Consistency Is Key For Boro’s Play-Off Chances February 8, 2010
Posted by stuart in Middlesbrough.Tags: Boro, David Wheater, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Scott McDonald
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What an interesting week we’ve had in the footballing world. Middlesbrough have officially changed their name to Middlesbrough Celtic FC, John Terry got the sack from his duties as England captain and Mido returned from his homeland to play for 50p-a-week with crisp bonus add-ons.
Scott McDonald was not ready for his Boro debut because of a reaction to a recent hernia operation but McManus managed a decent performance in his first game for Boro but couldn’t keep out the Tractor Boys’ first minute goal. His new partner at the back, David Wheater salvaged a point for Boro scoring his first goal since notching against Everton in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup last season.
With the fixtures coming thick and fast in the business end of the season Gordon Strachan will be hoping his new recruits do the business on the pitch over the coming months. We are currently experiencing a run of four league games without defeat which is a rarity theses days. The last time we had a stretch of four games without losing a game was during our god start to this season before Nicky Maynard’s last minute strike for Bristol City started a a run of inconsistency.
We now have two great opportunities to get six points on the board as we take on Barnsley (tomorrow night) and Peterborough United on Saturday, both games being at the Riverside. With the experienced players we now have in the squad and the injury list slowly shortening we could be in for a good month.
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New Era At Boro Starts Tomorrow February 5, 2010
Posted by stuart in Match Preview/Prediction, Middlesbrough.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Ipswich Town, Lee Miller, Leroy Lita, Scott McDonald
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New manager.. check. New players.. check. Lower wage-bill.. check. So this is this the start of a new era at the Riverside. In a recent interview Steve Gibson declared the need to change the style of football we play at the club from a technical style of play to a more rugged and hard-working style. With Gordon Strachan’s new recruits it seems that his wish might come true after brining in some strong characters during the January transfer window.
If this change in attitude, which includes the sale of Adam Johnson, is needed to win football matches in the Championship then I’m certainly all for it. We now have a more balanced squad of players and also have a good source of goal-scorers in Scott McDonald and Leroy Lita. The need to add strength up top has been answered with the inclusion of Miller and Killen to the Boro squad which is a must in this league.
Players like McManus and Robson will bring bags of experience to the Middlesbrough side which has been lacking for a few years now. Both are capable leaders on the pitch and will provide us with more steer and guidance during games.
Willo Flood will add energy to the midfield whilst the Spurs lad, Naghton will provide more options going forward, linking up well with the attackers. The new look Boro side could face teething problems though as the new players settle in, as we saw with the Sheffield United game a couple of weeks ago so, again, do not expect overnight success.
Ipswich Town v Middlesbrough
Strachan will take the Boro team to Portman Road tomorrow knowing that a win against Roy Keane’s side would lift them closer to a Play-Off position and with Blackpool and Sheffield United both losing midweek it means that we can claw back some points in Suffolk.
With the injury list as long as Lee Miller Strachan is likely to add moat of his new recruits to the starting line-up against Ipswich. Scott McDonald will be hoping for a debut goal in a red shirt whilst Stephen McManus and Kyle Naughton will want to impress the WGS in defence.
After the disappointment of not being able to score past a Bristol City side that had shipped six in their previous game, I’m confident that our new recruits will fire us past Keano’s team. Three points here we come.
Ipswich Town 1 Middlesbrough 3
Calling All Celtic Fans: How Good Is McDonald? February 2, 2010
Posted by stuart in Middlesbrough, Scott McDonald.Tags: Boro, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Middlesbrough, Scott McDonald
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Gordon Strachan raided Celtic for the last time yesterday as he convinced Scott McDonald to leave Celtic Park for the Riverside. Last week I did a similar post about the credentials of Stephen McManus and received a very good report about him from the excellent Celtic fans, which will be published later this week.
It’s refreshing to see and read that so many of the Bhoys’ fans are willing to spend a few minutes of their time to talk about ex-players and from the response we received last week it does confirm that the Celtic fans are a very knowledgeable bunch. Thanks for your time once again.
You know the score by now – us Boro fans don’t know much about Scott McDonald so enlighten us with what we are getting and what he will bring to the Middlesbrough team? Also, let us know what your favourite goals were from the Aussie so we can look them up on youtube.
A quick mention about your last minute signing as well from me. Great signing for you guys, top player and I’m sure he will be an instant hit. Good luck!
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Adam Johnson Set To Join Manchester City February 1, 2010
Posted by stuart in Adam Johnson, Transfer News.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Boro Brick Road, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Scott McDonald
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It looks like Adam Johnson will be leaving Middlesbrough today after reports have confirmed that the 22-year-old is on his way to Manchester for a medical ahead of completing a £7 million move from the Riverside.
The Premier League club had a first bid for the winger turned down by Boro on Friday but now, after a late bid yesterday evening, it looks like Middlesbrough officials have accepted that offer for our left winger.
With the news that Adam Johnson is on his way to the City of Manchester Stadium it means that Strachan can concentrate on putting the finishing touches to the Lee Miller and Scott McDonald transfers.
Fingers crossed we don’t muck this up because if we do let Johnson go without signing a replacement goalscorer the Boro board will certainly have egg on their faces.
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Manchester United Join Race To Land Johnson February 1, 2010
Posted by stuart in Transfer Rumours.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Manchester City, Manchester United F.C., Middlesbrough, Sir Alex Ferguson
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According to reports Sir Alex Ferguson will try and lure Adam Johnson to Old Trafford today which would serve up another blow for their rivals Manchester City who are also reportedly interested in our 22-year-old winger.
This latest development could be beneficial to the final fee for Johnson as it is reported that three top teams in the Premier League could now start a bidding war.
Johnson would be the natural replacement for Ryan Giggs on the left flank and could provide strength in depth as United look to conquer the Premier League and the Champions League. It is the Champions League that might be the persuading factor in Johnson’s eyes. With aspirations of making the World Cup in June, Johnson will be tempted to show what he can do on the biggest stage in club football.
We’ll keep a close eye on the latest Adam Johnson transfer saga.
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Come And Get A Boro Shirt If You Think You’re Good Enough February 1, 2010
Posted by stuart in Scott McDonald, Transfer News.Tags: Boro, Boro Brick Road, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Middlesbrough, Rumours, Scott McDonald, Transfer News
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After Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Bristol City in front of less than 18,000 Boro fans, today’s transfer deadline day might be the most important day in Middlesbrough’s season if things go the manager’s way.
Gordon Strachan again highlighted the need for goalscorers in the team after seeing his side waste very good chances against the Robins. Strachan has one final day to get players in that will make a difference to our chances of getting into a Play-Off place.
Throughout the day I will try to give you as much information on the Middlesbrough transfer news. Starting with the earliest I will write the latest news as the rumours materialise on transfer deadline day.
Let me know if there is anything I’ve missed or you hear of any rumours about players coming to the Riverside today. Leave your name and where you’re from and I’ll give you a mention.
Here goes:
Scott McDonald – The Celtic striker will travel to the Riverside today to discuss personal terms but don’t hold your breath on this one because West Ham and a couple of other Premier League clubs are also interested the highly rated Australian international so this could go to the wire.
Possibility rating: 4/5
Today’s latest links on this move: STV, Sportal, ABC Sports
Lee Miller – Press north of the border are confirming that Aberdeen striker Lee Miller is heading to the Riverside today to be unveiled as Strachan’s newest recruits. The 26-year-old will travel to Teesside after both clubs agreed on a £500,000 deal. He’s a big lad so expect route one football if things are not going Strachan’s way in games. Could be beneficial against most teams in the Championship. We’ve needed a powerhouse up top since the start of the season.
Possibility rating: 4.5/5
Today’s latest links on this move: The Press & Journal
Kyle Naughton – Harry Redknapp has confirmed that we might be taking Naughton on loan for the rest of the season. The England U21 right-back has not played much football at White Hart Lane since he moved to North London last summer from Sheffield United. Strachan will see this as added options on the right side as Naughton can provide energy down the flanks.
Possibility rating: 4/5
Today’s latest links on this move: SkySportsNews, The Northern Echo
Shunsuke Nakamura – The former Celtic man is on Strachan’s radar and with bags of experience he could be a player that can add strength to Boro’s midfield. The Japanese midfielder is highly-rated by Strachan who managed him whilst at Celtic. If anything does materialise it will be a loan move for the Espanyol player.
Possibility rating: 3/5
Today’s latest links on this move: SkySportsNews, Gazette
Keep checking back for more rumours and done deals.
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Nakamura May Follow McManus To Boro January 29, 2010
Posted by stuart in Transfer Rumours.Tags: Boro, celtic, Espanyol, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Middlesbrough, Shunsuke Nakamura
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Former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is in talks with Middlesbrough about a possible loan move to Teesside according to the Spanish media. Shunsuke Nakamura is well known by Gordon Strachan and with the inevitable departure of Adam Johnson to Manchester City, it looks like Strachan is wanting more creativity in the midfield and is hopeful of brining the Japanese international to the Riverside.
Nakamura, who is 31-years-old, can play anywhere along the middle which would give us extra options when going forward. If we do get hold of the current Espanyol number 7 it would mean five former Celtic players would be in the Middlesbrough squad. Can anyone else see a little pattern emerging here?!
The deal needs to be thrashed out very soon if we are to land the free-kick expert. Time is running out, make haste Gordon.
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Is Johnson In Pursuit Of Happiness Or Cash? January 29, 2010
Posted by stuart in Adam Johnson, Gordon Strachan, Transfer Rumours.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Roberto Mancini
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Adam Johnson wants to talk to Manchester City to see what they can offer him in terms of football. The 22-year-old is likely to sign for Roberto Mancini’s side if he is guaranteed first-team football from now until the end of the season meaning Gordon Strachan will have to work fast in securing more signings to strengthen the squad before the transfer window is shut.
With the departure of Johnson looking more and more likely, especially as Robinho has now switched to Santos, we are going to be very light on goals once our leading goalscorer heads back to the Premier League. After the failed attempt to land Celtic striker Scott McDonald it seems that Strachan might get a wee bit desperate and try to land some unknown quantity which he has been reluctant to do up until now.
For me our next signings hinge on the sale of Johnson whether it be now or at the end of the season. If he does leave at the end of the season it means a deal must be in place with an initial fee being paid up front to allow our cash-strapped club to afford new players.
We need to get this right and looking at the clock we only have a few days and hours left to build a team that is capable of charging up the league into the Play-Off places.
Going back to the Johnson saga, I truly believe that if AJ does move to the City of Manchester stadium he will run riot with all the excellent players around him. So will he be persuaded by the cash or is he looking to get on that plane to South Africa? My guess, his soft arrogance will lead him to take the cash and then stamp his authority on the Premier League whilst having fun.
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Will Adam Johnson Sit On The City Bench For £50k-A-Week? January 28, 2010
Posted by stuart in Adam Johnson, Transfer Rumours.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gareth Southgate, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough
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Manchester City are desperate to add a left-sided winger to their ever increasing squad after they were tormented by Ryan Giggs last night in their League Cup Semi-Final defeat to Manchester United.
Roberto Mancini will try and lure Johnson to the City of Manchester Stadium to ease the disappointment of last night’s cup exit, but the big question is: Will AJ move to Manchester City to sit on the bench?
There is no way that Mancini will throw Johnson straight into the City side, not at the business end of the season. If he does sign for the blue half of Manchester he is likely to be broken in over the next six months, limiting his appearances in the Premier League which would jeopardise his chances of making the World Cup in South Africa.
Money might talk here though, but I am a believer of ‘proper’ professional footballers and I put Adam Johnson in that bracket. He loves playing football unlike some mercenary-players that have leaked into the footballing world due to the high wages becoming available. Johnson will hate sitting on the bench and if he went to Man City, that is very likely. He spent far too long on the Boro bench thanks mainly to Stewart Downing’s quality and Southgate’s inability to play two wingers in the same game. He needs to play football matches!
Even if this latest rumour does materialise it will certainly bring Chelsea into the equation and, like I mentioned in my last post, it could start a bidding war. The worrying thing is Middlesbrough officials will be looking at the money and not the ‘good’ of Adam Johnson – after all it is a business but because we’ve had him at the Riverside since he was a small lad we should be taking a look at what’s best for both parties here.
The Adam Johnson saga continues..
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Johnson Price-Tag Rises After Stunning Strikes January 27, 2010
Posted by stuart in Adam Johnson, Transfer Rumours.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Chelsea, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Liverpool, Manchester City, Middlesbrough
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Despite the interest surrounding Adam Johnson’s future on Teesside at least, if we he does leave, we should be able to bargain for a very good price for the 22-year-old winger.
He scored two stunning goals last night which will only increase the temptation from Chelsea and Manchester City to sign him as they looked on at Doncaster Rovers last night. After his tremendous performance, it does mean his valuation will only rise and with Chelsea already rumoured to be willing to offer £6 million for AJ it could start a bidding war between the two wealthiest teams in the world.
As Boro fans we must accept what is best for the club and currently we are not in a position to offer Adam Johnson top-flight football and looking at the table we are a long way off even thinking about promotion this season. To sell Johnson this month would be a sensible option as it will bring funds in from the sale, but if he does sign for a new club this month i.e. Chelsea or Manchester City – I would like to see the option of having him stay on loan at the Riverside for the rest of the season exercised.
Until we find a marksman we will be totally lost without his goals so if he does leave the club on a complete basis we will struggle to find the goals to push us up the league table.
We also must think about what Johnson wants and to be honest I would not hold any grudge at all if he wanted to leave the club during the lead up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. If Johnson was to leave he would have to weigh up the options available to him. If he continues his form in the Premier League for the remainder of the season I’m sure he will be one of Fabio Capello’s wild-card selections for the summer.
To catch the England Manager’s eye he needs to be playing regular football in the Premier League so a move to Chelsea or Manchester City would not help his chances as both teams would only play him on a handful of occasions from now until the end of the season. He would need to fit straight into a side to feature in Capello’s plans so I think a move to Sunderland or Everton would be on the cards. My punt would be to see him playing for Liverpool. Rafa Benitez would play him from the off and I think it would be AJ’s best chance of making the World Cup linking up with Steven Gerrard in the Reds’ midfield. His arrival at Anfield might also spark a mini revival on Merseyside.
The lad must have a million and one things running through his head at the moment. I hope he makes a choice that will involve him still being able to play his football for the remainder of the season regardless of where he is. It would be an absolute travesty to see him sitting on a bench again waiting for his chance, he sat on our bench for too long. In my eyes he is the most gifted left-footed player in English football.
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