Strachan’s Former Celtic Boys Face New Rivalry March 10, 2010
Posted by stuart in Middlesbrough.Tags: Barry Robson, Boro, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Scott McDonald, Stephen McManus
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The game against Newcastle on Saturday could be a platform for us to build on which will hopefully start a mini revival in our so far dismal season in the Coca-Cola Championship.
The last time to the two sides met back in December 2009 Newcastle brushed past a lacklustre Middlesbrough team at St James’ Park signalling the massive distance in quality and determination between the two sets of players at the time. The Geordies deservedly won that game 2-0 as Boro were sent packing down the A19 reflecting on how 12 months in professional football can take you on a long and forgetful journey.
Gordon Strachan’s years in football management will ultimately pull us through this bad patch of our journey as I’m sure he will mould a new Middlesbrough which will compete in the Premier League once again. That might not be for another season or two though and the Boro fans need to deal with that as Strachan needs time to do things his own way. Don’t worry though Gibson will not make the same mistake twice in succession in appointing a manager with an ambitious 5-year-plan that fell very flat in the third year.
Strachan, in my opinion, has brought in players that he feels will ultimately win us more football matches than losses and that is the most important factor for a new manager at any club. A solid foundation is needed before we can start to think about promotion and with that comes games like the one we saw at Cardiff last Saturday where we had to scrap and fight for everything but unfortunately were undone by a couple of decisions that were out of our hands, no pun intended.
The Championship is a league made up of brutality, sharp-thinking, spirit and passion which a team needs all of if they are to be successful. Strachan is slowly adding these elements to the once flat Middlesbrough we saw last season.
Players like Barry Robson and Stephen McManus, who in games I’ve seen, are capable of moving mountains if necessary just to get a strangle-hold on a game. We have missed players like this for a few seasons now and with games like the Tees-Tyne derby I expect we will not be short on commitment out on the pitch against the Magpies.
The former Celtic lads have all played in arguably the biggest rivalry in club football so they will have no problems in showing what they can do in the somewhat tamer version on Saturday afternoon.
It is very important to have players in a side that have experienced the biggest occasions and with Robson, McManus and McDonald we have three players that will be raring to go against Newcastle. Let’s hope that the rest of the Boro boys can mirror what those lads can do.
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McDonald Eyes Newcastle Game To Start Goal-Run March 3, 2010
Posted by stuart in Scott McDonald.Tags: Boro, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Middlesbrough, Scott McDonald
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Scott McDonald is back in training after seeing a specialist about his troublesome hernia. The 26-year-old has had problems with the injury since he had surgery in January and has not been match fit for Boro since signing from Celtic for £3.5million in the transfer window.
A second operation was on the cards for the Australian international before a trip to see a specialist recently confirmed he only needed injections to recover from the injury allowing the former Celtic striker to return to light training this week.
Although he is back on Teesside and back in training the Cardiff City game may come too soon for him and it is likely that Gordon Strachan will rest him for another week before unleashing him against Newcastle United a week on Saturday.
Talking to the Northern Echo McDonald insists he wants to be fully fit before putting a Boro shirt on again.
“Whether or not I am ready for Saturday we’ll wait and see. It’s just a day by day progression,” he said. “The most important thing is if it’s not this week we’ll look towards the Newcastle game. But whenever I come back it has to be 100per cent right this time. That is the most important thing for me and for Middlesbrough.” – Scott McDonald
I’m pretty sure that Strachan would play McDonald even if he was only 75per cent match-fit so I wouldn’t count him out of the squad for the trip to the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
It’s important for Strachan’s boys to keep the momentum going after last Saturday’s home win over Queens Park Rangers and if McDonald is not available it means the likes of Lita and Killen will have to step up to the plate. The challenge is there for them two now so let’s see how they handle it before one of them drops down to the bench when McDonald is back raring to go.
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Former Celtic Man Is Digging Us Out Of Mess March 2, 2010
Posted by stuart in Barry Robson.Tags: Barry Robson, Boro, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, George Boateng, Gordon Strachan, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United
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Gordon Strachan is slowly piecing his own Middlesbrough jigsaw together with the help of a few of his old pals from yesteryear in Scotland. The 53-year-old endured a few months of mixed reactions from the Boro faithful but now, after grabbing a few experienced players from north of the border, it looks like he has transformed our team of over-paid and inexperienced players into to a workforce of honest lads and it’s far from the finished article.
The January transfer window was always the one thing that Strachan wanted to utilise to build his own team and from the players we have seen slot into the side we have to be impressed. Stephen McManus has added calmness and authority to our defending since joining us on loan from Celtic and Kyle Naughton, another loan signing, has given the side increased energy down the flanks.
Permanent signings Willo Flood, Chris Kellen, Scott McDonald and Lee Miller have all added that extra bit of hunger to the team as we fight for Premier League football next season. These players are very eager to play top flight football in England and want to make the next step up having played at the top in Scotland.
The best signing has been saved until last. The capture of Barry Robson could prove to be the best signing of the season in the Championship. So far the 31-year-old has started seven games scoring three times and grabbing two man of the match awards along the way.
His engine is unbelievable for a thirty-something and with his desire and leadership in the middle of the park we could be on the move in the league now because I think, despite the loss of Johnson to Manchester City, we have one of the strongest midfields in the Championship – certainly the middle pairing of O’Neil and Robson.
We’ve been desperate for someone as passionate as Robson to fill the boots left by George Boateng two years ago. Many fans could see it last season that the side lacked a certain bite in the middle of the park despite the efforts from Matthew Bates but without players like these a team can crumble in minutes, just like we did in games that eventually resulted in us being relegated from the Premier League last term.
Now we have the fight back in our midfield we can hope for better fortunes in games as we enter the business run-in of the season. Tough games against Cardiff City and Newcastle await but I’m sure our players will be up for the fight.
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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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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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Calling All Celtic Fans: How Good Is McManus? January 26, 2010
Posted by stuart in Transfer Rumours.Tags: Boro, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan, Middlesbrough, Stephen McManus
83 comments
Gordon Strachan is again linking up with his former club to try and strengthen the Middlesbrough team. With the team hit by a recent batch of injuries, Strachan has been forced into looking for new recruits to add to the ever depleting squad and has recently turned his attentions to Celtic defender Stephen McManus.
The 27-year-old is the longest serving player at Celtic Park having been a professional at the Sottish giants for 10 years. During Strachan’s reign at Celtic he handed McManus the captaincy so he certainly fits the criteria of Boro needing leaders on the pitch.
At the moment a loan deal is being thrashed out for the Scotland international, but this may be slightly premature because we apparently face competition from Premier League side Burnley for his signature.
I’m in the dark about this lads ability to defend and his attitudes on the park so I would welcome any reviews from Celtic fans about Stephen McManus. Good or bad that is.
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The Verdict On Boro’s New Bhoys January 14, 2010
Posted by stuart in Barry Robson, Chris Killen, Middlesbrough, Willo Flood.Tags: Barry Robson, bhoys, Boro, celtic, Chris Killen, Gary Caldwell, Middlesbrough, Strachan, wigan, Willo Flood
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My last post featured the ongoing transfer speculation between Middlesbrough and Scottish giants Celtic.
The quartet of players that Gordon Strachan has been trying to get his mitts on were give a thorough going over by numerous Hoops fans yesterday and have given us Boro fans an insight into what we are to expect from the players.
From the local voices in and around Glasgow it seems we are getting a real workhorse in Robson, a big lump of Kiwi in Killen and an Irish whippet called Flood.
The Gary Caldwell saga has now ended with Wigan confirming that the former Celtic captain had signed for the Premier League outfit. According to the Celtic fans verdict of the 28-year-old it looks like we have been fortunate not to land him. Cheers to Wigan for taking him at the 11th hour.
Celtic fans review quartet of Bhoys
Barry Robson:
“You’re getting a player who’ll work his socks off for the cause. Our best form this season has coincided with his return from injury. Don’t let his age put you off, he still has bags of energy and will always give 100%,” Chris said.
“Really good hard working player with a good left foot and good at dead ball free kicks,” Hoopsah explains.
“Barry Robson is a steal. Can always be guaranteed to buzz all over the park, kicking lumps out of everyone and enforcing himself even when everyone else is not. Can get goals and drive on with the ball. Suspect passing from time to time though,” – McPike added.
“Robson is excellent, though lacking pace but will fight tooth and nail for every loose ball. Was everyone’s tip for captain at Celtic if we punted our two centre halves,” says JuveBhoy.
Chris Killen:
“Killen never let us down and scored some great goals but didn’t get a run due to injury. He’ll do well for Boro,” Stevie told FTBBR.
“Just like that big Blackburn centre-half and that’s where it ends. Never really got a chance a Celtic. Never really got a run apart from this pre season where he scored goals for fun,” Said Seumas.
“Killen looked good at Hibs then got a knee injury and wasn’t able to show his game at Celtic. Not too sure he has the strength and power to play as a target man, he looks better playing off two wingers. Seems to score goals for NZ so maybe managers should play to his strengths,” added Dave.
Willo Flood:
“Flood was excellent on the right side of midfield for Dundee United, but never going to be Celtic class. Who was he going to replace, Aiden McGeady?” said JuveBhoy.
“Willo Flood is payback for giving us Andy ‘the mullet’ Payton. Celtic fans have long memories,” Kenny told us.
“Don’t know, good at Dundee Utd but not given a chance at Celtic,” Hoppsah added.
And this is what we might have expected from Gary Caldwell if he hadn’t seen the bright lights of Wigan.
Gary Caldwell:
“Its hard to tell whether Caldwell was duff this season because of contract issues or because his form has just eluded him. But he is a pretty good player, liable to make howling mistakes from time to time. Agree with the height issue said before, but with a good partner is a good defender,” McPike said.
“If I were a Boro fan I would be hoping that Caldwell goes to Wigan as he is a time bomb on the park,” Danny added.
“I wouldn’t be too gutted at losing Caldwell to Wigan, at least Martinez will lose patience and drop him, Strachan won’t. He thinks he’s a footballer and is prone to the the odd clanger. He loves to handle it in the box and score Ogs,” JuveBhoy said.
Many thanks to the Celtic faithful for leaving their comments about the above four players. If you would like to add more details about these players, then feel free to leave a comment below.
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Strachan’s New Year Boro Defence December 18, 2009
Posted by stuart in Gary Caldwell, Middlesbrough, celtic.Tags: Boro, Boro Brick Road, celtic, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gareth Southgate, Gary Caldwell, Gordon Strachan, Middlesbrough
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With rumours hotting up as we approach the January transfer window, I take a look at the reasoning behind the Gary Caldwell link.
It was not surprising that Gordon Strachan would be linked with moves for Celtic payers, after all he did spend four seasons in his homeland in charge of the green and white half of Glasgow. So when Caldwell was mentioned it became clear that Strachan might be tempted to bring in players that he knows a lot about.
Gary Caldwell is very experienced and at the age of 27, still has a few more years left playing. Would Caldwell move over the boarder to Teesside though and would he sacrifice playing in Europe to potentially play in the Championship next season? It’s one question that only he can answer but for me this could be a very strong possibility.
Now then, where would he play? And who will miss out on a place at the back? I think, despite the rumoured bust-up between St Ledger and Strachan, that the Boro boss wants to strengthen the defence so we might see Sean play at right-back in the New Year, a position he has excelled at for the Republic of Ireland. This will make way for Caldwell, who Strachan will look to for leadership skills – someone in the back four that will marshal and lead the side. We have missed someone who can organise the defence ever since Gareth Southgate hung up his boots.
So there you have it, Strachan could reshuffle the Boro defence to unveil a new look back four for the New Year.
What do you think?
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