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Are Boro Safe?

With two games remaining, Boro are just above the relegation zone. It is possible for Middlesbrough to go down. Will they? or will they stay up?

Gareth Is Nearly There

Gareth Southgate is nearing the end of his second season as manager of Middlebrough FC. The former leader on the pitch is now beginning to show he can do as good a job off the pitch as he did so on it.

Once criticised by the media for his lack of experience and coaching qualifications, the Boro boss is now being tipped as a potential England manager for the future.

Capello Must Love His Left Foot

Capello knows what Downing means in Italian. It means, "Stewart is the best left sided player in England".

Let's see if Capello can translate this correctly.

Wembley Dream Turns Into Nightmare

For most football fans a day out at Wembley would be a dream come true. For most professional players a day out at Wembley would also be a dream come true. So how does a football team and it's fans manage to make fools of themselves on such a big occasion?

What Is The Meaning Of Ambition?

The dictionary meaning of ambition is - a strong desire for success, achievement, power and wealth.

The Smith, Geremi and Viduka meaning of ambition is - a strong desire for mediocrity, past it, never going to win anything and, of course, personal wealth.

Samba Time Again

There has been a shortage of Brazilian flags on Teesside today as news filtered through that Afonso Alves was to be unveiled at the Riverside Stadium. There has also been a shortage of wax in the area as people have suddenly rushed to beauty salons for appointments. The main headline on the back page of the local newspaper read, "Southgate gets a Brazilian at a good price".

This is such a massive day for all Boro fans that even the Mayor of Middlesbrough has called for all workers and school children to have the afternoon off to welcome Mr Alves to Teesside.

Will Downing follow Woodgate?

Recorded telephone call last night from Woodgate's hotel room in London.

JW - "Alright Stewy, it's Woody"
SD - "Ay up, how's London?"
JW - "Alright"
SD - "Have you been on the London Eye yet?"
JW - "Na not yet, the new gaffer says I can go on it tomorrow after I do fifteen minutes training"
SD - "Sweet, do you think I would fit in at Spurs?"
JW - "Yeah of course, just tell the boss you don't want to sign the new contract offer and then I'll hook you up with big JR"
SD - "Sweet, I'll put in a good performance tonight then, against Wigan, for the Boro fans, well actually cause Cappello is their tonight I think"
JW - "Have a good one, sivy later"
SD - "Ta, In a bit"

The Best Captain Ever

George Boateng is no longer the captain of Middlesbrough FC. Southgate confirmed this a couple of days ago as questions were being asked since the Blackburn game, where Julio Arca was seen leading the team out with Boateng in the starting line-up.

Southgate has been quick to defend his decision stating it is a move that will benefit George's game and also the team's performance.
Gareth said "George's performances have been excellent and I want it to stay that way. I want him to be free in his mind to enjoy his football."

Boro Drop Points

It was quite amusing seeing the headlines in the media on Saturday evening. "Liverpool drop points at Middlesbrough". Not a mention of how well Boro played but how Liverpool were under-par on the day.

I wonder when football reporters will actually go to matches? And not just write about what they have read on the internet or what they have heard on the radio.

Cheer Up It's The FA Cup

Saturday's result in the FA Cup maybe a turning point for Middlesbrough's poor season so far. All Boro fans will surely be a little excited of a possible lengthy cup run this year after a good away win against a tough Bristol City side who are currently level on points with West Brom and Watford at the top of the Championship.

League Two side Mansfield Town are Boro's next opponents in the 4th round of the FA Cup. Southgate knows his side will have to put in a gritty and professional performance if they are to overcome this lowly League Two team, which potentially could be a banana skin.

The Johnson versus Downing debate

The transfer window is nearly upon us and all football fans are getting slightly excited about the thought of seeing new players unveiled at their club in hope that they will improve their team's performance for the rest of the season.

I should be excited then? But I'm not, as I fear we could be selling players first to fund new ones come January. Reports are flying around at the moment that Adam Johnson will join Spurs early in the new year. Let's hang on to our best players please Mr Southgate.

Anyone for a Turkish delight?

I was looking at Boro's fixture list on Sunday morning before the game against Arsenal and was wondering where the points would come from and more importantly where that third win of the season was coming from. Going through the fixtures I ignored Arsenal at home, brushed past Derby away (draw written all over it) and then the first maybe was West Ham at home a week on Saturday but by this time we could have been second from bottom and possibly minus a Southgate.