[BORO v Norwich 3-1 (Forss, Latte Lath, Engel)]

Just now, RiseAgainst said:

This feels like the kind of performance players turn in a few days before the words "by mutual consent" emanate from a club's press office, when the squad has stopped playing for a doomed gaffer.

Genuine question - have the players given up on Carrick?

Norwich seem to be alot quicker and sharper than us.

[BORO v Norwich 3-1 (Forss, Latte Lath, Engel)]

1 hour ago, RiseAgainst said:

Kick-off at 7:45. Knock out probably about 15 minutes later when Norwich score their second.

Wasn't far off with that prediction haha

[BORO v Norwich 3-1 (Forss, Latte Lath, Engel)]

What time is KO

[Next manager? Who does Gibson turn to?]

56 minutes ago, estonpidge said:

For me we need a RB, pacey LW/RW 2 X CM, 2 X CF.

Same is said most transfer windows funnily enough

 

[Do we need a new manager?]

Really I like Carrick, he has brought some good football, and more forward thinking than what we have been used to for some time. But our defensive record is also very bad. Right now for what ever reason its not working and we need a big change, can be the way we play but Carrick rarely changed tactics since he's been here so I don't think that will happen. I'm not sure what managers are available that could do better. 

 

[Will next season be better?]

49 minutes ago, Redcar Rioja said:

Yeah, I think we need a definite nailed on RB with pace and crossing ability, a good engine, good at taking players on, strong in the tackle, and injury free. We seem to have had a few in succession that haven't really nailed it for one reason or another. 

If we were to keep Issy, then we need a solid defender with some pace to allow issy freedom down that flank. 

[Will next season be better?]

6 hours ago, OldManGravz said:

Ayling McNair Thomas and Jones don't need replacing as we are fully stocked in their positions and the two loanees are covering injuries - Jones is a 3rd choice keeper but I imagine we will get another short term contract for some random goalie to replace him, I'm not worried about that.

That only leaves 3 from that list who have a chance at playing (and to replace anyone else who leaves)

You say that but all of Ayling, Mcnair and Jones are in the squad currently, also Smith isn't getting younger, and I don't believe Dijksteel is rated, and will probably be sold in the summer too, so realistically we would be looking for a RB this summer too, I agree left back isn't really an issue with both engel, and bangura. 

 

[Will next season be better?]

6 minutes ago, AnglianRed said:

On the subject of loans, to be honest I'd rather we got the foundations of a decent team / squad in place first. I'd like us to be a solid top 6 team before we go chasing high quality loanees to help secure promotion.

Otherwise we're just throwing money at temporary signings that might fail to make much of an impact, simply because the rest of the team isn't up to scratch.

Well we will be without these players going into next season, so it will be a fair size rebuild in any case, and that's without the expected player sales too.

[Will next season be better?]

1 hour ago, Neverbefore said:

I think Hackney's value may have taken a hit over the last few months also. His injuries and form haven't been good - it would not surprise me if he's dropped from the u21 squad for the next fixtures which would be very detrimental to his value. I think he'll be here next season along with vdb. 

I think mcgree and Jones are the two big worries with their contract situations. If they're not tied up by summer I think they both go, for a combined 10mil ish.

Yea I think you may be right with both Jones and Mcgree being the most likely exits this summer.

And Mcnair out of contract too, will free up some wages. 

[Will next season be better?]

I think from a timing perspective, it wouldn't be the right time to sell vdb this summer  he's got a bit more growing to do and then next summer will be the time he goes. While we will probably looking at Hackney and thinking do we sell in this summer or not. Personally it's probably the right time to let him go now too. For max value in terms of transfer, he still has the potential to develop into a better player surrounded by better players too. I don't want us to sell but this seems to be the model we are running currently.

[Leicester V Boro 1-2 (Azaz, Silvera)]

Wasn't expecting this, but then this is very much typical boro. Really happy with the performance so far.

[Preston v Boro 2-1 (Azaz)]

Really should of had Mcgree on the left of the three behind forss, Azaz I'm the middle with Silvera on the right. The three behind the striker to be given some freedom to roam across those three positions. I really don't see Greenwood as being that good. 

[Matt Crooks]

Hes great guy, and like others have said fantastic attitude and should be a role model to the younger players, to stay humble. Wish him and his family all the best in their new adventure in the US. 

[The Transfer Window]

2 minutes ago, RichAcklam2404 said:

There was a corporate flight that landed at Teesside Airport today from Schwäbisch Hall, which is outside of Stuttgart

And near to Karlsruhe where Matanovic plays..

[Chelsea vs Middlesbrough (League Cup Semi Final - 2nd Leg) 6-1 (Rogers)]

The formations just not working howsons getting caught out all the time, leaving rav completely exposed. Sloppy passing and sod this playing out from the back. 

[The Transfer Window]

12 minutes ago, TeaCider24 said:

£4m is a *** take though, bit disappointing from Aston Villa.

Got to be £10m+ to consider selling mid-season, as we'd need to sign a replacement and consider the sell-on clause.

Think villa need to sell before they buy, due to ffp

[The Transfer Window]

6 minutes ago, Redcar Rioja said:

Interesting shout, not sure Preston wouldn't still fancy him themselves and if they were willing to sell at a knock down price then it's probably a case of buyer beware.

Certainly worthy of consideration however, if we get him cheaper and get him back to where he was fits the model of making 💰 

It maybe that they need the funds more. Riis isn't a bad shout to be fair. 

[The Transfer Window]

19 minutes ago, Simply Red said:

17 goal foreign striker in coming , Al Hamadi has 17 goals , could be him 

Or Shankland. He's got 18 this season across the competitions in Scotland.

[The Transfer Window]

We have decent CB cover now, I too think RB is where we need to improve. Jones did ok but his concentration and sometimes final ball let's him down

[The Transfer Window]

Regardless of what anyone thinks about Coburn we could still do with another striker. It was only a week ago we had no strikers available. 

[Boro V Aston Villa (3rd round FA Cup) 0-1]

Lads have done well. Clarke defence has worked hard, keepers played very well too made some great saves

[Boro V Aston Villa (3rd round FA Cup) 0-1]

Three or four times the word used to describe Jones's mistakes was "lazy" and that's what I see too. A little careless at times.

['Other Boro stuff']

regarding Mcgrees Aussie selection. If I was a reporter I'd be asking why he isn't being selected for us if he is fit enough to be selected to play for Australia. 

[Port Vale v Boro (EFL Cup Quarter-Final) 0-3 (Howson, Rogers, Crooks)]

Just now, Borodane said:

His subs today have been fine. Nothing wrong with putting jones on at half time. It’s straight to penalties in case of a draw so no more than 45 mins. 

Yea but he could of made some of them sooner. Not really talking about Jones.

[Port Vale v Boro (EFL Cup Quarter-Final) 0-3 (Howson, Rogers, Crooks)]

Don't understand why Carrick is so poor at his substitutions