[R] Middlesbrough Match Talk and Results [R]

[ERIMUS]

Boro 0-1 Arsenal

the result doesnt reflect the game, we dicked Arsenal all afternoon but just couldnt score and they got a lucky break and put it away. We had a good few chances but it just wouldnt go in, Doriva's shot hit the bar, Jimmy hit a shot straight at the keeper and Jimmy's shot whistled past the post.

Schwarzer picked up a back injury in the warm up and didnt play but Brad Jones did well. Fulham next!

[ERIMUS]

Boro are opening contract talks with George Boateng, Bolo Zenden and Steve McClaren shortly.

[ERIMUS]

Mark Schwarzer's injury should be healed by the time we play Fulham so he'll be back, as will Michael Reiziger and Ugo Ehiogu who briefly featured today and in the dying moments.

[ERIMUS]

So in the summer i think Boro should get rid of the following:

Ugo Ehiogu (simply not up to the level of the premier league anymore, Injuries have left him slow and not up to the pace of the game at this level)

Mark Wilson (Never ever looked suited to this league and his contract is up at the end of the season)

Szilard Nemeth (Doesnt look interested and has had a very poor season)

Joseph Job (If we recieve a good offer offer for him, id take it. He has had a poor season and i think the only reason he scored goals last season was due to the fact our forward line was so poor)

Massimo Maccarone (simply cant cut it in the premier league, lightweight and not built for the premiership, I except a low cost transfer to an Italian side in the summer)

Colin Cooper (contract ends at the end of the season and even though he's been a great servant, he's simply too old now. A coaching role at Boro would suit him)

[ERIMUS]

We need to get the following two signed up to longer term contracts:

Bolo Zenden & Doriva who both have contracts that end at the end of the season. Doriva should sign no problem, Bolo might be more hard to convince.

[ERIMUS]

Players / Positions we need to improve by next season:

Yakubu (fast, an eye for a goal and young)

A left back in cover for Franck, Leighton Baines (england u-21) of Wigan anyone?

A centre back in early/mid twenty's

A right midfielder in his mid twenty's

[ERIMUS]

Is it just me or does anyone else get the feeling Brad Jones just cemented his place as number 2 keeper for next season.

[nirvaanfc]

I'd look at signing a couple players well...

The squad needs tweaking, some additions and also some role players...

I'd look to bring in a CB, 2 CM, AM and a 2 FW!

My (possible, not dream world) picks:-
CB - Igor Tudor (Siena, Croatia)...on loan from JUVE!
CB - Matthew Kilgallon (Leeds United, England)
CM - Geremi Njitap (Chelsea, Cameroon)
CM - Patrik Berger (Portsmouth, Czech Republic)
AM - Steed Malbranque (Fulham, France)
FW - Yakubu Ayegbeni (Portsmouth, Nigeria)
FW - Julio Cruz (Inter Milan, Argentina)

[gaijin]

Definetly need a new forward.

Job and Nemeth can go - Christie is always ********ing injured.

Yakubu for 7m? Bit pricey.

Brad Jones has also done well, yes - I liked him when he came into the game against Fulham last season and looked really assured.

I would say;

* New LB, cover for Franck (there is no-one coming in through the youth ranks in that pos.)

* Centre back (I would go with someone who ahs the potential to play for a good 6 years or so.)

* CF (someone effective without paying stupid money)

* Right midfielder (Van der Meyde?)

* Attacking midfielder (erm......haven't got a clue.)

There that'll do me.

[ERIMUS]

Boro's remaining fixtures

Fulham (Home) WIN

WBA (Home) WIN

Newcastle (Away) WIN/DRAW

Liverpool (Away) DRAW/DEFEAT

Tottenham (Home) WIN

Man City (Away) WIN

[ERIMUS]

Boro are due for talks with Rene Aufhauser who plays for GAK in Austria. He is a right midfielder who also plays for Austria and played against Boro earlier this season

[ERIMUS]

Zenden should be fit for Tuesday, if not then definately a week on saturday against WBA.

Parnaby is struggling for Tuesday, as is Reiziger and McMahon is out so who will we play at right back?!? :o

Schwarzer might be injured still too so Brad Jones might start again.

[gaijin]

Pretty sh***t game.

Bye-bye Europe - we deserve ******** all with a performance like that.

[ERIMUS]

Awful game, Awful Display.

And that is why Ugo Ehiogu and Colin Cooper cannot be kept beyond this season. Cooper's passing all night was pathetic and Ugo's defending looked like a sunday league side.

[ERIMUS]

West Brom on Saturday now, we need Parnaby back at right back as i dont trust Cooper there. Shame Riggott is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury because i dont trust Ehiogu.

[gaijin]

Awful game, Awful Display.

And that is why Ugo Ehiogu and Colin Cooper cannot be kept beyond this season. Cooper's passing all night was pathetic and Ugo's defending looked like a sunday league side.

Must admit, that's the first time I've seen Ugo in action for quite some time.

He's lost a lot of his mobility and looks like a poor man's Darren Moore.

We looked so lethargic and the lack of effort was appaling.

About time, we flung in a couple more of the youngsters because our season is now over.

Also, I think we somehow getting some lucky breaks. Especially last night and against Charlton and Soton away. These last minute goals are covering up our inept showings.

[Val1]

About time, we flung in a couple more of the youngsters because our season is now over.

Also, I think we somehow getting some lucky breaks. Especially last night and against Charlton and Soton away. These last minute goals are covering up our inept showings.

I would agree. I don't see anything dishonorable about preparing for next year.

[gaijin]

Is it me, or did Stewie look really tired last night?

I think I needs some time off. I mean he's still only a young guy and I think he could do with a two week rest. I say McClaren sends him off on holiday for a while to recoup...

I want a fit Downing for England qualies and Boro next year.

He's gonna get burn-out. And that will only be bad thing. :(

[ERIMUS]

Is it me, or did Stewie look really tired last night?

I think I needs some time off. I mean he's still only a young guy and I think he could do with a two week rest. I say McClaren sends him off on holiday for a while to recoup...

I want a fit Downing for England qualies and Boro next year.

He's gonna get burn-out. And that will only be bad thing. :(

He has already admitted he's exhausted but with our midfield pretty thin right now we need every single player we can get. Europe isnt totally out of the question but its looking more unlikely.

[ERIMUS]

Boro have opened talks with Bolo Zenden and George Boateng over new contracts