The finals of the The FA Futsal Cup kick off tomorrow, with Teesside University travelling to Sheffield to take on Genesis and Tranmere Victoria.
After Chippenham and Torpoint dropped out, Tranmere were moved to Teesside’s group, reuniting the 2009 rivals.
Manager Damon Shaw, said: “It makes the group into a replay of the 2009 play-off group which will certainly add some spice to the matches.
“The players were disappointed at the manner of the play-off exit and will be wanting to make that right.
“We are confident of a win if we stick to our game plan, but Tranmere will be favourites.”
Teesside qualified for the competition by winning BUCS in March and Shaw made the decision for Middlesbrough to forgo the tournament, allowing him to field a full strength Teesside team instead.
Shaw believes winning BUCS against the odds has given his players a degree of confidence and experience which will benefit them in the tournament.
“We know what to do in a tournament of this format and that experience will certainly help us. He continued. “We have a chance, but there are some excellent teams, such as Spartans, Birmingham and Helvecia who will all have their eyes on the prize.
“If we play our game and get a bit of luck then who knows how far we can go.”
The FA Futsal Cup held at the English Institute Of Sport in Sheffield, is three days of fast and furious futsal, bringing the best men’s and women’s teams in the country together to battle it out for The Cup.
Helvecia have won The FA Futsal Cup for the last three years running, but will face stiff competition from the likes of Spartans, Sheffield FC and Team United Birmingham.
There are also some new teams, such as London outfit Team Unum, who will add a freshness to the tournament and could throw up a few surprises.
It has been an amazing year for Teesside, who lifted the BUCS trophy in March, and went on to represent Great Britain in the European Futsal Club in Zagreb this summer, finish 11th, their highest position in the competition to date. They will be looking to try to add to their trophy cabinet, ahead of the 2010-11 domestic season which begins in November.
Come November, Middlesbrough will be playing in The FA Futsal League North and Teesside will play in BUCS, with both teams playing in The Tees Valley Futsal League.
The FA Futsal Cup Finalists:
Men’s
Spartans, Team Unum, FC Grimsby, Team United Birmingham, Manchester Futsal Club, Team Bath, Free Lesson, Sheffield FC, Helvecia, Tranmere Victoria, Four Star, Teesside University, Genesis, Loughborough University Development Squad.
Women’s
Reading FC, Tranmere Victoria, MMU Cheshire University, Hastingsbury College, Team Bath Ladies, North London Ladies, Team United Birmingham, University of Worcester, Watford Ladies, Burntwood Phoneix Ladies, Brazil Ladies.
First published on http://borofutsal.com/ on 9-9-10
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
FUTSAL - BORO BOYS COMPLETE 10k FOR LOVEMIDDLESBROUGH -
8-9-10
Three Middlesbrough Futsal players, Robbie Bettson, Josh Phillips and Jonathon Prosser, plus manager Damon Shaw took part in the Tees Pride 10k on Sunday, to promote the region’s lovemiddlesbrough image campaign.
Sporting their 2009 lovemiddlesbrough home kits, the boys braved the blisters to run the 6.2 miles.
All four finished the race in under an hour, with last season’s top scorer Robbie Bettson leading the way with an impressive chip time of just 50.41 minutes.
Hot on Bettson’s heels were team mates Josh Phillips (50.45) and Jonathon Prosser (50.48) and manager Damon Shaw brought up the rear on 56.34.
Speaking prior to the race, Shaw, said: “It's a big event in the town so we're more than happy to support it and lovemiddlesbrough at the same time.
“It will also help our players' fitness levels with the season fast approaching!
“Hopefully when our season kicks off we'll have some new fans who've seen us doing the 10k in our kits!"
The 2010 Tees Pride10k was won for the third year in a row by Ian Hudspith who recorded an incredible time of just 30.51 minutes.
Rosie Smith won the women's 10k in 35.33, while the wheelchair races were won by Brian Alldis in 23.52 and Jade Jones (28.41) respectively.
Middlesbrough Futsal club have now turned their attention to preparing for the FA Futsal Cup which takes place this weekend.
First published on http://borofutsal.com/ on 8-9-10
Sporting their 2009 lovemiddlesbrough home kits, the boys braved the blisters to run the 6.2 miles.
All four finished the race in under an hour, with last season’s top scorer Robbie Bettson leading the way with an impressive chip time of just 50.41 minutes.
Hot on Bettson’s heels were team mates Josh Phillips (50.45) and Jonathon Prosser (50.48) and manager Damon Shaw brought up the rear on 56.34.
Speaking prior to the race, Shaw, said: “It's a big event in the town so we're more than happy to support it and lovemiddlesbrough at the same time.
“It will also help our players' fitness levels with the season fast approaching!
“Hopefully when our season kicks off we'll have some new fans who've seen us doing the 10k in our kits!"
The 2010 Tees Pride10k was won for the third year in a row by Ian Hudspith who recorded an incredible time of just 30.51 minutes.
Rosie Smith won the women's 10k in 35.33, while the wheelchair races were won by Brian Alldis in 23.52 and Jade Jones (28.41) respectively.
Middlesbrough Futsal club have now turned their attention to preparing for the FA Futsal Cup which takes place this weekend.
First published on http://borofutsal.com/ on 8-9-10
FUTSAL - BORO TRIO HEAD TO SERBIA 2010 WITH TEAM GB - 19-8-10
A trio of Middlesbrough futsal players are set to travel to Serbia 2010 this weekend to take part in the 2010 World University Futsal Championship. Robbie Bettson, Mikey Roberts and Jason Kilbride and were all included in Michael Skubala’s final 12 man squad.
Current Boro captain Jason Kilbride, said: “It’s a great honour to have been selected for the team.
“It has always been a dream of mine to represent my country and when I was given the chance to trial and have that opportunity I grabbed it with two hands.
“It’s one of the biggest futsal competitions in the world, so to be part of it is amazing.”
Robbie Bettson finished last season as Boro’s top goalscorer in the league with 20 goals, while Mikey Roberts was the top scorer for Teesside University in their BUCS triumph and also received the player of the tournament award.
Team GB will take on the 2006 champions Russia, the 2008 runners up Ukraine, and Oman.
Kilbride added: “The tournament is going to be tough as a lot of the teams have international players and staff.
“But we have been working hard together as a team and we go in to the tournament with the belief that we can do well.
“Futsal is still developing in this country and with the help of the FA and National league we can perform now and in years to come at the top level. Our group is tough with previous finalists and champions but they way we have worked as a team so far can only stand us in good stead for the challenges ahead.” Team GB have finished 14th and 15th previously in the competition.
The team trained in Northampton recently and Kilbride believes that the training camp will benefit the player’s domestic form as well as preparing them for the tournament. “The organisation has been second to none. he said.
“We have had a training camp in Northampton and moulded as a team.
“It’s good to learn different styles of play and tactics and it develops us as a team as well as individually. We will all have learnt so much, which we can take back to our teams.”
Boro have had a player in each of the World Championships since 2006. Former Boro stars Ben Mortlock played in Poland in 2006, scoring two goals and Curt Holmes was Great Britain’s goalkeeper in Slovenia in 2008 and now Bettson, Kilbride and Roberts will continue the proud tradition, representing the club in Serbia 2010.
First published on http://borofutsal.com/ on 19-08-10
Current Boro captain Jason Kilbride, said: “It’s a great honour to have been selected for the team.
“It has always been a dream of mine to represent my country and when I was given the chance to trial and have that opportunity I grabbed it with two hands.
“It’s one of the biggest futsal competitions in the world, so to be part of it is amazing.”
Robbie Bettson finished last season as Boro’s top goalscorer in the league with 20 goals, while Mikey Roberts was the top scorer for Teesside University in their BUCS triumph and also received the player of the tournament award.
Team GB will take on the 2006 champions Russia, the 2008 runners up Ukraine, and Oman.
Kilbride added: “The tournament is going to be tough as a lot of the teams have international players and staff.
“But we have been working hard together as a team and we go in to the tournament with the belief that we can do well.
“Futsal is still developing in this country and with the help of the FA and National league we can perform now and in years to come at the top level. Our group is tough with previous finalists and champions but they way we have worked as a team so far can only stand us in good stead for the challenges ahead.” Team GB have finished 14th and 15th previously in the competition.
The team trained in Northampton recently and Kilbride believes that the training camp will benefit the player’s domestic form as well as preparing them for the tournament. “The organisation has been second to none. he said.
“We have had a training camp in Northampton and moulded as a team.
“It’s good to learn different styles of play and tactics and it develops us as a team as well as individually. We will all have learnt so much, which we can take back to our teams.”
Boro have had a player in each of the World Championships since 2006. Former Boro stars Ben Mortlock played in Poland in 2006, scoring two goals and Curt Holmes was Great Britain’s goalkeeper in Slovenia in 2008 and now Bettson, Kilbride and Roberts will continue the proud tradition, representing the club in Serbia 2010.
First published on http://borofutsal.com/ on 19-08-10
THE OBSERVER FANS' PANEL - BORO V READING - 18-9-10
Middlesbrough 3-1 Reading
Was it a good match? We were really positive for the first time in ages and scored after 22 seconds. Reading came to play football which made for a good game. The ref did his bit to help the contest flow – even though he got a bit picky in the second half. The crowd urged Tarmo Kink to shoot at will after scoring a brace against Burnley midweek but while he obliged his efforts got further and further away from goal.
Who played well/who had a nightmare? French midfielder Mickael Tavares kept the ball moving. It was good to see David Wheater score on his return from injury.
Elle Brunton, Observer reader
First published by The Observer on 18-09-10
Was it a good match? We were really positive for the first time in ages and scored after 22 seconds. Reading came to play football which made for a good game. The ref did his bit to help the contest flow – even though he got a bit picky in the second half. The crowd urged Tarmo Kink to shoot at will after scoring a brace against Burnley midweek but while he obliged his efforts got further and further away from goal.
Who played well/who had a nightmare? French midfielder Mickael Tavares kept the ball moving. It was good to see David Wheater score on his return from injury.
Elle Brunton, Observer reader
First published by The Observer on 18-09-10
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
THE OBSERVER FANS' PANEL - BORO V PLYMOUTH - 31-10-09
The Fan's Verdict, Elle Brunton, ComeOnBoro.com: Was it a good match? Dreadful. We couldn't string any passes together, players weren't playing for each other and there was no communication in defence. I'm not sure what they were practising in double training, but it wasn't shooting. Gordon Strachan said that he doesn't want to chance the coaching staff but he may have had a change of heart now. Who played well/who had a nightmare? Justin Hoyte was our best player. Emanuel Pogatetz was playing quite well until he was carried off. David Wheater's not performing at home this season. Gary O'Neil was very, very poor. Rhys Williams was afraid to tackle in fear of picking up another yellow which would lead to him serving a one-match suspension.
First published by The Observer on 31-10-09
First published by The Observer on 31-10-09
THE OBSERVER FANS' PANEL - BBR V BORO - 25-10-08
Elle Brunton, ComeOnBoro.com: We were so unlucky. Tuncay's goal should have stood but was ruled out for an off side that wasn't there. Aliadière, he man of the match, hit the bar and was kicked all over the pitch without the referee punishing Blackburn enough. And then they equalise four minutes into added time. Alves should have scored before he did, though the one that he put away was a great goal. Wheater was much better than last week, though that's not saying much, Digard should keep his place in midfield, and Pogatetz made a big difference. But Downing is still going missing in the second half and Taylor has not played well lately. Everyone was down after last week, so we could have done with the win, but at least we were much, much better.
Player ratings: Turnbull 5; Wheater 5, Riggott 5 Pogatetz 6, Taylor 5; Aliadière 7, O'Neil 5, Digard 5, Downing 5; Tuncay 6 (Emnes n/a), Alves 6
First published by The Observer on 25-10-08
Player ratings: Turnbull 5; Wheater 5, Riggott 5 Pogatetz 6, Taylor 5; Aliadière 7, O'Neil 5, Digard 5, Downing 5; Tuncay 6 (Emnes n/a), Alves 6
First published by The Observer on 25-10-08
THE OBSERVER FANS' PANEL - BORO V MAN UNITED - 2-5-09
Middlesbrough 0–2 Manchester United
Elle Brunton, ComeOnBoro.com: I just want the season over now. We did start with some attacking intent and some semblance of urgency. Aliadière forced a save and had a couple of shots in the first half. But King was useless and when Alves came on he was absent apart from one shot which went miles over. We didn't look like scoring and even players who usually run all day stopped trying in the second half. It was the last day to register for cheap season tickets, and that was really bad timing.
Player ratings: Jones 3; McMahon 4 (Digard 52 6), Wheater 6, Huth 5, Hoyte 6; O'Neil 4 (Emnes 70 5), Tuncay 6, Bates 5, Downing 5; Aliadière 4, King 3 (Alves 52 4)
First published by The Observer on 2-5-09
Elle Brunton, ComeOnBoro.com: I just want the season over now. We did start with some attacking intent and some semblance of urgency. Aliadière forced a save and had a couple of shots in the first half. But King was useless and when Alves came on he was absent apart from one shot which went miles over. We didn't look like scoring and even players who usually run all day stopped trying in the second half. It was the last day to register for cheap season tickets, and that was really bad timing.
Player ratings: Jones 3; McMahon 4 (Digard 52 6), Wheater 6, Huth 5, Hoyte 6; O'Neil 4 (Emnes 70 5), Tuncay 6, Bates 5, Downing 5; Aliadière 4, King 3 (Alves 52 4)
First published by The Observer on 2-5-09
THE BORO BOYS - SELL? LOAN? KEEP? 15-7-10
Well boys and girls, we have now gone well over 24 hours without signing anyone Scottish, or indeed, anyone at all!
And while its nice to have a little break to build up some anticipation, just so we don't miss anyone arriving you understand, it is a little bit boring.
So, we are going to play a little game, a version of Kill, Kiss, Marry (not what I usually call it, but I'm keeping it clean.) only for our purposes its Sell, Loan, Keep.
Theres is no point in speculating on players who have just arrived, or those who are no longer part of our club, so here goes.
Mido - Sell. Get Rid! I don't care how or where to. Watching Mido stroll around the pitch once too often and reading enough negative reports straight from the club to wallpaper the mansion he no doubts lives in mean that even without his colourful past I do not want to see him in a Boro shirt ever again.
Didier Digard - Keep and monitor his fitness. Digard was purchased by Gareth Southgate as a player for the future, which is now. If he can stay fit he can remind us why we were all crying for Southgate to play him more often, because he was one of our better players. Although it is a very big 'if', I think he's worth a bit of effort.
Brad Jones - Keep. Despite his many many critics, the Australian is a better goalkeeper than he is usually given credit for, and while I'm not convinced he's a strong enough first choice, he is useful back-up.
Danny Coyne - Keep. Although Coyne does have chinks his in his armour, notably his height and age, he is usually a solid Championship goalkeeper.
David Wheater - Keep. Although Wheats seems to be stalling on signing a new contract I think that may have had a lot to do with not knowing whether 'Big Mick' was staying. The Redcar Rock is still very young for a central-defender and needs the steadiness of a regular partner, especially the superb Stephen McManus. I'm confident Wheater will have his best season so far for us in the 2010-11 campaign.
Gary O'Neil - Sell. Controversial, I know, but his value decreases every year in a market which increasingly over-values players. He is injury prone and just seems too delicate for the promotion battle Boro are going to wage. If Stoke really do want him, he can go and play with Huth and Tuncay again.
Rhys Williams - Keep. Once he returns from injury (and Australia) I reckon the young defender/midfielder will be raring to go and will make a significant contribution to our season.
Julio Arca - Sell - A great servant to the club but one who is definitely past his best.
Lee Miller - Sell - With Boyd, McDonald and co he probably won't get off the bench and I'd rather see a youngster like Franks be given the time and attention.
Leroy Lita - Sell. See Miller but even more so, I think we can do better.
Joe Bennet, Luke Williams, Jonathan Franks - Keep. Good young talent with confidence and bags of potential, just don't rush them Gordon!
Andrew Taylor, Tony McMahon, Matthew Bates, Seb Hines - Keep. If only so we remember we are Boro and not McBoro. We need a full squad and while this little lot have had more injuries than David James has had hairstyles it will nive to have an excess of defenders at the start of the campaign, because you can bet we won't have them all fit by the end of it!
Justin Hoyte - Keep. A frustrating player who goes from very good to very bad with little inbetween, Hoyte is nonetheless a decent footballer, and he has bags of pace.
Marvin Emnes - Sell if we can loan out if we can't. I just don't get what he gives us.
Jonathan Grounds - Keep. A young defender who, I believe, should, with the occasional wobble, come through very well under Strachan.
Kyle Naughton - Loan him back from Spurs!
So there you have it, these are just my verdicts.
Feel free to join in through the comment's box or the messageboard if you prefer!
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 15-7-10
And while its nice to have a little break to build up some anticipation, just so we don't miss anyone arriving you understand, it is a little bit boring.
So, we are going to play a little game, a version of Kill, Kiss, Marry (not what I usually call it, but I'm keeping it clean.) only for our purposes its Sell, Loan, Keep.
Theres is no point in speculating on players who have just arrived, or those who are no longer part of our club, so here goes.
Mido - Sell. Get Rid! I don't care how or where to. Watching Mido stroll around the pitch once too often and reading enough negative reports straight from the club to wallpaper the mansion he no doubts lives in mean that even without his colourful past I do not want to see him in a Boro shirt ever again.
Didier Digard - Keep and monitor his fitness. Digard was purchased by Gareth Southgate as a player for the future, which is now. If he can stay fit he can remind us why we were all crying for Southgate to play him more often, because he was one of our better players. Although it is a very big 'if', I think he's worth a bit of effort.
Brad Jones - Keep. Despite his many many critics, the Australian is a better goalkeeper than he is usually given credit for, and while I'm not convinced he's a strong enough first choice, he is useful back-up.
Danny Coyne - Keep. Although Coyne does have chinks his in his armour, notably his height and age, he is usually a solid Championship goalkeeper.
David Wheater - Keep. Although Wheats seems to be stalling on signing a new contract I think that may have had a lot to do with not knowing whether 'Big Mick' was staying. The Redcar Rock is still very young for a central-defender and needs the steadiness of a regular partner, especially the superb Stephen McManus. I'm confident Wheater will have his best season so far for us in the 2010-11 campaign.
Gary O'Neil - Sell. Controversial, I know, but his value decreases every year in a market which increasingly over-values players. He is injury prone and just seems too delicate for the promotion battle Boro are going to wage. If Stoke really do want him, he can go and play with Huth and Tuncay again.
Rhys Williams - Keep. Once he returns from injury (and Australia) I reckon the young defender/midfielder will be raring to go and will make a significant contribution to our season.
Julio Arca - Sell - A great servant to the club but one who is definitely past his best.
Lee Miller - Sell - With Boyd, McDonald and co he probably won't get off the bench and I'd rather see a youngster like Franks be given the time and attention.
Leroy Lita - Sell. See Miller but even more so, I think we can do better.
Joe Bennet, Luke Williams, Jonathan Franks - Keep. Good young talent with confidence and bags of potential, just don't rush them Gordon!
Andrew Taylor, Tony McMahon, Matthew Bates, Seb Hines - Keep. If only so we remember we are Boro and not McBoro. We need a full squad and while this little lot have had more injuries than David James has had hairstyles it will nive to have an excess of defenders at the start of the campaign, because you can bet we won't have them all fit by the end of it!
Justin Hoyte - Keep. A frustrating player who goes from very good to very bad with little inbetween, Hoyte is nonetheless a decent footballer, and he has bags of pace.
Marvin Emnes - Sell if we can loan out if we can't. I just don't get what he gives us.
Jonathan Grounds - Keep. A young defender who, I believe, should, with the occasional wobble, come through very well under Strachan.
Kyle Naughton - Loan him back from Spurs!
So there you have it, these are just my verdicts.
Feel free to join in through the comment's box or the messageboard if you prefer!
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 15-7-10
BORO'S MIDWEEK TRANSFER ROUND UP - IT'S RAINING SCOTS AT THE RIVERSIDE! 14-7-10
Another week, another three signings! Boro's transfers under Strachan are less a steady stream of players arriving, than a storm of Scots descending on the Riverside...and it's fantastic!
Halliday, Boyd, McManus (Bailey's not Scottish!)are all signed and sealed and its only the 14th of July.
This kind of thing is almost unprecedented at Boro.
Strachan and Chief Executive Keith Lamb insist these deals have been in the pipeline for several months, but the quick fire nature in which the deals are being finalised is exciting for the fans.
Andy Halliday looks like Strachan sent his scouts with the direction of locating a 'Scottish Adam Johnson' - No pressure Andy!
Boyd's record is literally unparalleled in the SPL and McManus is the kind of man you really can build a team around, although fortunately right now we don't need to.
Nicky Bailey is the odd one out in that he appears to have no connection to Scotland other than perhaps visiting a couple of gold courses there? But is nonetheless very much in Strachan's 'real men' mode, and has even held down an actual job after being released by Fulham as a teenager.
Of Boro's surviving squad let me just take this opportunity to wish Rhys Williams a speedy recovery in Australia, and let's hope he doesn't get too used to the sunshine as he could be an important player for Boro next season and it would be a pity if he missed out on our surely inevitable? promotion.
Strachan has stated he is not 'actively trying to get rid' of any players, although with Mido in particular still on our books, some of the fans may be rather wishing he was!
I would also like to see us give Kyle Naughton another loan deal, to bring him back to the Boro for a full season.
You always need a few players who look too good for the team, and his short spell at the Boro Naughton mostly looked Premier League. He was also desperate to play every week.
Naugton has returned to Spurs after his loan deal ended last month, and featured in their first pre-season friendly, a 4-0 win over Bournemouth in which he came close to scoring.
However he is unlikely to get much playing time in Redknapp's top four team and would be a good addition to Boro's steadily growing squad.
In the meantime we are 'closing in' on Kevin Thomson with 'Boydy' lending his weight to the signing of his Rangers former teammate.
Let them laugh and call us McBoro, if we are lifting the Championship trophy come May we will all be wearing tartan in celebration!
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 14-7-10
Halliday, Boyd, McManus (Bailey's not Scottish!)are all signed and sealed and its only the 14th of July.
This kind of thing is almost unprecedented at Boro.
Strachan and Chief Executive Keith Lamb insist these deals have been in the pipeline for several months, but the quick fire nature in which the deals are being finalised is exciting for the fans.
Andy Halliday looks like Strachan sent his scouts with the direction of locating a 'Scottish Adam Johnson' - No pressure Andy!
Boyd's record is literally unparalleled in the SPL and McManus is the kind of man you really can build a team around, although fortunately right now we don't need to.
Nicky Bailey is the odd one out in that he appears to have no connection to Scotland other than perhaps visiting a couple of gold courses there? But is nonetheless very much in Strachan's 'real men' mode, and has even held down an actual job after being released by Fulham as a teenager.
Of Boro's surviving squad let me just take this opportunity to wish Rhys Williams a speedy recovery in Australia, and let's hope he doesn't get too used to the sunshine as he could be an important player for Boro next season and it would be a pity if he missed out on our surely inevitable? promotion.
Strachan has stated he is not 'actively trying to get rid' of any players, although with Mido in particular still on our books, some of the fans may be rather wishing he was!
I would also like to see us give Kyle Naughton another loan deal, to bring him back to the Boro for a full season.
You always need a few players who look too good for the team, and his short spell at the Boro Naughton mostly looked Premier League. He was also desperate to play every week.
Naugton has returned to Spurs after his loan deal ended last month, and featured in their first pre-season friendly, a 4-0 win over Bournemouth in which he came close to scoring.
However he is unlikely to get much playing time in Redknapp's top four team and would be a good addition to Boro's steadily growing squad.
In the meantime we are 'closing in' on Kevin Thomson with 'Boydy' lending his weight to the signing of his Rangers former teammate.
Let them laugh and call us McBoro, if we are lifting the Championship trophy come May we will all be wearing tartan in celebration!
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 14-7-10
SIR GEOFF HURST AT THE RIVERSIDE FOR THE McDONALD'S FOOTBALL DAY 24-5-2010
Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium was visited by a true World Cup legend on Sunday, when Sir Geoff Hurst, MBE was the special guest at the McDonald's football day held in the Boro ground. ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton reports.
The event was run in conjuctions with MFC in the Community and was part of McDonald's community partnership with the FA which aims to inspire youngsters' love of the beautiful game through fun, interactive coaching sessions and mini-tournaments.
Sir Geoff is the Director of football for McDonalds Community Football Program, and was joined by McDonald's Head Coach Eric Harrison, former head of Manchester United's youth academy who was running a series of training sessions throughout the day.
In the Boro dressing rooms, Sir Geoff hosted a question and answer session with the fans before signing autographs ( and quite a bit of England merchandise) and posing for pictures.
Geoff Hurst said: "We want to provide the community with a football-focused fun day for all. Football is part of the fabric of our society and no more so than in a World Cup year. It's a great testament to McDonald's that they're committed to making football accessible to whole communities, helping to raise the standards of grassroots football up and down the country, week in, week out. I'm looking forward to seeing as many fans there as possible."
Natalie Marshall, McDonald's local operations consultant, added: "McDonald's proudly supports football in Britain's communities and in partnership with The FA, The Scottish FA, The Irish FA and The Welsh Football Trust, we're looking to leave a legacy in communities that will last for years to come.
"As a part of that, we're well on our way to coaching over one million children to date."
Child-friendly soft play area goals and speed cages were set up for the children to take part, with qualified volunteers, as well as families and friends, acting as coaches.
There was also section to encourage mums to get involved in the coaching, something which the McDonalds community programme is passionate about.
Admission to the event cost just £3 for adults and £1 for under-16s and over-60s.
The day included the annual Riverside Festival involving 82 teams of 7-11 year-olds, with the Teesside Tigers and Teeside Athletic battling it out for the trophy.
Teesside Athletic were crowned the victors following a penalty shoot-out and a player of the tournament was also presented with a special trophy.
Sir Geoff was on hand to present the trophies, with the runners up also receiving some silverware.
Geoff Hurst, said:" We work on football projects throughout the UK, where we get involved with football clubs and the community projects. Boro is one of the best in the country.
"I became the director of football [for McDonalds Community Football Program] in 2002 and now there are over two thousand coaches and 50 festivals to support the community projects."
And what does Hurst think of England's chances of winning the 2010 World Cup?
"It would be great for the country if the national team does manage it, there's great passion within our country. he said.
"I think we are going to do very well, it'll be very disappointing if we don't get to the semi final."
Fabio Capello's provisional 30 man squad has thrown up a couple of wildcards, including six Spurs players, but Hurst thinks the selection was fairly obvious given the domestic season just gone.
"The squad looks more or less as you would expect, but the 23, there are six of seven players coming in because they've had a really good season for their clubs. he explained.
"Spurs had a fantastic season and finished fourth and when a team is good people start to look at the team and that's what you get.
"Dawson and Huddlestone got in, Aaron Lennon was already in of course, and Ledley's a great player even though he hasn't played a full season."
And one player who seems to be impressing everybody recently is ex Boro winger Adam Johnson.
"Someone who has really come through from the north east perspective is Adam Johnson, because he left Middlesbrough. Hurst said.
"He wasn't really known nationally, but he has started playing very well for Manchester City.
"Its exciting for football, he could come from nowhere, like Martin Peters did, he has never played for England [at senior level] before and he could go to the World Cup.
"If he plays well against Mexico he could get in the team.
"That's the beauty about the game, it can always throw up a surprise!"
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 24-5-10
The event was run in conjuctions with MFC in the Community and was part of McDonald's community partnership with the FA which aims to inspire youngsters' love of the beautiful game through fun, interactive coaching sessions and mini-tournaments.
Sir Geoff is the Director of football for McDonalds Community Football Program, and was joined by McDonald's Head Coach Eric Harrison, former head of Manchester United's youth academy who was running a series of training sessions throughout the day.
In the Boro dressing rooms, Sir Geoff hosted a question and answer session with the fans before signing autographs ( and quite a bit of England merchandise) and posing for pictures.
Geoff Hurst said: "We want to provide the community with a football-focused fun day for all. Football is part of the fabric of our society and no more so than in a World Cup year. It's a great testament to McDonald's that they're committed to making football accessible to whole communities, helping to raise the standards of grassroots football up and down the country, week in, week out. I'm looking forward to seeing as many fans there as possible."
Natalie Marshall, McDonald's local operations consultant, added: "McDonald's proudly supports football in Britain's communities and in partnership with The FA, The Scottish FA, The Irish FA and The Welsh Football Trust, we're looking to leave a legacy in communities that will last for years to come.
"As a part of that, we're well on our way to coaching over one million children to date."
Child-friendly soft play area goals and speed cages were set up for the children to take part, with qualified volunteers, as well as families and friends, acting as coaches.
There was also section to encourage mums to get involved in the coaching, something which the McDonalds community programme is passionate about.
Admission to the event cost just £3 for adults and £1 for under-16s and over-60s.
The day included the annual Riverside Festival involving 82 teams of 7-11 year-olds, with the Teesside Tigers and Teeside Athletic battling it out for the trophy.
Teesside Athletic were crowned the victors following a penalty shoot-out and a player of the tournament was also presented with a special trophy.
Sir Geoff was on hand to present the trophies, with the runners up also receiving some silverware.
Geoff Hurst, said:" We work on football projects throughout the UK, where we get involved with football clubs and the community projects. Boro is one of the best in the country.
"I became the director of football [for McDonalds Community Football Program] in 2002 and now there are over two thousand coaches and 50 festivals to support the community projects."
And what does Hurst think of England's chances of winning the 2010 World Cup?
"It would be great for the country if the national team does manage it, there's great passion within our country. he said.
"I think we are going to do very well, it'll be very disappointing if we don't get to the semi final."
Fabio Capello's provisional 30 man squad has thrown up a couple of wildcards, including six Spurs players, but Hurst thinks the selection was fairly obvious given the domestic season just gone.
"The squad looks more or less as you would expect, but the 23, there are six of seven players coming in because they've had a really good season for their clubs. he explained.
"Spurs had a fantastic season and finished fourth and when a team is good people start to look at the team and that's what you get.
"Dawson and Huddlestone got in, Aaron Lennon was already in of course, and Ledley's a great player even though he hasn't played a full season."
And one player who seems to be impressing everybody recently is ex Boro winger Adam Johnson.
"Someone who has really come through from the north east perspective is Adam Johnson, because he left Middlesbrough. Hurst said.
"He wasn't really known nationally, but he has started playing very well for Manchester City.
"Its exciting for football, he could come from nowhere, like Martin Peters did, he has never played for England [at senior level] before and he could go to the World Cup.
"If he plays well against Mexico he could get in the team.
"That's the beauty about the game, it can always throw up a surprise!"
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 24-5-10
BORO AND EX ACADEMY PLAYERS CALLED UP FOR ENGLAND, NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA 11-5-2010
Former Boro academy player Adam Johnson has been included in Fabio Capello's provisional 30 man squad. But there is no place for Stewart Downing.
In a midfield heavy 30, Johnson has the advantage of been a naturally left sided winger who can still play on the right, however his lack of experience may count against him.
Apart from local pride (yes he's from Sunderland, but he's still our academy product) Johnson's presence in the England squad would suggest he will get a cap, even if it is only in one of the upcoming friendlies, and Boro will benefit to the tune of £1 million.
Meanwhile Chris Killen, whose loan deal with Boro has expired, is the only certainty to be at the World Cup, as new Zealand have announced their final 23 and Killen is on the list.
Boro have three possible representatives in the Australia squad, announced yesterday. Striker Scott McDonald, defender/midfielder Rhys Williams and goalkeeper Brad Jones all have a place in the initial 30 man Australia squad.
McDonald looks set to replace Mark Viduka as Australia's lone striker, although veteran Harry Kewel is still in the picture.
Rhys Williams has been struggling with a pelvic problem for much of the domestic season, but has managed the injury well and is in with a shout of the final 23, while Brad Jones will fight it out with Reading's Adam Federici for the second goalkeeper's place.
Former Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, and another Boro academy product, Luke Wilkshire, are also included.
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.
FULL NEW ZEALAND SQUAD:
Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), James Bannatyne (Team Wellington); Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls); Simon Elliott (unattached), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), David Mulligan (unattached), Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay); Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle).
FULL AUSTRALIA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer Fulham (ENG), Brad Jones Middlesbrough (ENG), Adam Federici Reading (ENG), Eugene Galekovic Adelaide United.
Defenders: Lucas Neill Galatasaray (TUR), David Carney FC Twente (NED), Michael Beauchamp Al Jazira (UAE), Scott Chipperfield FC Basel (SUI), Shane Lowry Aston Villa (ENG), Mark Milligan JEF United (JPN), Craig Moore Unattached, Jade North Tromso (NOR), Luke Wilkshire Dinamo Moscow (RUS), Rhys Williams Middlesbrough (ENG)
Midfielders: Brett Emerton Blackburn Rovers (ENG), Vince Grella Blackburn Rovers (ENG), James Holman AZ Alkmaar (NED), Tim Cahill Everton (ENG), Tommy Oar FC Utrecht (NED), Carl Valeri Sassuolo Calcio (ITA), Dario Vidosic FC Nurnberg (DEU), Mile Jedinak Antalyaspor Kubulu (TUR), Nicky Carle Crystal Palace (ENG), Mark Bresciano Palermo (ITA), Richard Garcia Hull City (ENG), Jason Culina Gold Coast United, James Holland AZ Alkmaar (NED)
Forwards: Nikita Rukavytsya FC Twente (NED), Harry Kewell Galatasaray (TUR), Josh Kennedy Nagoya Grampus (JAP), Scott Mcdonald Middlesbrough (ENG).
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 11-5-10
In a midfield heavy 30, Johnson has the advantage of been a naturally left sided winger who can still play on the right, however his lack of experience may count against him.
Apart from local pride (yes he's from Sunderland, but he's still our academy product) Johnson's presence in the England squad would suggest he will get a cap, even if it is only in one of the upcoming friendlies, and Boro will benefit to the tune of £1 million.
Meanwhile Chris Killen, whose loan deal with Boro has expired, is the only certainty to be at the World Cup, as new Zealand have announced their final 23 and Killen is on the list.
Boro have three possible representatives in the Australia squad, announced yesterday. Striker Scott McDonald, defender/midfielder Rhys Williams and goalkeeper Brad Jones all have a place in the initial 30 man Australia squad.
McDonald looks set to replace Mark Viduka as Australia's lone striker, although veteran Harry Kewel is still in the picture.
Rhys Williams has been struggling with a pelvic problem for much of the domestic season, but has managed the injury well and is in with a shout of the final 23, while Brad Jones will fight it out with Reading's Adam Federici for the second goalkeeper's place.
Former Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, and another Boro academy product, Luke Wilkshire, are also included.
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.
FULL NEW ZEALAND SQUAD:
Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), James Bannatyne (Team Wellington); Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls); Simon Elliott (unattached), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), David Mulligan (unattached), Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay); Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle).
FULL AUSTRALIA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer Fulham (ENG), Brad Jones Middlesbrough (ENG), Adam Federici Reading (ENG), Eugene Galekovic Adelaide United.
Defenders: Lucas Neill Galatasaray (TUR), David Carney FC Twente (NED), Michael Beauchamp Al Jazira (UAE), Scott Chipperfield FC Basel (SUI), Shane Lowry Aston Villa (ENG), Mark Milligan JEF United (JPN), Craig Moore Unattached, Jade North Tromso (NOR), Luke Wilkshire Dinamo Moscow (RUS), Rhys Williams Middlesbrough (ENG)
Midfielders: Brett Emerton Blackburn Rovers (ENG), Vince Grella Blackburn Rovers (ENG), James Holman AZ Alkmaar (NED), Tim Cahill Everton (ENG), Tommy Oar FC Utrecht (NED), Carl Valeri Sassuolo Calcio (ITA), Dario Vidosic FC Nurnberg (DEU), Mile Jedinak Antalyaspor Kubulu (TUR), Nicky Carle Crystal Palace (ENG), Mark Bresciano Palermo (ITA), Richard Garcia Hull City (ENG), Jason Culina Gold Coast United, James Holland AZ Alkmaar (NED)
Forwards: Nikita Rukavytsya FC Twente (NED), Harry Kewell Galatasaray (TUR), Josh Kennedy Nagoya Grampus (JAP), Scott Mcdonald Middlesbrough (ENG).
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 11-5-10
SUNNYSIDE UP FOR BORO'S COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS 28-4-2010
As Boro's 'Community Champions' initiative concluded, three Boro stars, Scott McDonald, Danny Coyne and Justin Hoyte visited Coulby Newham's Sunnyside Primary School to open the school's new play area. ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton reports.
Sunnyside is a mainstream school but also caters for pupils who have hearing impairments, visual impairments and moderate learning difficulties.
The players, and selected members of MFC staff were invited to the school as guests of Friends of Sunnyside.
Upon arrival, the players were shown into the playground where around three hundred excited children in PE kits gave them a rousing reception.
Danny Coyne cut the ribbon to declare the new play facilities official open, before all three players took part in a keep-fit session with the children.
After that the players split up as striker Scott McDonald was treated to a tour of the school's facilities, defender Justin Hoyte played volleyball with pupils, and Danny Coyne was back in goal for a game of 'goal ball' with some of the visually impaired pupils.
The play area is open to all the children, and the school teaches visually impaired and hearing impaired children from three years (nursery) up to year six, (ten to eleven years).
There is also a buddy system in place so when the children were heading into the playground from the classroom, not only did they have to line up, the older pupils partnered the younger children.
McDonald, said: "The teacher was just telling me how the school raised money with the kids, one of the things they did was the kids had smarties boxes, but after they ate them, they had to save their pennies in them. They raised about £800 from that, so that's fantastic.
"It's nice, it is great to see the joy on their faces for such little things.
"You forget sometimes, we see yourselves as normal people but to see how excited the kids were today, you realise you are a role model, I'll have to remember that when I'm playing and try not to look angry, or swear..."
McDonald started to do kicky-ups and was joined by Jasmine, an older pupil with a hearing impairment who loves football and is a passionate Boro supporter.
The children did ask the Australian international if he would be supporting England in the World cup however, to reach Scott, pretending to be affronted exclaimed "Nooo! I'm an Aussie!"
Coyne was blindfolded in the goal, and the pupils took penalties against him, with a ball which had a bell in it. The experienced goalkeeper said it was an interesting experience, and manage to save all but the last of the spot kicks!
Coyne, said: "I saved a couple, but they got the last one in so I wasn't happy! (laughing)
"I've never experienced anything like that before, it was good to see what it is like for children with visual impairments, it was really interesting, really good for me."
The players were then the star attraction at the school assembley, where they were joined by members of the Friends of Sunnyside and local businesses who helped raise funds for the school's new playground.
Scott McDonald presented certificates to the best entries of a competition to see what they children would do with a Boro player for the day. One of the winners, Ellie, a year five pupil, wanted to share an english breakfast with french striker Jeremie Aliadiere!
All the winners will receive tickets for a game next season.
Justin Hoyte then drew the winning ticket for a raffle for a signed Boro shirt. The girl who won looked absolutely delighted, and her younger brother, the head teacher informed the players, is also a huge Boro fan.
Throughout the assembley, one of the teachers sat at the front signing for the hearing impaired pupils, and the children applauded the guests and winners with a mixture of ''normal' clapping, and signed clapping.
Danny Coyne said: "It was fantastic to see Sunnyside's excellent facilities and the work the school does to give the pupils a healthy lifestyle.
"The club likes to play a big part in the community and it was clear our appearance made a big impact at the school, which made it all the more enjoyable for us."
'Community Champions' has seen Boro players make personal appearances to help local charities and good causes raise awareness of their projects.
Along with Stockton's Shaw Trust and Norton's Daisy Chain, Sunnyside School was one of three local charities who won a Boro visit together with a shirt signed by the first team and 10 tickets for the club's final home game with Coventry City.
Runners-up were Spennymoor-based cerebral palsy charity Heel to Toe, Laurence Jackson School of Guisborough and Captain Cook Primary School in Marton, Each will receive a Boro shirt signed by the first team squad.
Under a motto of 'The heart of the community', Boro are renowned for their charitable work.
Boro stars have made more than 350 community appearances over the past 12 months, while the club's community project is one of the biggest and best in the country.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 28-4-10
Sunnyside is a mainstream school but also caters for pupils who have hearing impairments, visual impairments and moderate learning difficulties.
The players, and selected members of MFC staff were invited to the school as guests of Friends of Sunnyside.
Upon arrival, the players were shown into the playground where around three hundred excited children in PE kits gave them a rousing reception.
Danny Coyne cut the ribbon to declare the new play facilities official open, before all three players took part in a keep-fit session with the children.
After that the players split up as striker Scott McDonald was treated to a tour of the school's facilities, defender Justin Hoyte played volleyball with pupils, and Danny Coyne was back in goal for a game of 'goal ball' with some of the visually impaired pupils.
The play area is open to all the children, and the school teaches visually impaired and hearing impaired children from three years (nursery) up to year six, (ten to eleven years).
There is also a buddy system in place so when the children were heading into the playground from the classroom, not only did they have to line up, the older pupils partnered the younger children.
McDonald, said: "The teacher was just telling me how the school raised money with the kids, one of the things they did was the kids had smarties boxes, but after they ate them, they had to save their pennies in them. They raised about £800 from that, so that's fantastic.
"It's nice, it is great to see the joy on their faces for such little things.
"You forget sometimes, we see yourselves as normal people but to see how excited the kids were today, you realise you are a role model, I'll have to remember that when I'm playing and try not to look angry, or swear..."
McDonald started to do kicky-ups and was joined by Jasmine, an older pupil with a hearing impairment who loves football and is a passionate Boro supporter.
The children did ask the Australian international if he would be supporting England in the World cup however, to reach Scott, pretending to be affronted exclaimed "Nooo! I'm an Aussie!"
Coyne was blindfolded in the goal, and the pupils took penalties against him, with a ball which had a bell in it. The experienced goalkeeper said it was an interesting experience, and manage to save all but the last of the spot kicks!
Coyne, said: "I saved a couple, but they got the last one in so I wasn't happy! (laughing)
"I've never experienced anything like that before, it was good to see what it is like for children with visual impairments, it was really interesting, really good for me."
The players were then the star attraction at the school assembley, where they were joined by members of the Friends of Sunnyside and local businesses who helped raise funds for the school's new playground.
Scott McDonald presented certificates to the best entries of a competition to see what they children would do with a Boro player for the day. One of the winners, Ellie, a year five pupil, wanted to share an english breakfast with french striker Jeremie Aliadiere!
All the winners will receive tickets for a game next season.
Justin Hoyte then drew the winning ticket for a raffle for a signed Boro shirt. The girl who won looked absolutely delighted, and her younger brother, the head teacher informed the players, is also a huge Boro fan.
Throughout the assembley, one of the teachers sat at the front signing for the hearing impaired pupils, and the children applauded the guests and winners with a mixture of ''normal' clapping, and signed clapping.
Danny Coyne said: "It was fantastic to see Sunnyside's excellent facilities and the work the school does to give the pupils a healthy lifestyle.
"The club likes to play a big part in the community and it was clear our appearance made a big impact at the school, which made it all the more enjoyable for us."
'Community Champions' has seen Boro players make personal appearances to help local charities and good causes raise awareness of their projects.
Along with Stockton's Shaw Trust and Norton's Daisy Chain, Sunnyside School was one of three local charities who won a Boro visit together with a shirt signed by the first team and 10 tickets for the club's final home game with Coventry City.
Runners-up were Spennymoor-based cerebral palsy charity Heel to Toe, Laurence Jackson School of Guisborough and Captain Cook Primary School in Marton, Each will receive a Boro shirt signed by the first team squad.
Under a motto of 'The heart of the community', Boro are renowned for their charitable work.
Boro stars have made more than 350 community appearances over the past 12 months, while the club's community project is one of the biggest and best in the country.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 28-4-10
BORO STARS KILLEN, POGATETZ AND WILLIAMS VISIT SHAW TRUST 23-4-2010
MFC continued their 'Community Champions' initiative with a visit to Stockton-based charity The Shaw Trust. Boro stars Chris Killen, Emanuel Pogatetz and Rhys Williams met and interacted with young people with learning difficulties, and undertook a series of challenges.
Chris Killen pitted his cooking technique against Boro chef Howard Archer, while Pogatetz and Williams went head to head in first a potato-planting experience, and then a race to complete three wooden bird boxes.ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton reports:
The Shaw Trust Stockton Project, backed by the Council, helps people with learning difficulties receive training and employment in an everyday working environment.
Shaw Trust leader Graham Barker and his team provide horticultural training through the Grangefield Gardening Project, where clients grow and sell plants and vegetables for sale to visitors.
The organisation also has over 60 gardening and maintenance contracts ranging from residential gardens, nursing homes and churchyards.
In addition clients, who are referred by Stockton's health and social care team, receive training in a wide range of other skills, including retail, administration and catering.
The players arrived and were treated to a viewing of the Shaw Trust's new dvd, which was created and edited by the members of staff and clients in just week, to show what the Shaw Trust does.
Many of the staff at the trust used to volunteer until they were offered paid employment.
One member of staff, David, is a Boro season ticket holder who also wrote the application which won the trust the visit from the players.
Boro chef Howard Archer had not arrived by this time, and Chris Killen was confident this meant the pro had "bottled it!" in the face of Killen's obviously superior cooking skills.
Then it was time to get down to some work. Pogi and Rhys were each given a team of helpers, a spade and wheelbarrows full of soil and shown how to plant potatos in tyres, which is an energy saving method as the tyres are recycled and the potatos do not require digging back up.
Despite the majority of staff and clients of the trust proudly displaying Boro merchandise, there was one fan sporting the familiar black and white stripes of our nearest neighbours.
"Anyone can be on my team" said Pogatetz, "Except for him [pointing at the Newcastle fan] he can work on his own!"
Rhys had a bit of trouble with which end the potatos were supposed to go in...but soon got the hang of the digging rhythm and should in fact have won the challenge, as he completed his tyre planting faster than Pogi's team. However the judge was part of Pogatetz' team and awarded victory to the Austrian.
We were then ushered inside where Boro chef Howard Archer had sneaked in, and he and Chris Killen were given a bag full of the same ingredients and each given half an hour to produce two plates of food. Ready Steady Cook!
While the 'chefs' were getting to grips with their menus, it was time for another challenge for Rhys and Pogi.
This time it was a Generation Game woodwork challenge, as both players were shown how to hammer and nail some wooden pieces together to create bird feeders to hang in the trees.
This time, Rhys was the victor, despite looking rather worried when handed the hammer, and managing to hammer one of the pieces the wrong way round initially!
Both players then signed one of the boxes they had made each.
Rhys said he enjoyed the event, but was adamant that he had won both challenges.
"The first one was fixed! he exclaimed in mock outrage. "We won that! But it was good fun to be down here with everyone."
When I commented that he did not look too comfortable with the woodwork challenge but had at least avoided hitting his hands with the hammer, he replied: "I'm lucky footballers don't need their thumbs!"
"I think it's just the weather that's putting off, but I smashed that one!"
Pogi and Rhys then joined a panel of staff and volunteers to judge the winner of Ready Steady Cook. In the end chef Howard Archer was victorious, but it was close, with the players having the swing vote.
Shaw Trust were one of three local charities who won a Boro visit together with a shirt signed by the first team and 10 tickets for the club's final home game with Coventry City.
Norton charity Daisy Chain and Middlesbrough's Sunnyside Primary School also won visits from Boro players, who have also made special appearances at three major MFC in the Community events.
Runners-up were Spennymoor-based cerebral palsy charity Heel to Toe, Laurence Jackson School of Guisborough and Captain Cook Primary School in Marton, Each will receive a Boro shirt signed by the first team squad.
"There is always lots to do on the Project," said Graham, "And we are thrilled that we have won Chris, Rhys and Manny as volunteers for the day. Everyone is so excited and can't wait to kick off the day!"
If you would like to support the work that Shaw Trust does to help disabled and disadvantaged people find work and achieve independence, please visit their website: www.shaw-trust.org.uk/support_us
Alternatively, if you require any landscape gardening or general garden maintenance, please contact Graham Barker on 01642 670731.
Boro stars have made more than 400 community appearances over the past 12 months, while the club's community project is one of the biggest and best in the country.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 23-4-10
Chris Killen pitted his cooking technique against Boro chef Howard Archer, while Pogatetz and Williams went head to head in first a potato-planting experience, and then a race to complete three wooden bird boxes.ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton reports:
The Shaw Trust Stockton Project, backed by the Council, helps people with learning difficulties receive training and employment in an everyday working environment.
Shaw Trust leader Graham Barker and his team provide horticultural training through the Grangefield Gardening Project, where clients grow and sell plants and vegetables for sale to visitors.
The organisation also has over 60 gardening and maintenance contracts ranging from residential gardens, nursing homes and churchyards.
In addition clients, who are referred by Stockton's health and social care team, receive training in a wide range of other skills, including retail, administration and catering.
The players arrived and were treated to a viewing of the Shaw Trust's new dvd, which was created and edited by the members of staff and clients in just week, to show what the Shaw Trust does.
Many of the staff at the trust used to volunteer until they were offered paid employment.
One member of staff, David, is a Boro season ticket holder who also wrote the application which won the trust the visit from the players.
Boro chef Howard Archer had not arrived by this time, and Chris Killen was confident this meant the pro had "bottled it!" in the face of Killen's obviously superior cooking skills.
Then it was time to get down to some work. Pogi and Rhys were each given a team of helpers, a spade and wheelbarrows full of soil and shown how to plant potatos in tyres, which is an energy saving method as the tyres are recycled and the potatos do not require digging back up.
Despite the majority of staff and clients of the trust proudly displaying Boro merchandise, there was one fan sporting the familiar black and white stripes of our nearest neighbours.
"Anyone can be on my team" said Pogatetz, "Except for him [pointing at the Newcastle fan] he can work on his own!"
Rhys had a bit of trouble with which end the potatos were supposed to go in...but soon got the hang of the digging rhythm and should in fact have won the challenge, as he completed his tyre planting faster than Pogi's team. However the judge was part of Pogatetz' team and awarded victory to the Austrian.
We were then ushered inside where Boro chef Howard Archer had sneaked in, and he and Chris Killen were given a bag full of the same ingredients and each given half an hour to produce two plates of food. Ready Steady Cook!
While the 'chefs' were getting to grips with their menus, it was time for another challenge for Rhys and Pogi.
This time it was a Generation Game woodwork challenge, as both players were shown how to hammer and nail some wooden pieces together to create bird feeders to hang in the trees.
This time, Rhys was the victor, despite looking rather worried when handed the hammer, and managing to hammer one of the pieces the wrong way round initially!
Both players then signed one of the boxes they had made each.
Rhys said he enjoyed the event, but was adamant that he had won both challenges.
"The first one was fixed! he exclaimed in mock outrage. "We won that! But it was good fun to be down here with everyone."
When I commented that he did not look too comfortable with the woodwork challenge but had at least avoided hitting his hands with the hammer, he replied: "I'm lucky footballers don't need their thumbs!"
"I think it's just the weather that's putting off, but I smashed that one!"
Pogi and Rhys then joined a panel of staff and volunteers to judge the winner of Ready Steady Cook. In the end chef Howard Archer was victorious, but it was close, with the players having the swing vote.
Shaw Trust were one of three local charities who won a Boro visit together with a shirt signed by the first team and 10 tickets for the club's final home game with Coventry City.
Norton charity Daisy Chain and Middlesbrough's Sunnyside Primary School also won visits from Boro players, who have also made special appearances at three major MFC in the Community events.
Runners-up were Spennymoor-based cerebral palsy charity Heel to Toe, Laurence Jackson School of Guisborough and Captain Cook Primary School in Marton, Each will receive a Boro shirt signed by the first team squad.
"There is always lots to do on the Project," said Graham, "And we are thrilled that we have won Chris, Rhys and Manny as volunteers for the day. Everyone is so excited and can't wait to kick off the day!"
If you would like to support the work that Shaw Trust does to help disabled and disadvantaged people find work and achieve independence, please visit their website: www.shaw-trust.org.uk/support_us
Alternatively, if you require any landscape gardening or general garden maintenance, please contact Graham Barker on 01642 670731.
Boro stars have made more than 400 community appearances over the past 12 months, while the club's community project is one of the biggest and best in the country.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 23-4-10
ROBSON, MILLER AND ARCA VISIT DAISY CHAIN 16-4-2010
Boro have a busy end of season schedule, with every game a must win, but off the pitch, MFC in the Community are also working tirelessly to raise awareness to a host of local charities as part of their 'Community Champions' initiative.
Last Monday, current Boro captain Barry Robson, fellow midfielder Julio Arca and striker Lee Miller visited Stockton based charity Daisy Chain.
Daisy Chain is a provides holistic support and respite care for families across the Tees Valley who have children with autism.
Whilst providing support and resource for affected families, the charity also provides stimulating surroundings for the children to help encourage their development via play, dance, arts and interaction with animals.
The players were invited Monday's open day, to visit the farm and newly-built indoor centre.
First on the itinerary was a visit to the farm.
Julio Arca volunteered to bottle-feed a baby lamb, which happened to be black, prompting Lee Miller to comment "There's a family resemblance their Julio, with the black curls!"
The lamb was born last Saturday, the same day as Boro beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at the Riverside.
Robson and Miller continued to offer 'encouragement ' as Arca got to grips with the lamb, yelling "How's your arm Julio?!"
After the excitement with the lamb, the players visited the pig pens, the rabbits, and the guinea pigs.
The it was back outside to meet a pony called Muppet, and two donkeys, one of which was named Smoggy!
The players showed the children how to feed the animals, by holding their hands out flat with the feed to allow the animals to take it easily without nipping anybody's fingers.
Barry Robson and Lee Miller even climbed the fence with a couple of the children for some photographs with the donkeys, before moving onto the goats.
The tour continued with a visit to the outdoor play area which includes a track for specially designed three wheel bicycles with adjustable seats.
Miller's eyes lit up, "I'm having a go at that!" he said.
Robson was more hesitant, explaining: "I'd rather the kids were on them than me."
But all three players were eventually persuaded to take the wheel, driving a selection of the children round and round the track.
"That was hard work!" commented Julio, after several circuits.
Finally there was a visit to the indoor soft play area, which was funded by TMF's Cash For Kids scheme.
Robson and Miller engaged in a complicated version of 'tag' which involved all the children running after the nearest player, and Robson pausing every so often to throw a ball at the back of Miller''s head, with pinpoint accuracy every time!
Afterwards, the players signed programmes and posed for pictures.
Robson, said: "It's good for the kids. It can be hard to come here when you've got three kids of your own, its hard to see what other kids have to go through...
"But when you can see that the kids love it, you enjoy it, you can put a smile on their faces for a couple of minutes, and that is always worth doing."
'Community Champions' will see Boro players make personal appearances to help local charities and good causes raise awareness of their projects.
Daisy Chain were one of three local charities who won a Boro visit together with a shirt signed by the first team and 10 tickets for the club's final home game with Coventry City.
Stockton charity The Shaw Trust and Middlesbrough's Sunnyside Primary School will also receive visits from Boro players, who have also made special appearances at three major MFC in the Community events.
Runners-up were Spennymoor-based cerebral palsy charity Heel to Toe, Laurence Jackson School of Guisborough and Captain Cook Primary School in Marton, Each will receive a Boro shirt signed by the first team squad.
Under a motto of 'The heart of the community', Boro are renowned for their charitable work. Boro stars have made more than 400 community appearances over the past 12 months, while the club's community project is one of the biggest and best in the country.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 16-4-10
Last Monday, current Boro captain Barry Robson, fellow midfielder Julio Arca and striker Lee Miller visited Stockton based charity Daisy Chain.
Daisy Chain is a provides holistic support and respite care for families across the Tees Valley who have children with autism.
Whilst providing support and resource for affected families, the charity also provides stimulating surroundings for the children to help encourage their development via play, dance, arts and interaction with animals.
The players were invited Monday's open day, to visit the farm and newly-built indoor centre.
First on the itinerary was a visit to the farm.
Julio Arca volunteered to bottle-feed a baby lamb, which happened to be black, prompting Lee Miller to comment "There's a family resemblance their Julio, with the black curls!"
The lamb was born last Saturday, the same day as Boro beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at the Riverside.
Robson and Miller continued to offer 'encouragement ' as Arca got to grips with the lamb, yelling "How's your arm Julio?!"
After the excitement with the lamb, the players visited the pig pens, the rabbits, and the guinea pigs.
The it was back outside to meet a pony called Muppet, and two donkeys, one of which was named Smoggy!
The players showed the children how to feed the animals, by holding their hands out flat with the feed to allow the animals to take it easily without nipping anybody's fingers.
Barry Robson and Lee Miller even climbed the fence with a couple of the children for some photographs with the donkeys, before moving onto the goats.
The tour continued with a visit to the outdoor play area which includes a track for specially designed three wheel bicycles with adjustable seats.
Miller's eyes lit up, "I'm having a go at that!" he said.
Robson was more hesitant, explaining: "I'd rather the kids were on them than me."
But all three players were eventually persuaded to take the wheel, driving a selection of the children round and round the track.
"That was hard work!" commented Julio, after several circuits.
Finally there was a visit to the indoor soft play area, which was funded by TMF's Cash For Kids scheme.
Robson and Miller engaged in a complicated version of 'tag' which involved all the children running after the nearest player, and Robson pausing every so often to throw a ball at the back of Miller''s head, with pinpoint accuracy every time!
Afterwards, the players signed programmes and posed for pictures.
Robson, said: "It's good for the kids. It can be hard to come here when you've got three kids of your own, its hard to see what other kids have to go through...
"But when you can see that the kids love it, you enjoy it, you can put a smile on their faces for a couple of minutes, and that is always worth doing."
'Community Champions' will see Boro players make personal appearances to help local charities and good causes raise awareness of their projects.
Daisy Chain were one of three local charities who won a Boro visit together with a shirt signed by the first team and 10 tickets for the club's final home game with Coventry City.
Stockton charity The Shaw Trust and Middlesbrough's Sunnyside Primary School will also receive visits from Boro players, who have also made special appearances at three major MFC in the Community events.
Runners-up were Spennymoor-based cerebral palsy charity Heel to Toe, Laurence Jackson School of Guisborough and Captain Cook Primary School in Marton, Each will receive a Boro shirt signed by the first team squad.
Under a motto of 'The heart of the community', Boro are renowned for their charitable work. Boro stars have made more than 400 community appearances over the past 12 months, while the club's community project is one of the biggest and best in the country.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 16-4-10
WHEATER v NAUGHTON - DAVID'S DIAMONDS TRIUMPH OVER KYLESCLIFFE'S CLOTHING 9-4-2010
Boro defenders David Wheater and Kyle Naughton took time out of their busy training schedules to take part in an Enterprise Academy event called 'Snip-A-Strip' where they had to captain two teams as they designed new shirts, which the players then modelled.
The Snip-a-Strip challenge is part of Boro's 'Community Champions' initiative highlighting much of the great work carried out by the club in the local community.
Year 9 and 10 students from Egglescliffe Secondary School and Eston Park School took part, with Eston Park, captained by David Wheater deciding on 'David's Diamonds' as their team name. The students from Egglescliffe Secondary School were captained by Kyle Naughton, and combined his first name with the name of their school to arrive at 'KylesCliffe Clothing'.
The object of the exercise was to design and create the shirt by finding out about the player, encouraging communication and team work, as well as the more creative aspect of the task.
There was also money and time management involved, as the students were given 'money' at the start of the task and had to decide which equipment and materials to 'purchase'.
Jonny, also from the Enterprise Academy, was acting as a shop keeper and was not immune to bargaining, and Wheater's team purchased some red felt for the princely some of a signed £5 voucher signed by the man himself, despite the fact that the item cost £10.
There was also some argument on Wheater's table as to how much input he should have. Wheater, reasonably enough, felt that, as the brief was to create a shirt based on his interests, and he would have to model the finished garment, he should have some say as to it's construction.
However one of girls had an equally good point, retorting: "but models wear what they are told to!"
In the end, Wheater's shirt featured a red car, 'because I'm from Redcar!', glittery hearts, in honour of David's birthday being Valentine's Day, and a glittery signature. Also included was a captain's armband, made by Wheater's own fair hands!
Meanwhile Naughton's group were using his liking for R n B to influence their design decisions with a ruched side and 'KYLE' emblazoned across the front in glitter. Following Wheater's 'car theme' Kyle's group included the circles which form the Audi logo as a nod to Naughton's own car. The shirt also featured claw marks as Naughton is one of England's young lions.
Kyle also thought the outfit needed tieing together, so fashioned himself some natty red glasses from out of pipe cleaners!
Naughton, said: "The glasses were my idea, I wanted something different. Hopefully I don't look a fool, but who cares!"
Despite a few technical problems, (the wheel fell off Wheater's car when he donned the shirt!), both boys took to the catwalk like naturals in their designs, and a spokesperson for each group described their creative process.
The judges then went to deliberate and the winners were announced to be David's Diamonds.
Enterprise Team Leader Helena Bowman, judging, said: " We were really really impressed with both designs."
However the winners were David's Diamonds, the girls from Eston Park, who asked if they could auction the winning design, as well as a signed ball for local hospice Zoe's Place.
Wheater said: "The event was great fun and the students certainly had some weird and wacky ideas for football shirts. I'm not sure I'd wear mine on the football pitch, but I certainly liked the theme based on my Redcar roots."
Naughton took defeat graciously, saying: "I can't believe Wheats won over me as well! I'd say I'm a better dresser!"
Both players enjoyed taking part though, with Naughton remarking: "I'd probably just be watching tv or playing on my XBox."
"It was good, we were all talking, there was lots of good ideas in there."
As part of Middlesbrough Football Club's community project, the Enterprise Academy has delivered the prospering courses throughout the Tees Valley since 2002.
Tutors on the groundbreaking programme have used the Middlesbrough Football Club model to inspire Tees Valley students and help them 'switch on' to the topics of business, enterprise and self-employment.
Supported by funding from the government's Single Programme and developed in partnership between the Premier League and Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Enterprise Academy uses the football club as the model business when teaching the region's young people about business and the world of work.
Over 40,000 young people have already benefited from the mentoring, exciting activities and accredited courses on offer.
Enterprise Team Leader Helena Bowman said: "The Snip-a-Strip event was about rewarding schools and pupils who have worked with The Enterprise Academy over the last few years.
"The schools represented at this special event have a great relationship with Middlesbrough Football Club in the Community and this was a chance for the pupils to meet players and take part in a fun, interactive but challenging activity."
The success of Boro's Enterprise Academy has led to similar schemes being launched at Manchester United, Manchester City, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Under the 'Community Champions' banner, Boro stars will also be visiting The Shaw Trust in Stockton, Daisy Chain in Norton and Sunnyside School in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, winners of a competition to 'win' a Boro player' and 10 tickets for forthcoming game.
For further information about the MFC Enterprise Academy contact Helena Bowman on 01642 757674 or visit the Enterprise Academy website at www.mfcic.co.uk
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 9-4-10
The Snip-a-Strip challenge is part of Boro's 'Community Champions' initiative highlighting much of the great work carried out by the club in the local community.
Year 9 and 10 students from Egglescliffe Secondary School and Eston Park School took part, with Eston Park, captained by David Wheater deciding on 'David's Diamonds' as their team name. The students from Egglescliffe Secondary School were captained by Kyle Naughton, and combined his first name with the name of their school to arrive at 'KylesCliffe Clothing'.
The object of the exercise was to design and create the shirt by finding out about the player, encouraging communication and team work, as well as the more creative aspect of the task.
There was also money and time management involved, as the students were given 'money' at the start of the task and had to decide which equipment and materials to 'purchase'.
Jonny, also from the Enterprise Academy, was acting as a shop keeper and was not immune to bargaining, and Wheater's team purchased some red felt for the princely some of a signed £5 voucher signed by the man himself, despite the fact that the item cost £10.
There was also some argument on Wheater's table as to how much input he should have. Wheater, reasonably enough, felt that, as the brief was to create a shirt based on his interests, and he would have to model the finished garment, he should have some say as to it's construction.
However one of girls had an equally good point, retorting: "but models wear what they are told to!"
In the end, Wheater's shirt featured a red car, 'because I'm from Redcar!', glittery hearts, in honour of David's birthday being Valentine's Day, and a glittery signature. Also included was a captain's armband, made by Wheater's own fair hands!
Meanwhile Naughton's group were using his liking for R n B to influence their design decisions with a ruched side and 'KYLE' emblazoned across the front in glitter. Following Wheater's 'car theme' Kyle's group included the circles which form the Audi logo as a nod to Naughton's own car. The shirt also featured claw marks as Naughton is one of England's young lions.
Kyle also thought the outfit needed tieing together, so fashioned himself some natty red glasses from out of pipe cleaners!
Naughton, said: "The glasses were my idea, I wanted something different. Hopefully I don't look a fool, but who cares!"
Despite a few technical problems, (the wheel fell off Wheater's car when he donned the shirt!), both boys took to the catwalk like naturals in their designs, and a spokesperson for each group described their creative process.
The judges then went to deliberate and the winners were announced to be David's Diamonds.
Enterprise Team Leader Helena Bowman, judging, said: " We were really really impressed with both designs."
However the winners were David's Diamonds, the girls from Eston Park, who asked if they could auction the winning design, as well as a signed ball for local hospice Zoe's Place.
Wheater said: "The event was great fun and the students certainly had some weird and wacky ideas for football shirts. I'm not sure I'd wear mine on the football pitch, but I certainly liked the theme based on my Redcar roots."
Naughton took defeat graciously, saying: "I can't believe Wheats won over me as well! I'd say I'm a better dresser!"
Both players enjoyed taking part though, with Naughton remarking: "I'd probably just be watching tv or playing on my XBox."
"It was good, we were all talking, there was lots of good ideas in there."
As part of Middlesbrough Football Club's community project, the Enterprise Academy has delivered the prospering courses throughout the Tees Valley since 2002.
Tutors on the groundbreaking programme have used the Middlesbrough Football Club model to inspire Tees Valley students and help them 'switch on' to the topics of business, enterprise and self-employment.
Supported by funding from the government's Single Programme and developed in partnership between the Premier League and Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, the Enterprise Academy uses the football club as the model business when teaching the region's young people about business and the world of work.
Over 40,000 young people have already benefited from the mentoring, exciting activities and accredited courses on offer.
Enterprise Team Leader Helena Bowman said: "The Snip-a-Strip event was about rewarding schools and pupils who have worked with The Enterprise Academy over the last few years.
"The schools represented at this special event have a great relationship with Middlesbrough Football Club in the Community and this was a chance for the pupils to meet players and take part in a fun, interactive but challenging activity."
The success of Boro's Enterprise Academy has led to similar schemes being launched at Manchester United, Manchester City, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Under the 'Community Champions' banner, Boro stars will also be visiting The Shaw Trust in Stockton, Daisy Chain in Norton and Sunnyside School in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, winners of a competition to 'win' a Boro player' and 10 tickets for forthcoming game.
For further information about the MFC Enterprise Academy contact Helena Bowman on 01642 757674 or visit the Enterprise Academy website at www.mfcic.co.uk
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 9-4-10
MIDWEEK INJURY ROUND-UP - McDONALD ON THE MEND 31-3-2010
After yet another draw at the weekend, plus a rather dismal performance, we could do with some good news from Rockliffe Park.
The virus appears to have cleared, and there are a number of players who are stepping up their rehabilitation from injuries and could return to action, or at least training, sooner rather than later.
The first is our great goalscoring hope, Australian international Scott McDonald.
McDonald recovered from his hernia operation only to sustain a problem with his hamstring. however he is back in training and could return for Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace, or play against Plymouth on Easter Monday.
On the negative side, defender Emanuel Pogatetz is struggling with his knee after a pinful knock on the same kneecap he had surgery on last year.
Meanwhile, we had all given up on Willo Flood pulling on a Boro shirt again this season, but the Irishman is making "good progress" from his cruciate tear and has an outside chance of recovering before the season closes.
New winger Jay O'Shea did not feature against Watford, but should be in the squad, if not the starting eleven on Saturday.
French forward Jeremie Aliadiere is back in light training after breaking his toe against Cardiff City, and could make it back in time for the end of the season.
Aliadiere and Flood will both be assessed next month to determine their fitness.
Young striker Luke Williams is expected to return to full training next week, following a knee injury and full-back Tony McMahon will be assessed next week to see whether he can start some weight-bearing training after sustaining a stress fracture in his foot.
Even long term absentees Seb Hines and Matthew Bates are starting to see the light at the end of the long injury tunnel.
Hines ankle and medial knee ligament injury has required mutiple surgeries and a lay long off, but the young defender has now started light running and could be back in ful training for the 2010-11 pre-season.
Fellow defender Matthew Bates will also be assessed next week to determine the rate of his recovery from the cruciate injury he sustained last summer. If all goes well, Bates is expected to join the Academy for some light training by the end of the season.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 31-3-10
The virus appears to have cleared, and there are a number of players who are stepping up their rehabilitation from injuries and could return to action, or at least training, sooner rather than later.
The first is our great goalscoring hope, Australian international Scott McDonald.
McDonald recovered from his hernia operation only to sustain a problem with his hamstring. however he is back in training and could return for Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace, or play against Plymouth on Easter Monday.
On the negative side, defender Emanuel Pogatetz is struggling with his knee after a pinful knock on the same kneecap he had surgery on last year.
Meanwhile, we had all given up on Willo Flood pulling on a Boro shirt again this season, but the Irishman is making "good progress" from his cruciate tear and has an outside chance of recovering before the season closes.
New winger Jay O'Shea did not feature against Watford, but should be in the squad, if not the starting eleven on Saturday.
French forward Jeremie Aliadiere is back in light training after breaking his toe against Cardiff City, and could make it back in time for the end of the season.
Aliadiere and Flood will both be assessed next month to determine their fitness.
Young striker Luke Williams is expected to return to full training next week, following a knee injury and full-back Tony McMahon will be assessed next week to see whether he can start some weight-bearing training after sustaining a stress fracture in his foot.
Even long term absentees Seb Hines and Matthew Bates are starting to see the light at the end of the long injury tunnel.
Hines ankle and medial knee ligament injury has required mutiple surgeries and a lay long off, but the young defender has now started light running and could be back in ful training for the 2010-11 pre-season.
Fellow defender Matthew Bates will also be assessed next week to determine the rate of his recovery from the cruciate injury he sustained last summer. If all goes well, Bates is expected to join the Academy for some light training by the end of the season.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 31-3-10
WILLIAMS, TAYLOR AND RIGGOTT JUDGE BORO'S GOT TALENT 31-3-2010
Boro stars Rhys Williams, Andrew Taylor and Chris Riggott got to play a new role as they stepped into the shoes of a talent show judges for MFC in the Community's Enterprise Academy's Boro's got Talent event.
The players, together with the Enterprise Academy's Helena Bowman were invited to judge a series of acts representing local schools.
Six schools were represented by the acts, St Peter's in Brotton, Roseberry School in Great Ayton, and Middlesbrough schools Chandlers Ridge, St Gerard's, Green Lane and Rosewood.
Prior to the event, the children were practicing their acts. After a long warm up for the Rosewood Hula Hoopers, Rory the Lion paid the contestant a visit and showed off some of his own moves, dancing with the children.
Before the show got underway, the audience were treated to a performance from special guest, singer songwriter Sammy Durnan, who sang her own song, Broken Dreams.
Sammy has performed at the Stockton International Riverside Festival (2009).
First up was 11-year-old Yazdan Qafouri from Roseberry, who sang Michael Jackson's 'Ben'.
Helena, said: "Going first is really hard and your voice was amazing, and you're by yourself as well, that takes a lot of courage."
Williams, said: "You're a confident young lad going up in front of the all these people!"
A clearly impressed Andrew Taylor, said: "I thought you were unbelievable, you never know what to expect when someone steps up to sing but I thought you were brilliant.
Riggott, said: "I enjoyed it, It is my worst nightmare even holding this microphone! so well done."
Next to take the stage was a group of girls and one boy wearing masks of the Boro players' faces who were acting as backing dancers for a girl performing to "Knock On Wood."
Helena, said: "Well done everyone, that was very good, It was an interesting performance wearing the the masks!"
Williams, said: "It was good, I liked the dancing, but I can't look at the lads in the same way when I go back to training now!"
Taylor, said: "The masks were funny!"
Riggott, said: "I was a little bit disappointed not to see my face there, but the mask would probably have to be too big for your heads!"
Rosewood school then performed a hula hooping routine. The youngster member of the group was just four years old, and the children's energy and technique impressed the judges.
Helena, said: "After 26 years i've just about learnt to do that so it's really impressive what you've just done."
Williams, said: "I liked the little ones! I didn't know which one to watch!"
Taylor, said: "I thought you were brilliant, I'm like Rhys, I liked watching the little ones on the sides."
Riggott, said: " I think I might start doing that in training to get my fitness up, don't think my hips would take that at 29 though!
Green Lane choir then sang two songs.
Helena, said: "I just have to say you look very smart in your uniforms. You made me happy when you were singing."
Williams, said: "You did two songs, and I really liked the first one and the bits when you were harmonising."
Taylor, said: "I really enjoyed that, I like the timing of the first song. You looked like you enjoyed it and I don't know how you remembered what you were singing, because I was getting confused!"
Riggott, said: "The boys on ends with the deep voices really balanced it out, it was lovely."
The penultimate act was two girls dressed in matching white outfits, from Chandlers Ridge, who sang the Alexander Burke version of Hallelujah.
Helena, said: "That was brilliant, amazing voices, really impressive, well done."
Williams, said: "It's a really hard song, you did well with a tough song."
Taylor, said: "You both look really nice in your outfits, it's a hard song and you sounded really good together."
Riggott, said: "You look very pretty in your outfits. That's one of my favourite songs to sing in the shower!"
Finally, St Gerards was represented by two girls playing the recorders, accompanied on the keyboard by one of their teachers.
After some technical problems with the keyboard, the girls performed two folk songs. They were also wearing matching outfits of red checked shirts, balck leggings and boots and red sparkly cowboy hats!
Helena, said: "Well done girls, I love the hats, I might get one myself! I remember playing the recorder myself and I think I failed at the first attempt."
Williams, said: "I like the outfits and the hats as well, I imagine its hard to play an instrument, so it was good."
Taylor, said: "I enjoyed your performance, well done."
Riggott, said: "Just by chance you managed to pick my two favourite folk songs!
"I got a good ear for the recorder and I thought you did really well."
The judges went away to deliberate and Sammy Durnan returned to perform the Jackson 5 classic "I want you back".
Sammy, said: "I know how hard it is to get up there and I still get nervous so you've all done really well."
The judges then returned to give their scores out of ten, with Taylor asking whether half marks were allowed, and Riggott confusing the issue further by awarding St Gerards school 8 and a quarter!
Rhys Williams was astonished to find himself on the end of a couple of boos for awarding one act an 8, particularly as it was not the lowest mark awarded.
But there was a clear winner, 11-year old Yazdan was crowned the winner, with a whopping 37 points out of 40.
The youngster's proud father, said: "Singing is a passion for him and something he does 24 hours a day."
Yazdan is set to appear on TV's Britain's Got Talent contest on TV later this year.
Funded by One Northeast and the Premier League, the MFC Enterprise Academy was developed in partnership between Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
It uses the football club as the model business when teaching the region's young people about business and the world of work.
The Enterprise Academy has worked with more than 40,000 young people since its kick-off in 2002. It has worked with 90 per cent of schools in the Tees Valley and is now prominent with the County Durham and Yorkshire areas.
The success of Boro's Enterprise Academy has led to similar schemes being launched at Manchester United, Manchester City, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle United among others.
Boro's Got Talent is part of Boro's Community Champions initiative, highlighting much of the great work carried out by the club in the local community.
Under the Community Champions banner, Boro stars will also be visiting The Shaw Trust in Stockton, Daisy Chain in Norton and Sunnyside School in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, winners of a competition to 'win' a Boro player and 10 tickets for forthcoming game.
For further information about the MFC Enterprise Academy contact Helena Bowman on 01642 757674 or visit the Enterprise Academy website at www.mfcic.co.uk
To find out more about Yazdan, including his progress on the forthcoming season of Britain's Got Talent, visit his website, http://yazdan.me.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 31-3-10
The players, together with the Enterprise Academy's Helena Bowman were invited to judge a series of acts representing local schools.
Six schools were represented by the acts, St Peter's in Brotton, Roseberry School in Great Ayton, and Middlesbrough schools Chandlers Ridge, St Gerard's, Green Lane and Rosewood.
Prior to the event, the children were practicing their acts. After a long warm up for the Rosewood Hula Hoopers, Rory the Lion paid the contestant a visit and showed off some of his own moves, dancing with the children.
Before the show got underway, the audience were treated to a performance from special guest, singer songwriter Sammy Durnan, who sang her own song, Broken Dreams.
Sammy has performed at the Stockton International Riverside Festival (2009).
First up was 11-year-old Yazdan Qafouri from Roseberry, who sang Michael Jackson's 'Ben'.
Helena, said: "Going first is really hard and your voice was amazing, and you're by yourself as well, that takes a lot of courage."
Williams, said: "You're a confident young lad going up in front of the all these people!"
A clearly impressed Andrew Taylor, said: "I thought you were unbelievable, you never know what to expect when someone steps up to sing but I thought you were brilliant.
Riggott, said: "I enjoyed it, It is my worst nightmare even holding this microphone! so well done."
Next to take the stage was a group of girls and one boy wearing masks of the Boro players' faces who were acting as backing dancers for a girl performing to "Knock On Wood."
Helena, said: "Well done everyone, that was very good, It was an interesting performance wearing the the masks!"
Williams, said: "It was good, I liked the dancing, but I can't look at the lads in the same way when I go back to training now!"
Taylor, said: "The masks were funny!"
Riggott, said: "I was a little bit disappointed not to see my face there, but the mask would probably have to be too big for your heads!"
Rosewood school then performed a hula hooping routine. The youngster member of the group was just four years old, and the children's energy and technique impressed the judges.
Helena, said: "After 26 years i've just about learnt to do that so it's really impressive what you've just done."
Williams, said: "I liked the little ones! I didn't know which one to watch!"
Taylor, said: "I thought you were brilliant, I'm like Rhys, I liked watching the little ones on the sides."
Riggott, said: " I think I might start doing that in training to get my fitness up, don't think my hips would take that at 29 though!
Green Lane choir then sang two songs.
Helena, said: "I just have to say you look very smart in your uniforms. You made me happy when you were singing."
Williams, said: "You did two songs, and I really liked the first one and the bits when you were harmonising."
Taylor, said: "I really enjoyed that, I like the timing of the first song. You looked like you enjoyed it and I don't know how you remembered what you were singing, because I was getting confused!"
Riggott, said: "The boys on ends with the deep voices really balanced it out, it was lovely."
The penultimate act was two girls dressed in matching white outfits, from Chandlers Ridge, who sang the Alexander Burke version of Hallelujah.
Helena, said: "That was brilliant, amazing voices, really impressive, well done."
Williams, said: "It's a really hard song, you did well with a tough song."
Taylor, said: "You both look really nice in your outfits, it's a hard song and you sounded really good together."
Riggott, said: "You look very pretty in your outfits. That's one of my favourite songs to sing in the shower!"
Finally, St Gerards was represented by two girls playing the recorders, accompanied on the keyboard by one of their teachers.
After some technical problems with the keyboard, the girls performed two folk songs. They were also wearing matching outfits of red checked shirts, balck leggings and boots and red sparkly cowboy hats!
Helena, said: "Well done girls, I love the hats, I might get one myself! I remember playing the recorder myself and I think I failed at the first attempt."
Williams, said: "I like the outfits and the hats as well, I imagine its hard to play an instrument, so it was good."
Taylor, said: "I enjoyed your performance, well done."
Riggott, said: "Just by chance you managed to pick my two favourite folk songs!
"I got a good ear for the recorder and I thought you did really well."
The judges went away to deliberate and Sammy Durnan returned to perform the Jackson 5 classic "I want you back".
Sammy, said: "I know how hard it is to get up there and I still get nervous so you've all done really well."
The judges then returned to give their scores out of ten, with Taylor asking whether half marks were allowed, and Riggott confusing the issue further by awarding St Gerards school 8 and a quarter!
Rhys Williams was astonished to find himself on the end of a couple of boos for awarding one act an 8, particularly as it was not the lowest mark awarded.
But there was a clear winner, 11-year old Yazdan was crowned the winner, with a whopping 37 points out of 40.
The youngster's proud father, said: "Singing is a passion for him and something he does 24 hours a day."
Yazdan is set to appear on TV's Britain's Got Talent contest on TV later this year.
Funded by One Northeast and the Premier League, the MFC Enterprise Academy was developed in partnership between Middlesbrough Football Club, Middlesbrough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
It uses the football club as the model business when teaching the region's young people about business and the world of work.
The Enterprise Academy has worked with more than 40,000 young people since its kick-off in 2002. It has worked with 90 per cent of schools in the Tees Valley and is now prominent with the County Durham and Yorkshire areas.
The success of Boro's Enterprise Academy has led to similar schemes being launched at Manchester United, Manchester City, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle United among others.
Boro's Got Talent is part of Boro's Community Champions initiative, highlighting much of the great work carried out by the club in the local community.
Under the Community Champions banner, Boro stars will also be visiting The Shaw Trust in Stockton, Daisy Chain in Norton and Sunnyside School in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, winners of a competition to 'win' a Boro player and 10 tickets for forthcoming game.
For further information about the MFC Enterprise Academy contact Helena Bowman on 01642 757674 or visit the Enterprise Academy website at www.mfcic.co.uk
To find out more about Yazdan, including his progress on the forthcoming season of Britain's Got Talent, visit his website, http://yazdan.me.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 31-3-10
BORO STARS STRUT THEIR STUFF FOR MACMILLAN CANCER CARE 18-3-2010
Footballers are a fashion conscious lot and MFC are known for their commitment to work in the community, therefore the Fashion Strikes event, a fashion show featuring the players and female employees of MFC as models in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care, held earlier this month, was a match made in heaven.
The clothes were kindly donated by The House in Yarm with Hair by Contemporary of Stokesley.
ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton reports on the event.
Boro stars Jonathan Franks, David Wheater, Andrew Taylor, Chris Killen and Danny Coyne, and legends the irrepressible Craig Hignett and Gary Pallister took to the catwalk to model a range of clothes, from workwear to casual wear, right up to designer evening clothes.
Gordon Cox was acting as the compere for the fashion show and was thoroughly enjoying himself winding up the players.
The first player to take to the catwalk was teenage forward Jonathan Franks, but the loudest cheers were reserved for defender David Wheater, whose family were in attendance, "Bringing his personal fan club with him is David Wheater" announced Coxy.
There was further merriment, as an obviously uncomfortable Danny Coyne, sporting a sideways baseball cap, shorts and a t shirt was subjected to an impromptue interview from Cox.
Coxy: "You don't look too comfortable there Danny?
DC: "No, and you're not making it any better!"
Coxy, then turned to the audience and announced, "They don't understand fashion in Wales!"
Coyne had begun to explain about the backstage high jinks in progress, lead by Craig Hignett, when the man himself appeared in on the catwalk.
"Are you taking the mick?! he demanded of Coxy, "I'm waiting to come on, I'm nervous enough!"
When Hignett was allowed to take his turn on the runway, he did so in typically understated style, pointing at his watch, removing his jacket and pouting and sashaying for all he was worth, to a chorus of wolf whistles and applause.
Guests had earlier been treated to a champagne reception and dance troupe Urban Kaos were on hand to entertain the audience during the show's interval.
After the fashion show, the players turned posers, sorry, models! were happy to get back to something they are a little more used to, to talk football.
New Zealand international Chris Killen, said: "It's something I'm not really used to, you've got to strut your stuff! I was probably more nervous than playing in front of a full stadium. But it's for a great cause, it was an enjoyable night and hopefully [the money] will be put towards great things.
"I need to get back [to a regular place in the side] but I think it is all about the team, we are pushing for the play-offs and that's what we are trying to do.
"I was unfortunate to score my first goal and then pick up a hamstring injury which kept me out for a few weeks. I'm working hard in training and and doing all I can to help the team out."
Killen is looking forward to representing his county in the 2010 World Cup, but says his priority is helping Boro.
"It's a massive honour playing for my country. he said. "I've done well with my country, scoring a few goals, with the World Cup in the summer, it's nice to have something to look forward to, it's nice to have a summer break but I wouldn't give that [playing in the World Cup] up for anything.
"But I'm concentrating on Boro's season first."
And the striker will not rule out a permanent move to the Riverside, should all parties agree.
"Of course I'm really enjoying it here I've been here eight weeks or a couple of months and it's really great. he said.
"I worked with the manager before and the coaching staff are brilliant here. I'd love to stay on."
After the fashion show, guests were treated to a four-course gala dinner, auction with money-can't-buy items and live entertainment from top acts Jive Talkin' and Voulez-Vouz.
It was the third Fashion Strikes event Boro have held to help raise funds for Macmillan - and defender David Wheater has taken to the catwalk every time.
Organised by Middlesbrough Football Club, Fashion Strikes is sponsored by Riverside Leisure Promotions and award-winning florist Diana Kaye.
The event raised £3,520 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 18-3-10
The clothes were kindly donated by The House in Yarm with Hair by Contemporary of Stokesley.
ComeOnBoro.com's Elle Brunton reports on the event.
Boro stars Jonathan Franks, David Wheater, Andrew Taylor, Chris Killen and Danny Coyne, and legends the irrepressible Craig Hignett and Gary Pallister took to the catwalk to model a range of clothes, from workwear to casual wear, right up to designer evening clothes.
Gordon Cox was acting as the compere for the fashion show and was thoroughly enjoying himself winding up the players.
The first player to take to the catwalk was teenage forward Jonathan Franks, but the loudest cheers were reserved for defender David Wheater, whose family were in attendance, "Bringing his personal fan club with him is David Wheater" announced Coxy.
There was further merriment, as an obviously uncomfortable Danny Coyne, sporting a sideways baseball cap, shorts and a t shirt was subjected to an impromptue interview from Cox.
Coxy: "You don't look too comfortable there Danny?
DC: "No, and you're not making it any better!"
Coxy, then turned to the audience and announced, "They don't understand fashion in Wales!"
Coyne had begun to explain about the backstage high jinks in progress, lead by Craig Hignett, when the man himself appeared in on the catwalk.
"Are you taking the mick?! he demanded of Coxy, "I'm waiting to come on, I'm nervous enough!"
When Hignett was allowed to take his turn on the runway, he did so in typically understated style, pointing at his watch, removing his jacket and pouting and sashaying for all he was worth, to a chorus of wolf whistles and applause.
Guests had earlier been treated to a champagne reception and dance troupe Urban Kaos were on hand to entertain the audience during the show's interval.
After the fashion show, the players turned posers, sorry, models! were happy to get back to something they are a little more used to, to talk football.
New Zealand international Chris Killen, said: "It's something I'm not really used to, you've got to strut your stuff! I was probably more nervous than playing in front of a full stadium. But it's for a great cause, it was an enjoyable night and hopefully [the money] will be put towards great things.
"I need to get back [to a regular place in the side] but I think it is all about the team, we are pushing for the play-offs and that's what we are trying to do.
"I was unfortunate to score my first goal and then pick up a hamstring injury which kept me out for a few weeks. I'm working hard in training and and doing all I can to help the team out."
Killen is looking forward to representing his county in the 2010 World Cup, but says his priority is helping Boro.
"It's a massive honour playing for my country. he said. "I've done well with my country, scoring a few goals, with the World Cup in the summer, it's nice to have something to look forward to, it's nice to have a summer break but I wouldn't give that [playing in the World Cup] up for anything.
"But I'm concentrating on Boro's season first."
And the striker will not rule out a permanent move to the Riverside, should all parties agree.
"Of course I'm really enjoying it here I've been here eight weeks or a couple of months and it's really great. he said.
"I worked with the manager before and the coaching staff are brilliant here. I'd love to stay on."
After the fashion show, guests were treated to a four-course gala dinner, auction with money-can't-buy items and live entertainment from top acts Jive Talkin' and Voulez-Vouz.
It was the third Fashion Strikes event Boro have held to help raise funds for Macmillan - and defender David Wheater has taken to the catwalk every time.
Organised by Middlesbrough Football Club, Fashion Strikes is sponsored by Riverside Leisure Promotions and award-winning florist Diana Kaye.
The event raised £3,520 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 18-3-10
BID ON SIGNED BORO MEMORABILIA FOR ROYAL AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION 10-3-2010
Sergeant Brian Taylor, currently serving as a Weapons Technician in the Royal Air Force, has set up an online auction with a host of Scottish football memorabilia, and a selection of Premier League and Football League items up for grabs.
The aim of the auction is to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association, a charity for serving airmen and past members of the RAF, and their families and friends who are experiencing difficulties.
Sergeant Taylor, said: "I am sure everyone is well aware of the job the Armed Forces are doing around the world and the devastating effects it has on their families and friends. Royal Air Forces Association are a charity which helps these families and friends and gives money to research rehabilitation techniques.
"We have had a couple of recent casualties in my particular trade, Bomb Disposal, and personal friends who have been seriously injured. So, as you can imagine, these charities are close to my heart."
A statement on the auction website http://briansauctionsite.yolasite.com/ reads: "RAF Association is a national membership charity reaching out to the whole RAF family. All the money raised helps provide support for serving and former members of the RAF and their families.
Whether it's an airman injured in Afghanistan fighting to get back onto his feet, a young child missing his mum when she's away on overseas operations or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, we are there to help.
"There are currently 2,400 RAF personnel serving on operations overseas such as in Afghanistan and, at the moment, both they and their families especially need our support. We receive no government funding and so we rely solely on the generosity of the public to help us raise funds."
Middlesbrough fans may like the two Middlesbrough lots: a 2008 Middlesbrough Pennant signed by Gareth Southgate and a 2008 Middlesbrough Pennant signed by the Middlesbrough team, while Spurs fans may be interested in the signed Football by Tottenham Hotspurs' Carling Cup Winning Team (2008).
Sergeant Taylor served twenty years as a Weapons Technician and is currently at RAF Kinloss on the Nimrod aircraft. He has been fundraising for a small section of charities since 2000 and has raised just under £35,000 to date.
Charities which have benefited from Sergeant Taylor's fundraising efforts in the past include:
Cash for Kids - A children s charity based in Aberdeen who support children s projects in the Aberdeen area.
The Jamie Samson Memorial Fund - Set up in the memory of a young boy, aged two, who went for a sleep on the day of his sister's birthday and never woke up. The money raised goes into research into why Unexplained Infant Death occurs and also to help with projects in Fife.
And of course the RAFA.
The auction began on the 17th of February and runs until the 17th of this month.
Check out the website auction at: http://briansauctionsite.yolasite.com/
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 10-3-10
The aim of the auction is to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association, a charity for serving airmen and past members of the RAF, and their families and friends who are experiencing difficulties.
Sergeant Taylor, said: "I am sure everyone is well aware of the job the Armed Forces are doing around the world and the devastating effects it has on their families and friends. Royal Air Forces Association are a charity which helps these families and friends and gives money to research rehabilitation techniques.
"We have had a couple of recent casualties in my particular trade, Bomb Disposal, and personal friends who have been seriously injured. So, as you can imagine, these charities are close to my heart."
A statement on the auction website http://briansauctionsite.yolasite.com/ reads: "RAF Association is a national membership charity reaching out to the whole RAF family. All the money raised helps provide support for serving and former members of the RAF and their families.
Whether it's an airman injured in Afghanistan fighting to get back onto his feet, a young child missing his mum when she's away on overseas operations or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, we are there to help.
"There are currently 2,400 RAF personnel serving on operations overseas such as in Afghanistan and, at the moment, both they and their families especially need our support. We receive no government funding and so we rely solely on the generosity of the public to help us raise funds."
Middlesbrough fans may like the two Middlesbrough lots: a 2008 Middlesbrough Pennant signed by Gareth Southgate and a 2008 Middlesbrough Pennant signed by the Middlesbrough team, while Spurs fans may be interested in the signed Football by Tottenham Hotspurs' Carling Cup Winning Team (2008).
Sergeant Taylor served twenty years as a Weapons Technician and is currently at RAF Kinloss on the Nimrod aircraft. He has been fundraising for a small section of charities since 2000 and has raised just under £35,000 to date.
Charities which have benefited from Sergeant Taylor's fundraising efforts in the past include:
Cash for Kids - A children s charity based in Aberdeen who support children s projects in the Aberdeen area.
The Jamie Samson Memorial Fund - Set up in the memory of a young boy, aged two, who went for a sleep on the day of his sister's birthday and never woke up. The money raised goes into research into why Unexplained Infant Death occurs and also to help with projects in Fife.
And of course the RAFA.
The auction began on the 17th of February and runs until the 17th of this month.
Check out the website auction at: http://briansauctionsite.yolasite.com/
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 10-3-10
IT'S A KNOCKOUT - MICRO SOCCER - FLOOD'S FLYERS BEAT McMANUS'S MARVELS 4-3-2010
Boro stars Willo Flood and Stephen McManus were introduced to Boro's MFC in the Community scheme with a Micro Soccer event to promote the club's popular Micro Soccer courses for budding young players.
The players were each given a team of four and five year olds, pupils from Rosewood School, Coulby Newham, to captain, through a series of games aimed at developing the youngsters' understanding of movement around a football pitch.
Midfielder Willo's 'Flood's Flyers' and defender Stephen's 'McManus's Marvels' went head to head in games such as 'dodge the defender', 'treasure hunt', 'clear the pitch' and the 'captain's challenge'.
For the captain's challenge, the players tackled the speed cage, with Flood once again coming out on top, recording the highest speed of 60, compared to McManus's 56.
There was also a small game of football with Flood and McManus acting as goalkeepers (McManus had to bend double to accommodate the child height goal!) which resulted in a couple of own goals as the youngsters got over excited and followed the ball as one.
One of the children was also puzzled by McManus's distinctive accent, pausing to ask him "Do you speak English?"
Both players were in excellent spirits and the children followed them, particularly McManus, like the Pied Piper.
In the end, Flood's Flyers, playing in Boro red, were the winners with 143 points overall. McManus's Marvels, in blue, put up a good fight but lost the contest with 139 points.
Flood said: "I've done events before [with Manchester City], but never with such young children, but I quite enjoyed it, I have a two and a half year old son myself so as long as the kids are happy, then I'm happy.
"It was nice to teach big Stevie a lesson too, he's six foot something and he was kicking like a little girl!"
The It's a Knockout challenge is part of Boro's "Community Champions" initiative that will highlight much of the great work being carried out by the club in the local community.
Along with MFC's own community scheme, Boro players will be visiting schools and charities during March and April to underline the club's wide-ranging community initiatives.
Boro players have made more than 400 community appearances for good causes, charities and community initiatives over the past 12 months, while MFC in the Community has benefited more than 43,000 individuals covering everything from healthy eating to anti-racism, from football skills to business enterprise.
Jo Bullen, lead Micros coach, said: "This is a great opportunity for the children to play football with their favourite Boro players, to learn new skills and have fun!
"The children have been taking part in sports lessons with MFC in the Community for the last six months and, as a reward, they are making the short trip to our Eston Centre to meet the players and compete in football orientated activities.
"The pupils are really looking forward to competing against each over to see who will be Boro's It's a Knockout Champions 2010!"
Micro Soccer courses are available at the Herlingshaw Centre in Eston every Tuesday and Thursday, 4pm-5pm for 4-5 year-olds and 5-6pm for 5-6 year-olds, with Mini Soccer for 6-7 year-olds available from 6pm-7pm.
Delivered by FA-qualified coaches, each hour-long session costs just £3 per child. Parents are free to stay and watch.
A Player of the Month is awarded to the child displaying the most dedication and improvement at the end of each month.
For more information on Micro Soccer and Mini Soccer with MFC in the Community please call 01642 282128 and press 9 to speak to the main office.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 4-3-10
The players were each given a team of four and five year olds, pupils from Rosewood School, Coulby Newham, to captain, through a series of games aimed at developing the youngsters' understanding of movement around a football pitch.
Midfielder Willo's 'Flood's Flyers' and defender Stephen's 'McManus's Marvels' went head to head in games such as 'dodge the defender', 'treasure hunt', 'clear the pitch' and the 'captain's challenge'.
For the captain's challenge, the players tackled the speed cage, with Flood once again coming out on top, recording the highest speed of 60, compared to McManus's 56.
There was also a small game of football with Flood and McManus acting as goalkeepers (McManus had to bend double to accommodate the child height goal!) which resulted in a couple of own goals as the youngsters got over excited and followed the ball as one.
One of the children was also puzzled by McManus's distinctive accent, pausing to ask him "Do you speak English?"
Both players were in excellent spirits and the children followed them, particularly McManus, like the Pied Piper.
In the end, Flood's Flyers, playing in Boro red, were the winners with 143 points overall. McManus's Marvels, in blue, put up a good fight but lost the contest with 139 points.
Flood said: "I've done events before [with Manchester City], but never with such young children, but I quite enjoyed it, I have a two and a half year old son myself so as long as the kids are happy, then I'm happy.
"It was nice to teach big Stevie a lesson too, he's six foot something and he was kicking like a little girl!"
The It's a Knockout challenge is part of Boro's "Community Champions" initiative that will highlight much of the great work being carried out by the club in the local community.
Along with MFC's own community scheme, Boro players will be visiting schools and charities during March and April to underline the club's wide-ranging community initiatives.
Boro players have made more than 400 community appearances for good causes, charities and community initiatives over the past 12 months, while MFC in the Community has benefited more than 43,000 individuals covering everything from healthy eating to anti-racism, from football skills to business enterprise.
Jo Bullen, lead Micros coach, said: "This is a great opportunity for the children to play football with their favourite Boro players, to learn new skills and have fun!
"The children have been taking part in sports lessons with MFC in the Community for the last six months and, as a reward, they are making the short trip to our Eston Centre to meet the players and compete in football orientated activities.
"The pupils are really looking forward to competing against each over to see who will be Boro's It's a Knockout Champions 2010!"
Micro Soccer courses are available at the Herlingshaw Centre in Eston every Tuesday and Thursday, 4pm-5pm for 4-5 year-olds and 5-6pm for 5-6 year-olds, with Mini Soccer for 6-7 year-olds available from 6pm-7pm.
Delivered by FA-qualified coaches, each hour-long session costs just £3 per child. Parents are free to stay and watch.
A Player of the Month is awarded to the child displaying the most dedication and improvement at the end of each month.
For more information on Micro Soccer and Mini Soccer with MFC in the Community please call 01642 282128 and press 9 to speak to the main office.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 4-3-10
BORO'S MIDWEEK INJURY ROUND-UP 3-3-2010
As things stand (ie before Pogi or Robbo or Killen gets injured on international duty) Boro's injury list is starting to look more encouraging.
I say 'encouraging' because the majority of the names on it are not first choice players, and they are, for the most part, returning to fitness.
Poor Seb Hines and Matthew Bates are still battling back from multiple surgeries after their respective ligament injuries, and are very unlikely to take part in Boro's promotion push this season.
Tony McMahon is not going to be in the team any time soon either, having discovered he had been playing with a broken foot for a couple of weeks before his wayward passing alerted Strachan to the problem.
But they are the exception, and not the rule.
Rhys Williams was told by Gordon Strachan, when he signed his new contract a few weeks ago, that he had had enough time off with his pelvic problem, and should be returning to action soon.
Williams duly pitched up at Hurworth, somehow avoiding the curse of the hamstring injury/virus combo which struck down Pogi and Killen, and has stepped up his training in a bid to get back in the side.
Pogi was being assessed by the Austrian national physios ahead of international duty this evening and Killen has overcome his hamstring problem.
Chris Riggott came back from a long term injury only to pick up a hamstring problem against Swansea, so, as yet, Strachan has not had to answer the question what will happen when all our defenders are fit?
However Riggott is also back in training.
The main worry of course is Scott McDonald.
The Australian striker arrived at Boro with soreness from a hernia operation, but bit the bullet, or a passing kangaroo, or something, to endure the pain of playing with a injection against Ipswich and showed glimpses of the kind of player Boro really need.
However instead of progressing, it was clear that the game cost McDonald a lot in terms of general fitness and he started to visibly struggle.
Given that he was not allowed another injection the next week, the problems, and presumably the pain, got worse and McDonald was sent to see a specialist.
Having been rested against QPR, McDonald has had further injections to deal with the discomfort and has a chance of being involved against Cardiff this weekend.
Almost unbelievably, neither Gary O'Neil, nor Jeremie Aliadiere is currently injured!
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 3-3-10
I say 'encouraging' because the majority of the names on it are not first choice players, and they are, for the most part, returning to fitness.
Poor Seb Hines and Matthew Bates are still battling back from multiple surgeries after their respective ligament injuries, and are very unlikely to take part in Boro's promotion push this season.
Tony McMahon is not going to be in the team any time soon either, having discovered he had been playing with a broken foot for a couple of weeks before his wayward passing alerted Strachan to the problem.
But they are the exception, and not the rule.
Rhys Williams was told by Gordon Strachan, when he signed his new contract a few weeks ago, that he had had enough time off with his pelvic problem, and should be returning to action soon.
Williams duly pitched up at Hurworth, somehow avoiding the curse of the hamstring injury/virus combo which struck down Pogi and Killen, and has stepped up his training in a bid to get back in the side.
Pogi was being assessed by the Austrian national physios ahead of international duty this evening and Killen has overcome his hamstring problem.
Chris Riggott came back from a long term injury only to pick up a hamstring problem against Swansea, so, as yet, Strachan has not had to answer the question what will happen when all our defenders are fit?
However Riggott is also back in training.
The main worry of course is Scott McDonald.
The Australian striker arrived at Boro with soreness from a hernia operation, but bit the bullet, or a passing kangaroo, or something, to endure the pain of playing with a injection against Ipswich and showed glimpses of the kind of player Boro really need.
However instead of progressing, it was clear that the game cost McDonald a lot in terms of general fitness and he started to visibly struggle.
Given that he was not allowed another injection the next week, the problems, and presumably the pain, got worse and McDonald was sent to see a specialist.
Having been rested against QPR, McDonald has had further injections to deal with the discomfort and has a chance of being involved against Cardiff this weekend.
Almost unbelievably, neither Gary O'Neil, nor Jeremie Aliadiere is currently injured!
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 3-3-10
BORO QUARTET ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY 3-3-2010
Boro have up to four players on international duty this evening.
Defender Emanuel Pogatetz sustained a hamstring injury in Boro's 2-0 win over QPR last weekend, but has been selected for the Austria squad for their friendly against Denmark.
The injury will be assessed prior to kick off.
Pogi has an impressive record for Austria, being their most capped player by some distance with 37 appearances and two goals, but has been out of action due to a string of injury problems to his knee, face and hamstring.
The centre-back traveled to join the squad ahead of at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.
Boro striker Chris Killen, who was also sidelined with a hamstring injury and virus, has also been selected for international duty as part of the 17 man New Zealand squad who play Mexico in Los Angeles in a warm up friendly ahead of the World Cup.
Midfielder Barry Robson is part of Craig Levein's squad for his match in charge of Scotland as they take on the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
If Robson plays he will earn his eighth cap for the Scottish national side, but fellow Scots defender Stephen McManus and striker Lee Miller have been left out of the 24 man squad.
In McManus' case, Levein has indicated that the defender is being rested rather than omitted.
Young Boro full-back Kyle Naughton, on loan on from Tottenham Hotspur made the Under 21 squad for tonight's UEFA European U21 Championship game against Greece, which will take place at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium.
Naughton is looking for his seventh cap at Under 21 level.
Meanwhile former Boro midfielder Lee Cattermole, 21, now with Sunderland, has also made the squad.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 3-3-10
Defender Emanuel Pogatetz sustained a hamstring injury in Boro's 2-0 win over QPR last weekend, but has been selected for the Austria squad for their friendly against Denmark.
The injury will be assessed prior to kick off.
Pogi has an impressive record for Austria, being their most capped player by some distance with 37 appearances and two goals, but has been out of action due to a string of injury problems to his knee, face and hamstring.
The centre-back traveled to join the squad ahead of at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.
Boro striker Chris Killen, who was also sidelined with a hamstring injury and virus, has also been selected for international duty as part of the 17 man New Zealand squad who play Mexico in Los Angeles in a warm up friendly ahead of the World Cup.
Midfielder Barry Robson is part of Craig Levein's squad for his match in charge of Scotland as they take on the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
If Robson plays he will earn his eighth cap for the Scottish national side, but fellow Scots defender Stephen McManus and striker Lee Miller have been left out of the 24 man squad.
In McManus' case, Levein has indicated that the defender is being rested rather than omitted.
Young Boro full-back Kyle Naughton, on loan on from Tottenham Hotspur made the Under 21 squad for tonight's UEFA European U21 Championship game against Greece, which will take place at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium.
Naughton is looking for his seventh cap at Under 21 level.
Meanwhile former Boro midfielder Lee Cattermole, 21, now with Sunderland, has also made the squad.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 3-3-10
MFC SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD WITH ANTI-RACISM EDUCATION DAY 2-3-2010
Middlesbrough Football Club hosted an anti-racism education day as part of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign where pupils from local schools Acklam Whin, Lockwood, Zetland and Abingdon participated in a question-and-answer session with a panel featuring Boro star Justin Hoyte and Show Racism the Red Card professional coaches Curtis Fleming, Dean Gordon, Gary Bennett, John Anderson and Olivier Bernard.
The pupils heard a performance from Abingdon Primary Steel Band and watched an anti-racist educational film featuring Hoyte, ex-Riverside manager Gareth Southgate, former Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng and famous internationals Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o, Lilian Thuram, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba.
The Show Racism the Red Card team wore t-shirts emblazoned with "Racism is something created and anything created can be undone." - Samuel Eto'o, with the campaign's website: www.TheRedCard.org displayed underneath.
After watching the film, the pupils were asked to answer (by standing up if they agreed and staying seated if they disagreed) a serious of questions to see how much they had learnt.
They were then invited to ask the panel questions concerning issues of racism.
Q: How did racism start?
Gary Bennett: Well, it's not a new thing it's been going on many many years with slavery, and it isn't just black people that get racism, it is something where you are not born racist, you become a racist.
"It has been going on for hundreds and hundreds of years."
Q: Is racism just against black people?
John Anderson: When I went to West Brom, talking in an Irish accent, there had been a bomb in Birmingham which killed a lot of people and back then if you spoke with an Irish accent then you were setting bombs and shooting people.
"There was an incident on a night out and I was put in protective custody. I was 16 or 17 years old, I spent the night in the cells and it was a terrifying experience which came about because of my nationality. I was involved in that situation because I was Irish [and therefore seen as a terrorist], and we all know that's not always the case."
Q: Have you ever been racist and regretted it?
Curtis Fleming: I have been racist and felt bad about it but I did not know I was being racist at the time.
"There was a really black boy and my friends were calling him names. I didn't know I was black, I thought I was white myself, my mum hadn't said anything to me.
" I should have been brave enough to stand up and say this isn't right. When I think back I hope the guy doesn't think bad of me but it's something that I learnt."
Q: Have you ever been racist without knowing about it?
Olivier Bernard: I think I have probably done it without knowing about it. When we all think back there's things that we have said, things that we have done that we shouldn't have done but thankfully organisations like Show Racism The Red Card are re-educating older people and educating young people that people may have different skin colour or nationalities, but we are all the same inside.
"We might look different or act differently but we are all the same inside."
Q: Have you experienced racism from your team mates or seen it affect a team mate?
Justin Hoyte: I have never know it amongst players, team mates. When I was at Arsenal there was lots of players with different nationalities and it was great for me to learn about different cultures, it was a great learning experience for me.
Q: Have you ever experienced physical racism?
Curtis Fleming: "Personally i've only experienced pushing and that, but in a school of 400 in Dublin, there were only two black faces, me and my brother. We used to get pushed and had people calling us names.
"I told my mum and she said: "You are black there's nothing you can to about that."
Fleming named his childhood tormentor and then commented, "It must have been a bad experience that I'm now over 40 and can still remember his name."
The final question, and one which just about stumped the panel, was 'why do people who are racist want to get a tan?'
A flabbergasted Curtis Fleming, exclaimed: 'I don't know! I'm almost speechles, and that never happens! but you're right because some of the lads I've played with go on the sunbeds and are probably darker than me!'
Prizes for the best questions were presented to Leah Sanderson, Chloe Maidens, Isobel Formby-Jackson, Devon Chatterton and Thomas Clark.
The pupils had earlier attended anti-racism workshops before enjoying guided tours of the Riverside Stadium.
Show Racism the Red Card is funded by nine local authorities throughout the region to deliver a programme of anti-racism education in schools, and representatives from many of these authorities will also be at the event.
Ged Grebby, their chief executive, said: "It was fantastic to be back at Middlesbrough FC educating young people on the dangers of racism.
"We have been working with Middlesbrough FC since 1996 and it is great to now have two ex-Middlesbrough players, Dean Gordon and Curtis Fleming, on our staff team.
"Sadly, racism is still a massive problem in society. However, through education we can spread our message of tolerance and I know the young people attending will be looking forward to the day."
Boro defender Justin Hoyte, who also attended the event last year, said: "Whenever it is to do with racism I will always be involved. I used to do [events] with Arsenal and Sunderland and now I'm at Middlesbrough I continue to do so. I enjoy it and the response we had from the kids, they are fantastic and the kids are learning and they ask some really good questions as well!"
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 2-3-10
The pupils heard a performance from Abingdon Primary Steel Band and watched an anti-racist educational film featuring Hoyte, ex-Riverside manager Gareth Southgate, former Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng and famous internationals Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o, Lilian Thuram, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba.
The Show Racism the Red Card team wore t-shirts emblazoned with "Racism is something created and anything created can be undone." - Samuel Eto'o, with the campaign's website: www.TheRedCard.org displayed underneath.
After watching the film, the pupils were asked to answer (by standing up if they agreed and staying seated if they disagreed) a serious of questions to see how much they had learnt.
They were then invited to ask the panel questions concerning issues of racism.
Q: How did racism start?
Gary Bennett: Well, it's not a new thing it's been going on many many years with slavery, and it isn't just black people that get racism, it is something where you are not born racist, you become a racist.
"It has been going on for hundreds and hundreds of years."
Q: Is racism just against black people?
John Anderson: When I went to West Brom, talking in an Irish accent, there had been a bomb in Birmingham which killed a lot of people and back then if you spoke with an Irish accent then you were setting bombs and shooting people.
"There was an incident on a night out and I was put in protective custody. I was 16 or 17 years old, I spent the night in the cells and it was a terrifying experience which came about because of my nationality. I was involved in that situation because I was Irish [and therefore seen as a terrorist], and we all know that's not always the case."
Q: Have you ever been racist and regretted it?
Curtis Fleming: I have been racist and felt bad about it but I did not know I was being racist at the time.
"There was a really black boy and my friends were calling him names. I didn't know I was black, I thought I was white myself, my mum hadn't said anything to me.
" I should have been brave enough to stand up and say this isn't right. When I think back I hope the guy doesn't think bad of me but it's something that I learnt."
Q: Have you ever been racist without knowing about it?
Olivier Bernard: I think I have probably done it without knowing about it. When we all think back there's things that we have said, things that we have done that we shouldn't have done but thankfully organisations like Show Racism The Red Card are re-educating older people and educating young people that people may have different skin colour or nationalities, but we are all the same inside.
"We might look different or act differently but we are all the same inside."
Q: Have you experienced racism from your team mates or seen it affect a team mate?
Justin Hoyte: I have never know it amongst players, team mates. When I was at Arsenal there was lots of players with different nationalities and it was great for me to learn about different cultures, it was a great learning experience for me.
Q: Have you ever experienced physical racism?
Curtis Fleming: "Personally i've only experienced pushing and that, but in a school of 400 in Dublin, there were only two black faces, me and my brother. We used to get pushed and had people calling us names.
"I told my mum and she said: "You are black there's nothing you can to about that."
Fleming named his childhood tormentor and then commented, "It must have been a bad experience that I'm now over 40 and can still remember his name."
The final question, and one which just about stumped the panel, was 'why do people who are racist want to get a tan?'
A flabbergasted Curtis Fleming, exclaimed: 'I don't know! I'm almost speechles, and that never happens! but you're right because some of the lads I've played with go on the sunbeds and are probably darker than me!'
Prizes for the best questions were presented to Leah Sanderson, Chloe Maidens, Isobel Formby-Jackson, Devon Chatterton and Thomas Clark.
The pupils had earlier attended anti-racism workshops before enjoying guided tours of the Riverside Stadium.
Show Racism the Red Card is funded by nine local authorities throughout the region to deliver a programme of anti-racism education in schools, and representatives from many of these authorities will also be at the event.
Ged Grebby, their chief executive, said: "It was fantastic to be back at Middlesbrough FC educating young people on the dangers of racism.
"We have been working with Middlesbrough FC since 1996 and it is great to now have two ex-Middlesbrough players, Dean Gordon and Curtis Fleming, on our staff team.
"Sadly, racism is still a massive problem in society. However, through education we can spread our message of tolerance and I know the young people attending will be looking forward to the day."
Boro defender Justin Hoyte, who also attended the event last year, said: "Whenever it is to do with racism I will always be involved. I used to do [events] with Arsenal and Sunderland and now I'm at Middlesbrough I continue to do so. I enjoy it and the response we had from the kids, they are fantastic and the kids are learning and they ask some really good questions as well!"
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 2-3-10
NAUGHTON IN ENGLAND UNDER 21 SQUAD 24-2-2010
Full-back Kyle Naughton (currently on loan from Tottenham Hotspur) has been selected for the England Under 21 squad for the side's European Championship qualifier against group leaders Greece.
Naughton has six previous caps to his name at this level and is a regular member of Stuart Pearce's Under 21 squad.
The youngster has impressed since joining Middlesbrough, he's pacey, he looks comfortable on the ball, and even has a mini Rory Delapp style throw tucked away in his locker!
England are currently second in Group Nine (behind the Greeks) anhd will be looking to restore the deficit as ten group winners and the four best runners-up go into the play-offs to battle it out for a place in the finals, held in Denmark in 2011.
The England Under 21s v Greece Under 21s match will take place at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium next Wednesday, March 3, kick off 6pm.
Tickets are still on sale and cost just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (under 16 and over 60).
Book via the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Hotline on 01302 762 57
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 24-2-10
Naughton has six previous caps to his name at this level and is a regular member of Stuart Pearce's Under 21 squad.
The youngster has impressed since joining Middlesbrough, he's pacey, he looks comfortable on the ball, and even has a mini Rory Delapp style throw tucked away in his locker!
England are currently second in Group Nine (behind the Greeks) anhd will be looking to restore the deficit as ten group winners and the four best runners-up go into the play-offs to battle it out for a place in the finals, held in Denmark in 2011.
The England Under 21s v Greece Under 21s match will take place at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium next Wednesday, March 3, kick off 6pm.
Tickets are still on sale and cost just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (under 16 and over 60).
Book via the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Hotline on 01302 762 57
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 24-2-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND UP - YEATES CONSIDERING BLADES OFFER 15-1-2010
Boro winger Mark Yeates has been given the weekend to mull over an offer from tomorrow's opponents Sheffield United, manager Gordon Strachan revealed today.
Speaking at the pre match conference, Strachan, said: "He'll not be playing tomorrow. He's got the weekend to think about it, he's got to speak to his partner, as they have these days."
The fact that when initially asked if anybody was leaving - with mention of Gary O'Neil being linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers - Strachan answered "no", would suggest that as far as Strachan is concerned Yeates is no longer part of the club. But then, under Strachan, he never really was.
Despite being, on paper, exactly the kind of player Strachan is looking for - versatile, strong, quick and hard working, with experience of lower league football - there is something about Yeates that obviously does not appeal to the Boro manager.
Yeates has made only a handful of appearances in a Boro shirt since Strachan took over, the Irishman would be crazy to stay at Boro where he is clearly not wanted and pass up the chance to play Championship football every week for a team who look more likely to make the play-offs than Boro do.
Strachan has not gambled with the players he has brought in, he has stuck to what he knows. However with the fans unhappy with the results since the Scot took over, freezing out fan favourite Mark Yeates could be considered a big gamble, let's just hope it pays off.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 15-1-10
Speaking at the pre match conference, Strachan, said: "He'll not be playing tomorrow. He's got the weekend to think about it, he's got to speak to his partner, as they have these days."
The fact that when initially asked if anybody was leaving - with mention of Gary O'Neil being linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers - Strachan answered "no", would suggest that as far as Strachan is concerned Yeates is no longer part of the club. But then, under Strachan, he never really was.
Despite being, on paper, exactly the kind of player Strachan is looking for - versatile, strong, quick and hard working, with experience of lower league football - there is something about Yeates that obviously does not appeal to the Boro manager.
Yeates has made only a handful of appearances in a Boro shirt since Strachan took over, the Irishman would be crazy to stay at Boro where he is clearly not wanted and pass up the chance to play Championship football every week for a team who look more likely to make the play-offs than Boro do.
Strachan has not gambled with the players he has brought in, he has stuck to what he knows. However with the fans unhappy with the results since the Scot took over, freezing out fan favourite Mark Yeates could be considered a big gamble, let's just hope it pays off.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 15-1-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND UP - FAVOURITES TO SIGN PLYMOUTH ARGYLE'S MACKIE 14-1-2010
Having acquired three of the five SPL stars he had set his sights on, Gordon Strachan now appears to have turned his attentions closer to home as Boro enter the fray for Plymouth Argyle striker Jamie Mackie.
The 24-year-old forward has been attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and Derby but now Boro have become the favourites to land the Exeter born player. Isn't it nice to be the favourites for something positive for a change?
Mackie's record of 12 goals in 81 games for Argyle isn't exactly prolific, but it puts Jeremie Aliadiere's in the shade, admittedly this is not the most difficult of tasks!
Meanwhile the Celtic fans have responded en-masse that losing Caldwell at the last minute to Wigan was equivalent to dodging a bullet for Boro. Caldwell, like Ben Watson before him, had a medical and waited until the deal was all but done and dusted before deciding Premier League side Wigan were a better option.
Fair enough, you can't blame him, but Watson's career has not exactly gone from strength to strength since then has it?
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 14-1-10
The 24-year-old forward has been attracting interest from Nottingham Forest and Derby but now Boro have become the favourites to land the Exeter born player. Isn't it nice to be the favourites for something positive for a change?
Mackie's record of 12 goals in 81 games for Argyle isn't exactly prolific, but it puts Jeremie Aliadiere's in the shade, admittedly this is not the most difficult of tasks!
Meanwhile the Celtic fans have responded en-masse that losing Caldwell at the last minute to Wigan was equivalent to dodging a bullet for Boro. Caldwell, like Ben Watson before him, had a medical and waited until the deal was all but done and dusted before deciding Premier League side Wigan were a better option.
Fair enough, you can't blame him, but Watson's career has not exactly gone from strength to strength since then has it?
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 14-1-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND UP - CALDWELL'S CHANGE OF HEART 12-1-2010
Right then, of the four Scottish players who were thought to be having medicals at Hurworth yesterday, it is has taken one of them, Chris Caldwell, less than 24 hours to decide that the snow covered grass is not greener on Teesside than at Celtic.
Having agreed a three and a half year deal, Caldwell has decided to pull out, leaving Boro to renegotiate terms with Celtic midfielder Barry Robson, whose deal was tied up with Caldwell's.
Apparently moves for Willo Flood and Chris Killen are still expected to go ahead.
The shipping out of Eqyptian bench warmer Shawky seems to be well underway but MFC have yet to confirm that the deal, with Turkish side Kayserispor, is completed, at the time of writing.
Meanwhile Rangers star striker Kris Boyd is to undergo a hernia operation which could scupper his chances of a move to England. Alternatively he could come here for it and keep Andrew Taylor company as the Hartlepool-born defender needs a double hernia operation after the snow meant medical staff could not get in to work to perform the scheduled surgery last weekend.
In other news Leroy Lita was arrested in a Newcastle nightclub - Couldn't he have left that to Andy Carroll?! - after attracting the attention of the police for being 'drunk and disorderly'.
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "A 25-year-old man was arrested on Collingwood Street, Newcastle, at around 11.40pm on Saturday for being drunk and disorderly and was given a penalty notice."
Lita was given an £80 fine which is a bit like confiscating a child's soft toy when they are naughty despite them being the heir to the Toys R Us fortune, utterly pointless.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 12-1-10
Having agreed a three and a half year deal, Caldwell has decided to pull out, leaving Boro to renegotiate terms with Celtic midfielder Barry Robson, whose deal was tied up with Caldwell's.
Apparently moves for Willo Flood and Chris Killen are still expected to go ahead.
The shipping out of Eqyptian bench warmer Shawky seems to be well underway but MFC have yet to confirm that the deal, with Turkish side Kayserispor, is completed, at the time of writing.
Meanwhile Rangers star striker Kris Boyd is to undergo a hernia operation which could scupper his chances of a move to England. Alternatively he could come here for it and keep Andrew Taylor company as the Hartlepool-born defender needs a double hernia operation after the snow meant medical staff could not get in to work to perform the scheduled surgery last weekend.
In other news Leroy Lita was arrested in a Newcastle nightclub - Couldn't he have left that to Andy Carroll?! - after attracting the attention of the police for being 'drunk and disorderly'.
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "A 25-year-old man was arrested on Collingwood Street, Newcastle, at around 11.40pm on Saturday for being drunk and disorderly and was given a penalty notice."
Lita was given an £80 fine which is a bit like confiscating a child's soft toy when they are naughty despite them being the heir to the Toys R Us fortune, utterly pointless.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 12-1-10
BORO v SWANSEA MATCH POSTPONED 8-1-2010
The Boro v Swansea match has been called off due to safety concerns getting to and from the ground.
Although, as with most of the matches which have already been called off this weekend, the pitch was deemed playable, the area surrounding the ground and the roads are just too dangerous.
The Majority of matches in the Football League have already been canceled and it looks like the Premier League fixtures will follow suit with Fulham v Portsmouth and Burnley v stoke already falling victim.
No new date has been set for the rearranged fixture.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 8-1-10
Although, as with most of the matches which have already been called off this weekend, the pitch was deemed playable, the area surrounding the ground and the roads are just too dangerous.
The Majority of matches in the Football League have already been canceled and it looks like the Premier League fixtures will follow suit with Fulham v Portsmouth and Burnley v stoke already falling victim.
No new date has been set for the rearranged fixture.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 8-1-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND-UP - STRACHAN: POGATETZ IS INVALUABLE 8-1-2010
Boro have turned down a bid for Austrian international Emanuel Pogatetz from Greek league leaders Panathinaikos.
The defender's current contract runs out in the summer, but Boro boss Gordon Strachan has reassured fans that the former captain is staying on Teesside.
Strachan said: "The Greek club has offered money for him. I know he is out of contract in the summer but I know for a fact it would need five times the amount mentioned to replace him with a player of similar ability, so that won't be happening.
"The only way it would happen is if it was right for us, which it certainly wouldn't be.
"Poggy understands that and he's fine about it. He is one of the men we have here and we don't have too many. As a leader as well as a footballer, he is invaluable.
"By a million miles at this time Poggy is better off staying here than us taking the money that's on offer."
Strachan seems to have an obsession with footballers being 'men', by which he seems to mean married and at least 25. But I'm with him on Pogi, the Austrian did not contribute enough to the Boro cause last season, due to injuries and a strange change of attitude which lost him his captaincy, but he is both a leader and a good player and we need to keep hold of our elder statesmen to compliment the energy of the youngsters.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 8-1-10
The defender's current contract runs out in the summer, but Boro boss Gordon Strachan has reassured fans that the former captain is staying on Teesside.
Strachan said: "The Greek club has offered money for him. I know he is out of contract in the summer but I know for a fact it would need five times the amount mentioned to replace him with a player of similar ability, so that won't be happening.
"The only way it would happen is if it was right for us, which it certainly wouldn't be.
"Poggy understands that and he's fine about it. He is one of the men we have here and we don't have too many. As a leader as well as a footballer, he is invaluable.
"By a million miles at this time Poggy is better off staying here than us taking the money that's on offer."
Strachan seems to have an obsession with footballers being 'men', by which he seems to mean married and at least 25. But I'm with him on Pogi, the Austrian did not contribute enough to the Boro cause last season, due to injuries and a strange change of attitude which lost him his captaincy, but he is both a leader and a good player and we need to keep hold of our elder statesmen to compliment the energy of the youngsters.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 8-1-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND-UP - NICE TO TAKE DIGARD 6-1-2010
French club Nice are looking to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Didier Digard to boost their squad.
The Frenchman has been hit with injuries ever since joining Boro in the summer last season and new manager Gordon Strachan does not seem to rate the 23-year-old.
Initially the Cote D'Azur team are looking to take the midfielder on loan but with an option to buy.
Nice Coach Didier Olle-Nicolle has targeted a central defender and a midfielder.
The manager is also hoping to acquire San Lorenzo's Renato Civelli.
"We must recruit two players, a central defender and a midfielder and we are working on that now," the club's director general Patrick Governatori told Nice-Matin.
"Two of those are Didier Digard and Renato Civelli, there are others too, but we hope to do these shortly.
"This could be done this week. Digard is expensive, but it could be done and we are discussing it.
"No matter what happens, I think they would be two loans with an option to purchase."
While Digard's appearances for Boro have been few and far between, when he has played he has often looked a class above the majority of his team mates.
Added to his potential is his relative youth, as he is still only twenty-three. I hope that if Didier does join Nice on loan, he makes his way back to Boro next season.
I appreciate Strachan's need to offload 'dead wood' but despite his injuries I do not think Digard falls into that category.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 6-1-10
The Frenchman has been hit with injuries ever since joining Boro in the summer last season and new manager Gordon Strachan does not seem to rate the 23-year-old.
Initially the Cote D'Azur team are looking to take the midfielder on loan but with an option to buy.
Nice Coach Didier Olle-Nicolle has targeted a central defender and a midfielder.
The manager is also hoping to acquire San Lorenzo's Renato Civelli.
"We must recruit two players, a central defender and a midfielder and we are working on that now," the club's director general Patrick Governatori told Nice-Matin.
"Two of those are Didier Digard and Renato Civelli, there are others too, but we hope to do these shortly.
"This could be done this week. Digard is expensive, but it could be done and we are discussing it.
"No matter what happens, I think they would be two loans with an option to purchase."
While Digard's appearances for Boro have been few and far between, when he has played he has often looked a class above the majority of his team mates.
Added to his potential is his relative youth, as he is still only twenty-three. I hope that if Didier does join Nice on loan, he makes his way back to Boro next season.
I appreciate Strachan's need to offload 'dead wood' but despite his injuries I do not think Digard falls into that category.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 6-1-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND-UP - MIDO TO RETURN TO ENGLAND! 6-1-2010
Just when we thought we had finally gotten rid of him, by sending him home to Egypt, Mido looks set to return to England after scoring only one goal for El Zamalek.
The striker was included in Egypt's preliminary squad for the African Cup of Nations but showed 'a lack of commitment in training'. Raise your hand if that comes as a shock... exactly.
Well it is a new year and it should have been obvious that the 26-year-old would need yet another new club.
Boro have finally shown a smidgen of good sense in the whole debacle and said that Mido can come back to England but he is not wanted on Teesside.
Better late than never.
Sky Sports News understands that a couple of Premier League clubs are interested in loaning the troublesome striker. I have no doubt that somebody will take him, as someone always does, but with his goalscoring record on the slide and his attitude and ability to disrupt teams seemingly in tact, we need to get rid of him for good during this transfer window.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 6-1-10
The striker was included in Egypt's preliminary squad for the African Cup of Nations but showed 'a lack of commitment in training'. Raise your hand if that comes as a shock... exactly.
Well it is a new year and it should have been obvious that the 26-year-old would need yet another new club.
Boro have finally shown a smidgen of good sense in the whole debacle and said that Mido can come back to England but he is not wanted on Teesside.
Better late than never.
Sky Sports News understands that a couple of Premier League clubs are interested in loaning the troublesome striker. I have no doubt that somebody will take him, as someone always does, but with his goalscoring record on the slide and his attitude and ability to disrupt teams seemingly in tact, we need to get rid of him for good during this transfer window.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 6-1-10
BORO TRANSFER ROUND-UP - THE SCOTS ARE COMING?! 5-1-2010
Yes boys and girls - and all of us who are old enough to know better but who still dragged ourselves in a blizzard to watch Boro get beaten by Man City in the FA Cup last weekend - the transfer window is here again.
In case the freezing temperatures didn't tip you off, it is January, and we all know what that means. Yup, weeks of being linked with players ranging from really exciting to 'oh well I guess he'd do...' before buying someone we have never heard of and losing our best players to pay for them.
Let's hope it is different this time around.
Our new boss has unsurprisingly been looking at Scottish players to boost his nonexistent squad, with Celtic's Gary Caldwell, Barry Robson, Willo Flood and Marc Wilson reportedly all on his list.
But it is Rangers striker Kris Boyd whom Boro have being most heavily linked with. He's 26, he annoys managers and oh yes, he's just broken Henrik Larsson's record to become the most prolific scorer in SPL history.
What's the betting he goes to Newcastle?
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 5-1-10
In case the freezing temperatures didn't tip you off, it is January, and we all know what that means. Yup, weeks of being linked with players ranging from really exciting to 'oh well I guess he'd do...' before buying someone we have never heard of and losing our best players to pay for them.
Let's hope it is different this time around.
Our new boss has unsurprisingly been looking at Scottish players to boost his nonexistent squad, with Celtic's Gary Caldwell, Barry Robson, Willo Flood and Marc Wilson reportedly all on his list.
But it is Rangers striker Kris Boyd whom Boro have being most heavily linked with. He's 26, he annoys managers and oh yes, he's just broken Henrik Larsson's record to become the most prolific scorer in SPL history.
What's the betting he goes to Newcastle?
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 5-1-10
INJURY ROUND UP - BENT STAYING, WHEATER STRUGGLING 31-12-09
Boro have confirmed that the club have extended the loan of striker Marcus Bent for the next 16 days.
This means that Bent is available for selection for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Manchester City.
'Selection' may be overstating it however, as the Boro squad is currently looking thinner than the Portsmouth players' wage packets.
With Kitson back at Stoke and Aliadiere back in the treatment room (it is tempting to say where they both feel more comfortable here, but I actually like both players so I'll forbear) and Leroy Lita suspended, our strike 'force' consisted of Boro babies Jonathan Franks and Luke Williams.
I'm sure City were quaking in their diamond studded boots.
Bent, while he has not yet found the net for Boro, has at least started to hit the target and brings some real athleticism to the Boro side.
Besides grand cannons in attack, we also have holes in the defence and midfield. Isaiah Osbourne can't play on Saturday because Aston Villa won't let him. Didier Digard can't play on Saturday because as well as being blessed with a healthy amount of footballing ability, he was also born with a body which seems to break down, in some way, every couple of weeks.
And Chris Riggott better be prepared to work just as hard as he did against Barnsley, because Pogatetz and Wheater are both injured at the time of writing. Pogi's hamstring will keep him out, while Wheats is 50/50 with, basically, a sore leg (knee and ankle if you want to get technical).
Bent's extension means he will also be eligible for the Swansea and Sheffield United matches in the league on the 9th and 16th of January respectively.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 31-12-09
This means that Bent is available for selection for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Manchester City.
'Selection' may be overstating it however, as the Boro squad is currently looking thinner than the Portsmouth players' wage packets.
With Kitson back at Stoke and Aliadiere back in the treatment room (it is tempting to say where they both feel more comfortable here, but I actually like both players so I'll forbear) and Leroy Lita suspended, our strike 'force' consisted of Boro babies Jonathan Franks and Luke Williams.
I'm sure City were quaking in their diamond studded boots.
Bent, while he has not yet found the net for Boro, has at least started to hit the target and brings some real athleticism to the Boro side.
Besides grand cannons in attack, we also have holes in the defence and midfield. Isaiah Osbourne can't play on Saturday because Aston Villa won't let him. Didier Digard can't play on Saturday because as well as being blessed with a healthy amount of footballing ability, he was also born with a body which seems to break down, in some way, every couple of weeks.
And Chris Riggott better be prepared to work just as hard as he did against Barnsley, because Pogatetz and Wheater are both injured at the time of writing. Pogi's hamstring will keep him out, while Wheats is 50/50 with, basically, a sore leg (knee and ankle if you want to get technical).
Bent's extension means he will also be eligible for the Swansea and Sheffield United matches in the league on the 9th and 16th of January respectively.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 31-12-09
ST LEDGER WANTS OUT! 18-11-09
A story on the Mirror Football website last night claimed that Sean St Ledger is trying to get out of his permanent move to the Boro after a bust up with manager Gordon Strachan.
Well, tis the season!
Hot on the heels of Beattie and Pulis at Stoke and the Jim Magilton trouble at QPR, St Ledger appear to have become the latest player to clash with his manager during the festive period.
St Ledger is not eligible to play for Boro until the January, as his loan spell has ended but is set to become a permanent member of the Boro squad in January.
ComeOnBoro.com brought you an exclusive interview with the defender earlier this month.
This news comes as no surprise to me as when I interviewed him, his reluctance to talk (he is normally rather chatty) and his general demeanour spoke of a man who was deeply unhappy (and rather annoyed) by his circumstances.
St Ledger signed for Southgate, not Boro and most certainly not Strachan.
At the defender's press unveiling, alongside striker Leroy Lita, St Ledger was effusive in his praise of the then manager, Gareth Southgate, with mutual admiration evident between the pair.
While the opportunity to possibly move up a division, providing Boro can achieve promotion, will certainly have been appealing proposition for the Republic of Ireland international, it was the chance to learn from one of his heroes of the game, Gareth Southgate which was the real attraction.
His response to my first question regarding the move, "It was a done deal. That is just the way it works. I don't think anything could have been done even with a new manager coming in." was not exactly a ringing endorsement of his future at the club.
The problem is, he is our player. We have paid a good sum of the £4 million pounds plus which we bought him for, and Preston would rather keep the money than welcome St Ledger back into the fold.
And the FIFA 'three club' rule would mean that were St Ledger to find a new club, he would need special permission to play, particularly if the side were a Premier League club, which seems unlikely. The Championship is less rigid, but trying to entangle himself from his contract will cause a whole host of problems for the player and the clubs involved.
We will probably never know the details of this so-called bust-up with Strachan, but St Ledger, despite his obvious attributes, has never really fitted into the Boro side.
It may be that his leaving the club would in fact be the best thing all round, but it will not be an easy task and it is unlikely the matter will be resolved quickly.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 18-11-09
Well, tis the season!
Hot on the heels of Beattie and Pulis at Stoke and the Jim Magilton trouble at QPR, St Ledger appear to have become the latest player to clash with his manager during the festive period.
St Ledger is not eligible to play for Boro until the January, as his loan spell has ended but is set to become a permanent member of the Boro squad in January.
ComeOnBoro.com brought you an exclusive interview with the defender earlier this month.
This news comes as no surprise to me as when I interviewed him, his reluctance to talk (he is normally rather chatty) and his general demeanour spoke of a man who was deeply unhappy (and rather annoyed) by his circumstances.
St Ledger signed for Southgate, not Boro and most certainly not Strachan.
At the defender's press unveiling, alongside striker Leroy Lita, St Ledger was effusive in his praise of the then manager, Gareth Southgate, with mutual admiration evident between the pair.
While the opportunity to possibly move up a division, providing Boro can achieve promotion, will certainly have been appealing proposition for the Republic of Ireland international, it was the chance to learn from one of his heroes of the game, Gareth Southgate which was the real attraction.
His response to my first question regarding the move, "It was a done deal. That is just the way it works. I don't think anything could have been done even with a new manager coming in." was not exactly a ringing endorsement of his future at the club.
The problem is, he is our player. We have paid a good sum of the £4 million pounds plus which we bought him for, and Preston would rather keep the money than welcome St Ledger back into the fold.
And the FIFA 'three club' rule would mean that were St Ledger to find a new club, he would need special permission to play, particularly if the side were a Premier League club, which seems unlikely. The Championship is less rigid, but trying to entangle himself from his contract will cause a whole host of problems for the player and the clubs involved.
We will probably never know the details of this so-called bust-up with Strachan, but St Ledger, despite his obvious attributes, has never really fitted into the Boro side.
It may be that his leaving the club would in fact be the best thing all round, but it will not be an easy task and it is unlikely the matter will be resolved quickly.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 18-11-09
Monday, 13 September 2010
BORO INJURY ROUND-UP 15-11-09
Boro have an almost full fit squad at the moment from which Gordon Strachan can make his selection for the not very neighbourly clash with Newcastle, but what of those players who are not currently in action for the Boro?
While perusing the club's official website, I couldn't help but notice that a number of Boro youngsters are classed as 'on work experience' at lower league clubs.
Does this mean they are not on loan and therefore no money has changed hands?
Regardless of the legal ins and outs of the system, it made me giggle, and that's the most important thing on such a miserable wet evening!
We also have a number of loan stars at our disposal, although Sean St Ledger is not our player again until January.
And let us not forget, we still technically own Mido. Yes, I'd forgotten too!
Our injury list is on constant rotation, with Gary O'Neil and Didier Digard the most regular visitors to the treatment room. This week, Digard has a back injury and O'Neil recovered from his concussion, following his groin strain by injuring his calf. But honestly with these two, pick a body part and they will have injured it at some point. It's rather like Twister, but instead of left foot red, its left calf, strained or whatever.
Half French, half cockney striker/winger Jeremie Aliadiere is back in 'conditioning training' whatever that means. Shouldn't all training be conditioning?
And sitting in a dark corner, probably in a grey cardigan if his fashion choices have not moved on from last season, is Matthew Bates - probably the unluckiest graduate from the MFC academy.
Bates has had a string of injuries and surgeries, most recently cruciate ligament damage which would make a lesser man throw the towel in, but is determined to play for his hometown club again, and could be back in action next season.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 15-11-09
While perusing the club's official website, I couldn't help but notice that a number of Boro youngsters are classed as 'on work experience' at lower league clubs.
Does this mean they are not on loan and therefore no money has changed hands?
Regardless of the legal ins and outs of the system, it made me giggle, and that's the most important thing on such a miserable wet evening!
We also have a number of loan stars at our disposal, although Sean St Ledger is not our player again until January.
And let us not forget, we still technically own Mido. Yes, I'd forgotten too!
Our injury list is on constant rotation, with Gary O'Neil and Didier Digard the most regular visitors to the treatment room. This week, Digard has a back injury and O'Neil recovered from his concussion, following his groin strain by injuring his calf. But honestly with these two, pick a body part and they will have injured it at some point. It's rather like Twister, but instead of left foot red, its left calf, strained or whatever.
Half French, half cockney striker/winger Jeremie Aliadiere is back in 'conditioning training' whatever that means. Shouldn't all training be conditioning?
And sitting in a dark corner, probably in a grey cardigan if his fashion choices have not moved on from last season, is Matthew Bates - probably the unluckiest graduate from the MFC academy.
Bates has had a string of injuries and surgeries, most recently cruciate ligament damage which would make a lesser man throw the towel in, but is determined to play for his hometown club again, and could be back in action next season.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 15-11-09
ARTICLE ON GORDON STRACHAN DIVIDES CELTIC FANS' OPINIONS 18-11-09
Recently, we published an article written by a Celtic fan, Gerry Gillespie, who wanted to give the Boro fans the advantage of his experiences of Gordon Strachan as manager of the Bhoys.
Gillespie felt that although Strachan was undeniably successful at Celtic, he took away a lot of the soul of the club and implemented boring football which in turn drove away a section of the fans.
The article garnered many responses from Celtic fans who, it would seem, remain totally divided in their opinion of the manager who lead the club to three titles.
Jimbo, was very much in favour of Strachan, and commented:
"What a bloody stupid and nonsensical argument. I too am a season ticket holder at Parkhead. Three titles in four years. Champions League last 16 twice. What a record!
All this whilst reducing the average age of the squad and halving (yes, halving) the wage bill. Beating AC Milan, champions at the time, giving Barcelona a really good challenge at home.
Some people just don\'t have a clue. \"Knowledgeable fans\"? Maybe, but not about football I\'m afraid."
And Ian agreed, writing:
"I second Jimbo's comments. There were many Celtic supporters who had it in for Strachan from day one, they just didn't accept him as a manager. No matter what he did he was criticised and he never received full credit for his achievements."
However, Tim was in aggreement with the grievances Gillespie expressed in his article, saying:
"I agree with the article. So many bad signings, he has left Celtic the worst I have ever seen in my life, and in cutting the wage bill in half? - Jimbo you really need to look at the accounts - its at 39 million a year while the team that reached the Uefa cup final was at 41 million so something doesnt add up!!! All the best Boro, you're gonna need it."
Tim was far from the only Celtic fan to write in to either lambast Strachan or warn Boro fans of what they fear is to come, stevie m, wrote:
"I fear for your chances of promotion! This new bloke you have as the gaffer has serious misunderstandings of how to communicate with his customers (the Boro fans) and will utterly fail in trying to re-educate you the Strachan-Pendrey Way!! Get used to boring football!! and watch how he sets up his zonal marking! After all this, hold your nerve!..cause some Tic fans thought he was ok! Time will tell...I only hope it does not last four years!
Vini felt that a section of Celtic fans, such as Gillespie, were to blame for Strachan's departure from the club. Vini, said:
"WGS had a brief when he joined Celtic. He was told to help the board cut debt/and the wage bill whilst winning titles.
He helped us win three titles out of four and we lost the last one on the last day of the season. Not bad whilst reducing the debt in my opinion.
It's a disgrace that Celtic fans are slating him. He absolutely loves our club, but the minority of spoilt fans dont seem to appreciate anything he did for us.
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Greatest fans in the world my ar**!"
In case Boro fans heads were now spinning at the war or words being conducted between those Celtic fans who appreciated Strachan's achievements, and those who disliked his management style and attitude, SFTB tried to explain the situation as he saw it.
SFTB, said:
"As you can see, Gordon Strachan split the Celtic support down the middle and, at the end, had to leave for the sake of his own sanity.
Many Celtic fans did not support him from day one, and, when we had bad early results, they were confirmed in their prejudice. Thereafter, he delivered three titles in a row and took Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League twice.
Those unprecedented (at least since 1974) achievements are in the record book and his begrudgers cannot take that away from him. However, at Celtic, it merely earned him the right to keep going for another year. When he failed in that year - and he and the players did fail - he had to go.
His critics said he would be no match for Rangers' manager(s). He was.
They then said anyone could manage in the SPL but he'll never succeed in Europe. He did.
They then said, that's all very well, but his team is boring to watch. That argument did hold water and, when he lost his first league in four years, he was out.
With a club, like Boro, willing to support him, you will get well coached players and a rather rigid style of play. His team will be effective rather than exciting.
I liked Gordon as a person. I wish him and Boro success. I hope he gets a chance to settle somewhere and not be forced out by fans whose agenda for success changes day by day.
Modern fans are somewhat spoiled. I hope Boro fans can resist the loudmouths."
In the end, Boro fans will form their own opinions of Strachan, hopefully based on his performance as a manager rather than media influence or personal prejudices. However it is interesting to see a section of fans still so divided over their club's former manager.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 18-11-09
Gillespie felt that although Strachan was undeniably successful at Celtic, he took away a lot of the soul of the club and implemented boring football which in turn drove away a section of the fans.
The article garnered many responses from Celtic fans who, it would seem, remain totally divided in their opinion of the manager who lead the club to three titles.
Jimbo, was very much in favour of Strachan, and commented:
"What a bloody stupid and nonsensical argument. I too am a season ticket holder at Parkhead. Three titles in four years. Champions League last 16 twice. What a record!
All this whilst reducing the average age of the squad and halving (yes, halving) the wage bill. Beating AC Milan, champions at the time, giving Barcelona a really good challenge at home.
Some people just don\'t have a clue. \"Knowledgeable fans\"? Maybe, but not about football I\'m afraid."
And Ian agreed, writing:
"I second Jimbo's comments. There were many Celtic supporters who had it in for Strachan from day one, they just didn't accept him as a manager. No matter what he did he was criticised and he never received full credit for his achievements."
However, Tim was in aggreement with the grievances Gillespie expressed in his article, saying:
"I agree with the article. So many bad signings, he has left Celtic the worst I have ever seen in my life, and in cutting the wage bill in half? - Jimbo you really need to look at the accounts - its at 39 million a year while the team that reached the Uefa cup final was at 41 million so something doesnt add up!!! All the best Boro, you're gonna need it."
Tim was far from the only Celtic fan to write in to either lambast Strachan or warn Boro fans of what they fear is to come, stevie m, wrote:
"I fear for your chances of promotion! This new bloke you have as the gaffer has serious misunderstandings of how to communicate with his customers (the Boro fans) and will utterly fail in trying to re-educate you the Strachan-Pendrey Way!! Get used to boring football!! and watch how he sets up his zonal marking! After all this, hold your nerve!..cause some Tic fans thought he was ok! Time will tell...I only hope it does not last four years!
Vini felt that a section of Celtic fans, such as Gillespie, were to blame for Strachan's departure from the club. Vini, said:
"WGS had a brief when he joined Celtic. He was told to help the board cut debt/and the wage bill whilst winning titles.
He helped us win three titles out of four and we lost the last one on the last day of the season. Not bad whilst reducing the debt in my opinion.
It's a disgrace that Celtic fans are slating him. He absolutely loves our club, but the minority of spoilt fans dont seem to appreciate anything he did for us.
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Greatest fans in the world my ar**!"
In case Boro fans heads were now spinning at the war or words being conducted between those Celtic fans who appreciated Strachan's achievements, and those who disliked his management style and attitude, SFTB tried to explain the situation as he saw it.
SFTB, said:
"As you can see, Gordon Strachan split the Celtic support down the middle and, at the end, had to leave for the sake of his own sanity.
Many Celtic fans did not support him from day one, and, when we had bad early results, they were confirmed in their prejudice. Thereafter, he delivered three titles in a row and took Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League twice.
Those unprecedented (at least since 1974) achievements are in the record book and his begrudgers cannot take that away from him. However, at Celtic, it merely earned him the right to keep going for another year. When he failed in that year - and he and the players did fail - he had to go.
His critics said he would be no match for Rangers' manager(s). He was.
They then said anyone could manage in the SPL but he'll never succeed in Europe. He did.
They then said, that's all very well, but his team is boring to watch. That argument did hold water and, when he lost his first league in four years, he was out.
With a club, like Boro, willing to support him, you will get well coached players and a rather rigid style of play. His team will be effective rather than exciting.
I liked Gordon as a person. I wish him and Boro success. I hope he gets a chance to settle somewhere and not be forced out by fans whose agenda for success changes day by day.
Modern fans are somewhat spoiled. I hope Boro fans can resist the loudmouths."
In the end, Boro fans will form their own opinions of Strachan, hopefully based on his performance as a manager rather than media influence or personal prejudices. However it is interesting to see a section of fans still so divided over their club's former manager.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 18-11-09
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