r00fie1
Well-known member
Its that time again>>>>>>
Boro have had some indifferent results in the League Cup over the years. Apart from our superb victory over Bolton at Cardiff in 2004, we have left the Cup in the early rounds. Perhaps its because the Cup seems to start earlier every year? Only one league match in and we travel to Huddersfield. Perhaps its because Managers consider it less important than it used to be, with regard being higher to "focus on the league". Actually, that`s a myth; every Manager from the Premiership downwards, wants their team to do as well as possible in the Cup.
Its money in the bank - especially for the lower league clubs. Its the opportunity to put the team and the club in the shop - window. The time to get on the tele and put a few more pennies in the pot. In the grand scheme of things, financially it may be somewhat down the ladder. Premiership clubs shove out "second string" teams until the final stages. The likes of Championship clubs - like Boro - use the Cup as a testing ground for youngsters and fringe players. But has it become devalued? Maybe Sky place it on their schedule equivalent of the inside back page. But for fans - we want to win it - it may be the only chance we`ve got of winning silver wear? It certainly meant something back in 2004 and it wouldnt feel any less an achievement if we won it this season. Would it?
One particularly satisfying result was beating the Deckchairs 2-1 on aggregate in 1987. After losing 1-0 at their place, Tony Mowbray and Bernie Slaven saw them off at Ayresome! That was the "Spirit of 86" side - full of energy, raw talent and passion: [Pears, Parkinson, Glover, Pallister, Cooper, Mowbray, Hamilton, Kerr, Ripley, Slaven and Stephens].
This time last year - we had a different Manager and started the season with high hopes. we faced Barnsley and lost in the 90th minute from a Josh Benson goal.
Today, we face the old dinosaur, who began his second spell at Huddersfield last season, saying "You`de have to be an idiot to come here, but I am".
We were painfully reminded of our previous Manager`s ability to fire up an ailing team last season in the league. He salvaged the Terriers from a fate worse than death and is no doubt looking forward to facing us again tonight. But Michael Carrick is not one of those coaches to take the match lightly. He`s said in previous press conferences, that winning is the aim of every game. He gave one particular reporter short shrift, when asked if he really minded losing, in order to focus on the league! He didnt ask that question again!
Michael Carrick is no stranger to League Cup Victories!
Carrick won the trophy with Manchester United in 2009, 2010 and 2017.
That victory in 2017 meant Manchester United had equaled Liverpool`s trophy tally. It was the final trophy for Michael Carrick. Next season was his final one, having made a total of 464 appearances for the Red Devils. After spells as coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer........we know what happened next.
That day we celebrated long into the night and the one after..........
Its money in the bank - especially for the lower league clubs. Its the opportunity to put the team and the club in the shop - window. The time to get on the tele and put a few more pennies in the pot. In the grand scheme of things, financially it may be somewhat down the ladder. Premiership clubs shove out "second string" teams until the final stages. The likes of Championship clubs - like Boro - use the Cup as a testing ground for youngsters and fringe players. But has it become devalued? Maybe Sky place it on their schedule equivalent of the inside back page. But for fans - we want to win it - it may be the only chance we`ve got of winning silver wear? It certainly meant something back in 2004 and it wouldnt feel any less an achievement if we won it this season. Would it?
One particularly satisfying result was beating the Deckchairs 2-1 on aggregate in 1987. After losing 1-0 at their place, Tony Mowbray and Bernie Slaven saw them off at Ayresome! That was the "Spirit of 86" side - full of energy, raw talent and passion: [Pears, Parkinson, Glover, Pallister, Cooper, Mowbray, Hamilton, Kerr, Ripley, Slaven and Stephens].
This time last year - we had a different Manager and started the season with high hopes. we faced Barnsley and lost in the 90th minute from a Josh Benson goal.
Today, we face the old dinosaur, who began his second spell at Huddersfield last season, saying "You`de have to be an idiot to come here, but I am".
We were painfully reminded of our previous Manager`s ability to fire up an ailing team last season in the league. He salvaged the Terriers from a fate worse than death and is no doubt looking forward to facing us again tonight. But Michael Carrick is not one of those coaches to take the match lightly. He`s said in previous press conferences, that winning is the aim of every game. He gave one particular reporter short shrift, when asked if he really minded losing, in order to focus on the league! He didnt ask that question again!
Michael Carrick is no stranger to League Cup Victories!
Carrick won the trophy with Manchester United in 2009, 2010 and 2017.
That victory in 2017 meant Manchester United had equaled Liverpool`s trophy tally. It was the final trophy for Michael Carrick. Next season was his final one, having made a total of 464 appearances for the Red Devils. After spells as coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer........we know what happened next.
That day we celebrated long into the night and the one after..........
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