TLF10

Or maybe discussing both deals but with intention of concluding one? Worrall signed a new long term deal in summer but think McKenna out of contract in summer. Club maybe have a preferred candidate oit the two but if that don't work then move on to other so doing leg work on that just in case. Both are very competent defenders at this level so would be very happy with either.

Rotherham set to appoint ex Wigan boss, Leam Richardson, as they new manager. Hopefully his honeymoon period will be over by time we play them. 4 league games before then.

@TeaCider24. I have a feeling one of Paddy or Fry will be fit. Saw the presser and Carrick body language just hinted we have someone available to allow us to put a decent 11 out. Expect it to be: VDB, Fry/Paddy, Clarke, Bangura and then Howson and Barlaser in middle.

@LBP. Would happily take either of them on loan. Both good defenders, leaders at the back, plenty of experience yet still at a good age of being 26 respectively.

Our FA Cup game v Aston Villa will be shown live on BBC1. Kick is on Saturday 6th January at 5.30pm. Bit of extra cash for the club.

Thank you pal. Appreciate that.

https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2023/december/05/meet-boro-players-at-the-hill-street/ if anyone attends the above, can you ask Fry and Hackney if they are back in training please and okay for Saturday? Thank you

We don't need a perm CB even for summer unless one of VDB, Fry, Clarke or Lenihan leave. Agree on other 3 positions. If we get just one of those 3 positions ticked off in January I will be happy.

I could be wrong but don't see us signing a CB in January on a permanent deal. Certainly see us exploring the loan market for one though

@BoroSmoggie. Any snippets on injury front mate? Thanks in advance.

Out the 10 players only 3 (Fry, Paddy and Hackney have a chance of being fit). Assuming none are fit then only line up I can see Carrick going with is: Dieng Howson VDB Clarke Bangura Crooks Barlaser Greenwood Rogers Silveria Lath

Said this before but would love Mogga to work for us in some scouting capacity until the next managerial position that suits him and his family comes up. Which could be a while as Mogga said when he left Blackburn he was wanting to be closer to his family moving forward. In many ways the Sunderland post was ideal for him in that respect

Its the evening for managerial departures, Sunderland sack Mowbray.

Agree with that @wilsoncgp. Happy with home draw but Villa feels like Brighton last season. A team having a v good PL season without being one of the big hitters. Ideally wanted a lower league home tie and if it was a PL team to be one of big boys. But we have a chance against them. Its not a foregone conclusion but they could hit us for 4 or 5 depending on which team they put out.

I am confident 2 out Fry, Hackney or Paddy will be available v Ipswich. Jones and Dijksteel will be back for Hull after Ipswicg I believe McGree is due to start training this week so could return to squad for Swansea game on 16th Dec. Then hopefully we will look more okay.