How’s Nathan Porritt Getting On At Darlo? September 3, 2009
Posted by stuart in Darlington, Downing, Johnson, Middlesbrough, Nathan Porritt.Tags: Boro Brick Road, Darlington, Lincoln City, Middlesbrough F.C., Nathan Porritt
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Middlesbrough are not playing this Saturday because of the internationals. Not sure why because we don’t have any international players do we?! So, with no Boro game to get my teeth into I thought I would give you an update on the progress of Nathan Porritt who is on loan at Darlington for a month.
I have been digging around for a couple of days trying to get some feedback from a Darlington fan and with pleasure I can inform you that the 19-year-old is doing well. Here is what the Darlington fan had to say about Porritt.
“Porritt played very well against Cheltenham last weekend, seems to have a great deal of pace and trickery. Hoping we can keep him for more than the initial month loan that was agreed.” Chris Mackenzie
He has had a tough start to his loan spell with the Quakers. They sit at the bottom of League Two with only one point from five games. The rot was stopped last weekend when they earned a point at home to Cheltenham. They now face Lincoln City on Saturday and could climb out of the bottom three with a vital away win.
Chris also had a couple of questions for me, which I duly answered for him.
“Do you think he is anywhere near your first team?” – Chris Mackenzie
I told him that Nathan is more than likely to be given more time at a lower league club on loan and will possibly be used in the first team a few times in the new year. His pace on the ball is his biggest weapon and he will continue to progress the more games he plays.
Keep an eye out for the highlights of Darlington’s game on Saturday and see how the youngster gets on.
I will leave with you something Chris also said to me yesterday. Have a read and let me know your thoughts.
“I’d heard from a Boro fan he was more highly rated than downing was at same age, not sure if he was bigging him up a bit mind. Does look a good player though.” – Chris
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Adam Johnson Adds A Couple August 19, 2009
Posted by stuart in Downing, Johnson, Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe United.Tags: Adam Johnson, Middlesbrough, Premier League, Scunthorpe United F.C., Stewart Downing
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Adam Johnson scored two goals last night against Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park and with it has notched up three goals in three games so far this season. The 22-year-old has been in terrific form of late and with these good performances we must brace ourselves once again for some interest from Premier League clubs in our young starlet.
The impressive start from Johnson will surely add a couple of million pounds to his already increasing price tag. We really do have a gem of a player at The Riverside for the future ‘if’ we can keep hold of him. He has certainly filled the gap left by Stewart Downing with spirit and passion and also with determination and drive to push us forward this season. He looks like he will definitely be our most prolific player this season. I know we are only three games in, but you can see already the damage he is doing to opposition defenders with his pace and movement.
As long as we have Adam Johnson in the side this season we are always going to create chances and score goals. If we lost the young winger to a Premier League club this season we would definitely lose something very special. Adam spoke about keeping our best players earlier this week, I’m sure you all read about it – I won’t repeat the quotes because I don’t want to mention the newspaper in question because they have really hacked me off this morning. More about that in my next post, but after saying those quotes, Adam is surely sticking around for the long haul.
Although Adam Johnson is still holding off talks about a contract extension, I still believe he is committed to the club and wants to be back in the Premiership next season with Middlesbrough. A tense end to the summer transfer window is in store for Middlesbrough fans. Fingers crossed we can keep hold of him and also our other top players.
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Johnson Will Ignite Our Championship Charge August 7, 2009
Posted by stuart in Johnson, Middlesbrough.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough F.C., The Times
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We are just hours away from the first game of the season in the Championship. We have our Boro shirts on and our fingers crossed. Can we get the best possible start?
This season I am continuing to write some posts for The Times and The Mirror on their fan pages so take a look if it interests you. The Mirror or The Times might not be your cup of tea so I’m not bothered if you give it a wide birth.
The Times Online asked me a few questions about the season ahead and this is what I said. Middlesbrough: My cup is half full Have a read and feel free to agree or disagree. I have been a little optimistic as usual, but somebody has to keep the light burning.
Anyway, enjoy the game later on. Plenty of up the Boro’s and come on Boro’s!
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Adam Johnson On His Way July 29, 2009
Posted by stuart in Johnson, Middlesbrough.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Gareth Southgate, Keith Lamb, Steve Gibson, Stewart Downing
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Adam Johnson is well on his way to becoming Middlesbrough’s biggest asset as he looks to set the Championship alight this season. Our left-footed winger nicknamed Jinky has been in the shadow of a certain Stewart Downing for the last two seasons, but now has the chance to become a Boro legend and even, one day, an England great.
Now that Johnson has the left spot to himself in the first team he will revel in that position playing week in week out for Middlesbrough as we look to bounce straight back to the top flight at the first attempt. AJ has shown glimpses of genius in some of his games for Boro and the England U21’s in recent seasons and we can expect to see more of this talent on a regular basis this season as he terrorises opposition defences.
Get him signed up on a long-term deal
Gareth Southgate today hinted that he will soon begin talks with Adam about another contract extension offer. The Boro boss needs to get this deal done quick otherwise we could be faced with a top player in the making leaving us on a free transfer next summer. I say offer the lad what he wants in terms of money and be done with it. If we tie him down with a long-term deal it will be like signing a new player in its own right. Southgate should have the persuasive factor of being able to offer Johnson limitless first team action this season after the Downing departure. Let’s hope the wages won’t be a problem.
I’m sure many Boro fans believe Adam will be a major hit at the Riverside next season so fingers crossed Lamb, Gibbo and Southgate can get a deal sorted quickly!
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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?
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A Slice Of Action For Johnno and Taylor June 23, 2009
Posted by stuart in Johnson, News, Taylor.Tags: Adam Johnson, Andrew Taylor, England, England U21, Football, Germany, Jack Rodwell, Middlesbrough, Stuart Pearce
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The England U21 team progressed to the semi-finals of the European U21 Championships before a ball was even kicked last night, but there was the matter of playing a certain country called Germany. Adam Johnson started his second game in succession starting in his favoured left wing position whilst Andrew Taylor was given the nod by Stuart Pearce to play at left back.
Although Germany started the brighter and took a deserved lead against the young lions Pearce’s lads played some good football in the first half to warrant an equaliser which came on the half hour mark scored by the impressive Jack Rodwell.
Andrew Taylor was composed at the back and will give Kieron Gibbs some competition for the left back position for Fridays semi-final. Adam Johnson was back to his best for his country last night lighting up the pitch with his close control and dashing runs. If only Southgate had played him more last season!
Good luck to the team on Friday especially the Middlesbrough boys, Johnno and Taylor.
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Johnson Adds Another £1million To His Value June 9, 2009
Posted by stuart in Johnson.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, England U21, Middlesbrough
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Adam Johnson enjoyed a well-earned 90 minutes of football last night in Milton Keynes. The 21-year-old has been starved of first-team action all season by Gareth Southgate, his club boss. Stuart Pearce on the other hand sees the quality of the winger and plays him on a regular basis for the U21’s. Does Southgate watch these games?
I’m looking forward to the U21 European Championships. It will be a chance to see Johnson and Taylor in action for England and hopefully if they both play well especially Johnson it will give Southgate a kick up the backside which will prompt him to keep hold of the young winger for next season.
Johnson’s future is uncertain at the Riverside as are most of the first-team squad players. If we are to sell Johnson this summer we might get a decent sale from him because I predict he will light up the tournament this summer and his valuation will go up a considerable amount. If I was in Southgate’s position though I would still try to keep hold of Adam for next season – he is that good!
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Who Will Be Boro’s Hero On Sunday? May 22, 2009
Posted by stuart in Aliadiere, Alves, Arca, Bates, Boro, Downing, Emnes, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Hoyte, Huth, Johnson, Middlesbrough, Tuncay, Wheater.1 comment so far
Deja Vu anyone? Remember last seasons final game of the season? We need a performance like that at Upton Park on Sunday to give us a chance.
The 8-1 demolition of Manchester City on the final day of last season will never be repeated again by any team in this league for a very long time, but I’m sure we can pull a shock win out of the bag.
Who can be our hero on Sunday?
For me I think Tuncay has everything in his locker to be our hero on Sunday, but a player that Southgate has shunned all season could be the unlikely hero for us and that is Adam Johnson. The 21-year-old will show us what he can do against West Ham and I’m predicting a dazzling performance from the young Boro winger.
Just a four-goal win at West Ham will do us. That’s me being hopeful by the way. It is the only way to think at this stage of the season. There is no point in me saying we are relegated because we are not. The players know they have a chance on Sunday and I’m sure they will be doing everything they can to make sure we have a chance of surviving the drop.
I am certain Gareth Southgate will play another attacking team at Upton Park. He will have to rely on his defence and his goalkeeper to perform heroics if he wants us to win by a few goals. Keep it tight at the back and try to nick a couple of goals. If we win the game – we have done our best. We can’t go into the game thinking we must win 4-0. Just a win will do and then hope United do us a favour!
Team News
Stewart Downing joins Pogatetz, Riggott and Alves on the treatment table meaning Southgate will probably play the team that started the second half against Villa last week.
Southgate does have options with Aliadiere and Digard though. Both are in contention after recovering from injuries.
Team to face West Ham:
Jones
Bates Wheater Huth Hoyte
Emnes O’Neil Arca Johnson
Aliadiere Tuncay
Can we get a prediction right? Probably not, but we will have a good go for Sundays game. With Boro are as unpredictable as ever and with the last day of season form going out of the window anything could happen at Upton Park.
Boro Boy (That’s me) – We have to go for it. This is our biggest cup final of them all. Bigger than the UEFA Cup final three years ago and even bigger that the Carling Cup final win in 2004. We must win and then await other results which might go our way. I’m always going to be optimistic so here goes. West Ham 1 Boro 3 and Hull to get beaten at home by United 4-1. Newcastle to lose to Villa.
Gav ‘the Governor’ – “This is D-Day for Boro and I am determined to get one forecast right before this season ends. I believe Boro will throw the kitchen sink at the Hammers meaning they will be liable to the fast counter-attacking football from West Ham. Boro will score, but I think the Hammers will too.” West Ham 1 Boro 1
A big thank you goes to Gav ‘the Governor’ for his unbiased predictions for Middlesbrough games this season. I am hoping we will have the Guv’s predictions next season. Cheers pal.
Enjoy the game on Sunday and I hope, whatever league we are in next season, you will still be following the Boro Brick Road. I wonder how this seasons journey will end!
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Middlesbrough v Aston Villa May 15, 2009
Posted by stuart in Alves, Aston Villa, Bates, Didier Digard, Downing, Emanuel Pogatetz, Emnes, Gareth Southgate, Huth, Johnson, Middlesbrough, Riggott, Tuncay.1 comment so far
This is it then. A day where we could have the (R) next to our name with one game remaining. To be relegated at home will only add insult to injury for a club that reached the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
Gareth Southgate has one last chance to put things right tomorrow otherwise we will be playing in the Championship next season.
Aston Villa come to town looking to put the final nail in the Boro coffin. Southgate’s former club will not lie down easily and will be coming to the Riverside to claim all three points. Martin O’Neill has already admitted he will not be handing anyone any favours in the relegation battle. Villa also play Newcastle in their final game of the season and will be looking for maximum points at home to the Barcodes as well as three points at the Riverside.
The Southgate Shuffle
I predict Gareth Southgate will do a shuffle at least once tomorrow. The first shuffle will be concerning his team selection – I expect the Boro boss to name Julio Arca in the starting line-up instead of Mo Shawky and Adam Johnson will come into the team to replace the injured Alves. Johnno will play wide right and Downing will play either a more central role or in his natural position on the left. Tuncay and Emnes will start up front and Wheater will start in favour of Bates at the back.
Could we see another Southgate Shuffle at 5pm tomorrow? If we win I’m sure we will see him do some sort of celebratory jig. Eat your heart out Arsene Wenger!
Team News
Boro have some definite absentees tomorrow. Emanuel Pogatetz, Chris Riggott, Didier Digard and Afonso Alves are all sidelined with injuries. The injuries to Pogga and Riggs leaves Southgate sweating on the fitness of David Wheater. Wheats says he will play ‘no matter what’ indicating that the Redcar Rock will be playing through the pain barrier tomorrow. If only we had a few more players like Wheater – fantastic attitude in this do or die situation.
Prediction Time
Our predictions last week were put under threat almost instantly when Southgate decided to keep the injuries to Digard and Wheater a secret before the Newcastle game. This week we know a little more about who is available. Here goes!
BoroBoy (that’s me) – There is only one result that will do tomorrow and that is a Boro win. I’m not going to say much this week, I’ll just keep it short and sweet. Boro 2 Villa 1
Gav ‘the Governor’ – “After Monday nights ‘Cup Final’ I unfortunately think Boro are going to be playing in the Championship next season and I think heads will have dropped going into theVilla game – I don’t think Boo will be brimming with confidence. I can see Villa playing well as they have been off form and will be targeting this game as 3 points they should get and I believe they will.” Boro 1 Villa 3
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The ‘Arsh’enal Game Just Got Interesting April 22, 2009
Posted by stuart in Arshavin, Didier Digard, Johnson, Middlesbrough, Wheater.5 comments
Don’t worry people I’ve not gone all Steve McClaren on you with the title of this post. I’m on about the little Russian that plays for Arsenal.
The Gunners’ front man notched an incredible four times last night at Anfield as his team drew 4-4 with the league leaders. If the Russian takes that form into Sunday’s game we could be in for a torrid time.
The Arsenal game just got interesting with that performance by Arsenal last night. Boro will also be boasting though with players back from injury and players hitting form. Didier Digard was back in action in the reserve team last night. Our French midfielder managed just over an hour of football in a 2-0 win over Man City which will give Southgate the confidence to start him against Arsenal on Sunday.
Another player that the Boro boss should be looking to include in his starting XI at the Emirates is Adam Johnson. The Boro winger produced a great performance last night for the reserves scoring a goal. All of a sudden the game against Arsenal is looking like a game we could get something from. Players are back from injury and suspensions and also players are hitting form at the right time.
A player to watch on Sunday will be Redcar born David Wheater. The Boro stopper has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal in recent weeks so I expect him to play very well and prove that he is worth more than the ‘pocket money’ offer that Arsenal are rumoured to be placing pre-season.
Wheater will have the task of keeping Arshavin quiet on Sunday which is set to be a very enjoyable encounter. Will the Russian run rings around big Dave or will the Redcar Rock stop the Arsenal striker in his tracks?
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