O’Neil and Yeates Sales Would Be Very Risky January 16, 2010
Posted by stuart in Transfer Rumours.Tags: Boro, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gary O'Neil, Mark Yeates, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Sheffield United
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Gordon Strachan confirmed that he wants to bring in a further three or four new players to Middlesbrough in an attempt to strengthen the squad for a promotion push for the second half of the season.
With players coming in I suspect that the need to sell players will have to be exercised to balance the books. This is alarming considering the speculation surrounding the future of two of Boro’s best performers this season.
Mark Yeates has been fantastic this season in a Boro shirt and has made the step up from lower league an easy passage. Our opponents today are said to be in talks with the winger about a possible move south with a figure of £500,000 being touted for the 25-year-old.
Unless we bring in someone who is of equal calibre, I think this will be a mistake considering the lad is still settling into Championship football and personally I think he has done a super job for us so far.
Another player that has been in good shape this season for us and has showed his enthusiasm for the team even when things haven’t been going right is Gary O’Neil. The former Pompey man is wanted by a few Premier League clubs including Portsmouth, but with his progression as a Boro player and his contract extension now signed and sealed up, it will take a hefty fee to prize the midfielder away from the Riverside.
Strachan will have to tread carefully surrounding these two players because both are workers and have the quality which is needed to get Middlesbrough out of a bad situation. I can certainly see fans turning on Gordon very quickly if these players were to be sold without being replaced with equal measure.
Up The Boro
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Stop Teasing Us With These Rumours December 22, 2009
Posted by stuart in Beckford, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gordon Strachan.Tags: Boro, Elland Road, Follow The Boro Brick Road, Gary O'Neil, Gordon Strachan, Jermaine Beckford, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sean St Ledger, Simon Grayson
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Jermaine Beckford has been linked with Middlesbrough in the last 24 hours fuelling speculation that League 1’s sharpest shooter will be Strachan’s first permanent signing next month.
This would be great news for us if we were to grab the free-scoring forward but it looks unlikely with the 26-year-old’s love affair with the Elland Road faithful. And despite a spat with Leeds boss Simon Grayson last weekend it will take a lot of persuading for the hotshot to step up to the Championship a few months before Leeds arrive in the same league themselves.
Preston North End confirmed today that they will not be getting their former defender Sean St Ledger back from us after he moved to the Riverside in September. Another one for the rumour mill – I wonder where he is going if they are true? Nowhere of course.
Some good news at last this week. Gary O’Neil’s contract at Middlesbrough has been extended – not by Gary though, by the club after it was revealed that the midfielder had a clause in his contract which allowed us to extend the deal which sees the former Pompey player remain under contract on Teesside until 2012 which will keep poachers at bay.
At least he won’t be able to leave in the summer on a free like others in the past with this option being exercised by Middlesbrough. O’Neil was recently given the captaincy following the arrival of Gordon Strachan and has performed very well with the armband since.
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The Boro Players Owe The Fans December 11, 2009
Posted by stuart in Middlesbrough.Tags: Boro, Boro Brick Road, Cardiff City F.C., Dave Jones, F.A. Cup, Gary O'Neil, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough F.C. season 2007–08
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The FA Cup exit to Cardiff City in 2008 is still firmly in the memory of the Boro fans that were there to witness the Welsh side take Middlesbrough apart at will and win 2-0.
Cardiff went on to reach the FA Cup Final at Wembley and narrowly lost out to Portsmouth by a single goal. Some said that we bottled it that day and others spoke about that year being our best chance of winning the FA Cup considering we could have potentially played Pompey in the final.
There was huge hype surrounding that game in April last year because the previous day, in the other last eight matches, Manchester United and Chelsea were knocked out by Portsmouth and Barnsley respectively meaning that there was added excitement that we could actually get our hands on the trophy.
21 months later and we are struggling to maintain a top six place in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League and face Cardiff City in the league on Sunday.
Dave Jones’ side are sitting in third place and travel to the Riverside on the back of a 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion last week and with it boast the fourth best away record in the league.
Players that put on a Boro shirt in April 2008 against the Bluebirds let themselves down and also let the fans down. What a fitting way it would be for those players and the new faces in Strachan’s side to show what they should have done two seasons ago in the famous cup.
The players owe us a performance after Tuesday night’s loss to Blackpool. Let’s see how they react!
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Boro Team Finding Their Feet Again October 7, 2009
Posted by stuart in Middlesbrough.Tags: Adam Johnson, Boro, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Jeremie Aliadiere, Leroy Lita, Middlesbrough, Sean St Ledger
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Was it a three-match-blip that we witnessed in 10 days of forgetful football? Or was it because the team was adapting to new faces and players returning from injury?
Some of the lads will be off on international duty this week and will hopefully come back refreshed and ready for the Watford game a week on Saturday. Others will be in and around the training grounds in the next 10 days, for some to build-up fitness and for others to work on what went wrong in those terrible three games against West Brom, Coventry and Leicester City.
It was clear by everyone watching those three games that our defence looked a little out of sorts due to the new arrival of Sean St Ledger and the change of full-backs once again. The team has to adapt to these changes and it will take time, but I think the side is now looking like it could flourish once again just like it did at the beginning of the season.
It was an unforgivable sight to see us throw away a two goal lead against Coventry and also to be thrashed 5-0 by one of our main rivals but we must see that the team will once again produce the goods especially if you have players like Gary O’Neil, Adam Johnson and Leroy Lita livening things up.
The balance of Southgate’s side is edging closer to being at its full potential. We have two rock solid defenders at the heart of the defence and despite their teething problems as new partners they will soon match any Championship attackers that come their way. The exciting part of the Boro team is the midfield with Mark Yeates finding his feet very well at a higher level to what he has been used to and also the exciting talent of Adam Johnson who is a real threat to opposition defences.
Outstanding performers for me so far this season though must go to Gary O’Neil and Rhys Williams as both midfielders have shown grit and determination to dominate the midfield and allow our attackers the freedom to do their business. It will be interesting to see when or if Didier Digard is put back into the centre of the midfield, Southgate might be tempted to shape-up his team formation to allow a three-man midfield to mould which could be interesting.
Up top and Southgate finally got it right against Reading opting to change the strike duo. Lita cam in for Emnes which was a good move, not only because Leroy scored but also because it added more balance with a strong striker feeding Aliadiere who has pace. It was about time that we went with that option again.
It is fair to say that if we had not got a result against Reading that Southgate might have walked or even been pushed out of the door at the Riverside but he is still with us and he now has a tough little set of fixtures to tackle before being summoned to Lamb and Gibson for the assessment of that 15 game trial. Two massive home games against Watford and Derby County are next, six points is a must.
How do you think the side is progressing this season? Do you think we have enough in the locker to keep up with Newcastle?
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Boro To Bounce Back At Coventry September 25, 2009
Posted by stuart in Adam Johnson, Middlesbrough.Tags: Boro, Coventry City, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Jeremie Aliadiere, Middlesbrough, Ricoh Arena
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The match against West Brom last weekend should have been a test to see how far we have come this season, but after the forgetful encounter with another of the promotion pushers we surely can’t take that defeat as anything but a bad day at the office. There were a few pointless managerial decisions along the way and the referee certainly didn’t help us at the start but we at the end of the day we were very poor all over the park.
Coventry City are our next opponents tomorrow. We take the trip down the M1 for a meeting with another team that had a flying start to the season in their first four games. The Ricoh Arena will be the venue for the Boro team to bounce back from defeat last week. Let’s hope that the players were suffering this week like the fans were and they put in a good shift for the travelling away fans.
Team News
Gareth Southgate has Gary O’Neil and Jeremie Aliadiere back available with both expected to start against the Sky Blues tomorrow. Andrew Taylor is out for up to 6 weeks whilst Pogatetz and Digard will not be on the bus tomorrow as they still continue to get their fitness up to level.
Missing GOL and Aliadiere was a blow for us last week as both have been in fine form recently. The shape and quality of the side should improve dramatically from the West Brom game and I am certainly hopeful of a Boro away win although we can’t expect too many fireworks.
Key Player
Adam Johnson is again our most consistent threat to breaking the opposition defence so keep an eye out for his movement, pace and imaginary instinct.
O’Neil Adds Steel To Boro’s Midfield September 14, 2009
Posted by stuart in Aliadiere, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil.Tags: Didier Digard, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Jeremie Aliadiere, Middlesbrough, Sean St Ledger
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Gary O’Neil came back from his recent hernia operation stronger than ever. The 26-year-old put in a man-of-the-match performance against Ipswich Town on Saturday only a couple of weeks after he went under the knife.
With Didier Digard injured at the moment Gary O’Neil has been given the responsibility of commanding the midfield alongside Arca and Williams and the former Pompey man is certainly doing that in recent performances this season. For me the number 16 has probably been our best performer of the season so far and if he continues to put in 100% we will certainly be brushing teams aside in the Championship this season.
Gareth Southgate has two of his first team players back from injury this week. Digard and Pogatetz are both scheduled in to play against Leeds United reserves on Wednesday night. With both players nearing match fitness it will provide the Boro boss with plenty of options and added strength for the up and coming important fixtures.
On the transfer front it seems that Southgate has had a setback in trying to complete the initial loan deal for Sean St Ledger. The Preston man apparently failed a medical on Friday due to an ongoing injury similar to the one Wheater sustained at the end of last season. The Deepdale defender is playing through the pain and even managed a star performance in Preston’s 2-0 win over Swansea City on Saturday. With Pogatetz returning soon it might be wise to hold off on a move for St Ledger at the moment.
The Football League website picked out Jeremie Aliadiere and Gary O’Neil for their Team of the Week today. Well done to the lads for making the select XI.
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Folan To Start Against Ipswich? September 11, 2009
Posted by stuart in Folan, Match Preview/Prediction, The Riverside, Transfer Rumours.Tags: Boro, Caleb Folan, David Wheater, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough F.C., Roy Keane
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Domestic football returns this weekend after a two week gap following internationals which saw England qualify for the World Cup in South Africa next summer. Middlesbrough have the chance of getting back to winning ways tomorrow with a home game against Ipswich Town at the Riverside. It is set to be a tricky encounter though as Ipswich are looking for their first win of the season.
Roy Keane’s team sit second from bottom in the Championship, but will be boosted with new arrivals at Portman Road. The Ipswich boss was a busy man during the last few days of the summer transfer window and will be looking for an improvement to the first four games of the season. Keane has brought in new recruits from his former club, Sunderland – Carlos Edwards and Grant Leadbitter will add strength to their team as they look to pick up more points in the Championship.
Gareth Southgate on the other hand has been less productive in the transfer window, but the Boro boss might have a surprise in store for the fans as talks are ongoing to thrash out a deal for Hull striker Caleb Folan. The Republic of Ireland international has been left out of Hull’s squad for tomorrow’s trip to Sunderland and is likely to join us today if a deal can be struck. If the deal goes through smoothly, the 26-year-old could be putting on a Middlesbrough shirt tomorrow afternoon.
Team News
Gary O’Neil could make an amazing comeback from having a hernia operation just a couple of weeks ago. The 26-year-old will certainly steady our midfield and provide quality when in possession. Grounds is likely to keep his place at the back alongside David Wheater, with Taylor and McMahon playing at full back.
The question is: Will Caleb Folan sign in time for the game tomorrow? If he does sign he would go straight into the starting line-up with either Lita or Emnes. Folan started Hull’s first four games of the Premiership season so he is match fit and ready for first team action in the Championship.
Southgate is apparently facing a dilemma on our goalkeeping options. Brad Jones is now fully fit so he has to decide whether to keep Coyne between the sticks or hand Jones his first appearance in the Championship this season. It is a simple decision surely?! Only replace Coyne if he is injured or he makes a big mistake – simple.
Predictions For Tomorrow’s Game Against Ipswich Town
Stuart - that’s me – As I said earlier, this will be a tricky match for us. Keane has strengthened, but will his new additions fit straight in? We are certainly good enough to go out tomorrow and put a few past Ipswich without reply, but I think it will be a nervy encounter for the lads in front of the Boro fans. I’m still going for a win though, but just. Boro 2 Ipswich 1
Gav – ‘The Governor’ – “Huge home game for Boro this weekend against a struggling Ipswich side who are yet to find their feet so far this season. Both sides need the 3 points for very different reasons. Boro need an injection of confidence and I believe this game will prove to be just that with Boro running out comfortable winners.” Boro 3 Ipswich 1
Enjoy the game!
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Gary O’Neil Fighting Fit For Ipswich Game September 5, 2009
Posted by stuart in Middlesbrough, O'Neil, Southgate.Tags: Boro, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Ipswich Town, Julio Arca, Middlesbrough F.C.
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Gary O’Neil will strengthen Southgate’s options next week if he can be fit for the Ipswich Town game at the Riverside next Saturday. The 26-year-old has been in heroic form so far this season and even postponed a hernia operation to play in the first four league matches of the new season.
Julio Arca has come in for O’Neil and has done a steady job, nothing more so the return of O’Neil will be a massive boost for Southgate’s men as we look to get back to winning ways. I was concerned during transfer deadline day because I thought a Premiership team would come in for the midfielder, but luckily nobody did and now he can concentrate on his game and help us push for the Championship title. We need more players like O’Neil this season – a no nonsense type of player that has a bit of class on the ball, but ultimately is a workhorse.
It will be good to have him back in the middle of the park bossing the midfield because I thought we definitely missed his guile and tenacity in the 2-1 loss to Bristol City. Fingers crossed he can make the home game next week.
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Same Winning Team For Southgate? August 18, 2009
Posted by stuart in Championship, Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe United.Tags: Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Marvin Emnes, Middlesbrough F.C., Scunthorpe, Swansea, Tuncay Sanli
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Gareth Southgate has told the players to keep producing the same effort levels for every game this season. He was pleased with the performance against Swansea, but also spoke about keeping our feet firmly on the ground. Our boss spoke to the official site last night about our next opponents and the importance of not getting too carried away.
“We have to ensure that our attitude at Scunthorpe is spot on. I don’t think Scunthorpe will be as open as Swansea were. We were able to exploit that on Saturday. It will be a very tough game, we will have to be at our best to win it.” – Gareth Southgate
What Can We Expect Tonight?
Scunthorpe will be in confident mood after beating Derby on Saturday. They are a well organised side with some decent individual players. Southgate must be careful of not going into the game too confident. Keep it tight at the back and let Johnson, Emnes and Yeates do the damage up top. They have a small ground, but the fans are very close to the action so it should be a great atmosphere at Glanford Park. A sell-out is expected tonight!
Team News
The Boro boss has no injury worries to deal with for the trip to Scunthorpe tonight. Gary O’Neil still needs an operation on his hernia, but the midfielder has put off surgery until the end of the month. If that is not commitment I don’t know what is – O’Neil was superb on Saturday against Swansea and for him to postpone treatment until the end of August is a clear sign that he is committed to Boro’s Championship campaign despite interest from Aston Villa, Fulham and Everton.
So, will the boss go with the same team that put three past Swansea without reply? It would make perfect sense to name the same side, but I have a feeling that Lita may be rested and replaced by Tuncay. Lita is still improving his fitness and three games in seven days might be pushing it for the former Reading striker. This could be Tuncay’s last game in a Middlesbrough shirt so I expect Southgate to give the Turkish international one last bow in front of a packed away end at Glanford Park.
Have a look out for Everton, Villa and Fulham representatives at Glanford Park tonight. According to reports – Huth, Wheater, O’Neil and Tuncay are being monitored. Expect all four to have super games.
Predictions For Tonight’s Game At Scunthorpe
Stuart – ‘that’s me’ – The defence is showing no frailties at the moment so another rock steady performance is likely from the boys at the back. Williams and O’Neil should dominate the midfield and the boys out wide will cause the Scunthorpe defence problems. I’m looking forward to seeing how Marvin Emnes performs tonight after grabbing his first league goal for Middlesbrough. I’m going for a tight win. Scunthorpe 0 Boro 1
Gav – ‘The Governor’ – “Scunthorpe look like they are going to need to keep a strong home record this season to stay in the Championship a five-goal thriller shows they have spirit but they look leaky at the back and Boro look very strong. I can see a win for the Boro.” Scunny 0 Boro 2
Anyone think it will end differently tonight? Who will be Boro’s goal scorers?
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Southgate’s Fight To Keep Players At Boro August 17, 2009
Posted by stuart in Huth, Middlesbrough, Stoke City.Tags: Fulham, Gareth Southgate, Gary O'Neil, Middlesbrough, Robert Huth, Stoke City, Tuncay Sanli
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With only two weeks remaining before the summer transfer window closes, movement of players from club to club will increase and for teams like us we can expect the Premier League clubs to come sniffing this week.
Gareth Southgate has to juggle finding players for our Championship campaign whilst also trying to hold on to the more experienced players which are being linked to Premiership clubs.
Good Start Raises Player Profiles
Our decent start in the Championship has obviously not gone unnoticed by some Premier League clubs looking to strengthen. The two clean sheets we produced against Sheffield United at home and then Swansea City away has alerted clubs looking to strengthen their defences. Robert Huth has been immense in the first two games for us and it is no surprise that Fulham, Sunderland and Stoke City have been rumoured to be interested in the big German. Southgate must now be firm with these clubs and settle for nothing less than a profitable sum. If they want the German international so badly, then they should pay over the odds for him.
Interestingly I read a comment left by DK on the last post I did and he suggested that we might have to brace ourselves for a double departure involving Gary O’Neil and Tuncay to Everton. I think that is a strong possibility considering they were on the wrong end of a thrashing to the hands of Arsenal on Saturday.
As long as Southgate and Lamb put up a fight for these players, we should get a great return and hopefully the boss will be able to do a little shopping for himself in the remaining days of the transfer window.
Transfer Rumour Mention
Sundays and Monday morning gossip always reveals the most rumours and we were the subject of quite a few. Stoke are reported to be tabling a £2.5million offer for Robert Huth. I think if Huth is going to leave the Potters would need to cough up £5million for our current captain. Fulham and Sunderland are also rumoured to be interested in Huth as well whilst Liverpool and Villa are again rumoured to be interested in Tuncay who came on as sub against Swansea to nod in the third goal.
What do we make of the interest that Huth is getting from Stoke City? If he did leave us, do you guys think he would join Stoke? Also, is £2.5million a bit cheap for a soon to be 25-year-old?
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