* The "Official" (Chris Wilder`s) Boro v Millwall Matchday thread and Programme"

[r00fie1]

Its that time again.......



A little deviation from the usual opening format:

Middlesbrough FC Video Vault

Kris Boyd scores the winner as Boro beat Sheffield Utd 1-0 at The Riverside in August 2010.

Time to say "Good bye" and "hello".........

What a time to be a Boro fan! What a time to join Chris Wilder`s red revolution!

One moment we are playing out an entertaining match at The Hawthorns, singing "Super Neil Warnock" - by the time the final whistle blew - we realised it was our last "good bye" to Neil Warnock. Ten minutes later, and "its Wilder" shouts a mate as we walk to the railway station!



It wasnt the way most intended our relationship with Neil Warnock to finish. No matter our individual opinions of Neil Warnock - he saved us from relegation to the old "Division Three" - a fate unimaginable.



He brought on dejected outcast Duncan Watmore [Thanks Sunderland(y)] and gave opportunities to the likes of Isaiah Jones and Josh Coburn.




He brought Sol Bamba, whose contribution has been immense - hes been an inspiration and legend [given his own personal battles].



Neil was given a dirty - job: getting rid of expensive players who were beyond their sell-by date. Unfortunately he wasnt able to persuade George Friend to stay, but players move on, and he`d given us eight good years!



He gave us cause to smile: if the story is true - Rudy Gestede wouldnt budge from the club with just two or three weeks of his contract remaining. He allegedly told Neil Warnock, who hadnt got a place for him in his plans. Story goes - he told Gestede to "pack yer bags" and told him to go!:love:
From proceeding comments online, plenty of fans would have paid for the taxi!


So its "happy retirement" (?!!) Neil and a big "thank you".


Now its time to turn and face the future with faith, hope and belief! Join the Revolution:


Welcome Chris Wilder To the team that "Play in Red n White.....an we`re dynamite".
We are the Boro - the **** of The North.(y)
We hate Newcastle an Sunlun of course.......



We are the Boro!

 

[Caretaker1]

Its that time again.......

View attachment 28183

Time to say Hello and Good Bye.

What a time to be a Boro fan! What a time to join Chris Wilder`s red revolution!

One moment we are playing out an entertaining match at The Hawthorns, singing "Super Neil Warnock" - by the time the final whistle blew - we realised it was our last "good bye" to Neil Warnock. Ten minutes later, and "its Wilder" shouts a mate as we walk to the railway station!

View attachment 28185

It wasnt the way most intended our relationship with Neil Warnock to finish. No matter our individual opinions of Neil Warnock - he saved us from relegation to the old "Division Three" - a fate unimaginable.

View attachment 28187

He brought on dejected outcast Duncan Watmore [Thanks Sunderland(y)] and gave opportunities to the likes of Isaiah Jones and Josh Coburn.

View attachment 28186
View attachment 28188

He brought Sol Bamba, whose contribution has been immense - hes been an inspiration and legend [given his own personal battles].

View attachment 28189

Neil was given a dirty - job: getting rid of expensive players who were beyond their sell-by date. Unfortunately he wasnt able to persuade George Friend to stay, but players move on, and he`d given us eight good years!

View attachment 28190

He gave us cause to smile: if the story is true - Rudy Gestede wouldnt budge from the club with just two or three weeks of his contract remaining. He allegedly told Neil Warnock, who hadnt got a place for him in his plans. Story goes - he told Gestede to "pack yer bags" and told him to go!:love: From proceeding comments online, plenty of fans would have paid for the taxi!

View attachment 28194
So its "happy retirement" (?!!) Neil and a big "thank you".


Now its time to turn and face the future with faith, hope and belief! Join the Revolution.

Welcome Chris Wilder To the team that "Play in Red n White.....". We`re The **** of The North.(y)
We hate Newcastle an Sunlun of course.......
View attachment 28184

We are the Boro!
View attachment 28195

 

[Caretaker1]

Excellent Roofie as ever .

 

[r00fie1]

So here goes:

Match Preview:

[Courtesy of Sportsmole: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/footba...wall-prediction-team-news-lineups_470397.html ]

Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Millwall - prediction, team news, lineups​

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 1d

English

Chris Wilder takes charge of his first match as Middlesbrough manager as his new side play host to Millwall on Saturday afternoon.
Despite sitting five places adrift of their next opponents, Boro will move ahead of the ninth-placed Lions with victory at the Riverside Stadium.

© Reuters
On the back of securing a more-than-respectable 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough made the surprise decision to part ways with Neil Warnock.

The opportunity to appoint former Sheffield United boss Wilder may have been regarded as one too good to turn down, especially with Boro down in 14th position in the table.

Nevertheless, Wilder begins his new job with his team sitting just four points adrift of the playoffs, a scenario that he will relish when he will likely be given backing in January.

Josh Coburn was the major plus point during Warnock's final two matches in charge, the young striker netting in successive games for the first time in his professional career.

A more pressing point for Wilder is the club's defensive record with six strikes having been conceded in three outings.

© Reuters
Millwall were also no strangers to inconsistency earlier in the season, the Lions prevailing in just one of their first nine matches.
However, Gary Rowett's team have since posted five wins from eight, moving the East London outfit to within one point of the playoffs.

Rowett and his squad are aware that one setback could see them drop back into the bottom half of the table, but there is a feeling that Millwall are building some much-needed momentum.

That is despite their 1-1 draw at home to Derby County, Millwall failing to find a winner while at a player advantage during the closing 27 minutes.

Middlesbrough Championship form:

• W
• W
• W
• L
• L
• D

Millwall Championship form:

• L
• W
• W
• L
• W
• D

---

Team News​

© Reuters
Having had almost two weeks to work with his squad, Wilder must decide whether to make any alterations to the team which drew with West Brom.

A number of players have continued to make progress in their recovery from injury, while Onel Hernandez and Andraz Sporar are both alternatives in attacking positions.

Matt Crooks is also available again after serving a one-match suspension for five yellow cards.

Shaun Hutchinson and George Evans are both expected to come back into contention for Millwall after injury.

The pair, along with the likes of Sheyi Ojo and Matt Smith, are all pushing for a recall after some of their teammates misfired versus the Rams.

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Daniels; Howson, Hall, Bamba; Jones, McNair, Payero, Tavernier, Peltier; Watmore, Coburn

Millwall possible starting lineup:
Bialkowski; Ballard, Cooper, Wallace; Leonard, Mitchell, Saville, Malone; Wallace, Ojo; Smith

---

We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Millwall​

Regardless of Wilder's presence, Millwall are good value to collect at least a point in the North-East this weekend. Nevertheless, Boro were not necessarily playing badly under Warnock, and that leads us to predict a narrow home victory.

r00fie say: For once I agree. A Boro win on Wilder`s debut as the new "Gaffa". (y)

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From the Gaffa`s Mouth:

​

‘It isn’t going to be Galatasaray welcome to hell’ – Chris Wilder issues message to Middlesbrough fans​

Chris Wilder wants to make the Riverside a fortress in order for Middlesbrough to close the gap between themselves and the play-off places.

The former Sheffield United manager took just two seasons to take the Blades to the Premier League after winning promotion from League One and will be targeting something similar on Teesside.

Wilder issued a call to arms to the Boro home faithful when he spoke to TeessideLive.

He said: “It isn’t going to be Galatasaray welcome to hell but it is a fabulous stadium and I don’t want anybody coming here and getting an easy win, rolling the ball around etc.

“They’re going to have to come and go through all of us: the players, the staff and more importantly the passionate supporters. It gives the players such a lift if the fans are on side, but the players have got to earn that.”

[Courtesy: https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/i...-wilder-issues-message-to-middlesbrough-fans/]

​

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From today`s [Friday 19th November] Media Conference:

[Courtesy Evening Gazette: https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport...de-chris-wilders-first-middlesbrough-22220738]​

​

A new era begins at Middlesbrough on Saturday - the Chris Wilder years.



If the club's plan and the new manager's plan goes accordingly, it will be the start of a long and successful era for the football club too.

It's not just the change in manager that brings about the feel of a new era. A lot is changing right now and, significantly for us, Wilder's first pre-match press conference was also the first post-Covid to take place in person at Rockliffe again.

It brought about a unique opportunity to get up close and personal to the new man in charge and look him in the eye as he spoke with an excited and steely determination about his ambitions for the football club.

'Believe me, the fire in my belly still burns just as much as ever,' he said at one point. You believe every word.

There were six of us there asking questions, and there were 20 of them altogether in a press conference that lasted just shy of 40 minutes.

That's an incredible amount of time that averaged at just under two minutes per question. That speaks volumes of the style we can come to expect from Wilder, who spoke in detail and gave respect, thought and genuineness to every answer he gave.

“There isn’t going to be any spin on anything," he said himself. "I’m seeing the same game as supporters.

“Now and again we might differ in our opinions on certain things, but that’s football and it happens up and down the country.

“I just want an honest, hard-working team that represents what the area is about and represents what the supporters want to see.”

In the main, it was all very serious too. Wilder is a football man and a winner. He comes here to do just that.

But he's certainly no personality vacuum. There were a few quips and gags along the way.

“You’re chucking promotion on me early doors. I’ve only been in the building two weeks!” he joked at one point.

And then, when talking about his style and the different ways he could set up his Boro side: "It’s a bit like Countdown this isn’t it? I’m throwing different numbers at you to try and bamboozle you, and make it look like I know what I’m talking about!”

But even after the quips, he still then went on to answer the question that prompted it.

On his style, he spoke in detail about how he wants his side to play and how he wants that to match the area. It's clear, having come from a similar industrial area himself, he already feels he can identify a lot with what Boro fans will want to see.

"I do believe I have got a finger on the pulse in terms of what the area's about and what the culture's about and what they want to see in their football team," he said.

"I can affiliate myself a little bit because of where I’m from. What I demand is very similar.

"They want to see people running around. They want to see a work ethic and they want to see them play as well. Because people can talk about commitment and work ethic and being competitive and being aggressive, because it is a competitive and aggressive area.

"I don't think I am being out of line in terms of saying that. People work hard and they play hard as well. "

Work hard, play hard. That's not just an expectation of the players from the new boss either. It's a philosophy he will set the standard for.

In the past fortnight, he's been working long days as he gets to grips with everything regarding his new post. From the players' needs and the training they have to do to get the standards he wants, to the issues that afflict the squad currently, Wilder and his team have been forensic so far and he could prove that.

After his earlier joke on promotion, he spoke about wanting to excite supporters with the style of play and not running scared of that ambition. But he was wise beyond making bold statements.


He already knows consistency is a key issue he must solve, and that knowledge goes beyond just the fact that Boro don't win enough games on the trot.

“We are looking for consistency," he admitted. "That’s not about being critical of what’s come before, but to be successful we know we have to be more consistent.

“That’s even half to half.

“There is a stat that’s flying around that this football club is in a certain position after 45 minutes and then a certain position after 90 minutes.

“The two weeks have gone quickly and we’ve all been in quite early and leaving quite late, but that’s no issue for me to make sure we get to the bottom of every issue.

“If you’re going to be a top player or a top team you’ve got to be 7.5 or 8 every game. We’ve got to find that.”

That's Wilder's aim, that's his challenge and his burning desire is there to solve the puzzle.

Chris Wilder's first training session (Image: Middlesbrough FC)

The new man's first task is picking up three points against Millwall at the Riverside on Saturday. It will be his first game for six months.

Naturally, there will be emotions for him pre-game, especially as he is expected to receive a rapturous welcome from the excited Boro fanbase.

Nevertheless, when asked about that, his - by his own admission - 'cold', tunnel-visioned answer summed up the drive in which he has to deliver success.

He said: “I’m excited about it, but there is a job to be done. I’ve to be cold and clear and get the job done, which is to get a result.

“Yeah, we can talk about long-term plans, but make no mistake I want results now.

“Of course, there will be a little bit of emotion but at five to three it’s game faces on and time to get a result.”

An impressive first outing from the new boss. It's hard not to be both impressed and enthused. Hopefully the performance, when it matters on the pitch, is as equally as impressive to get the new era off to the perfect start.
​

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Fact:
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Weekend Championship Fixtures:



Championship Table - as it stands:
[ QPR are currently playing Luton. H/T]



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Stats Zone:
[Courtesy Flash Scores: https://www.flashscore.co.uk/ ]

Back in 1986, the gates of Middlesbrough’s old ground were locked as the club sat on the brink of liquidation… only to go on and win promotion in the 1986/87 campaign and return from the brink of obscurity. Why is this relevant? Well, new manager Chris Wilder has said he wants his players to tap into the spirit of ‘86, as he looks to turn Boro’s faltering campaign around in search of promotion.

Despite the optimism surrounding Middlesbrough at the minute, Wilder must be wary of the fact that he failed to win his opening game in each of his last three managerial roles (D2, L1). However, an improvement on Middlesbrough’s three-game winless run heading into this is expected given they face a Millwall side who have not won here in their last five attempts (MIL: D2, L3).

While their draw with the essentially relegated Derby last time out was frustrating for Millwall, they do remain unbeaten in four of their last five league games (W3, D1) and are firmly in the top-six hunt at this stage. A victory here could take the Lions into the play-off places should results elsewhere go their way.

The first goal could be crucial in terms of the outcome given how recent encounters with Middlesbrough have played out for Millwall manager Gary Rowett - just one of the last six such games produced goals at both ends (W2, D1, L2). In any case, Millwall themselves might be quietly confident of achieving a positive result here given that only league-leading Bournemouth have lost fewer away league games this season (W2, D4, L2).

Players to watch: After scoring as a sub in October, Middlesbrough’s teenage sensation Josh Coburn has since netted in both of his full starts for the club. If it wasn’t for the goals that Millwall’s Jed Wallace contributed to this season, they would be a massive 14 points worse off (G5, A5).

Hot stat: There were under 2.5 match goals in eight of Middlesbrough’s last nine Championship matches, and in ten of Millwall’s last 12.​

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Flash Back:

A superb comeback.

​

 

[Caretaker1]

Great stuff .

 

[r00fie1]

Get Your Programme:

 

[r00fie1]

Flash Back:

Millwall vs Middlesbrough - Championship 2013/14​

A 2-0 win at the Den.
Remember the song "Oh Nicky Bailey! I wanna......."

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Meanwhile:

Good news that we inrtend to keep our rising talent. Its testament to his perseverance and determination: he`s fought for his place and said earlier this week, he wants to keep improving his game and "excite the fans". He commented on his "song" [!!] that he enjoys hearing it and feels hes earned it.

"Isaiah Jones
[a ha]
going down the wing
[a ha]
makes the Boro sing
[a ha]
take us to the Premier League!"

[Any mistakes are entirely my fault and I make no excuses]

Isaiah Jones commits future to Boro after signing new contract

MIDDLESBROUGH winger Isaiah Jones has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the club.

www.thenorthernecho.co.uk

Isaiah Jones commits future to Boro by signing fresh three-and-a-half year deal ​

By Matty Jones @MattyJones93

MIDDLESBROUGH winger Isaiah Jones has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The 22-year-old broke into the first team this season and has made 16 appearances in all competitions.

Jones was signed by the club from non-league side Tooting and Mitcham but gained first team experience north of the border with loan spells at Queen of the South and St Johnstone.

With Boro attempting to cope with a number of injuries to the squad in the early part of the season, Jones was thrust into the first team to make up the numbers despite former manager Neil Warnock admitting that they were expecting to send him out on loan again.

He made an instant impact on the opening game of the season providing the assist for Marc Bola’s equalising strike in a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Jones has become a popular figure among the Boro fanbase for this pace, skill and low centre of gravity.

New manager Chris Wilder said: “I’m delighted he’s committed to the future. It’s important we have a good balance of young players and experienced players.

“In the early days of working with him, he’s a listener and a learner so it’s up to us to make him a better player and for him to have that desire, ambition and work ethic to improve his game.”

Head of Recruitment Kieran Scott added: “I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone associated with the club when I say I am delighted Isaiah’s extended his deal with the club. It’s a great story and shows that there are gems in the non-league scene.

“Huge credit needs to go to the Academy and in particular Martin Carter who spotted and brought Isaiah to the club from Tooting. While he has made big strides, the ball is now back in Isaiah’s court to work hard to establish himself in Chris’s starting 11 and continue his development with us.”

 

[Block21]

Not sure if it’s right or not but rumour on one Boro that Tav is playing in the deep lying midfield role tomorrow. Now that would be a surprise but very interesting to see how he performs! Let’s see if it happens.

 

[Tom_Boro]

Not sure if it’s right or not but rumour on one Boro that Tav is playing in the deep lying midfield role tomorrow. Now that would be a surprise but very interesting to see how he performs! Let’s see if it happens.

His energy cries out for that position and hopefully it will limit his shooting.

 

[Block21]

His energy cries out for that position and hopefully it will limit his shooting.

Think he’s more a no 8 myself. Didn’t have him down as a Norwood midfield dictator type but hopefully Wilder has seen something there if there is truth in this. If it’s true it’s genuinely exciting to see how it unfolds

 

[Tom_Boro]

Think he’s more a no 8 myself. Didn’t have him down as a Norwood midfield dictator type but hopefully Wilder has seen something there if there is truth in this. If it’s true it’s genuinely exciting to see how it unfolds

Same here, I think he will need a second deep midfielder alongside him to cover his runs. He would be a great box to box midfielder.

 

[Maccarone]

Great to be back to proper football again.
C'mon Boro, first win under Wilder

 

[Laughing]

Firstly roofie thanks.

It's going to be very interesting to see how we line up and out pattern of play.

I am quite excited.

 

[r00fie1]

In The Spotlight:

Mick McCarthy.

Recently jettisoned by Cardiff City following defeat to Boro in South Wales - life hasnt always been that bad for Barnsley lad.

[Courtesy Sportmob: https://sportmob.com/en/article/954074-Top-Facts-about-Mick-McCarthy ]

Mick McCarthy’s Biography​

Mick McCarthy was born on 7 February 1959 in the city of Barnsley, United Kingdom. One more fact about Mick McCarthy is that his father, Charlie McCarthy was from Co Waterford, Ireland. This later helped him to secure a place in the Republic of Ireland’s national team.

Allegedly, Mick McCarthy studied at the The Elmhirst School that is located in his hometown, Barnsley. He later joined Barnsley academy to process his training sessions.

Mick McCarthy’s Professional Career​

Mick McCarthy’s professional career started in 1977 with his hometown club,
Barnsley He had his league debut on 20 August the same year in a match versus Rochdale, it ended with an absolute 4-0 win for Barnsley. Back then Barnsley was in Fourth Division.He spent two years of his career in Barnsley in the basement league, but subsequently the club got promoted. But then again after two years, the team was relegated to Division 2.
Although McCarthy was an important player for the team, finally in 1983 after 6 years of playing, he left Barnsley for the Division 2 club,

Manchester City
In Mick's first season in the team, Manchester City won promotion and it was a massive change in his career since he had never played in this level before. But unfortunately, it didn’t last long enough as the team once again faced relegation.
In 1987, Mick McCarthy joined the Scottish club,

Celtic
During his time in the team, he won two Scottish Cup winners medals in consecutive seasons. After spending only two seasons in Celtic, he moved to two different clubs: Lyon and Millwall.
Despite the fact about Mick McCarthy that he signed a three-year deal with Lyon, he actually left the team after one season and joined on a £200,000 deal.

Millwall
But his career was somehow affected by suffering multiple injuries that in 1992 he decided to announce his retirement and start his career as a manager.

Mick McCarthy’s International Career​

In spite of being born in United Kingdom, Mick McCarthy was qualified to play for the Republic of Irelandnational team since his father was originally Irish.Before starting his international career at senior level, he had played at the under-23 for which he appeared only once and scored a goal in 1979.He made his international debut on 23 May 1984 in a friendly match over Poland. Ever since then, McCarthy established himself a steady spot on the team and became a first-choice player.He appeared on all the three matches of Euro 1988 and later due to his impressive performance, became the captain of the national team. As a matter of fact, he was called by the nickname “Captain Fantastic”.

Overall, Mick McCarthy made 57 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and scored two goals; one of them was in the fixture over Yugoslavia in April 1988 and the other one was in May 1992 against the United States.

Mick McCarthy’s Managerial Career​

After announcing his retirement from playing as a professional footballer, in March 1992 Mick McCarthy became the manager of his previous team, Millwall.During his time in this club, which would also be considered as his first experience of being a manager, he was showing sufficiency and performed a brilliant job in promoting the team. Therefore, he actually became a prime candidate for the next manager of the Republic of Ireland.

Republic of Ireland​

It took him 4 years to finally achieve the position, which more specifically took place two days after leaving Milllwall. His first appearance as a manager happened on 27 March 1996 in a friendly match against Russia which ended with a 0-2 loss for Republic of Ireland.
Although the team failed the qualifications and couldn’t make it to either 1998 World Cup or even Euro 2000, McCarthy took the team to the 2002 World Cup after playing against Iran which resulted in a 2-1 victory. He resigned from his post on 5 November 2002.

​

Sunderland​

McCarthy became the manager of the English football club,Sunderland on 12 March 2003. His early days in the team was absolutely deceive and tough, since the club was nearly facing relegation. But unfortunately, the damage was done and even McCarthy couldn’t stop the team from getting relegated. However, the blame wasn’t on him anyway and he continued doing his job as a manger.Mick McCarthy succeeded to take the team to the First Division promotion play-offs, in the next season. But they couldn’t help it when Crystal Palace
defeated them in a penalty shoot-out.He somehow managed to promote the club to the Premiership again in season 2004-2005. But McCarthy wasn’t really lucky with his new club either.

​

Wolverhampton Wanderers​

But it didn’t take McCarthy too long to find another club. Finally on 21 July 2006, he became the official manager of the Championship side, Wolverhampton Wanderers. The team was already in a challenging situation, but McCarthy promised the whole team a promotion within only three seasons. But again it wasn’t a pleasing season for the club, including McCarthy himself since they lost many times to various teams. However, the start of season 2008-2009 was kind of promising when Mick McCarthy won the Championship Manager of the Month Award in August. Also after months of being on the top of the table, Mick once more won the Championship Manager of the Month Award in November. Eventually, the Wolves got promoted to the Premier League after winning the match versus QPR on 18 April 2009. As a result, Mick received his second Championship as a manager after a 1-1 draw over Barnsley. Also at the end of the season, he achieved his Championship Manager of the Season Award.

Cardiff City​

Before joining his current club, Mick McCarthy was appointed manager at Cypriot First Division club APOEL on 2 November 2020. The actual expiry date of his contract with the club was until 2022. However, only two months after joining the team, he was sacked by the club.Nonetheless, McCarthy joined Cardiff City on 22 January 2021. The expiry date of the contract was supposed to be until the end of the same season, but on 4 March 2021 he signed a new two year contract with the club.

The rest is history.....

 

[Laughing]

He looks so different with the magnum facial hair.

 

[r00fie1]

Flashback:

A satisfying 5- 1 victory on our travels.
The Den was stunned.
We were building a team ....which would eventually take us to the play-offs and the Premier League

 

[r00fie1]

Welcome:

Neil Taylor

Aston Villa promotion-winner Taylor signs Middlesborough deal

Taylor, who also played in the Premier League with Swansea, has been training with the Teesside club since last week

www.birminghammail.co.uk

Aston Villa promotion-winner signs short-term deal with Championship club​

Taylor, who also played in the Premier League with Swansea, has been training with the Teesside club since last week

Former Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor has joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a short-term contract.

The 32-year-old left-back, capped over 40 times by Wales, has been without a club since leaving Villa this summer.

He spent four years at Villa Park and was part of the side which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.

Taylor, who also played in the Premier League with Swansea, has been training with the Teesside club since last week.

Biography:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Taylor_(footballer)]


Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder told the club’s website: “Looking at the market we’re in at this particular time it’s a great one for us.

“He adds balance and competition to Marc Bola which is desperately needed.

“Neil’s a player of pedigree with a great attitude. He’s still fit and played for the under-23s for an hour last week.

“I think it’s a smart bit of business until the middle of January, then we can go from there.”

 

[r00fie1]

Scrapbook:

 

[r00fie1]

Chris Wilder previously wanted the youngster to join him at Sheffield United. It makes a change for senior figures encouraging players from the south to come up and learn their craft at the Boro.

Is the Chris Wilder Red Revolution beginning to open the door?

Kevin Campbell offers Folarin Balogun Good Advice:



Kevin Campbell has told Folarin Balogun to join Middlesbrough on loan in January, with the Arsenal youngster in need of senior football.

The 20 year-old currently finds himself behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order in north London, while Gabriel Martinelli could also be considered an option at CF. This has left Balogun with just two outings in the Premier League so far this season, and having been left out of the playing squad in the division since August.

There is now a growing feeling that he will be leaving to go out on loan in the coming window, and I struggle to believe there is a scenario that doesn’t lead to that happening come January.

Campbell also believes that he will be leaving to pick up first-team minutes elsewhere, and he believes he should team up with Chris Wilder at Middlesbrough.

“I’m sure Balogun will go out on loan,” he told FootballInsider247.

“A move to Middlesbrough would be good for all parties.

“When Wilder was at Sheffield United he wanted him on loan. Of course, Wilder has moved club now.

“Balogun needs game time. He needs to be playing and learning his trade playing first team football.

“In all honesty, Under-23 and Under-21 football is not really men’s football. He needs to be playing against men.

“He needs to get roughed up a bit and understand what he can and can’t do. Only experienced players will test his talent.

“I think Middlesbrough would be a great move for him.”

The Championship would definitely be a good challenge for the youngster, but if he is to break into the Arsenal first-team then he might feel that he will need to prove himself in the Premier League. There are reports of interest from West Ham including one by the Mirror, but it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to take him on loan without an option to buy, something we would likely be reluctant to agree to.

Source: https://www.justarsenal.com/get-roughed-up-arsenal-youngster-urged-to-to-make-great-move/296597

 

[r00fie1]

Millwall History - The Last 20 Years:

[Courtesy: https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/club/club-history/ ]

2001 - Under the guidance of Mark McGhee, Millwall win promotion to the second tier as Division Two champions with 93 points, a club record.

2003 - Ex-England international Dennis Wise becomes caretaker manager after McGhee's departure, eventually becoming permanent player-manager at The Den.

2004 - Wise leads The Lions to the club's first-ever FA Cup Final, with a 1-0 Semi-Final success against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 4th April. Manchester United win the Final 3-0 at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff against an injury-hit Millwall side who are only the second team from outside the top flight to reach the FA Cup Final since 1982. As a result of that Final appearance, The Lions qualify for the 2004/5 UEFA Cup, losing 4-2 on aggregate to Hungarian champions Ferencvaros in the First Round proper.

2007 - After a period of instability on and off the field, American John Berylson leads a takeover of the club, becoming major shareholder and Chairman. His first big decision is to appoint Kenny Jackett as new first team manage.

2009 - On 13th January 2009, Neil Harris scores at Crewe to beat Teddy Sheringham's all-time goalscoring record in his second spell at the club. It was his 112th Millwall goal and he went on to notch 138 in total. Kenny Jackett leads The Lions to the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley where, despite a Gary Alexander wonder goal, they are beaten 3-2 by Scunthorpe United. There are 49,661 Lions fans in attendance – a record from one club at the newly rebuilt national stadium – meaning Millwall hold the record at the old and new Wembley.

2010 - Millwall return to Wembley for the League One Play-Off Final and beat Swindon Town 1-0 thanks to a goal from captain Paul Robinson. Promotion marks an end to a four-year absence from The Championship, known previously as Division One (and prior to that, Division Two).

2012 - The Lions enjoy a 13-game unbeaten run in the League, including a 4-1 victory away at Nottingham Forest which marks Jackett's fifth year at the club.

2013 - Millwall reach the FA Cup Semi-Final, where Wigan Athletic are the opponents. The Latics run out 2-0 winners at a rain-soaked Wembley. A month later, days after The Lions secure Championship survival, Jackett resigns as manager and is replaced by St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas. He leaves the club on Boxing Day, with all-time leading goalscorer Neil Harris and Academy Director Scott Fitzgerald placed in caretaker charge.

2014 - With the club sitting 21st in the table, Ian Holloway is appointed new Millwall manager and successfully leads The Lions to safety, ending the campaign with an eight-game unbeaten run. The positive mood continues at the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, but a season that starts so promisingly takes a dramatic dip leading to Holloway's departure in March 2015. Neil Harris and Dave Livermore are installed on an interim basis and although too late to avoid relegation, the duo are appointed as the new management team on a permanent basis in May.

2016 - Harris and Livermore introduce a number of promising young Academy products into the squad and after a difficult start, the team hits its stride in the New Year to put in a strong challenge for promotion, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Reaching the Play-Off Final after beating Bradford City over two legs, The Lions are pipped by Barnsley in a fourth Wembley appearance in seven years.

2017 - The Lions set up a return to Wembley once more after a 17-match unbeaten run and nine consecutive games without conceding a goal secures a sixth-placed finish in League One and a two-legged Play-Off Semi-Final win over Scunthorpe United. Steve Morison's late winner defeated Bradford City in the Final and promoted Millwall back to The Championship after two seasons away.

2019 - Harris led Millwall to a superb eighth-place finish in the club's first season back in The Championship. The following campaign, 2018/19, was more of a struggle, but The Lions ultimately still secured safety in the division with games to spare. Several new players arrived at The Den in the summer of 2019, but Harris and Livermore departed the club in October and two weeks later, Gary Rowett was named as the new first-team manager.

.......what next for The lions?