Edgy Finish to the Season

BORO face an edgy end to their season after losing at the hands of premier league strugglers Bolton and local rivals Sunderland.


BORO's Premier league survival was all but assured just a couple of weeks ago after a good run of form and a vital draw against title chasers Manchester United, but now their hopes of being in the top flight next season hang by a thread.

With just two games remaining against high flying Portsmouth and Manchester City, BORO need to get their arses into gear if they want to be in this league next season because, with just 4 points separating them and the relegation zone they could find themselves in an embarrassing situation come May 11th.

BORO's misery started when they failed to capitalise on a good start in last week's home game against Bolton. Once again they failed to take chances and were made to pay as Gavin McCann netted the only goal and Bolton shut up shop to deny BORO any hope on their home soil.

Sunderland 3-2 BORO

But today was going to be different. Gareth Southgate assured the BORO faithful that today's derby game at Sunderland was going to be the key to assuring BORO's survival, which had seemed so secure just a couple of weeks ago.

Totally against BORO's style, this season, they took an early lead as Alves cleverly found Tuncay racing behind the Sunderland defence. Tuncau controlled on his chest before driving home after just four minutes.

But it didn't last long, just as is BORO's way, they still conceded an early goal; just two minutes later, when Danny Higginbotham came forward from the back to head in a Collin's cross, past the stand-in goalie Brad Jones.

Both teams new the importance of three points and the pace of the game didn't let up as both teams mounted attacks and came close to bagging seconds as first Michael Chopra drove his shot across goal, before BORO's Tuncay nodded a header just wide of the goal.

Tempers then came to boiling point as BORO's man of the season David Wheater and Chopra clashed following a late challenge from the Sunderland striker, both players received yellow cards.

But BORO's early luck was to change as, just before the break, Chopra evaded Wheater after a long ball from Liam Miller and smashed home a shot the ricocheted off the post and into the net.

Sunderland came out for the second half with far more determination to get the three points and went about making life difficult for BORO as Chopra made himself busy as well as Kenwyne Jones, who suffered a nasty head injury upon colliding with BORO defender Emanuel Pogatetz.

Then Craig Gordon made a good effort of denying Stewart Downing an equaliser only to see BORO new boy Afonso Alves bag his third goal since January to put BORO back level, just moments later when the ball was deflected into his path after a shot from former Sunderland man Julio Arca.


Daryl Murphy replaced Michael Chopra with just five minutes of normal time remaining and the change proved effective as Murphy latched onto Leadbitter's corner, heading in off Emanuel Pogatetz to claim a vital, late winner.

But BORO's problems are now just beginning again. BORO must now hope to win their remaining games, no excuses, they need to win, not on paper, but they need to win!
Also, Stewart Downing has come out in the national media stating that if BORO don't buck-up their ideas he might be reconsidering his recent new contract in favour of remaining in the England set-up.

And now, fresh reports are emerging that Mark Schwarzer will be gone by the end of the season. In a Mark Viduka-type charade, Southgate will put off offering him a new contract until it is too late. Their have been reports that the Aussie shot stopper and longest serving, current, BORO player is keen to end his career in Germany and with suggestion that Bayern are interested in signing him and with thoughts that he only intends to play for another two years, until the World Cup, he could be gone in the summer.

But have no fear! Some media reports are suggesting that Southgate might be interested in signing recent England and Spurs flop, Paul Robinson, to replace Schwarzer.

Attendance: 45, 059
BORO Blog BORO Man of the Match: Tuncay Sanli

Pictures courtesy of BBC Sport (news.bbc.co.uk/sport)

O'Neil Out

Gary O'Neil has followed Mido in cutting short his season after having to go under the knife.

O'Neil, who has been outstanding for BORO since his transfer deadline day move from FA Cup finalists Portsmouth, has had his season cut short with four games of BORO's season remaining.

O'Neil limped out of the 1-1 draw with Spurs with what was hoped to be a minor knock, but a scan revealed dreaded knee ligament damage and the player had little option but to undergo an operation to correct the problem.

O'Neil will now be out of action until at least the start of next season's pre-season schedule, but The Evening Gazette have reported that it could be as late as October before the influential winger will return, leaving Gareth Southgate with the dilemma of who to fill the gap for the remainder of the season and a further headache of whether to splash out in the summer to provide cover.


Gibson Looking Forward

In other news, today, Steve Gibson has publicly announced his backing for manager Gareth Southgate and has vowed to supply the required funds to bring global talent, the likes of Juninho, Ravanelli and Paul Merson, to The Riverside.

Speaking in a DVD recording made for publication with the launch of the club's season card renewal prices, Gibson announced his plans to make the club as successful as possible by offering every amount of support to the manager,

"We want to bring the best that we can to this club. We have a search for global talent. We want to be in a position to be able to attract the best world talent.

"We have done that with Alves, Tuncay and others and just look what we have done in the past with the likes of Juninho, Ravanelli and Merson."

Pictures & quotes courtesy of Google (images.google.com) & Sky Sports (www.skysports.com/football)

Poggi Commited To The BORO

BORO's battling Austrian, Emanuel Pogatetz, has shown a huge turnaround this season after recently ditching his fiery 'Mad-Dog' tag and taking on the ultimate accolade of the club captaincy and has now announced that he wishes to commit his future to the club by extending his current contract.

Pogatetz joined BORO back in 2005 after impressing Steve McClaren during BORO's UEFA Cup clashes with Grazer AK, where Poggi was on loan from German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite a rough first season, playing in his lesser favoured left-back position and facing stiff competition from fan favourite Frank Queudrue, Pogatetz won himself many fans for his tough tackling and his fearless attitude, quickly earning himself the famous 'Mad-Dog' tag for his fiery temper.

But it wasn't until he switched to the centre-back role that he really showed what he could do and he quickly established himself as a first choice centre half, especially with youngster Andrew Taylor able to fit into the shoes of the departed Queudrue.


Following an overwhelmingly successful second season with BORO, Poggi was fast becoming a popular star on Teesside with his out and out determination and the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and even announced his determination to drop his fiery attitude and become a firm favourite with the fans.

After establishing himself as one of BORO's first choice defenders, Poggi managed to slip back into the BORO side following a lengthy early season injury; partnering the now departed Jonathan Woodgate and cementing a firm bond with BORO's man of the season David Wheater.

Just to top it all, Poggi has even taken the ultimate step-up in proving that he is capable of captaining the side. The dreaded armband that seems to have been passed from pillar to post this season has seen George Boateng & Julio Arca crumbling under the added responsibility, but Pogatetz seems to have taken it all in his stride.

Now, the Austrian international, has committed his future to the club he loves by announcing, in an interview with The Evening Gazette, that he wishes to extend his current contract, which still has two years remaining.

"I really like the club and the supporters, I'm really settled at BORO and to captain the club is really special for me.

When asked if he would be interested in extending his contract up to the next World Cup, Pogatetz answered

"Of course! I would like to be here as long as possible but it's up to the club,

"I don't know what their plans are. It's not in my hands, and all I can say is I'm very happy here."

Quotes & picture courtesy of The Evening Gazette (www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc) & Google (images.google.com)

Just Three Points Behind The Geordies!

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 BORO

BORO, today, maintained their three point gap just behind local rivals Newcastle and moved ahead of the Mackems after griding out an unexpected point away at Spurs, who unquestionably had defender Michael Dawson to thank for repeatedly denying a comfortable BORO win.

Spurs seized the game from the kick-off and always looked like bagging an early goal, something that Gareth Southgate will be hoping to stamp out of BORO's routine having conceded inside the first 10 minutes of the last two games in a row.

Dimitar Berbatov set the game alight and looked like causing problems for David Wheater and Emanuel Pogaetez in BORO's deffence, but his early efforts were thwarted and it was left for Jermiane Jenas to make a real threat to the BORO goal as his darting run had Schwarzer racing off of his goal line.

But Berbatov's trickery payed off just before the half hour mark as he found himself with back to goal at the left hand edge of the BORO box; he cleverly dragged back the ball and flicked it across goal to Aaron Lennon at the back post whose volley seemed, like Rooney's effort last week, destined for Mark Schwarzer but for a horrid deflection off the knee of Jonathan Grounds and into the net.

The game was an end-to-end affair and both sides looked to take chances but lacked real quality in the final third, with Spurs just edging it in the first half.

BORO came out with the determination to get an equaliser in the second half and the game really opened up. An early corner for BORO almost paved the way to a goal as Downing swung in from the right and found the giant David Wheater, his perfectly timed header was goal-bound until it was cleared off the line by Lennon.

Spurs really lost their vigour in the second half, but Berbatov should have made it 2-0 after a drifted cross from the right missed an off-form Robbie Keane and fell to his feet, the Bulgarian controlled well and lashed at goal when the ball deflected off Emanuel Pogatetz's arm, at close range, and onto the post. Schwarzer was rooted and Berbatov gutted not to be awarded a penalty for a hand ball decision that would have been extremely harsh if given.

Much was made about how Jonathan Woodgate's contribution would effect his former team's chances today, but it was Michael Dawson who was the real hero for Spurs as he went about his deffensive duties like a one man wall; throwing himself at every BORO attack to deny Alves, who might have had a hat-trick if it weren't for Dawson's tireless enthusiasm.

After replacing Malbranque, Spurs lost their width whilst Berbatov and Keane became almost redundant as they faded out of the action.

On the 69th minute BORO's golden boy Stewart Downing showed why he is number one after cutting in from the left, onto his weaker right foot he leathered a 30-yard effort towards goal and with a slight deflection from the head of Jermaine Jenas the ball found the far corner of Cerny's goal.

Juande Ramos turned desperate to take three points as he went 4-3-3, replacing Lennon with Darren Bent, but BORO seemed the likelier to score as Southgate introduced Adam Johnson, Rochemback and Tuncay and instantly saw his team take control with some calm and thoughtful passing moves.

But it was a long, down-field punt that almost gave BORO a second; as Alves got goal side of Dawson to latch onto Adam Johnson's clearance and slid his effort past the on-rushing Cerny only to see the ball roll agonisingly wide of the post.

BORO had a late panic when a late Spurs free-kick seemed to somehow catch Schwarzer wrong-footed as he spilled the effort but was quick enough to pounce on the ball before Keane.

Attendace: 36, 092
BORO Blog BORO Man of the Match: Stewart Downing

BORO Rant

Lacking real class in the final third BORO showed their desperate need to bring in some proven attacking quality in the summer, but if Alves keeps improving he'll be a top player for us and if we can get Mido back and fresh for next season then we only need to get shot of Dong Gook Lee and bring in someone who can hold up the ball in the attacking areas of the field. We're looking solid in central deffence with Poggy and Wheats but really we could do with a decent left back, neither Taylor nor Grounds are premiership standard (for me) and we could do with another experienced centre back to add competition because Huth seems to have been a waste of money with his lack of appearances through injury. Despite a decent season, I think Rochemback's time is up and should make way for someone who is going to get forward and get the goals, we shouldn't be having so much pressure on Stewie Downing; top scorer and supplier, his performances will only benefit from another midfield goalscorer to take the work-load off of him a little. Oh, and for goodness sake if Schwarzer is dicking around with his contract talks then forget him, he's 35 and will only take a contract if it lasts till the next world cup!? Let him go and bring in someone who is going to move for the ball, if you look at many of the goals conceded by Schwarzer this season, he is rooted to the spot and doesn't even attempt to save them. He has undoubtedly been a quality keeper and one of the best in the league for a long time, but his time is running out, I only hope that Southgate doesn't let him go and think that Ross Turnbull or Brad Jones are able replacements; they are sub goalies at best, in this league.

Photos courtesy of BBC Sport (news.bbc.co.uk/sport)

The Fonz!

BORO 2 - 2 Manchester United

BORO put in one of their best performances of the season in front of a capacity crowd and narrowly missed out on three points against title defenders Manchester United.

As expected, United fired out of the starting blocks and it wasn't long before they made BORO pay. Like Chelsea last Sunday, United bagged the early goal as some sloppy BORO defending from a United corner lead to Carrick; who squared into the box from the left hand side, Ronaldo had lost his marker, Boateng, and slotted the ball past Schwarzer to record his 37th goal of the season.

But, despite conceding the early goal, BORO mounted a strong comeback battle as they managed to string some good passing moves together and close down United.

Julio Arca returned to the side and looked almost back to his best as he and the on-fire George Boateng scrapped for every ball in midfield and battled to keep the charging attacks of Ronaldo, Tevez and company.

Downing was also in good form, beating Wes Brown for pace in each attack and Gary O'Neil was bombing forward with a more central attacking role, whilst new boy Afonso Alves looked dead set on getting his first goal after being handed his second start for the BORO.

United's deffence looked rocky, missing Nemanja Vidic, and Gareth Southgate was determined his side would exploit this. Like Chelsea, last week, united seemed to be on the back foot after taking the lead and BORO strung together chance after chance.

First Alves skewed a header wide, before Aliadiere nearly benefited from a spearing BORO counter attack, however his shot was scuffed wide.

Luke Young turned hero in front of the BORO goal as he made a last ditch slide tackle to deny Wayne Rooney and the game, like so many encounters between these two sides, was set alight.

Ronaldo then silenced the barracking BORO fans as he single handedly embarrassed four BORO players before bursting into the box, fortunately he skewed his shot into the crowd.

Alves continued to threaten and came closest from a stinging free-kick as Van Der Sar could only parry the power-drive before scrambling away a later cross from O'Neil.

Then, on 35 minutes a superbly weighted cross from Gary O'Neil found Aliadiere who flicked the ball past the United deffence into the path of Alves. With Van Der Sar rushing out to Alves the entire BORO crowd had fingers crossed and the Brazilian didn't fail to deliver, smashing the ball past the goalie and into the back of the net, the crowd went wild.

BORO then came close to second, as United looked edgy, a cross from Boateng bounced inside the area and found Downing at the back post who controlled and angled a volley towards goal, but Van Der Sar made himself big and managed to block for a corner.

The sides went in for half time at 1-1, with Gareth Southgate likely feeling the happier with his sides performance.

The second half brought blizzard conditions and the mandatory yellow match ball, but the weather didn't seem to dampen BORO's vigor and just ten minutes into the half a defensive disaster from United saw Wes Brown attempt to clear a high ball, his headed clearance was deflected off Aliadiere and into the path of Alves who angled an even more sublime shot into the far corner of Van Der Sar's goal.

Alves then, for the second game in a row, came close to a hat-trick, but for Rio Ferdinand who cleared Alves' headed effort of the line.

Alex Ferguson was becoming clearly irate with his team's performance and began pacing the technical area and, in trademark style, pounding his chewing gum into submission before removing Carlos Tevez (Park) and John O'Shea (Hargreaves), he then saw Rio Ferdinand limp off and have to be replaced by Gerard Pique.

Agonisingly, the changes appeared to galvanize United and Ji-Sung Park had the beating of Andrew Taylor before cutting inside and playing the ball to Rooney inside the area. But for a crucial deflection from David Wheater Mark Schwarzer might have kept the effort out, but as it were he was wrong footed and so the ball found the back of the net with just over 15 minutes to go.

Moments later Alves went off to a standing ovation as Tuncay replaced him, following a knock he picked up earlier in the half.

BORO scrapped to hold on to the draw and even created a handful of last minute chances, as the referee somehow found four minutes to add on, but then Alex Ferguson always seems to get gifted ridiculous amounts of stoppage time when his time aren't winning. However neither side could break the deadlock and they finished 2-2. A well fought point, that could have been a win for BORO, but perhaps a slight blip in United's title charge?


Attendance: 33,952, biggest Riverside league attendance of the season
BORO Blog BORO Man of the Match: Afonso Alves


Pictures courtesy of BBC Sport (news.bbc.co.uk/sport)

Mido Bows Out

BORO's Egyptian Striker, Mido, has bowed out of a largely frustrating season after undergoing a hernia operation.


Mido, who has already missed much of the season through injury, has gone under the knife after suffering a hernia and will now not feature for BORO 'til next season.

Mido has endured a tough first season on Teesside after missing 4 months with an inflamed pelvic bone and has, consequently, been reduced to less than 20 appearances and only netting 4 times in all competitions.

But, despite the lack of games, Mido has managed to cement himself into the heart of the club and has instantly become a popular man amongst fans, players and all associated with BORO.

Now, with BORO's Premiership status appearing safe, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to let the big Egyptian end his season early and undergo the surgery to fix his hernia and Mido is now looking forward to getting himself built up for next season,

"I didn’t play nine or 10 full matches this season so I am looking forward to fix this next season and be ready for it."

Quotes & Picture courtesy of Evening Gazette (www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc) & Google (images.google.com)

Shawky Wants Big Impact

Egyptian midfielder, Mohamed Shawky, has made a vow of determination in his bid to make a big impact on Teesside, in the remaining six games of the season, and has made it his priority to become Gareth Southgate's first choice.


Shawky has been limited to just six appearances since joining last summer, but has suffered with frustrating injuries and spent some time away with Egypt in the African Cup of Nations. But, despite the lack of games, Shawky has shown the fans what he is capable of and hasn't really put in a bad performance.

Shawky has brought a refreshing determination to BORO's midfield and has shown his willingness to both defend from midfield and push forward, with some cracking efforts on goal.

Now Shawky has set his sights on becoming a first team regular and with speculation over both Fabio Rochemback and George Boateng's future beginning to circulate the media, the Egyptian could see his wish come true,

"I'm very happy to be involved in the set-up here and taking part is important to me, I want to be able to help the side as much as I can."

However a recent uplift in performance from Boateng may soon silence reports that this is to be his last season with BORO.

Quotes & Picture courtesy of SkySports (www.skysports.com/football) & MFC official website (www.mfc.co.uk)

No Sale

BORO boss Gareth Southgate has issued a frank and clear 'No Sale' warning to potential poachers ahead of the summer transfer window.


The early speculation is regarding fan favourite Tuncay Sanli, as several media reports have indicated interest from his homeland, Turkey.

Reports claim that both Tuncay's former club Fenerbahce and Turkish giants Galatasary are interested in bringing the player back home for around £5 million, after his free transfer to BORO just last year.

Tuncay initially brought a wealth of expectation when he moved from Fenerbahce last summer and glimpses of his talent started to spread across the internet during BORO's pre-season tour of Austria.

However Tuncay did struggle to adapt to the pace and strength of the premier league and found himself in a more supporting forward role.

But, despite scoring just 6 goals in a season where that is enough to earn him the title of joint top scorer, Tuncay has established himself as a firm fans' favourite with his consistent battling and determined performances.

Southgate, though, has warned interested clubs that he has no intention of letting one of his biggest stars leave after just one season,

“He’s a good player and he’ll always be linked with moves and I’m sure lots of the Turkish clubs would want to take him but I’m very happy with what he's done, I enjoy working with him and I don’t expect that to be an issue.”

“He’s enjoying life here, as well, he's a very happy lad who enjoys his work and I think he’s been an asset for us this season and one we would certainly not want to lose."

Pictures & Quotes courtesy of BBC Sport (news.bbc.co.uk/sport) & Evening Gazette (www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc)