SmogDane

Hi guys Sorry I missed this .. I haven't been on here for weeks .. Been a busy time lately with job and private stuff.

Is it a bird ... Is it a plane? No, it's the bashing Arsenal and Watford supporter! Dum dum daaaaaaahhhhhhhhh

Well - I would be happy to see him leave .. MC: "I'm not too stubborn to change my Boro approach, I just still believe it will work" ... The above statement is the definition of stubbornness, I would say ....

And Engel

Oh, just a thought Sacking MC few days after the window closed, before he would have had a chance to implement new players , would be a rather silly move .. Imagine a conversation between a carpenter and his boss .. Boss: Oh, here are the new tools you requested .. oh, and by the way, you are fired!!! Carpenter: Que?

Half full or half empty .. at least there's beer in the cup

I know that, but if we had won the last two games .. Most of the MC out crowd would be happy ... Despite previous results .. I am only talking about those two games ... Then we wouldn't have had this conversation ... Also .. every team in the champo from top to bottom can find at least a handful of games they shoulda had more from ...

Haven't read all comments, but come on ... You cannot say, that we are not worth watching ... Would someone really go back to Pulis or Warnock, just to focus on the defense ... We are a high-scoring team, that can do better in defense ... I bet if we had won the last two games, then everybody would praise MC and the team, and be satisfied ... So is Carrick's worth really going to be based on that small a sample? We are still very much a contender to the top 6 ...

Hola Haven't been much online lately, as work is taking all the time. But I have told my boss, that I go home early today, because it's derby day AND transfer deadline day ... But instead of reading a gazillion pages, could someone please let me know the most important rumors and stuff that's great to know, that'd be great 😉 A colleague of mine (Leicester fan) just told me about interest in Iheanacho, as he hasn't settled in Spain ... Will this be done, you reckon? Thanks in advance

I might have used ChatGPT for some parts 😉 (busy me)

It's known as Fat Finger Syndrome 😉 Edited now

FA Cup Clash: Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Rovers - A Match with History and Rivalry On Saturday, January 11 2025, two of England's most storied football clubs, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, will meet in an exciting FA Cup encounter that promises to be both thrilling and historical. This match brings together two clubs with deep roots in English football history, and it’s one of those encounters that fans will be eager to witness. The game will be a new chapter in the long history of battles between the two sides, offering both drama on the pitch and nostalgia for those familiar with their rivalry. Match Details Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025 Time: 12.00 Venue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England Competition: FA Cup, 3rd Round The FA Cup has always been a prestigious tournament in English football, attracting attention no matter the clubs involved. The magic of the FA Cup is part of what makes matches like these so exciting, especially when clubs like Middlesbrough and Blackburn, both with rich traditions, meet on the field. Historical Fun Facts about Middlesbrough vs. Blackburn Meetings Historically, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers haven’t faced off too many times in the FA Cup, but their encounters have always been filled with drama and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the most memorable facts about their past meetings: 1. The Early Encounters: The meetings between Middlesbrough and Blackburn date back to the 1890s, a time when both clubs were firmly established in the upper echelons of English football. In these early years, both teams were part of the “First Division” — the highest tier of the league, where competition was fierce and often led to thrilling matchups. 2. FA Cup – A Classic 1997 Match: One of the most memorable FA Cup encounters took place in 1997, when Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough met in the third round of the competition. This match is still remembered by many fans as one of the most intense and dramatic clashes between the two teams. Blackburn, who were the reigning Premier League champions at the time, defeated Middlesbrough 1-0, but the match was much closer than many expected. It served as a reminder that the FA Cup can bring unexpected results and plenty of excitement. 3. Middlesbrough’s FA Cup Run in the 2000s: Middlesbrough enjoyed several noteworthy FA Cup runs in the early 2000s, with one of their most impressive achievements being their reaching of the 2006 FA Cup Final, where they faced Manchester United. Sadly for “Boro”, they lost 4-0 in the final, but it was still a tremendous achievement to reach that stage of the competition, especially for a club that had not traditionally been among the very top teams in English football. 4. Blackburn’s FA Cup History: Blackburn Rovers, with their rich history in the FA Cup, are a club that has tasted success in the competition multiple times. Their most recent FA Cup triumph came in 1928, when they triumphed over Huddersfield Town in the final. This win is a part of their illustrious tradition in the cup, dating back to their first FA Cup victory in 1884. Blackburn’s most recent appearance in an FA Cup final was in 1960, when they lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers. 5. Middlesbrough and Blackburn in the Premier League: In the Premier League era, both clubs had their ups and downs, but Middlesbrough and Blackburn have had their moments, with both clubs achieving notable success. Blackburn Rovers famously won the Premier League title in 1995 under the management of Kenny Dalglish, with Alan Shearer as their star striker. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough were regularly in the top tier during the early 2000s and were consistently a competitive side. Both clubs have played a significant role in English football and have passionate fanbases. Riverside Stadium – A Significant Arena The clash between Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers will take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, a modern and impressive stadium that has been the home of Middlesbrough since 1995. With a seating capacity of around 34,000, the Riverside offers an intimate and electric atmosphere, especially during big games like this FA Cup encounter. The stadium is known for its contemporary design and top-class facilities, and it is highly regarded by both players and fans. The passionate Middlesbrough supporters always create a fantastic atmosphere, making any match at Riverside Stadium an unforgettable experience. Blackburn Rovers – A Club with Proud Tradition Blackburn Rovers, based at Ewood Park, are one of the oldest and most historically significant clubs in England, founded in 1875. Perhaps their most famous achievement came in 1995, when they won the Premier League title under the guidance of legendary manager Kenny Dalglish, with Alan Shearer playing a starring role in their attack. Blackburn also has an impressive record in the FA Cup, having won the tournament multiple times in their history. Since being relegated from the Premier League in 2012, Blackburn has fought to regain their place in the top flight. Currently, they play in the Championship, England's second tier, and will be eager to make a deep run in this year’s FA Cup competition. Expectations for the Match This FA Cup match is expected to be a hard-fought battle, as both teams have something to prove. Middlesbrough will enjoy the advantage of playing at home, hoping to use their strong fan support to propel them to victory. However, Blackburn Rovers will be eager to prove themselves and will look to make their mark, aiming to progress to the next round of the competition. The FA Cup is known for its unpredictability, and while Middlesbrough may be considered the favorites due to their home advantage, Blackburn should not be underestimated. The visitors have the potential to cause problems for any team, and this match could very well produce a surprise. Tickets and Viewing Experience Tickets for the match can be purchased through Middlesbrough's official website, with fans encouraged to buy early to secure their spot at Riverside Stadium. For those who can’t attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Sport and ITV Sports, with comprehensive coverage available online and on social media platforms. Conclusion Saturday’s FA Cup encounter between Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers is more than just a football match; it is an opportunity to experience the magic that the FA Cup brings — drama, tradition, and the chance for an underdog to make a name for themselves. Both teams will give everything to progress to the next round, and no matter the outcome, fans will have an unforgettable encounter to look forward to. Q's 1: Result? 2: Boro team and formation? Why? 3: Should we focus on the league and promotion, or is it a good thing with a nice cup run? 4: Are you going to the game? 5: Best FA Cup memory? 6: Worst FA Cup memory? #UTB

I'll have something up soon

Dieng gone i January? I would start Engel over Borges, based on that 10 min cameo. He actually started to look like the player I remembered, before he went to Boro. Would be a bonus, if he comes good, after a long period away from the pitch, finding his head. I think it was a matter of confidence and settling in a new country. (fingers crossed) I will here be the third person to ask, what that thing on MC's face is?

I wish xG meant ex goat ... In other news .. What a brilliant set of results today!