Is This A Sign Of Things To Come For Boro? July 23, 2009
Posted by stuart in Johnson, Middlesbrough.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Championship, Didier Digard, Dumbarton, Gary O'Neil, Middlesbrough, Rhys Williams, Robert Huth
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Wow! When was the last time we played two games without conceding a single goal? How about when was the last time we scored eight goals without reply?
I know we are playing against second rate opposition in these friendlies, but it must be good for the players confidence to be able to get into a winning habit, something which the players have never experienced before. I’m thinking this is a sign of things to come for next season.
Did anyone see the goals from last night? Adam Johnson returned to the team and produced a stunning goal, which pleased the winger. How refreshing it is to know that AJ played on the left side of midfield for Middlesbrough last night. Who is Downing?!
Jeremie Aliadiere played his part in the 5-0 romp of Dumbarton last night. I had almost forgotten about the Frenchman whilst talking about our future striker signings. He scored from the penalty spot last night and from the match report he was supposedly very lively. I wonder if he will be staying on Teesside next season? The other goals came from Gary O’Neil and Rhys Williams with an added own goal from a Hoyte cross.
With no goals conceded, it seems that the Boro defence is going about their business very quietly with no problems. Robert Huth is still wearing a Boro shirt and so far, fingers crossed, he has no intentions of leaving the club this summer. If we are to bounce straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt Southgate needs to keep a strangle-hold on the likes of Huth, Pogatetz and the Redcar Rock. The Championship is much more physical than the Premier League and our defence as it is now is well suited to this league so we should have one of the best defences next season.
One worry from last night’s performance against Dumbarton was the injury to our French midfielder, Didier Digard. The 23-year-old limped off with a suspected torn hip-flexor. Sounds like a girlie injury, but it seems to be a fashionable injury these days and can play havoc on a players fitness. We hope it’s not too serious and we see him back in action soon.
Is this a sign of things to come for Boro?
We could well see a few more goals scored in our remaining pre-season friendlies which will give us a boost ahead of our opening game of the Championship season against Sheffield United. We need to hit the ground running so the strikers need to be sharp in front of goal, hopefully knowing where the goal is this season.
Southgate must be pleased with the squad so far, but he still needs to add some extra experience to the team to compete next year. Where to we need to strengthen?
Follow The Boro Brick Road…
Dumbarton are not the best side so a thrashing was always on the cards. Some good football was played again from what I read in the paper this morning. I didn’t see the Johnson goal, but hopefully Southgate can keep him by saying the left side of midfield is his spot for next season. A winning habit is a must going into the season. Two strikers and another centre midfield player for me.
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Lowly opposition or not , you still need to hit the onion bag ! , something we rarely did against ANY opposition last season .
Jonno is going to take some holding onto !
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A thought the reasoning for bringing in Yeates was because we were going to lose both Johnson and Downing ? Alliadiere was also rumoured to be on his way to Fulham so hopefully Gareth has managed to change his mind and keep him at the club, he would be a great asset in the Championship.
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Now Southgate should look to sign Appiah for backup.We cannot lost Digard for long term without replacement.
Against lower team is not the point.The point is we need player to get touch and to build up understanding in game.Scoring is motivation.if they use to score a ton goal,i believe they have no problem to bang the goal nest season.Important build up teamwork,passing,to get used with tactical.read teammate movement..
.-= Ariff Ahmad´s last blog ..M’boro Season 09/10 – Boro get " Hi Five! " =-.
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I think Yeates was purchased because Southgate thought he was going to lose either O’Neil or Johnson as well as Downing. Good buy I say. He has played well in the first two friendlies. We will have to wait and see if he can cut it in the Championship though. Some good goals again last night. I am impressed with Williams. Looks like he could be a regular for us next season.
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Yeates is looking good for us from what I’ve seen in the first two friendlies. His deliveries are quite impressive. Appiah will be very hard to persuade to join us I’m afraid. He would be a good back up player. I remember we tried to sign him about 4 years ago when McClaren was in charge. The confidence is high in the camp and should be even higher when Mido goes home!
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I hope it is a sign of things to come although we will be playing much tougher opponents next season. We are settling in well which is a good sign, but we are well short of a full Championship winning squad. We need two goal scorers and another two midfielders. you reading this Southgate.. job done.
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I agree with you Stanley. We definitely need 3 or 4 more players to add to the squad because once Mido and Tuncay leave that will leave us bare. Also remember Marlon King is not there either. Two more strikers is a must.
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