r00fie1
Well-known member
Its that time again lads n lasses>>>>
AT LAST!
AT LAST!
The summer is over [including the weather] and its time to face our first competitive game of the new Championship Season. Lots of questions still left to asked and lots still to be answered: pre-season never really gives an indication of just where the team is at. It gave us an indication of the potential of various players. It offered the opportunity for Carrick and his staff to assess their options, prioritise training and fitness needs and plan for the upcoming campaign.
It was no surprise that those players released were peripheral in terms of the main squad. The loanees returned to their parent clubs and contracts were`nt renewed. Its the same of course every season. That mad week where six new palyers arrived - was "a mad week" [!] Our Boro-roos` contingent is beginning to reflect our previous history attracting players from the antipodes.
Its been all change in the Goal-Keeping department with Dieng, Glover and Jones fighting for the jersey: their is plenty of experience there and the lads wont want to stay on the bench. Defender Rav Van Den Berg at 6` 3" fits the bill for a classic defender, but you can guarantee he is no Aiden Flint [!!!]. We know from last season that Carrick prefers fluidity to the typical clogger at the back. Carrick believes every player - from the goalkeeper going forwards, is part of the attack. He knows the Championship from two spells at Preston, so hopefully he will be able to settle into role without too much trouble. At left-back there is the question of who will fill that space (?). Will Hayden Coulson be able to fill that role? Will Carrick have other plans up his sleeve? We never know until the transfer window closes.
Martin Payero will get the chance to prove himself to his new gaffa and benefit from the entirely different atmosphere and approach to that when he left - for his loan spell in South America. Morgan Rogers, Alex Gilbert and Samuel Silvera have a lot to do and Carrick`s team selections will give us an indication of where he sees their individual strengths. Lets not forget our own talents - who have benefitted from the Academy and have the chance to knock on the Gaffa`s door. Josh Coburn is back from Bristol rovers. Briant Bilongo has featured in the build up. Jack Hannah has had a run in defence. Sam Collins and Jack Stott have played beyond their young years and inexperience. Stott, in particular, appears to be able to read the game really well. We will see. The Under-18s also have talented prospects who have trained alongside the Seniors: Finch, AJ Bridge, Howells, Woolston...all names we need to keep an eye out for.
Its time for an almost new team to gel: to know each others strengths - to know that player is where you expect him to be when you pass the ball. They will get to use their pace and judgment together, to know when to slow the game down, to play that pin-point pass and to make decisions to dominate and beat the opposition. Its going to be exciting. Its not going to be a start without mistakes. But its a learning curve. Carrick took a group of dispirited, bedraggled, under-performing lads from 22rd to the Play-Offs last year. It was no "new Manager bounce". It was almost a complete rebuild - in terms of confidence, positioning, individual attitude, style of play, personal circumstances and aspirations. This year is going to be much different - we know that dont we (?).
[Chuba was seen at the Stadium of **** welcoming in the new EFL season. We dont think hes signed for you know who - rest assured hes still ours].
Finally: Chuba hasnt secretly been hiding behind the sofa or refusing to sign a new contract, because of the money [Be careful BBC Tees!] He hasnt done an Ameobi. Johnny Howson will be back.The loanees have returned to wence they came. There`s no point fretting over the likes of Archer, Giles and Ramsey. They helped us when we needed them. But they are history. Good luck to them. Who`s to know who may be walking through the door next?
Today we welcome back the Wall from the Smoke. Five players have arrived through the door at The Den, whilst well know names - Scott Malone, Mason Bennet and Ryan Sandford have moved on.
Its onwards and upwards!
Come on Boro!
It was no surprise that those players released were peripheral in terms of the main squad. The loanees returned to their parent clubs and contracts were`nt renewed. Its the same of course every season. That mad week where six new palyers arrived - was "a mad week" [!] Our Boro-roos` contingent is beginning to reflect our previous history attracting players from the antipodes.
Its been all change in the Goal-Keeping department with Dieng, Glover and Jones fighting for the jersey: their is plenty of experience there and the lads wont want to stay on the bench. Defender Rav Van Den Berg at 6` 3" fits the bill for a classic defender, but you can guarantee he is no Aiden Flint [!!!]. We know from last season that Carrick prefers fluidity to the typical clogger at the back. Carrick believes every player - from the goalkeeper going forwards, is part of the attack. He knows the Championship from two spells at Preston, so hopefully he will be able to settle into role without too much trouble. At left-back there is the question of who will fill that space (?). Will Hayden Coulson be able to fill that role? Will Carrick have other plans up his sleeve? We never know until the transfer window closes.
Martin Payero will get the chance to prove himself to his new gaffa and benefit from the entirely different atmosphere and approach to that when he left - for his loan spell in South America. Morgan Rogers, Alex Gilbert and Samuel Silvera have a lot to do and Carrick`s team selections will give us an indication of where he sees their individual strengths. Lets not forget our own talents - who have benefitted from the Academy and have the chance to knock on the Gaffa`s door. Josh Coburn is back from Bristol rovers. Briant Bilongo has featured in the build up. Jack Hannah has had a run in defence. Sam Collins and Jack Stott have played beyond their young years and inexperience. Stott, in particular, appears to be able to read the game really well. We will see. The Under-18s also have talented prospects who have trained alongside the Seniors: Finch, AJ Bridge, Howells, Woolston...all names we need to keep an eye out for.
Its time for an almost new team to gel: to know each others strengths - to know that player is where you expect him to be when you pass the ball. They will get to use their pace and judgment together, to know when to slow the game down, to play that pin-point pass and to make decisions to dominate and beat the opposition. Its going to be exciting. Its not going to be a start without mistakes. But its a learning curve. Carrick took a group of dispirited, bedraggled, under-performing lads from 22rd to the Play-Offs last year. It was no "new Manager bounce". It was almost a complete rebuild - in terms of confidence, positioning, individual attitude, style of play, personal circumstances and aspirations. This year is going to be much different - we know that dont we (?).
[Chuba was seen at the Stadium of **** welcoming in the new EFL season. We dont think hes signed for you know who - rest assured hes still ours].
Finally: Chuba hasnt secretly been hiding behind the sofa or refusing to sign a new contract, because of the money [Be careful BBC Tees!] He hasnt done an Ameobi. Johnny Howson will be back.The loanees have returned to wence they came. There`s no point fretting over the likes of Archer, Giles and Ramsey. They helped us when we needed them. But they are history. Good luck to them. Who`s to know who may be walking through the door next?
Today we welcome back the Wall from the Smoke. Five players have arrived through the door at The Den, whilst well know names - Scott Malone, Mason Bennet and Ryan Sandford have moved on.
Its onwards and upwards!
Come on Boro!
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