Boro’s newest signing Corey Smith took time out to chat to Elle Brunton about signing for Boro, settling in and the whole lot of snow which greeted him on his arrival!
Elle: So you’ve been here two weeks now, how are you settling in?
Corey: I’m settling in well but obviously it is a lot different on and off the pitch to back home.
“The futsal is a different style and a lot more direct, the weather is freezing at the moment also but the boys have been fantastic in helping me settle and have really made me feel welcome at the club from day one.
Elle: Aside from the weather, what’s been the biggest adjustment for you?
Corey: “It is a big change not knowing everyone here in the futsal community compared to back home where I was heavily involved for years. Slowly, I am gaining more contacts and with Damon's help I am sure things will be very successful over here.”
Elle: How does the standard of English futsal compare to that in Australia?
Corey: I think the quality of the top sides here is very high and very similar to our national titles, the difference in the league here is certainly the fact that England is much closer together and the capacity to play each other more regularly and create a national league is much more achievable than at home where we have to fly to tournaments to get good quality games.
Elle: You’ve had the chance to train with Boro and you watched the draw against Manchester from the stands, how would you rate your teammates?
Corey: I don't want to mention individuals but there are several players in our first team who I rate very highly.
“The game against Manchester was an eye opener as I actually thought that Middlesbrough were the much better side. Manchester relied heavily on Stuart Cook but didn't seem to have a lot of creative players other than him whereas Boro look to have several potential match winners in their side. The secret is putting that together.
Elle: Do you think the result reflected the game?
Corey: “I think in the end the result didn't mirror the match but it was certainly a good lesson for the team in terms of experience. I certainly saw a lot of positives from the game as there was a lot of improvement still left for us, as opposed to Manchester who I thought played close to their abilities.
Elle: Boro still have a game in hand on Manchester and are still on course to reclaim the title, providing they pick up points in their remaining games, do you think they’ve got what it takes to end the season as champions?
Corey: I hope so, that is why I joined the club! I think the potential is there but we have to work hard on the training ground and make sure we get more sessions and games together.
“The experience Manchester showed was the difference, they had the knowledge and trust in their teammates which can only come with playing together over time. I have no doubt we have the quality, so it all comes down to attitudes, learning and growing as a team.
“Hopefully we will bounce back strong after the Manchester game.
Elle: How aware of Middlesbrough Futsal Club were you before joining the club?
Corey: English futsal is not known widely in Australia but it is obviously a gateway for the rest of Europe.
“My reasons for moving are to play but also to set up links with my business back home.
“When looking at clubs I spoke to a few mangers and players and Damon and Boro seemed to be heading in a direction which was most suited to my ideas and expertise and therefore I chose to come to the North East.
“I want to learn from other cultures within futsal, give pathways to Australian kids in the future while hopefully also helping to grow the game over here.
“I want to help set up the junior side of the club including academies and tournaments along with Damon and also forge links back home. We have an Australian group heading over in April which will hopefully be the first of many.
Elle: Middlesbrough Football Club has had a number of Australian players over the years; did you follow Boro at all before you arrived?
Corey: “MFC are a very well known side in Australia due to those links with players such as Schwarzer, Viduka and more recently Rhys Williams amongst others all playing there so yeah that did make the area more recognisable to me.
“I had also heard a lot of good things about the North East from close family friends who were positive in terms of the cost of living and the people in this area.
Elle: You’ve played friendlies in training and played for Boro in the Catterick Handicap Cup last weekend, you must be raring to go and get some first team action?
Corey: To be honest I can't wait to get on the pitch against Tranmere! There is only so much training you can do without playing, and I came here to play so I can not wait. I enjoyed the games on Sunday and it was great to play alongside the guys in a fun environment where we could get used to playing together but it will not compare to making my first appearance in the National League.
Elle: Boro beat Tranmere in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but it was a narrow victory in the end, are you confident Boro can do the double over them on Sunday?
Corey: From what I have seen Tranmere are a very good side and we will have to be at our best to come out on top. The score will be irrelevant; it is about performance and ultimately coming out on top at the end of the match.
Elle: What can we expect from you on the pitch?
Corey: It is always hard to describe yourself as a player but I will hopefully add something to the squad and I am confident I can do that.
Elle: And if you score on Sunday, do you have an Aussie-themed goal celebration planned?
Corey: Yeah well the Red Faction, whose support is absolutely brilliant, have said that they may have a song for me, so I have thought about a celebration… but to be honest I think I will just go with whatever feels right at the time.
“Also scoring is not really the priority as a win will certainly be the focus, although scoring would be a bonus of course.
So there you have it folks, Boro’s new number 8 has left the sun, sea and sand of Tasmania for the snow, parmos and Transporter Bridge of Teesside and he’s loving every minute of it!
See Corey and the rest of the Boro boys in action this Sunday against Tranmere; kick-off 1.30pm at Thornaby Pavilion.
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Socceroo keeps Boro bouncing!
Middlesbrough Futsal Club took on top of the table Manchester and said a big G’day to Boro new boy Corey Smith with their own version of Australia Day at Thornaby Pavillion. Boro and Socceroos star Rhys Williams was guest of honour as Boro tried to overtake their rivals. Boro Futsal’s roving reporter Elle Brunton was there to bring you all the action.
Rhys was familiar with futsal having played a similar game in his younger days back in Australia, but was impressed with what he saw.
Australian flags and kangaroos were the order of the day as the club welcomed Corey, who joined Middlesbrough this month from Australian side Vikings, as part of a partnership between the two clubs.
Carnagill Athletic FC, from Carnagill Community Primary School in Catterick, walked out with the Boro team as mascots and there was kangaroo themed face-painting on offer.
Raffle tickets also went on sale for the first time to win a signed Middlesbrough Football Club shirt which will be drawn at the end of the season.
The buzzing atmosphere was helped in no small measure by Boro’s most passionate fans the Red Faction and the presence of Boro and Socceroos ace Rhys Williams gave everybody a lift.
Rhys, said: “It’s a really high standard, you can tell it’s a top of the table clash and that some of these guys play for England. The commitment to the game is impressive too, they don’t get paid, the goalkeeper travels from Liverpool to be here, that’s what you need in a team.”
Rhys watched the game from the stands with Corey.
Corey, said: “We talked a bit about back home and it was nice of Rhys to offer to help me settle in but honestly I just can’t wait to get on the pitch!”
Boro started the game the stronger of the two sides, with goals from Robbie Bettson, Marc Caballeria and Pete Bulmer giving them a 3-0 lead within seven minutes.
The scores were unchanged at half time and when Mikey Roberts scored the fourth early in the second half it seemed that Boro would go on to do the double over the Manchester side.
Unfortunately defensive errors and the accumulation of fouls cost Boro dearly and they quickly conceded two goals through England internationals, Cook and Richardson, shortly after clocking up five fouls.
Boro captain Robbie Bettson made it five for Boro with ten minutes remaining but two penalties from Cook, for the sixth and seventh fouls, took Manchester up to five. And as the Boro bench and fans held their breath Haralambous scored with Manchester’s equaliser with just 8 seconds left on the clock.
It was a devastating blow for the Boro contingent who knew a win would have taken them top, but the overall theme of the day was one of positivity and celebration.
Corey, said: “Obviously the result in the end was disappointing but hopefully I will be able to add to an already impressive squad who are good enough to win the league.”
Although the result was demoralising for Boro, manager Damon Shaw was pleased with the event.
Damon, said: “To concede with so little time left is devastating and Manchester will consider themselves fortunate that we switched off. We were naive but can learn a lot from this and we are still on course for a place in the playoffs.
“The day itself went really well though, we can’t thank Rhys enough for coming along and staying for the whole game, its great to be recognised by the football club and its exciting for the players and the fans.
“Hopefully we gave Corey a nice welcome and we’ve learnt from our mistakes. Now we’ve just got to push on and make sure we beat Tranmere.”
Boro will pick themselves up and regroup in time to welcome Tranmere to Thornaby Pavillion on February 19th, with everything still to play for.
Rhys was familiar with futsal having played a similar game in his younger days back in Australia, but was impressed with what he saw.
Australian flags and kangaroos were the order of the day as the club welcomed Corey, who joined Middlesbrough this month from Australian side Vikings, as part of a partnership between the two clubs.
Carnagill Athletic FC, from Carnagill Community Primary School in Catterick, walked out with the Boro team as mascots and there was kangaroo themed face-painting on offer.
Raffle tickets also went on sale for the first time to win a signed Middlesbrough Football Club shirt which will be drawn at the end of the season.
The buzzing atmosphere was helped in no small measure by Boro’s most passionate fans the Red Faction and the presence of Boro and Socceroos ace Rhys Williams gave everybody a lift.
Rhys, said: “It’s a really high standard, you can tell it’s a top of the table clash and that some of these guys play for England. The commitment to the game is impressive too, they don’t get paid, the goalkeeper travels from Liverpool to be here, that’s what you need in a team.”
Rhys watched the game from the stands with Corey.
Corey, said: “We talked a bit about back home and it was nice of Rhys to offer to help me settle in but honestly I just can’t wait to get on the pitch!”
Boro started the game the stronger of the two sides, with goals from Robbie Bettson, Marc Caballeria and Pete Bulmer giving them a 3-0 lead within seven minutes.
The scores were unchanged at half time and when Mikey Roberts scored the fourth early in the second half it seemed that Boro would go on to do the double over the Manchester side.
Unfortunately defensive errors and the accumulation of fouls cost Boro dearly and they quickly conceded two goals through England internationals, Cook and Richardson, shortly after clocking up five fouls.
Boro captain Robbie Bettson made it five for Boro with ten minutes remaining but two penalties from Cook, for the sixth and seventh fouls, took Manchester up to five. And as the Boro bench and fans held their breath Haralambous scored with Manchester’s equaliser with just 8 seconds left on the clock.
It was a devastating blow for the Boro contingent who knew a win would have taken them top, but the overall theme of the day was one of positivity and celebration.
Corey, said: “Obviously the result in the end was disappointing but hopefully I will be able to add to an already impressive squad who are good enough to win the league.”
Although the result was demoralising for Boro, manager Damon Shaw was pleased with the event.
Damon, said: “To concede with so little time left is devastating and Manchester will consider themselves fortunate that we switched off. We were naive but can learn a lot from this and we are still on course for a place in the playoffs.
“The day itself went really well though, we can’t thank Rhys enough for coming along and staying for the whole game, its great to be recognised by the football club and its exciting for the players and the fans.
“Hopefully we gave Corey a nice welcome and we’ve learnt from our mistakes. Now we’ve just got to push on and make sure we beat Tranmere.”
Boro will pick themselves up and regroup in time to welcome Tranmere to Thornaby Pavillion on February 19th, with everything still to play for.
Ten guys, a girl and a bomb shelter
In December, I was given the opportunity to travel to Zurich with a team representing Middlesbrough Futsal Club in the Unicorns International Fustal Cup. I say ‘representing’ because the squad for the trip included ex Boro boy Jonathan Prosser (now at East Coast), Manchester’s Stuart Cook, (although he’s Cookie to us and always on the Boro guestlist!) Joe Ellard, a futsal enthusiast from Preston who has history with the club and who currently lives in Switzerland and Ben Pearey, Boro Futsal photographer.
There’s never a dull moment with this lot and I jumped at the chance to be part of the trip. Still, going abroad and staying in a converted bomb shelter for four days with 10 boys was always going to be an experience…and when you factor in one room and one giant bunk bed, things get really interesting! Aside from the smell (unbelievable) and the snoring (limited to one or two players but the manager more than made up for it!) it wasn’t too bad. We were all given individual sleeping bags, pillows and blankets and the boys kindly filled the top bunk first to give me some space.
I’m almost one of the boys, but not quite, and as much as I love the team, there was no way I was going to shower with them!
Practical considerations meant I had to have either the first or last shower and as I struggle to get up early at the best of times I usually plumped for last. So, four days of speed showering ensued. Aside from that, we had two days to relax before the tournament got going on the Saturday. Travelling all day Thursday followed by an astronomically expensive night out meant we spent most of Friday asleep.
In between laughing at Eliot Brown’s grasp of geography (Switzerland is apparently next to Finland…) and general team banter, we found a place to eat where the Italian owner was an ex pro footballer who had once played alongside Maradona! – You couldn’t make it up.
During our stay we were also given a guided tour around Fifa’s headquarters, including the press room and meditation area and an informative presentation on Fifa’s different projects.
The hosts of the tournament, Unicorns, had graciously picked us up from the airport when we arrived and were nice enough to drive us to and from the venue each day. They organised food vouchers for all the teams, played Pigbag whenever we played to make us feel at home and the whole tournament was well organised and professionally run.
The official programme lists me as ‘secretary’ because, as the manager said, ‘team bitch didn’t seem appropriate’! Cheers Damon, but it did allow me to sit on the bench, rather than on my own in the stands, something I used to do when I first started to travel with the team. It goes without saying, but for a fan and a reporter, the bench is the best seat in the house. You’re part of the action, involved in the team talks and can literally smell the sweat, lovely.
One of my nicknames at the club is ‘draw devil’ and it seems I struck again as Boro followed up their 7-5 win over All Stars in the opening fixture with a 2-2 draw against Italians Lugano Pro and then drew 3-3 with Collectif Futsal Colmar of France. Burying painful memories of the 2009 FA Cup in Sheffield, when they were knocked out of the Plate after Immy Rashid missed a penalty, Boro beat Collectif 3-0 on penalties to reach the final.
Boro had started with a small squad and the tournament took its toll, a depleted team battled Swiss Champions Geneva for the cup but despite a stunning individual goal from assistant manager Jamie Bettson (stunning not least because absolutely nobody was expecting it!) Boro lost 2-7.
In all honesty with a few more first team players we might have won it, but as it was we equipped ourselves well and represented both our town and our country with aplomb.
Goalkeeper Rui Fernandes deservedly scooped keeper of the tournament, and we were given a second place trophy which we negotiated to get on the plane home!
The tournament gave those who travelled experience of playing different teams from other nations and pumped them up for the second half of their domestic season.
For me it was a chance to visit a new place, watch futsal and be amongst friends. I even got to try my hand at sports photography as photographer Ben was on the bench as injury cover.
I’m grateful to the club for letting me tag along on these little trips and will continue to travel with them as long as they’ll have me. Now it’s just a case of waiting until the season gets going again.
This season is ours!
There’s never a dull moment with this lot and I jumped at the chance to be part of the trip. Still, going abroad and staying in a converted bomb shelter for four days with 10 boys was always going to be an experience…and when you factor in one room and one giant bunk bed, things get really interesting! Aside from the smell (unbelievable) and the snoring (limited to one or two players but the manager more than made up for it!) it wasn’t too bad. We were all given individual sleeping bags, pillows and blankets and the boys kindly filled the top bunk first to give me some space.
I’m almost one of the boys, but not quite, and as much as I love the team, there was no way I was going to shower with them!
Practical considerations meant I had to have either the first or last shower and as I struggle to get up early at the best of times I usually plumped for last. So, four days of speed showering ensued. Aside from that, we had two days to relax before the tournament got going on the Saturday. Travelling all day Thursday followed by an astronomically expensive night out meant we spent most of Friday asleep.
In between laughing at Eliot Brown’s grasp of geography (Switzerland is apparently next to Finland…) and general team banter, we found a place to eat where the Italian owner was an ex pro footballer who had once played alongside Maradona! – You couldn’t make it up.
During our stay we were also given a guided tour around Fifa’s headquarters, including the press room and meditation area and an informative presentation on Fifa’s different projects.
The hosts of the tournament, Unicorns, had graciously picked us up from the airport when we arrived and were nice enough to drive us to and from the venue each day. They organised food vouchers for all the teams, played Pigbag whenever we played to make us feel at home and the whole tournament was well organised and professionally run.
The official programme lists me as ‘secretary’ because, as the manager said, ‘team bitch didn’t seem appropriate’! Cheers Damon, but it did allow me to sit on the bench, rather than on my own in the stands, something I used to do when I first started to travel with the team. It goes without saying, but for a fan and a reporter, the bench is the best seat in the house. You’re part of the action, involved in the team talks and can literally smell the sweat, lovely.
One of my nicknames at the club is ‘draw devil’ and it seems I struck again as Boro followed up their 7-5 win over All Stars in the opening fixture with a 2-2 draw against Italians Lugano Pro and then drew 3-3 with Collectif Futsal Colmar of France. Burying painful memories of the 2009 FA Cup in Sheffield, when they were knocked out of the Plate after Immy Rashid missed a penalty, Boro beat Collectif 3-0 on penalties to reach the final.
Boro had started with a small squad and the tournament took its toll, a depleted team battled Swiss Champions Geneva for the cup but despite a stunning individual goal from assistant manager Jamie Bettson (stunning not least because absolutely nobody was expecting it!) Boro lost 2-7.
In all honesty with a few more first team players we might have won it, but as it was we equipped ourselves well and represented both our town and our country with aplomb.
Goalkeeper Rui Fernandes deservedly scooped keeper of the tournament, and we were given a second place trophy which we negotiated to get on the plane home!
The tournament gave those who travelled experience of playing different teams from other nations and pumped them up for the second half of their domestic season.
For me it was a chance to visit a new place, watch futsal and be amongst friends. I even got to try my hand at sports photography as photographer Ben was on the bench as injury cover.
I’m grateful to the club for letting me tag along on these little trips and will continue to travel with them as long as they’ll have me. Now it’s just a case of waiting until the season gets going again.
This season is ours!
What the futsal?!
For those of you who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Elle and amongst other things I’m the press officer for Middlesbrough Futsal Club.
If you posted my job advert it would read something like: “unpaid journalist and PR person wanted to cover Middlesbrough Futsal Club, will be under-appreciated, must not be at all easily offended and should expect constant ribbing from just about everybody.”
And yet here I am. Because there’s something about futsal which keeps me coming back. It may be that futsal is a minor sport - I’ve always liked the underdog, the up and comer and the alternative option. Oh and I’m a massive fan of Middlesbrough Football Club.
I’ve always loved football, and supporting Boro came through my DNA from my mum, along with long legs and an insatiable appetite for reading.
Four years ago, I’d never heard of futsal. Now, I can’t really remember not being involved with the club.
I’ve met interesting people, made some really good friends, travelled to games and tournaments all over the country and last year been to Barcelona and Zurich all with Boro futsal.
I know what you’re thinking, ‘that’s all very well, but what is futsal?!’ This is a question I get asked a lot.
The standard answer is: “indoor, five aside, Brazilian rules football” and while that’s true, as with any sport, you can’t convey the excitement of the game, or how much it means to those involved with it.
Futsal is faster than football and it showcases the kind of technical skills that are slowly being lost in today’s multi-million pound football industry. Being five aside it’s more inclusive than the typical eleven aside game and the rolling substitutions let the game flow.
And the majority of those involved put more in than they get out. Certainly in a financial sense as the players and staff are unpaid and have to find funding or sponsorship to cover costs such as kit and travel.
Boro futsal in particular are a real team. Players come and go, they wind each other up and fall out, but they are a family and when the chips are down they’ll do anything for each other.
It’s this spirit, combined with good players and a manager in Damon Shaw whose passion for the game is unparalleled, that saw Boro win the Northern League in 2009 and I believe will see the team reclaim the title this season. Boro went into the Christmas break second on goal difference and will be looking to continue their assault on the league when play starts again on Jan 22nd. I’ll be there and bringing you all the latest news and views from the club and the wonderful world of futsal.
If you posted my job advert it would read something like: “unpaid journalist and PR person wanted to cover Middlesbrough Futsal Club, will be under-appreciated, must not be at all easily offended and should expect constant ribbing from just about everybody.”
And yet here I am. Because there’s something about futsal which keeps me coming back. It may be that futsal is a minor sport - I’ve always liked the underdog, the up and comer and the alternative option. Oh and I’m a massive fan of Middlesbrough Football Club.
I’ve always loved football, and supporting Boro came through my DNA from my mum, along with long legs and an insatiable appetite for reading.
Four years ago, I’d never heard of futsal. Now, I can’t really remember not being involved with the club.
I’ve met interesting people, made some really good friends, travelled to games and tournaments all over the country and last year been to Barcelona and Zurich all with Boro futsal.
I know what you’re thinking, ‘that’s all very well, but what is futsal?!’ This is a question I get asked a lot.
The standard answer is: “indoor, five aside, Brazilian rules football” and while that’s true, as with any sport, you can’t convey the excitement of the game, or how much it means to those involved with it.
Futsal is faster than football and it showcases the kind of technical skills that are slowly being lost in today’s multi-million pound football industry. Being five aside it’s more inclusive than the typical eleven aside game and the rolling substitutions let the game flow.
And the majority of those involved put more in than they get out. Certainly in a financial sense as the players and staff are unpaid and have to find funding or sponsorship to cover costs such as kit and travel.
Boro futsal in particular are a real team. Players come and go, they wind each other up and fall out, but they are a family and when the chips are down they’ll do anything for each other.
It’s this spirit, combined with good players and a manager in Damon Shaw whose passion for the game is unparalleled, that saw Boro win the Northern League in 2009 and I believe will see the team reclaim the title this season. Boro went into the Christmas break second on goal difference and will be looking to continue their assault on the league when play starts again on Jan 22nd. I’ll be there and bringing you all the latest news and views from the club and the wonderful world of futsal.
The Salsa Diaries – What Not To Wear!
The clothes make the man as they say, and while the outfit you choose to wear to lessons won’t transform you into a real dancer, get it wrong and it can put you off your stride.
With that in mind, here are a few dos and don’ts:
1. Layers are good – Salsa rooms are not always heated, but you will work up a sweat learning the moves.
2. High ponytails will create whiplash for both you and your unsuspecting partner.
3. It is a good idea to twirl in front of the mirror at home to check how high your skirt flares up BEFORE you do a turn and flash your underwear to the whole class!
4. Strapless bras are never a good idea. End of story.
5. Shorts and tights is not usually a look I go for, but its one that works well for salsa.
6. Jewellery will catch on clothes and skin.
7. If you can’t walk in it, you certainly can’t dance in it!
8. As in day-to-day life, the dress code for men is easier – shirt, t-shirt or jumper, trousers, flat shoes or salsa shoes and you’re good to go.
9. When it comes to shoes, choose your heel height carefully – too high and you’ll over balance, too low and you may not be able to reach up to your partner.
10. You can get fabulous salsa shoes on ebay, and there is no such thing as too much glitter!
Saturday 21 January 2012
The Salsa Diaries – Monday Night is Salsa Night!
At some point during 2011 my friend Leanne and I decided to go and try out a Salsa class. We wanted to try something new, meet new people and get ourselves out of the house.
My cousin had been to Salsa Yarm’s Monday night class at Sassaris and suggested we go along. We were slightly worried that we wouldn’t know anyone (true) that we’d get everything wrong (definitely true in my case) or that we wouldn’t like dancing with strangers (sort of true but it’s only strange the first time!).
But everyone was so friendly, we picked up the basics quite quickly, and we’ve been going ever since.
The teachers, Chris and Sue, are both experienced professionals, not to mention lovely people and there’s a core group who come regularly with newbies and others who come when they can.
I should say at this point that whereas Leanne had previous dancing experience, ballet from four-nine was about it for me, unless you count bar dancing (I worked at Chicago Rock) in my miss-spent youth.
Coordination is not my strong suit, and those who know me will tell you that ‘a sense of direction’ is a bit of an alien concept to me.
And yet after the initial lesson, where I pretty much used the wrong foot, went in the wrong direction and missed the signals every single time, I began to trust my instincts, as well as my partners, and learnt to follow (sort of).
I still have some trust issues, and panic if the leader wants me to do something I don’t understand/haven’t learnt. Plus there are certain things I always do wrong. ‘Flaring’ being the main one.
But overall it looks harder than it is. We are shown a routine and think ‘Oh God, no chance!’ and then we learn it and realise we can do it!
Salsa is great fun, good exercise and full of cool words - My favourite being that ‘cucaracha’, a basic side step, means cockroach in Spanish. You get a sense of achievement when you do something well and you can track your improvement simply by dancing with better dancers.
Leanne and I have developed a nice habit of going to Salsa and then going somewhere for tea, usually one of the handful of places which are still open at 10.30 on a Monday and, more often than not, we order the same things!
We’ve also started socialising outside of Salsa with a couple of new friends who we would never have met without the class.
And tonight we are off to Fellowship Hall in Yarm for a ‘Salsa Social’- usually a mix of styles such as Salsa, Kizomba and in this ‘Bachatango’!
I’ve never tried ‘Bachatango’ so I’ll let you know how I do.
In the meantime, if you want to try Salsa, Salsa Yarm has classes on various nights dotted around Teesside. See the website: www.salsayarm.com for details, find your nearest class and go for it!
Wednesday 18 January 2012
The View from the East Stand – The Bleak Mid-winter
Firstly, let me just start this blog with a mention for Darlington FC, I can’t pretend to know what the fans are going through, nor would I feel comfortable writing on the subject but I’ve watched the ‘demise’ and ‘revival’ of the club with interest, and sympathy, for the players, the staff and most of all the fans.
But back to the Boro, because while I’m not an authority on the subject, I am most definitely a fan.
Much has been written about Boro’s tendency to have a massive dip in form, and the results to go with it, over the Christmas period. This season it didn’t really happen on schedule, but we are smack bang in the middle of it now.
Winter 2011-12 has been somewhat delayed, the frost didn’t really kick-in until January, so it makes perfect sense that ‘Typical Boro’s slump would likewise take a while to materialise.
Although it may not seem like it when reading my blogs sometimes, I’m a glass half full kinda girl, in fact at times I’m an ‘oh wow, sod the glass, someone gave me a full bottle and I’m loving it kind of girl’.
But I have this cynical streak that generally manifests itself as sarcasm. Anyway, it’s this cynical streak which is worried that we won’t be able to get back to where we need to be.
We were lucky and in my opinion out-played in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury, lost 3-0 away to Blackpool and the highlight of the Burnley match was talking to the fan sat next to me, with an accent that sounded suspiciously ‘Burnley’ and, even more tellingly, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Burnley team!
One bright spot of the Burnley game, other than the Clarets’ sunshine yellow kit, was Boro new boy Lukas Jutkiewicz.
He’s young and hadn’t really had the time with the team to gel or even find his feet, but he got stuck in, put himself about and showed lots of potential.
Injuries have started to kick in, but mostly our lack of goals is starting to cost us.
Hopefully Lukas can go some way to restoring the deficit and hopefully Mowbray has some magic left up his sleeve to inspire another push from the players, and fans, who have put their faith in him.
Fingers crossed for Saturday!
But back to the Boro, because while I’m not an authority on the subject, I am most definitely a fan.
Much has been written about Boro’s tendency to have a massive dip in form, and the results to go with it, over the Christmas period. This season it didn’t really happen on schedule, but we are smack bang in the middle of it now.
Winter 2011-12 has been somewhat delayed, the frost didn’t really kick-in until January, so it makes perfect sense that ‘Typical Boro’s slump would likewise take a while to materialise.
Although it may not seem like it when reading my blogs sometimes, I’m a glass half full kinda girl, in fact at times I’m an ‘oh wow, sod the glass, someone gave me a full bottle and I’m loving it kind of girl’.
But I have this cynical streak that generally manifests itself as sarcasm. Anyway, it’s this cynical streak which is worried that we won’t be able to get back to where we need to be.
We were lucky and in my opinion out-played in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury, lost 3-0 away to Blackpool and the highlight of the Burnley match was talking to the fan sat next to me, with an accent that sounded suspiciously ‘Burnley’ and, even more tellingly, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Burnley team!
One bright spot of the Burnley game, other than the Clarets’ sunshine yellow kit, was Boro new boy Lukas Jutkiewicz.
He’s young and hadn’t really had the time with the team to gel or even find his feet, but he got stuck in, put himself about and showed lots of potential.
Injuries have started to kick in, but mostly our lack of goals is starting to cost us.
Hopefully Lukas can go some way to restoring the deficit and hopefully Mowbray has some magic left up his sleeve to inspire another push from the players, and fans, who have put their faith in him.
Fingers crossed for Saturday!
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