Middlesborough away match thread

[Jerseybean]

 

Thoughts are with Liam and his family. A minute's applause will be held before kick-off. Players and staff from both clubs will also wear black armbands following the tragic loss of Theo John Manning.

Under the guidance of Chris Hogg (who was born in Middlesborough) we face ninth-placed Middlesbrough. The Robins make the long trip (263 miles each way from Bristol) to the north east looking to pick up their first win of the campaign on the road.

Chris Hogg pre-match: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/video/interviews/hogg-previews-middlesbrough/

Michael Carrick pre-match: https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2024/october/17/michael-carrick-s-pre-bristol-city-press-conference/

Pay on the day is available to travelling fans.Tickets will be available to purchase from the away ticket office (situated just by the away turnstiles) payment will be by cash only.

Sports Mole preview: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/middlesbrough/preview/preview-middlesbrough-vs-bristol-city-prediction-team-news-lineups_555597.html

Boro have managed just two wins after international breaks, from a total of seven games, under Carrick. Of the five games that they've failed to win, three of them have been defeats, with Carrick's side seemingly struggling to get back into their groove quickly after the gap in fixtures.

After this season's earlier international break, Boro returned to action with a frustrating draw at home to Preston North End - a game that they were expected to win on paper. That will the case again this time around when we travel to Teesside, though incidentally this is not the first time they meet the Robins for the first game after an international break.

They travelled to Ashton Gate for the first game back after last November's break, which they went into off the back of an impressive 1-0 victory over league leaders Leicester City. However, Boro lost 3-2 that day - in what was only their second defeat in 13 games.

Head-to-head record we’ve lost 35, won 30 and drawn 24.

Last time out we won at their place, https://www.bcfc.co.uk/video/red-zone/red-zone-middlesbrough-1-2-bristol-city/

Players who have represented both clubs include: Tommy Conway, who joined them in August, Albert Adomah, Luke Ayling, Neil Maddison, Tomas Kalas, Dickie Rooks, Lee Tomlin, Gary O’Neil, Matthew Bates and Andre Bikey.

This considers TC’s initial impact, https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tommy-conways-instant-positive-impression-30167908

Team news

Mark Sykes is suspended and Cam Pring out injured.

For them Jonny Howson and Dael Fry both trained during the week in the build-up to the game and could be in contention to return. Tommy Conway, meanwhile, who has been absent for Boro's last three games will be desperate to return for this one against his former side. Hayden Hackney was due to be part of the England under-21 squad during the recent international break but withdrew on 'medical advice'.

Their MDT, https://www.oneboro.co.uk/forum/topic/13767-boro-vs-bristol-city/

RiseAgainst kindly offered this insight:

“There were high expectations on Teesside over the summer, after a diabolical start to last season left Boro unable to catch the top six despite some lengthy winning streaks. We’ve subsequently acquired exciting attacking talents from Man City and Liverpool, assembling a squad that looks as good as any in this relatively weak Championship season. This is seen as a make-or-break season for Michael Carrick, who’s been well supported by our eternally loyal chairman Steve Gibson, and now has the playing and coaching staff (the latter including his own brother) he’s always wanted.

When opposing teams play open and attacking football – Leeds in the EFL Cup, Stoke and West Brom in the league – Boro look effervescent, fizzing the ball around quickly and playing with real flair. We pepper the opposition goal with long-range shots, but if teams park the bus, we can’t find the keys to move it. Time and again, we’ve dropped points to the cursed low block, while endless injuries have left us with one fit centre back and one fit striker in the matchday squad at times. Only six teams have scored less goals than us, five of whom are at the bottom of the table. If we score on Saturday, don’t be surprised if the players look a bit confused and can’t remember how to celebrate.”o

Manager Michael Carrick was listed in 2015 by The Telegraph at number one in their list of "The top 20 most under-rated footballers of all time," describing him as an "unassuming but highly intelligent and technically gifted deep-lying midfielder," who "has consistently performed well.”

They are owned by Steve Gibson, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Gibson_(businessman)

In May 2024, he was listed 350th on the Sunday Times Rich List, with a net worth of £640 million, he is the second richest person from the North East of England.

Records and achievements

Honours

League Cup 

Winners 2003/04
Runners up 1996/97, 1997/98

FA Cup
Runners up 1996/97

UEFA Cup
Runners up 2005/06

Anglo-Scottish Cup
Winners 1975

Full Members' Cup
Runners up 1990

FA Amateur Cup
Winners 1894/95, 1897/98

Wins

Biggest league win
9–0 v Brighton & Hove Albion, 1958
Biggest win
11–0 v Scarborough (FA Cup), 1890

Longest sequence of league wins
9 (Second Division), 1973–74

Attendances

Record attendance
53,802 v Newcastle United (at Ayresome Park), 1949

Record Riverside attendance
34, 836 v Norwich City, 2004

Player Records

Most appearances

Tim Williamson (1902-23) - 602

Most consecutive appearances

David Armstrong (1973-80) - 305 

Most goals

George Camsell (1925-39) - 345

Most goals in a season

George Camsell (1926/27) - 63

Oldest first team player

Dimi Konstantopoulos (v Newport County, 2019) - 40 years and 68 days

Youngest first team player

Nathan Wood (v Notts County, 2018) - 16 years and 72 days

Most capped player

Mark Schwarzer (Australia) – 51

Most capped player for England
Wilf Mannion – 26

Officials

Referee Sam Allison assisted by Lee Venamore and Hugh Gilroy, fourth official Adam Herczeg.

Pies

Upex pies are worth tracking down, https://www.upexpies.co.uk/our-story/

Middlesborough musings

Smoggie is a colloquial term used to refer to people from the Teesside area of North East England. The term is also used to describe the local accent and dialect spoken in the area.

Birthplace of Captain James Cook. Middlesbrough proudly claims Captain James Cook, one of history’s greatest explorers, as its native son. Cook’s voyages of discovery and his mapping of the Pacific greatly contributed to our understanding of the world.

The Iconic Transporter Bridge. Middlesbrough is home to the iconic Transporter Bridge, a symbol of the town’s engineering prowess. This unique structure, built in 1911, is one of the few remaining operational transporter bridges in the world and offers breathtaking views of the Tees Valley.

A Town Steeped in Industrial History. Middlesbrough has a proud industrial heritage, with its roots dating back to the 19th century. Its strategic location on the banks of the River Tees made it a thriving hub for iron and steel production, earning it the nickname “Ironopolis.”

From Brian Clough through to Jonathan Woodgate, Middlesbrough players and managers have kept us entertained with hilarious sound bites over the years. Here’s a few examples:

“What do I feel like? I feel like a kebab and onions.” Paul Gascoigne

“I’ve never wanted to leave. I’m here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well.” Mark Schwarzer

“This is a man’s game – unless the FA wants us to walk out with handbags, wearing lipstick.” Paul Ince

“I decided to come here because I like the shopping.” Mido

As for Clough, fill yer boots…

• “If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he'd have put grass up there.”
• “Rome wasn't built in a day. But I wasn't on that particular job.”
• “I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one.”
• “I only ever hit Roy the once. He got up so I couldn't have hit him very hard.”
• “That Seaman is a handsome young man but he spends too much time looking in his mirror, rather than at the ball. You can't keep goal with hair like that.”
• “The River Trent is lovely, I know because I have walked on it for 18 years.”
• “When I go, God's going to have to give up his favourite chair.”
• “Good managers make good sides. There’s no such thing as a side making a manager.”
• “Players lose you games, not tactics. There's so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes.”
• “We talk about it for 20 minutes and then we decide I was right.”

Pubs

Hit the bar, Bridge St E, Middlesbrough TS2 1NW, near the train station.

Further from the ground here’s another three to consider, https://threebestrated.co.uk/pubs-in-middlesbrough

The Bluebell https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/blue-bell-hotel-middlesbrough?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=homepage about a ten minute drive from the ground.

The Swatters Carr (Spoons) https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/north-yorkshire/the-swatters-carr-middlesbrough a seven minute drive from the stadium.

The Twisted Lip https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/eat-and-drink/venues/the-twisted-lip/ a six minute drive from the ground

 

 

 

[Major Isewater]

This legend at Carlisle also played for both clubs. He wasn’t a legend at City needless to say. 

A young Clayton Fortune , nearly made one for the club when Middlesbrough offered us 700,000£ only for the academy product to turn down the deal , going on to feature for Liverpool and Barcelona… cough. 

Boro used to produce big tough workman like sides in the image of their town and supporters before Gibson bought the club and sprinkled stardust with the arrivals of Brazilian genius , Juninho, the White Feather , Ravinelli and Bryan Robson. They were without major honours or history like us before this époque where they graced the Prem, won a League Cup and had an exciting campaign in Europe. Gibson knows how to run a successful football outfit and despite falling out of the top division are always amongst the favorites to return. 
My first ever time in the Dolman I witnessed a 4-0 demolition of the dirty northern bars tards with City debutant Joe Royle grabbing all four. 
Let’s hope for an entertaining game with a chance to momentarily , lift the sadness around the club. 
 

Edited Friday at 05:57 by Major Isewater

[PHILINFRANCE]

1 hour ago, Major Isewater said:

This legend at Carlisle also played for both clubs. He wasn’t a legend at City needless to say. 

A young Clayton Fortune , nearly made one for the club when Middlesbrough offered us 700,000£ only for the academy product to turn down the deal , going on to feature for Liverpool and Barcelona… cough. 

Boro used to produce big tough workman like sides in the image of their town and supporters before Gibson bought the club and sprinkled stardust with the arrivals of Brazilian genius , Juninho, the White Feather , Ravinelli and Bryan Robson. They were without major honours or history like us before this époque where they graced the Prem, won a League Cup and had an exciting campaign in Europe. Gibson knows how to run a successful football outfit and despite falling out of the top division are always amongst the favorites to return. 
My first ever time in the Dolman I witnessed a 4-0 demolition of the dirty northern bars tards with City debutant Joe Royle grabbing all four. 
Let’s hope for an entertaining game with a chance to momentarily , lift the sadness around the club. 
 

I suppose it depends on one’s age, but I remember being very impressed with Hugh M when he was with us.

As I say, though, a young boy is often easily impressed, far more so than the discerning adults who had probably seen it all before.

[iamalagerdrinker]

If anyone is around the centre before the game and would like food there is a cracking little Indian street food vendor called Anisa's it's about a 10 minute walk from the train station. 

 

https://anisascurryinhurry.com/

[Major Isewater]

1 hour ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

I suppose it depends on one’s age, but I remember being very impressed with Hugh M when he was with us.

As I say, though, a young boy is often easily impressed, far more so than the discerning adults who had probably seen it all before.

According to Wiki he made 20 appearances and scored four goals in 1967, not quite enough for us to erect a statue in his honour. 

[devoncider]

Mixed emotions heading up to Boro for this one.

As has been said, and will be said (rightly) over the next 48 hours, this weeks news puts football into perspective.

Hoping for a positive result, but more importantly hoping the club staff, squad and fans can unify and find strength during what is a dark period.

Anyone else making the long trip up? Hit the bar near the station looks like a good shout for a pint, although a fair few pubs around there seem to allow home and away fans to mix, can't see there being any trouble.

COYR

[PHILINFRANCE]

Just now, Major Isewater said:

According to Wiki he made 20 appearances and scored four goals in 1967, not quite enough for us to erect a statue in his honour. 

Of course not, but as I said, as a young boy at the time I just remember being so impressed with his heading ability.

[Tony Tootle]

And of course, who could forget Luke Wilkshire 

[Numero Uno]

Will be very pleasantly surprised if we leave The Riverside with anything. Expectation for me is a two or three goal defeat and barely a shot for their keeper to save.

[OJ009]

6 hours ago, Jerseybean said:

Boro have managed just two wins after international breaks, from a total of seven games, under Carrick. Of the five games that they've failed to win, three of them have been defeats, with Carrick's side seemingly struggling to get back into their groove quickly after the gap in fixtures.

Like us then. 0-0 incoming.

[MC RISK77]

Don’t ask me why but I have had a feeling all week we will come away with 3 points from this

[alexukhc]

Is Tommy fit?

[cheese]

19 minutes ago, MC RISK77 said:

Don’t ask me why but I have had a feeling all week we will come away with 3 points from this

You really should lay off the drugs - it's messing with your mind.

[Jerseybean]

Boro view of us, https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2024/october/18/the-opposition--bristol-city/

 

[redkev]

6 hours ago, devoncider said:

Mixed emotions heading up to Boro for this one.

As has been said, and will be said (rightly) over the next 48 hours, this weeks news puts football into perspective.

Hoping for a positive result, but more importantly hoping the club staff, squad and fans can unify and find strength during what is a dark period.

Anyone else making the long trip up? Hit the bar near the station looks like a good shout for a pint, although a fair few pubs around there seem to allow home and away fans to mix, can't see there being any trouble.

COYR

Can’t see there being any trouble ( your quite right ) but you wouldn’t of said that 20-25 years ago at Ayresome park , went there twice when a young un probably more intimidating than going to Millwall ( the old Millwall ) some pretty nasty clashes both before and after the game , 

[REDOXO]

2 hours ago, alexukhc said:

Is Tommy fit?

It seems not. But I haven’t seen any confirmation 

[glynriley]

6 minutes ago, redkev said:

Can’t see there being any trouble ( your quite right ) but you wouldn’t of said that 20-25 years ago at Ayresome park , went there twice when a young un probably more intimidating than going to Millwall ( the old Millwall ) some pretty nasty clashes both before and after the game , 

Bit longer ago than that, Riverside been open 30 years next year.

Remember going to Ayresome Park in the late '80s when Joe Jordan got sent off, Gordon Owen missed a penalty (natch..) and it was absolute carnage before and after the game. Happy Days

[The Nest Egg]

I've had to sack this one off as need a study day for my MSc...so expect it to be an absolute goalfest for the ages.

Mansfield 2.0 anybody?

[GrahamC]

7 minutes ago, glynriley said:

Bit longer ago than that, Riverside been open 30 years next year.

Remember going to Ayresome Park in the late '80s when Joe Jordan got sent off, Gordon Owen missed a penalty (natch..) and it was absolute carnage before and after the game. Happy Days

Mental day.

Late 80s but Boro supporters were still rocking double denim..

[redkev]

42 minutes ago, glynriley said:

Bit longer ago than that, Riverside been open 30 years next year.

Remember going to Ayresome Park in the late '80s when Joe Jordan got sent off, Gordon Owen missed a penalty (natch..) and it was absolute carnage before and after the game. Happy Days

Yep your right how time flies , 

[Super]

Of course we'd like to win but given what's happened this week it's really not that important 

[steviestevieneville]

In regards to the minutes applause for little Theo . Just gauging opinion here & it’s probably a bit of a irrelevant question as paying respect is what really matters. 
Do people think as it’s such a tragic loss of someone so young , would a minutes silence be more appropriate ? 
I think a minutes applause is great for celebrating someone who’s had a  full & rich life. Like Sven’s was as a recent example . Theo’s & also George Baldock  I think should be a minutes silence. Just a thought . 

Edited Friday at 17:26 by steviestevieneville

[weepywall]

1 hour ago, glynriley said:

Bit longer ago than that, Riverside been open 30 years next year.

Remember going to Ayresome Park in the late '80s when Joe Jordan got sent off, Gordon Owen missed a penalty (natch..) and it was absolute carnage before and after the game. Happy Days

Really intimidating place to visit back in the day, I would say it was the worst, most of the locals were nutcases, Middlesbrough is a hard old place.

[David Woody]

17 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said:

In regards to the minutes applause for little Theo . Just gauging opinion here & it’s probably a bit of a irrelevant question as paying respect is what really matters. 
Do people think as it’s such a tragic loss of someone so young , would a minutes silence be more appropriate ? 
I think a minutes applause is great for celebrating someone who’s had a  full & rich life. Like Sven’s was as a recent example . Theo’s & also George Bulldock I think should be a minutes silence. Just a thought . 

Personally, I prefer silent reflection on the loss of anyone.

[redkev]

9 minutes ago, weepywall said:

Really intimidating place to visit back in the day, I would say it was the worst, most of the locals were nutcases, Middlesbrough is a hard old place.

Hard place agreed and a shithole , work up there quite often and it is does lack investment 

[Peter1450]

2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Mental day.

Late 80s but Boro supporters were still rocking double denim..

Nothing wrong with a bit of double denim …… didn’t it make a comeback recently?

[Lanterne Rouge]

6 minutes ago, Peter1450 said:

Nothing wrong with a bit of double denim …… didn’t it make a comeback recently?

Did you enjoy your trip to the Isle Of Wight?

[redkev]

23 minutes ago, Peter1450 said:

Nothing wrong with a bit of double denim …… didn’t it make a comeback recently?

I hope it has , just saying for a friend

[Robbored]

12 minutes ago, Peter1450 said:

Nothing wrong with a bit of double denim …… didn’t it make a comeback recently?

North of the river I think………

[PHILINFRANCE]

4 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Mental day.

Late 80s but Boro supporters were still rocking double denim..

Oh, I don’t know.

Nothing wrong with double denim.

Were these the sort of supporters you saw, straight from the docks or steelworks?

[22A]

13 hours ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

I suppose it depends on one’s age, but I remember being very impressed with Hugh M when he was with us.

As I say, though, a young boy is often easily impressed, far more so than the discerning adults who had probably seen it all before.

Agreed. I remember the chant "Hughie, Hughie, Hughie McIlmoyle" which was repeated at least three times.

[22A]

8 hours ago, MC RISK77 said:

Don’t ask me why but I have had a feeling all week we will come away with 3 points from this

But City ALWAYS lose their first game after an International break.

[Woofyourkipper]

Only missed Swansea this season as in mallorca,I’m really hoping we get the 3 points,

hull,derby,Blackburn were long journeys home with a 14 year old moaning all the way

[YorkshireSection]

If it wasn’t £34 ******* pound I’d have a little peck at that but let’s be perfectly honest it’s an absolute rip off and not worth any where near the money even if you were as affluent as the slimey ****** who so brilliantly runs our football club.

Away from home, hundreds of miles from home, guaranteed win, 3-0 to the City.

[Jerseybean]

Matchday info, https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2024/october/18/Matchday-Info--Boro-v-Bristol-City/

 

[Kid in the Riot]

Difficult to conjure up any enthusiasm for this one under the circumstances. 

[redsquirrel]

i will be happy with a good effort,regardless of result but am a bit more optimistic today

[westonred]

If Boss Hogg doesnt change things i can't see us getting anything out of the game. We havent got a quality striker and our defence is weak this season

Reading his pre match presser it looks like nothings going to change “The Beauty of how Liam and myself work is that the preparation is already done”

[And Its Smith]

Win lose or draw I don’t really care today. Seeing an entertaining game of football would be good though.  
 

I am hoping players aren’t singled out today if they underperform.  Also I’m hoping that if we lose 3-0 that people don’t use it as a stick to beat Manning with in a few weeks time.  It would be pretty tasteless to bring it up in stats and facts to try to undermine him 

[Davefevs]

13 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

Win lose or draw I don’t really care today. Seeing an entertaining game of football would be good though.  
 

I am hoping players aren’t singled out today if they underperform.  Also I’m hoping that if we lose 3-0 that people don’t use it as a stick to beat Manning with in a few weeks time.  It would be pretty tasteless to bring it up in stats and facts to try to undermine him 

Today, for me is about bringing the normality (of match day) back into focus for the players as a welcome distraction from the events of the past week.  It’s been a tragic situation, and I suspect there are players and staff who also know George Baldock, Steve Bruce, Alex Bruce and Matt Smith is whatever shape or form.  And on both sides too.

So I expect to see the normal levels of commitment, and expect us to compete like we would do against any other of our 23 championship opponents.

We are capable of winning today.  You wouldn’t obfuscate that from any stats, would you.  This week’s events might be a spur, who knows.

Cmon you reds.

[DaveInSA]

I’m going all out to predict a smash and grab 0-1 away win - scoring in the 90+ minutes.

[Swede]

I really hope that the players perform, not just for Liam and the tragic unfortunate circumstances surrounding this week, but for their own self respect. Life is bigger, far bigger than football. They could easily win, lose or draw this game, which is all it is, a game. Its about performing to their best abilities.

[BUTOR]

Boro fans have always displayed class when playing us. I remember recently a full away end in early to pay respects to the Ashton Gate Eight. I'm sure today will be no different, I'm glad we are visiting a proper club in the circumstances. 

[Davefevs]

Carrick interview, bit on Manning, bit on Conway.

 

[And Its Smith]

4 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Today, for me is about bringing the normality (of match day) back into focus for the players as a welcome distraction from the events of the past week.  It’s been a tragic situation, and I suspect there are players and staff who also know George Baldock, Steve Bruce, Alex Bruce and Matt Smith is whatever shape or form.  And on both sides too.

So I expect to see the normal levels of commitment, and expect us to compete like we would do against any other of our 23 championship opponents.

We are capable of winning today.  You wouldn’t obfuscate that from any stats, would you.  This week’s events might be a spur, who knows.

Cmon you reds.

If people use a run of games to criticise manning and include this game, that will be pretty low 

[ray savino]

Think we’ll get a 1-1 today. I’ve no real appetite for the result apart from watching a bit of football. The news this week has been terribly sad and an understandable dampener on the game. Football result not the most important thing at the moment, but would be at least a small pick-me-up for everyone to get a good result and/or spirited performance today. Football as a means of community and coming together in support of people during tough times is important has nearly always been a great thing, so hope everyone who travels up has a good day and safe journey.

[Davefevs]

28 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

If people use a run of games to criticise manning and include this game, that will be pretty low 

Why?

Do you expect Hogg to go off-piste today?  From what we know of Manning and Hogg they are pretty sync’d in their thoughts.  Hogg will’ve spoken with Liam this week, the week was already prepped (quote Hogg on Wednesday) by the both of them ahead of the tragic events.  Edit - just seen @westonred post above, saying same.

If Hogg was to go with something very different, ie his own ideas, then maybe so.

We seem to be running with a rhetoric that we are gonna lose today and therefore we should excuse / ignore this game.  I hope the players aren’t taking the same approach.  Hence why I asked if we should ignore a win too?

 

 

Edited Saturday at 12:17 by Davefevs

[frenchred]

18 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

If people use a run of games to criticise manning and include this game, that will be pretty low 

I have zero appetite or interest for today's game, but don't really get your point 

As Hogg said in Westonreds post above

Just hope we can compete couldn't care really about the result, wish manning well and thoughts are with him but he under no illusions in a few weeks/months it will be included in the stats good or bad

[Davefevs]

Up to 15th without playing in the live table.  Plymouth 2-0 down and now with 10-men (to Cardiff), Oxford 1-0 down too home to WBA too.

I’m looking forward to this afternoon, get away from the awful news across football in the past week.

[And Its Smith]

27 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Why?

Do you expect Hogg to go off-piste today?  From what we know of Manning and Hogg they are pretty sync’d in their thoughts.  Hogg will’ve spoken with Liam this week, the week was already prepped (quote Hogg on Wednesday) by the both of them ahead of the tragic events.  Edit - just seen @westonred post above, saying same.

If Hogg was to go with something very different, ie his own ideas, then maybe so.

We seem to be running with a rhetoric that we are gonna lose today and therefore we should excuse / ignore this game.  I hope the players aren’t taking the same approach.  Hence why I asked if we should ignore a win too?

 

 

 

27 minutes ago, frenchred said:

I have zero appetite or interest for today's game, but don't really get your point 

As Hogg said in Westonreds post above

Just hope we can compete couldn't care really about the result, wish manning well and thoughts are with him but he under no illusions in a few weeks/months it will be included in the stats good or bad

All about opinions isn’t it.  I think it would be distasteful to include it to strengthen a negative opinion on Manning. His child has just died.  

[frenchred]

16 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

 

All about opinions isn’t it.  I think it would be distasteful to include it to strengthen a negative opinion on Manning. His child has just died.  

If our season turns around today would you use it to strengthen a positive opinion?

[Northern Red]

 

[And Its Smith]

6 minutes ago, frenchred said:

If our season turns around today would you use it to strengthen a positive opinion?

Yeah I would as I’d give the benefit of the doubt to someone who’s child has just died. 

[Jackson Lamb]

Not sure what Mayulu has to do to get a start.

[pride of the west]

Might jus see Armstrong and Mayulu on the pitch together if we are chasing late on

[Spike]

Very different team, not sure how I feel about it at all. I guess we'll see. The main positive for me is Conway is on the bench, I feel like he would know how to hurt us and I can certainly see a goal from him. 

[Tony Tootle]

Campbell-Slowey and Morrison on the bench. Long live the pathway!

[BCFC Rich]

49 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Why?

Do you expect Hogg to go off-piste today?  From what we know of Manning and Hogg they are pretty sync’d in their thoughts.  Hogg will’ve spoken with Liam this week, the week was already prepped (quote Hogg on Wednesday) by the both of them ahead of the tragic events.  Edit - just seen @westonred post above, saying same.

If Hogg was to go with something very different, ie his own ideas, then maybe so.

We seem to be running with a rhetoric that we are gonna lose today and therefore we should excuse / ignore this game.  I hope the players aren’t taking the same approach.  Hence why I asked if we should ignore a win too?

 

 

I can't say I agree. We'll see better during the match, but I think it could well be an emotional game. Now that could take things either way, it might galvanise us or we might be a mess. But if emotions do come into play, I don't think it's unfair to say the result isn't necessarily reflective of where we are - whether it's good or bad. 

[Silvio Dante]

3 minutes ago, frenchred said:

If our season turns around today would you use it to strengthen a positive opinion?

I’ve spoken on other threads about separating the personal from the professional and that’s really what needs to happen here.

I get the logic and argument of this being in a lot of ways a “free hit” because of the tragic events, but that then begs the question when a performance can be criticised. Grief isn’t linear, but are people saying that Stoke is a free hit, Leeds is a free hit etc.  Do you assume that up until the international break is a free hit? And there is every chance Liam is effected post that.

It is totally understandable if there is a reaction today (either negative or positive) - but you have to separate the personal from the professional as much as possible. If we play to the same diminishing quality as we did against Weds and Cardiff, then it’s reasonable to suggest we’re just carrying on as we were.

Nobody, but nobody, should be calling for his head tonight irrespective of result. But it is reasonable, whether positive or negative today, not to put everything down to Theo’s passing.

[pongo88]

Anyone know what’s happened to Haydon Roberts?

[steviestevieneville]

Fair play to Hogg , dropping twine  

Just now, pongo88 said:

Anyone know what’s happened to Haydon Roberts?

Injured

[Silvio Dante]

Just now, pongo88 said:

Anyone know what’s happened to Haydon Roberts?

Injured a few weeks ago. Hamstring I think.

[MC RISK77]

Or Scott Twine may have missed it this week but is he carrying a knock?

[NDW4CITY]

Just now, steviestevieneville said:

Fair play to Hogg , dropping twine  

Apparently he must be injured as he’s not even on the bench

[CliftonCliff]

6 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

 

All about opinions isn’t it.  I think it would be distasteful to include it to strengthen a negative opinion on Manning. His child has just died.  

Well, yes, it's about opinions, I suppose, up to a point, but I don't really see why it's even necessary to be having this debate. They are two quite different things.

The loss of a baby is an appalling tragedy and completely overshadows everything else, as his been said repeatedly here, and the way that sentiment has been reflected on OTIB is a credit to the forum and everyone who has expressed condolences. It's the same throughout the game, given the two other sad, football related losses that have occurred in the same week. 

But meanwhile, back in the world of mundane, every day events, for better or worse, the game goes on. There will be, at many grounds today, black arm bands, silences or minute's applause and rightly so, but once the whistles blow, matches commence, players will be giving it all they've got, and whatever the outcomes,  the results will be absorbed over the coming weeks into the stats for all the clubs that have been affected, directly or indirectly, and judgments made on the aggregated numbers.

It's a fallacy to conflate the two: there is no disrespect to the bereaved in any of that and I don't see why anyone would seek to make an issue of it. If it's some sort of attempt to take the moral high ground, I think it's ill conceived; it's an empty and pointless argument.

[M.D]

1 minute ago, pongo88 said:

Anyone know what’s happened to Haydon Roberts?

Injured.

 

What's up with Twine?

[mozo]

54 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Why?

Do you expect Hogg to go off-piste today?  From what we know of Manning and Hogg they are pretty sync’d in their thoughts.  Hogg will’ve spoken with Liam this week, the week was already prepped (quote Hogg on Wednesday) by the both of them ahead of the tragic events.  Edit - just seen @westonred post above, saying same.

If Hogg was to go with something very different, ie his own ideas, then maybe so.

We seem to be running with a rhetoric that we are gonna lose today and therefore we should excuse / ignore this game.  I hope the players aren’t taking the same approach.  Hence why I asked if we should ignore a win too?

 

 

If our players can get their mindset right to win this game, it's an absolute triumph against the odds.

If they look rattled or jaded, it's hardly surprising.

[bristol red]

Some players are very close to Manning incl. Twine and you can appreciate their heads might not be in the right place under the circumstances.

[Port Said Red]

It feels a quite defensive set up. I would say that Wells is our best defending striker, Bird can drop into a flat 5 etc.

[Henry]

3 minutes ago, Tony Tootle said:

Campbell-Slowey and Morrison on the bench. Long live the pathway!

Ian Gay right now.