game with his thunderous strike nearly costing him a weeks wages so the bar could be replaced. Tomlin's early running in the game was our only other chances we really had, and that took its tole as Tomlin was struggling with a niggling hamstring for the rest of the game, which probably should've ended up in a half time substitution. Bamford looked a frustrated figure upfront, getting few touches on the ball and even fewer sights of the goal, this would probably end up in a substitution, most games if it hadn't been for Kike's fatigue (he could've started if not for that as I feel Lee works best with Kike in front of him.) Bournemouth's pressure amounted to little too, with Dimi equal to things thrown at him, along with the Defense, who seemed more air-tight than they did against Norwich.
An optomistic approach is what is needed as we go into this international break. The last one proved fruitful as the friendly vs Sunderland meant we came back refreshed and ready to take on the league. So perhaps we have missed a trick not arranging another one, perhaps with the geordies this time. But we will see how we play on the 22nd, as Boro fans (including myself) take their seates in the DW stadium and the teams come out.
Friday 7 November 2014
No-four-lking way (get it like Norfolk, Norwich and we beat them 4-0)
It's back! And I don't just mean the blog.
The belief! I believe. No not that we can go up - i'm not there yet. But we can see that Karanka's team is in place. If it's not everyone, he has a vast majority of the players he wants in his team. And it looks as if that team is a successful one that will hopefully push us back in to the Premier League.
The Norwich game was one I was very much looking forward to 'cause of our win at Rotherham and good performances before the Wolves game. I do have to say, however, that I was one thinking 'here we go' so that we would all be let down. But, as the panto season is coming up, I have to say 'OH NO WE WEREN'T'
As early as the 5th minute we took hold of the game by the scruff of the neck, as Paddy slide in to latch on to an Adomah cross. The reasonably packed riverside (which was packed for a chilly tuesday in November) erupted with the 'eioh eioh' bouncing around the stadium.
Despite some pressure from the Norwich team, which was the same which performed poorly against Bolton at the weekend, they struggled to hit the target when they did, Gary O'Neil, the ex boro lad, only found the arm of Dimi clawing the ball away from the bottom corner.
The second goal came from the right boot of our top scorer GRANT. Admittedly I was in the concourse buying a burger so I missed the goal. I've been reliably told, by the guys who sit next to me at the game, the ol' georgie boy was pushed to the floor by Martin and after a few seconds of delegation, the ref pointed to the spot and Leadbitter dispatched with a cool demeanor.
Even the introduction of Hooper did little for a floundering Norwich team as an improvised looping header from Leadbitter hit the back of the net. From my angle in Block 38, it looked as if he was going for the spectacular bicycle kick, but no a firm header that put the points in the bag.
The 79th minute came and Norwich brought on their 4th Striker of the game in former Boro target Grabban, who - like those before him - did nothing. As opposed to our substitute, when they trotted on to the pitch they were looking for the net. And then a succession of corners came about when Leadbitter's shot was deflected and the impressive Fredricks' shot was tipped over the bar. When the next was floated in, he saw the ball pinging around in the box, he set his sights.... then he saw Yanic stand in his way and back heel the ball into the net. Poor Jelle. When will he score? But a great debut goal for Wildschut, and hopefully he will go on to be a great signing for Aitor.
The atmosphere was bouncing after the game with everyone talking about one thing. Bournemouth. The team we 'want to be'. Because our Carling Cup victory and adventures in europe were totally belittled by their victory in the 3rd divison in 2002-3 and promotion in 2013. We can make Howe eat his words and 'Howe' I want that to happen. Roll on Saturday Up The Boro
In Aitor We Trust and as always, There is only one Steve Gibson
The belief! I believe. No not that we can go up - i'm not there yet. But we can see that Karanka's team is in place. If it's not everyone, he has a vast majority of the players he wants in his team. And it looks as if that team is a successful one that will hopefully push us back in to the Premier League.
The Norwich game was one I was very much looking forward to 'cause of our win at Rotherham and good performances before the Wolves game. I do have to say, however, that I was one thinking 'here we go' so that we would all be let down. But, as the panto season is coming up, I have to say 'OH NO WE WEREN'T'
As early as the 5th minute we took hold of the game by the scruff of the neck, as Paddy slide in to latch on to an Adomah cross. The reasonably packed riverside (which was packed for a chilly tuesday in November) erupted with the 'eioh eioh' bouncing around the stadium.
Despite some pressure from the Norwich team, which was the same which performed poorly against Bolton at the weekend, they struggled to hit the target when they did, Gary O'Neil, the ex boro lad, only found the arm of Dimi clawing the ball away from the bottom corner.
The second goal came from the right boot of our top scorer GRANT. Admittedly I was in the concourse buying a burger so I missed the goal. I've been reliably told, by the guys who sit next to me at the game, the ol' georgie boy was pushed to the floor by Martin and after a few seconds of delegation, the ref pointed to the spot and Leadbitter dispatched with a cool demeanor.
Even the introduction of Hooper did little for a floundering Norwich team as an improvised looping header from Leadbitter hit the back of the net. From my angle in Block 38, it looked as if he was going for the spectacular bicycle kick, but no a firm header that put the points in the bag.
The 79th minute came and Norwich brought on their 4th Striker of the game in former Boro target Grabban, who - like those before him - did nothing. As opposed to our substitute, when they trotted on to the pitch they were looking for the net. And then a succession of corners came about when Leadbitter's shot was deflected and the impressive Fredricks' shot was tipped over the bar. When the next was floated in, he saw the ball pinging around in the box, he set his sights.... then he saw Yanic stand in his way and back heel the ball into the net. Poor Jelle. When will he score? But a great debut goal for Wildschut, and hopefully he will go on to be a great signing for Aitor.
The atmosphere was bouncing after the game with everyone talking about one thing. Bournemouth. The team we 'want to be'. Because our Carling Cup victory and adventures in europe were totally belittled by their victory in the 3rd divison in 2002-3 and promotion in 2013. We can make Howe eat his words and 'Howe' I want that to happen. Roll on Saturday Up The Boro
In Aitor We Trust and as always, There is only one Steve Gibson
Sunday 19 October 2014
Brighton vs Middlesbrough - Post Match Analysis
On the face of it, 2-1 looks like a hard fought game, with one team just edging out their opponents out. Truthfully, however, Brighton's only real times of threat came in the opening 10 and closing 10 minutes of the game (not including the 5 for extra time.)
Kazenga LuaLua and Gary Gardener both with chances to score for the seagulls, and Tomlin claiming a penalty for the visitors was the only real opportunities of note, before Boro who made the break through 8 minutes in to the first half, with Lee Tomlin firing in a pull back to the edge of the box from Reach and Tomlin dispatched willingly into the top corner. I never doubted him ...
Then ensued a heated period, with players from both teams, and George Friend's foul on Brighton's Texieria meaning he had to be replaced by one Paddy McCourt. The man who, not 1 year earlier waltzed through a hopeless and frankly unrecognisable Boro team, with Friend, Leadbitter and Adomah the only noticeable survivors. Friend was then on the receiving end of a poor tackle from Gardner, but afterwards, referee Andy D'Urso, had words and tempers calmed.
Into the second half, Brighton seemed to continue in the same way in which they ended the first, having a lot of the ball but doing nothing with it. It was the story of their game, in truth and they looked like a team win- less since August 23rd, and not in any hurry to change that. They clearly missed the fire power of Ulloa who is now enjoying life in the Premier League. His replacements in Baldock and O'Grady who were in relegated to and in League 1 respectively last year look off the pace if truth be told and Gibson and Ayala were rarely troubled too much.
In fact, Ayala was so untroubled, we felt like he wanted to stretch his legs, so, in the 53rd minute, he decided to run from one box to the other, only stopping to interchange passes, and laid a ball into the feet of 'Uncle Albert' and, after hitting the first shot off Stockdale, followed up and scored Boro's second of the day and his 3rd of the season.
It wasn't until the dying embers of the game, that Brighton began to pick their way through our tight nitted defensive shape (which those listening to BBC Tees will realise was very important to Neil Maddison.) Bennett headed straight at big Dimi and O'Grady fired wide from close range.
Our back line was eventually broken down by Brighton, with Scot Gordon Greer heading in from a McCourt cross that had been flicked on by Colunga. A very poor goal to concede from a Boro point of view as it was very avoidable.
Despite some late pressure from the home side, our back line held strong and we came away with our 11th point from a possible 15. And our 7th game unbeaten
So all in all, a good outing from the lads, kept our nerve against a tricky opposition. The next game, however, will show our true metal. It'll show if we are true promotion candidates or if we'll fail against the big guns when it matters with Wolves who have been in an around us all year and the current table toppers, Watford on Saturday, a game I shall definitely be attending.
Thanks for reading again, and as always, up the Boro and there is only 1 Steve Gibson!
Thursday 16 October 2014
Milos Veljkovic
It's been confirmed that we, today, have signed Milos Veljkovic on loan from Spurs until January, with an option to extend that to the end of the season. He can apparently play centre back or central midfield.
I would say a good £10 of my money would go on the fact this lad will play defensive midfield for us, although I doubt there's a market for that. Just because we have Ayala, Omeruo, Gibson and Woody who can play centre back, along with George if needs be, and we only have Grant, Clayton and Deano who can play defensive midfield. But why can't he play both positions? Could be a younger Rhys Williams.
Veljkovic becomes the 6th player to come into Boro on loan, after Jelle Vossen, the Chelsea trio of Omeruo, Bamford and Blackman and Milos' partner at Spurs; Ryan Fredericks. Meaning that they all can't play in the same game together, and being the most players loaned into a the boro team since the time of Gordon Strachan who's loanees included Caleb Folan and Isiah Osbourne.
If we look back, however, we can see Karanka's loan signings being a success for the team, Shay Given and Kenneth Omeruo being the stand outs, and Chalobah (in my opinion) being a good addition to the team. Danny Graham less so, although he did bring a cutting edge to the team we lacked for the whole of 2013, and Lee Tomlin, with good showings against people like Birmingham and Preston after making his move permanent.
Veljkovic is highly rated by both Spurs manager Pochettino and Karanka himself, so Karanka's past decisions has meant we shouldn't judge and let the player do the talking, so roll on Milos' first appearance!
Up the boro and remember, there is only one Steve Gibson!
I would say a good £10 of my money would go on the fact this lad will play defensive midfield for us, although I doubt there's a market for that. Just because we have Ayala, Omeruo, Gibson and Woody who can play centre back, along with George if needs be, and we only have Grant, Clayton and Deano who can play defensive midfield. But why can't he play both positions? Could be a younger Rhys Williams.
Veljkovic becomes the 6th player to come into Boro on loan, after Jelle Vossen, the Chelsea trio of Omeruo, Bamford and Blackman and Milos' partner at Spurs; Ryan Fredericks. Meaning that they all can't play in the same game together, and being the most players loaned into a the boro team since the time of Gordon Strachan who's loanees included Caleb Folan and Isiah Osbourne.
If we look back, however, we can see Karanka's loan signings being a success for the team, Shay Given and Kenneth Omeruo being the stand outs, and Chalobah (in my opinion) being a good addition to the team. Danny Graham less so, although he did bring a cutting edge to the team we lacked for the whole of 2013, and Lee Tomlin, with good showings against people like Birmingham and Preston after making his move permanent.
Veljkovic is highly rated by both Spurs manager Pochettino and Karanka himself, so Karanka's past decisions has meant we shouldn't judge and let the player do the talking, so roll on Milos' first appearance!
Up the boro and remember, there is only one Steve Gibson!
The Price of Football
Just thought I'd share this with you guys, its the Price of Football calculator from the BBC. It tells you how much you spend on your team a year.
I put in the price of my under 18s ticket, the fact i'm probably going to buy both shirts this year, a parmo in a bun and a coke at every game and a programme or two over the season. My net spend supporting Boro was £342.90
I'm sure that we all want the prices to be lower, as do I. And i'm sure the people at Boro will defend this, but the fact we are the 6th most expensive team to go and watch (with regards the cheapest adult season tickets) is shocking, considering we've finished below 7th for all seasons, bar when we DID finish 7th. But it could be worse. we could be Leeds fans. Not just because of Cellino, or because they sold nearly all their strikers, but because they're above us in that table, along with Rotherham which is surprising.
The cheapest ticket in the championship is Charlton at just £150, which is a steal if you ask me, considering their start to the season. Blackpool and Birmingham are next on the table, both around the £200 mark for the season tickets. Although, their football may make up for that low price.
The most expensive team being Norwich, who look to have refused to lower the ticket prices from last year, at £500 for their cheapest ticket price. This is about 5x the price that of the season ticket for reigning German champions and 2013 Champions League winners Bayern Munich.
If I could get one thing through the mind of Steve Gibson, it would be this (and not to appoint Gordon Strachan.) A £105 season ticket is almost unthinkable in this country, but 'Uli Hoeness' seems to understand how football should work, and how the fans more important than the money they bring in.
That said, Gibbo's hands are pretty much tied in this situation. The prices for season tickets in the Premier League are £299.00 pounds at the lowest. And it is the reigning champions Manchester City who charge this amount. (There must be something about winning the league and putting ticket prices down? Or it could just be a coincidence.) Our local rivals, The Geordies, have said "ho'way then" to low matchday ticket prices. with the price being just £15. £13 less than a matchday ticket to watch Boro from the east stand. I mean the performance is probably better, but the opposition 'keeper will be Joe Hart, rather than Paddy Kenny, so it should be a better contest (although, maybe not as funny.)
So if we do want to compete at this level, we need to spend money, as that's what the English game is based on at the moment (sadly.) And a main source of this income for us, is from the pocket of the football fan - like a tax if you will. The reasons the German giants can keep a low price for their tickets are: They are a brand in Germany, they tour the country and lower division teams will show out in their thousands to watch Robben and Lewandowski play in their ground. This is something we can't do because the people of Chichester and Alfreton aren't going to turn out in their masses to see Bradley Fewster or Lee Tomlin. Also, Bayern Munich will have millions available from the outing in the Champions League as well as the sponsorship deals they have undoubtedly signed, so they don't need to ask for so much money from their fans, where as I can safely bet that Gibson's pockets aren't exactly bulging from the Ramsdens deal, but I could be wrong.
If you guys wanna tweet me @onestevegibson and tell me what your net spend is for the Boro, i'll retweet you and also if you have any views on this money situation, because if it doesn't surprise you that you can go on the eurostar, watch the 2nd best team in Germany, Borussia Dortmund, and then return home, for the same price as the most expensive ticket at newly promtoed QPR, then I don't think anything will.
Thanks for reading, and again, #utb
I put in the price of my under 18s ticket, the fact i'm probably going to buy both shirts this year, a parmo in a bun and a coke at every game and a programme or two over the season. My net spend supporting Boro was £342.90
I'm sure that we all want the prices to be lower, as do I. And i'm sure the people at Boro will defend this, but the fact we are the 6th most expensive team to go and watch (with regards the cheapest adult season tickets) is shocking, considering we've finished below 7th for all seasons, bar when we DID finish 7th. But it could be worse. we could be Leeds fans. Not just because of Cellino, or because they sold nearly all their strikers, but because they're above us in that table, along with Rotherham which is surprising.
The cheapest ticket in the championship is Charlton at just £150, which is a steal if you ask me, considering their start to the season. Blackpool and Birmingham are next on the table, both around the £200 mark for the season tickets. Although, their football may make up for that low price.
The most expensive team being Norwich, who look to have refused to lower the ticket prices from last year, at £500 for their cheapest ticket price. This is about 5x the price that of the season ticket for reigning German champions and 2013 Champions League winners Bayern Munich.
If I could get one thing through the mind of Steve Gibson, it would be this (and not to appoint Gordon Strachan.) A £105 season ticket is almost unthinkable in this country, but 'Uli Hoeness' seems to understand how football should work, and how the fans more important than the money they bring in.
That said, Gibbo's hands are pretty much tied in this situation. The prices for season tickets in the Premier League are £299.00 pounds at the lowest. And it is the reigning champions Manchester City who charge this amount. (There must be something about winning the league and putting ticket prices down? Or it could just be a coincidence.) Our local rivals, The Geordies, have said "ho'way then" to low matchday ticket prices. with the price being just £15. £13 less than a matchday ticket to watch Boro from the east stand. I mean the performance is probably better, but the opposition 'keeper will be Joe Hart, rather than Paddy Kenny, so it should be a better contest (although, maybe not as funny.)
So if we do want to compete at this level, we need to spend money, as that's what the English game is based on at the moment (sadly.) And a main source of this income for us, is from the pocket of the football fan - like a tax if you will. The reasons the German giants can keep a low price for their tickets are: They are a brand in Germany, they tour the country and lower division teams will show out in their thousands to watch Robben and Lewandowski play in their ground. This is something we can't do because the people of Chichester and Alfreton aren't going to turn out in their masses to see Bradley Fewster or Lee Tomlin. Also, Bayern Munich will have millions available from the outing in the Champions League as well as the sponsorship deals they have undoubtedly signed, so they don't need to ask for so much money from their fans, where as I can safely bet that Gibson's pockets aren't exactly bulging from the Ramsdens deal, but I could be wrong.
If you guys wanna tweet me @onestevegibson and tell me what your net spend is for the Boro, i'll retweet you and also if you have any views on this money situation, because if it doesn't surprise you that you can go on the eurostar, watch the 2nd best team in Germany, Borussia Dortmund, and then return home, for the same price as the most expensive ticket at newly promtoed QPR, then I don't think anything will.
Thanks for reading, and again, #utb
Sunday 12 October 2014
My Lineup
I hate these international breaks. Just sitting around with nothing to do, save think about how much we miss footy.
So, I've decided to say my preferred line up for us in the next game and why
Goalkeeper:
This one basically chooses itself surely, well so does the whole back line nearly. With with Tom flapping away his chances to nail down the number 1 spot. You need experience at the back, or failing that, a steady pair of hands that your defense can rely on. Steele appeared to lose that in 2013 so I feel Aitor was right to get him out of the squad, although i don't much rate the two he brought in this year to replace him.
Dimi is the only 'keeper in the squad who I feel comfortable with between the sticks and I'd have loved to see him there against Liverpool, can't imagine those 17 year old scousers dispatching their penalties with such confidence if they had 'The Wookie' 12 yards away. So, essentially, Dimi.
Right Back
: Again, picks himself does Ryan. He's seized the opportunity given to him by Abella's knee, and I believe the Spurs lad has done better than Damia this season. His pace means he can atone for the errors his inexperience creates.
With the Spaniard in right back, I feel nervous and he's committed a number of reckless fouls which makes me think he isn't up to performing in the English Leagues. Even with Fredericks' "below par" performance at Blackpool , where he look tired and refused to pass wide, I think he is our number one number 2. And plus, his team mate on the right of midfield against Blackpool was Ledesma - possibly my least favorite player - who refused to go wide and when he did, he hoofed the ball long. Fredericks is my right back of choice.
Center Backs:
I do love Woody, but I think this'll be his last year as he's played one game due injury and I can't see him forcing his way back into the team.
So it's down to 3, Ayala, Omeruo and Gibson. My love for the Gibson's continues with Steve's nephew Ben, who's got a bright future ahead of him. His performances last year were sublime and he got the call to play for Southgate's England Under 21's. This year, however, he didn't make much of an impact in the first game, apart from getting injured and subbed off with in the first minute. His performance against Blackpool suggested he was still carrying the injury, with a labored showing.
So we come to the other two. And these guys are definitely the best and should start the next game, in my opinion. Ayala looks to have settled in and settled down, with 5 yellows in the space of 6 games meaning suspension, but his goal line clearance and consistent performances since the last international break mean he is an integral part of Karanka's back 4.
Omeruo is a man who cannot be ignored. I was ecstatic when I heard we resigned this man on a season-long loan. He has no noticeable fault in his game; pace, presence in the air, top drawer tackling ability and passing any midfielder would be proud of. His place in the Chelsea team is ready and waiting, but for now, he'll be partnering Daniel Ayala at the heart of defense. (In my opinion at least.)
Left Back:
George Friend, just George Friend. The guy's a sweetheart, along with a top class Championship left back. Husband looks like a very good prospect, but he isn't George Friend standard yet.
Defensive Midfield:
Dean Whitehead's the kind of guy who you don;t notice too much on a football field. He does the job and apart from being slow and panicking when he receives the ball, he's reasonably solid.
He is trumped, however, by a Mr Adam Clayton. We haven't yet seen the best of his footballing ability, nor his facial hair. But you feel with performances like that vs Brentford, that the sky is the limit for this lad
. One guy you'd feel is playing better than you'd expect would be our top scorer, Grant Leadbitter. He's been one that you wouldn't single out as being one of the best players for us, this year is another story. He has been banging them in from any angle, even making an appearance on the much followed twitter page The Sport Bible. His performances have earned him the right to captain the side for all his appearances this year. So you cannot look past Leadbitter and Clayton anchoring the midfield.
Attacking Midfield:
There are 3 places up for grabs here. The left hand side spot has been nailed down by Adam Reach, with Wildshut waiting in the wings for a slip up and Carayol still on the treatment table.
The right is a reasonably straight forward choice with Albert Adomah's form beginning to pickup after a slow start from the Ghanaian. Nsue has provided quite a reasonable challange in weeks prior to this break, but Adoamh is definitely Karanka's first pick for the right sided spot, with him being integral to the Fulham win.
Now the central attacker (CAM) is where it can get interesting. Lee Tomlin looks a favorite for the po sition, with him playing nearly every game this season. Now, don't get me wrong, he's a great player when he's on song. When he isn't, however, he doesn't look like he shouldn't be in the league. He will drift from a striker to a defensive midfielder to a winger with in a matter of minutes. I'll stop incase I offend anyone and i'll move on to his rival for the CAM slot, Vossen. We all remember the #freejellevossen campaign (started by one @VivaKaranka) and I myself did take part in the trend, but I don't think anyone actually believed we'd actually sign him. But he is here and all credit to Karanka and Gibson (and Dana) to getting him to the Riverside. We, as smoggies, haven't seen too much of the Belgian, due mainly to injuries. In his only real appearance, vs Brentford, he added a different class to the side. The man oozes quality. I can't wait to see him get his first goal and see him pull on a Boro shirt.
So for that reason, my 3 would be Adomah Vossen Reach.
Striker:
I, personally, am a big fan of Patrick Bamford - or Paddy B as I affectionately call him. 2 goals in 7 games doesn't tell half the story. The lad is big, strong and has a quick turn of pace. His link up play is also very good. The one thing he lacks, however, is that finishing touch. His shot to goal ratio is 7%, which isn't good by any standards but I feel he has a big future and that he'll play a big part in our promotion push.
So, unless we go for the young Fewster, who scores for fun for the England U19's, Enrique Garcia Martinez or Kike is the only other option. Kike seems to have the finishing touch that we have been lacking, ever since the days of Hasselbaink, Viduka and Yakubu. 5 goals so far shows a good return, but it could be better. May be its his adapting to the English game, but his finishing has been missing at times. Sheffield Wednesday, for example, he was found wanting in front of goal. His link up play is also something that has been below par for someone we payed £3 million for. Greed is something that you look for in a striker, but not when they are on the left hand side of the box, with teammates aplenty in the center. Even that, his clinical touch has made him a shoe in for the striking spot.
So, after all that, my team can be summed up in just 11 words;
Dimi
Fredericks Ayala Omeruo Friend
Clayton Leadbitter
Adomah Vossen Reach
Kike.
So, I've decided to say my preferred line up for us in the next game and why
Goalkeeper:
This one basically chooses itself surely, well so does the whole back line nearly. With with Tom flapping away his chances to nail down the number 1 spot. You need experience at the back, or failing that, a steady pair of hands that your defense can rely on. Steele appeared to lose that in 2013 so I feel Aitor was right to get him out of the squad, although i don't much rate the two he brought in this year to replace him.
Dimi is the only 'keeper in the squad who I feel comfortable with between the sticks and I'd have loved to see him there against Liverpool, can't imagine those 17 year old scousers dispatching their penalties with such confidence if they had 'The Wookie' 12 yards away. So, essentially, Dimi.
Right Back
: Again, picks himself does Ryan. He's seized the opportunity given to him by Abella's knee, and I believe the Spurs lad has done better than Damia this season. His pace means he can atone for the errors his inexperience creates.
With the Spaniard in right back, I feel nervous and he's committed a number of reckless fouls which makes me think he isn't up to performing in the English Leagues. Even with Fredericks' "below par" performance at Blackpool , where he look tired and refused to pass wide, I think he is our number one number 2. And plus, his team mate on the right of midfield against Blackpool was Ledesma - possibly my least favorite player - who refused to go wide and when he did, he hoofed the ball long. Fredericks is my right back of choice.
Center Backs:
I do love Woody, but I think this'll be his last year as he's played one game due injury and I can't see him forcing his way back into the team.
So it's down to 3, Ayala, Omeruo and Gibson. My love for the Gibson's continues with Steve's nephew Ben, who's got a bright future ahead of him. His performances last year were sublime and he got the call to play for Southgate's England Under 21's. This year, however, he didn't make much of an impact in the first game, apart from getting injured and subbed off with in the first minute. His performance against Blackpool suggested he was still carrying the injury, with a labored showing.
So we come to the other two. And these guys are definitely the best and should start the next game, in my opinion. Ayala looks to have settled in and settled down, with 5 yellows in the space of 6 games meaning suspension, but his goal line clearance and consistent performances since the last international break mean he is an integral part of Karanka's back 4.
Omeruo is a man who cannot be ignored. I was ecstatic when I heard we resigned this man on a season-long loan. He has no noticeable fault in his game; pace, presence in the air, top drawer tackling ability and passing any midfielder would be proud of. His place in the Chelsea team is ready and waiting, but for now, he'll be partnering Daniel Ayala at the heart of defense. (In my opinion at least.)
Left Back:
George Friend, just George Friend. The guy's a sweetheart, along with a top class Championship left back. Husband looks like a very good prospect, but he isn't George Friend standard yet.
Defensive Midfield:
Dean Whitehead's the kind of guy who you don;t notice too much on a football field. He does the job and apart from being slow and panicking when he receives the ball, he's reasonably solid.
He is trumped, however, by a Mr Adam Clayton. We haven't yet seen the best of his footballing ability, nor his facial hair. But you feel with performances like that vs Brentford, that the sky is the limit for this lad
. One guy you'd feel is playing better than you'd expect would be our top scorer, Grant Leadbitter. He's been one that you wouldn't single out as being one of the best players for us, this year is another story. He has been banging them in from any angle, even making an appearance on the much followed twitter page The Sport Bible. His performances have earned him the right to captain the side for all his appearances this year. So you cannot look past Leadbitter and Clayton anchoring the midfield.
Attacking Midfield:
There are 3 places up for grabs here. The left hand side spot has been nailed down by Adam Reach, with Wildshut waiting in the wings for a slip up and Carayol still on the treatment table.
The right is a reasonably straight forward choice with Albert Adomah's form beginning to pickup after a slow start from the Ghanaian. Nsue has provided quite a reasonable challange in weeks prior to this break, but Adoamh is definitely Karanka's first pick for the right sided spot, with him being integral to the Fulham win.
Now the central attacker (CAM) is where it can get interesting. Lee Tomlin looks a favorite for the po sition, with him playing nearly every game this season. Now, don't get me wrong, he's a great player when he's on song. When he isn't, however, he doesn't look like he shouldn't be in the league. He will drift from a striker to a defensive midfielder to a winger with in a matter of minutes. I'll stop incase I offend anyone and i'll move on to his rival for the CAM slot, Vossen. We all remember the #freejellevossen campaign (started by one @VivaKaranka) and I myself did take part in the trend, but I don't think anyone actually believed we'd actually sign him. But he is here and all credit to Karanka and Gibson (and Dana) to getting him to the Riverside. We, as smoggies, haven't seen too much of the Belgian, due mainly to injuries. In his only real appearance, vs Brentford, he added a different class to the side. The man oozes quality. I can't wait to see him get his first goal and see him pull on a Boro shirt.
So for that reason, my 3 would be Adomah Vossen Reach.
Striker:
I, personally, am a big fan of Patrick Bamford - or Paddy B as I affectionately call him. 2 goals in 7 games doesn't tell half the story. The lad is big, strong and has a quick turn of pace. His link up play is also very good. The one thing he lacks, however, is that finishing touch. His shot to goal ratio is 7%, which isn't good by any standards but I feel he has a big future and that he'll play a big part in our promotion push.
So, unless we go for the young Fewster, who scores for fun for the England U19's, Enrique Garcia Martinez or Kike is the only other option. Kike seems to have the finishing touch that we have been lacking, ever since the days of Hasselbaink, Viduka and Yakubu. 5 goals so far shows a good return, but it could be better. May be its his adapting to the English game, but his finishing has been missing at times. Sheffield Wednesday, for example, he was found wanting in front of goal. His link up play is also something that has been below par for someone we payed £3 million for. Greed is something that you look for in a striker, but not when they are on the left hand side of the box, with teammates aplenty in the center. Even that, his clinical touch has made him a shoe in for the striking spot.
So, after all that, my team can be summed up in just 11 words;
Dimi
Fredericks Ayala Omeruo Friend
Clayton Leadbitter
Adomah Vossen Reach
Kike.
Welcome fellow Boro fan!
Hi, just to introduce myself, I'm Dom Brown. Im 17 and have been supporting Middlesbrough for 11 years now. Like my dad, I'm an avid Boro fan. I'm a season ticket holder and attend every home game.
I'm setting up this blog, partly to give you my insight on the boro's fight (or plight) to get back into the promised land of the Premier League and partly because I'm going to do a journalism degree, and this should give me an idea as to what being on a course like that should entail, you know, minus the stress, deadlines and the living away from my home in Ingleby Barwick.
Right, some things you might want to know about me and my views on the Boro. My dad didn't let me go to Cardiff, Eindhoven, the Quarter Final and Semi Final home legs of the UEFA cup, and i'm still pretty annoyed about that to this day. My favourite player in my memory would be our very own Stewie Downing and I do love Steve Gibson, even though I had my doubts a few years ago about the size of his wallet. Now, though I'm all happy, he clearly found a couple million or two down the back of his settee to splash the cash on Vossen and Kike (the latter is too greedy in my opinion, but he scores, unlike Juke, so I'm not complaining.) I very much WANT to like Lee Tomlin, but think he likes to play defensive midfield too much - sorry if any of you like (or indeed ARE) Lee. Uncle Albert is very hit and miss and I cannot wait for the return of Muzzy, although Reachy is doing very well in place of the guy from Gambia.
So, thanks to you guys who've read this and I hope you come back to see what I've gotta think about anything to do with Boro, whether it be the food in the Riverside (I do love me a Parmo in a Bun) to the state of football in general.
Cheers , up the boro and there is only one Steve Gibson.
I'm setting up this blog, partly to give you my insight on the boro's fight (or plight) to get back into the promised land of the Premier League and partly because I'm going to do a journalism degree, and this should give me an idea as to what being on a course like that should entail, you know, minus the stress, deadlines and the living away from my home in Ingleby Barwick.
Right, some things you might want to know about me and my views on the Boro. My dad didn't let me go to Cardiff, Eindhoven, the Quarter Final and Semi Final home legs of the UEFA cup, and i'm still pretty annoyed about that to this day. My favourite player in my memory would be our very own Stewie Downing and I do love Steve Gibson, even though I had my doubts a few years ago about the size of his wallet. Now, though I'm all happy, he clearly found a couple million or two down the back of his settee to splash the cash on Vossen and Kike (the latter is too greedy in my opinion, but he scores, unlike Juke, so I'm not complaining.) I very much WANT to like Lee Tomlin, but think he likes to play defensive midfield too much - sorry if any of you like (or indeed ARE) Lee. Uncle Albert is very hit and miss and I cannot wait for the return of Muzzy, although Reachy is doing very well in place of the guy from Gambia.
So, thanks to you guys who've read this and I hope you come back to see what I've gotta think about anything to do with Boro, whether it be the food in the Riverside (I do love me a Parmo in a Bun) to the state of football in general.
Cheers , up the boro and there is only one Steve Gibson.
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