* The Unofficial "Official" Huddersfield V Boro Matchday Thread and Programme *

r00fie1

Well-known member
Just about a month from Christmas Day [ish] - its that time again......
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After the capitulation and ultimate defeat on Tuesday [23 rd Nov 2021] Chris Wilder gave a loud and clear warning: if you dont want to play as part of a team and stick to the plan >>>> you wont play! He said "I want people who want to be here"! He said the biggest problem was Boro players [especially in the second half] who "went too individual" - trying to save the result on their own and becoming the "look at me" show. He wasnt a happy bunny and there was no doubting what he meant. Unlike previous Managers who have called out individuals - Chris Wilder said the "Team Attitude" wasnt right.:oops:

He repeated several times: "Im a team man. A team player >>>> and thats how I want my team to play". There was no ambiguity or room for prevarication. It was a poignant moment for all who wanted to listen; more so for those who chose not to hear!:mad:

It was disappointing - the lads are clearly taking on board the new training methods and style of play. But it sounds like he has plans for a big shake out before the New Year arrives....He said today [Friday 26th November] at his Media Conference, targets and plans for new arrivals in January are "already a long way down that road...". He wouldnt be drawn by a number of Journo`s. He made it quite plain: "Im not going to tell you"!!!!!! [I like this Manager - he doesnt suffer fools]o_O(y)

So can we make it three points today?
Lets hope so(y)
3000+ Boro fans have paid good money to watch them at Huddersfield!
The forecast is for strong winds, sleet and snow.
Lets hope the players do as they are told - stick to the plan - be as one and send a soggy away end home - happy!

I hope you find todays offering interesting, informative - and opinionated!



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Upcoming Weekend Championship Fixtures:

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Right now - its half time between West Brom and Forest. The table may be updated tomorrow - but our focus is to get the points and climb that ladder.

The Championship Table As It Stands:
Table.jpg


Our record against the Terriers is good - but they have been in and out of the Championship and we spent a year in the Premiership. Stats are interesting, but on the day - who knows?! Huddersfield have won two, lost two and drawn one out the last five, but comfortably sitting in 8th place - three points off the Play-Offs.

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MATCH PREVIEW:

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

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 1d
Great Britain
English

Huddersfield Town head into Saturday's Championship encounter with Middlesbrough sitting three points adrift of the playoff places.
Meanwhile, having failed to win any of their last five fixtures, Boro have dropped down to 15th position in the standings.


Match preview

Huddersfield Town manager Carlos Corberan on October 16, 2021
© Reuters

There have been times this season when Huddersfield have looked ready to establish themselves as a top-six team, particularly having impressed during the opening weeks of the season.

However, the Terriers have not recorded back-to-back league wins since the end of August, their latest failed attempt coming on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to playoff rivals Queens Park Rangers.

Having failed to win away from home since September 14, the defeat hardly came as a surprise, but Carlos Corberan would have been frustrated to concede a goal nine minutes from time.

Huddersfield are now back down in eighth position, three points adrift of sixth-placed Stoke City, and there is extra pressure on maintaining their superb run at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Yorkshire outfit have collected 13 points from a possible 15, Corberan's side keeping clean sheets in each of their last four home fixtures.
Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder on November 23, 2021
© Reuters

Chris Wilder would have had high hopes of starting his Middlesbrough reign with at least four points ahead of home matches with Millwall and Preston North End.

However, the newly-appointed boss has quickly discovered that all is not perfect at the Riverside Stadium, a 1-1 draw being followed by a 2-1 reverse on Tuesday.

Conceding two late goals in the latter of those games could be put down to tiredness with Wilder opting against making any alterations from the weekend.

Boro's season is now at somewhat of a crossroads, the margin to the playoffs and relegation zone both standing at eight points, and he will be desperate for a reaction from his players on Saturday.

Despite possessing one of the poorer away records in the division, Middlesbrough have still collected four points from their last three games on unfamiliar territory.

Huddersfield Town Championship form:

  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • L
Middlesbrough Championship form:
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • D
  • D
  • L

Team News​

Huddersfield Town's Fraizer Campbell looks on August 7, 2021
© Reuters

Corberan will likely make a number of changes to his Huddersfield XI, including handing a recall to Sorba Thomas.

Fraizer Campbell may get the nod ahead of Danny Ward in attack, but Ademipo Odubeko is expected to remain on the substitutes' bench.

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Despite passing a late fitness test on Tuesday, Duncan Watmore was off the pace and will likely drop off out of the side.

Uche Ikpeazu could be given an opportunity in the final third, as may Onel Hernandez in one of the wing-back roles.

Josh Coburn is a candidate in attack if Wilder opts asking risking Andraz Sporar, who also needed to undergo a fitness test earlier this week.

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Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Pearson, Lees, Colwill; Thomas, High, O'Brien, Toffolo; Sinani, Koroma; Campbell

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Daniels; McNair, Samba, Peltier; Jones, Crooks, Tavernier, Howson, Hernandez; Ikpeazu, Sporar



SM words green background

We say: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Middlesbrough

With both teams needing a response for different reasons, we expect a competitive clash at the John Smith's Stadium. One goal could settle this contest, and we are going to back the Terriers to edge this game in the closing stages.
r00fie say: 1-0 Boro(y)


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Flashback:
Huddersfield Town 2-2 Middlesbrough. 2013/14 Season.
Highlights from Huddersfield's Sky Bet Championship match against Middlesbrough at John Smith's Stadium.


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Fact / Stat:

* Although Huddersfield Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR in midweek, they remain just three points shy of the top six ahead of this round as they look to inflict further pain on Middlesbrough.

* However, the Terriers’ have often lacked bite in this fixture, failing to win nine of the last ten competitive H2Hs (D3, L6) with five defeats coming ‘to nil’.

* Fans would be quick to point out that their recent defeat came away from home and that Huddersfield are much more effective on home soil.

* In fact, Huddersfield have picked up 68% of their points here and are unbeaten in each of their last five home league games (W4, D1), a run which includes an impressive four straight clean sheets ahead of this clash.

* The introduction of Chris Wilder as manager has not yet had the desired effect for Middlesbrough, who are now without a win in five straight league games (two under Wilder).

* There’s some small positives however, as Middlesbrough have recorded a higher possession total recently, while outshooting their opposition by more than a 2:1 ratio in both games under the new boss.

* Though Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four of their last five trips to the John Smiths Stadium (W2, D2), their travelling fans have not had the best days out of late.

* Just three sides have picked up fewer than Middlesbrough’s nine away points so far while they possess a mere 29% win-rate when priced up as away league outsiders (W2, D3, L2), all of which points to another tough afternoon for Boro.

Key battle: Huddersfield keeper Lee Nicholls has successfully faced 39 goal attempts without conceding across his last four home games.
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Trying to create a move to beat him will be midfielder Jonny Howson, who marked his 200th Middlesbrough appearance with an assist last time out.

Hot stat: Middlesbrough have failed to win a joint-league high six games in which they took a lead this Championship season (W6, D2, L4).

[Courtesy "Flashscore": https://www.flashscore.co.uk/match/dU0MsdbC/#match-summary]




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Beyond Our Wilderest Dreams.

Chris Wilder.

'I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right, there's a big future'​

[Courtesy: Dominic Shaw. Evening Gazette. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chris-wilder-im-here-long-22289484 ]
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With Boro languishing in the bottom half of the table and with Chris Wilder open and honest about the need to strengthen his squad, it would be easy for the new boss to dampen expectations this term and already turn attention to next season.

But that's not in his DNA.

For Wilder, this season is still very much alive and kicking and his plan is to stay within touching distance of the top six between now and January, before adding to his squad with players who he believes can and will make a difference.

Despite only taking one point from his first two games, Wilder has seen plenty to be encouraged by and says the players have taken on his message quicker than he expected.

And if Boro do fall short this season, Wilder has no doubt his side will come back a lot stronger next term.

For the more he sees of the football club, the more Wilder says he knows he will be a success on Teesside.

"I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right," said the boss.

"The longer I'm here, the more confident I am we'll get it right. You always walk into a football club thinking what's it really like, but the more I'm here I know there's a big future for this football club."

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Boro boss Chris Wilder (Image: CameraSport - Mick Walker)

Wilder is excited for the future but his immediate focus is on the here and now, and picking up his first win at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

On the whole, he's been pleased with the way his players have responded, despite not getting the results he believes they deserved against Millwall and Preston.

Boro head for the John Smith's Stadium in 15th place in the Championship but top six remains the target.

"Why not?," said Wilder.

"If we can add one or two bits and pieces to our game then yeah definitely. January is huge because of the quality we're going to bring in that suits the way we play.

"I want to win the next game. The feeling I want the players to have after a setback is the feeling I had on Tuesday - disappointment. You can reflect and think that went well and that went well but we lost a game of football.

"If you're a competitor, defeat doesn't sit easy. If you're playing a game of pool in that next room, you want to win. That's the attitude you need. In training if it's a small sided game you want to win, if it's a sprint you want to do your best. You have to maximise everything.

"If you have that inside you, which fortunately I have, you have to accept defeat but you don't enjoy it. When it goes against you, you need to take it on the chin and come roaring back."

The boss has seen promising signs.

"I thought there was a period for 25 minutes (against Preston) where they got it," said Wilder.

"We played some great stuff, even in the second half we created some fabulous chances. It's just individual moments that are key."

That's the next step - turning promise into points.

Wilder says: "We'll stick with the process, get the balance right, play well and win. If we don't play well, can we get something from the game?

"We have to keep knocking on the door, believing in what we're doing and get both penalty areas right.

"We'll learn from Tuesday night. It's the first time they've seen me annoyed, with the hump a little bit, they haven't seen the full blast yet. It's important I get the balance right and we keep morale high. I want them to play with confidence.

"I have the full blast in the locker. Timing is key. I'm a manager of human beings as well as footballers. I have to get the maximum out of the players.

"I can't be too critical at the moment because they've had a lot chucked at them and hopefully the sledgehammer doesn't come out and we're smiling and celebrating with 3,500 supporters on Saturday night.. We've sold out, which is incredible. To have that backing is a great incentive."
 
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Terriers View:
[Courtesy Huddersfield Town FC Official: https://www.htafc.com/news/2021/november/preview-middlesbrough-h/ ]
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PREVIEW: MIDDLESBROUGH (H)​

25 November 2021
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Town go into Saturday’s game looking to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers behind them.
Millwall will also be looking to win, coming into the game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End.

THE OPPOSITION
Middlesbrough finished last season sitting 10th in the Sky Bet Championship with 64 points.
At the start of November 2021, Boro parted ways with Neil Warnock.
Chris Wilder was announced as the Club’s new Manager 24 hours later.
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Boro currently occupy the 15th Championship spot, picking six wins, five draws, and eight losses so far.

ONES TO WATCH

Jonny Howson

Howson joined Middlesbrough from Norwich City ahead of the 2017/18 season. He made his debut for the Club on the opening day of the Championship season, in a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 2020/21 season saw the midfielder make 41 appearances for the Club, scoring once. The 33-year-old has started every game so far this season, bagging a goal and an assist in the process. He made his 200th appearance for the Club in their 2-1 defeat to Preston North End on Tuesday 23 November 2021.
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Paddy McNair
The defender signed for Boro from Sunderland in June 2018, putting pen-to-paper on a four-year contract. He made his debut in the first game of the season, a 3-0 win over Sheffield United on 7 August 2018. Last season saw McNair score two goals and secure seven assists in 46 appearances. The end of the season saw him named Middlesbrough’s Player of the Year. So far this season, the 26-year-old has netted three goals in 16 appearances, including the only Boro goal against Preston North End on Tuesday 23 November 2021.
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Matt Crooks
A familiar name to some Town fans, the 27-year-old joined Middlesbrough from Rotherham United ahead of the current campaign. A former Town Academy player, Crooks scored six goals in 40 appearances for Rotherham last season. This season has seen the midfielder make himself a mainstay in Boro’s starting XI since his arrival, only missing out on one game so far due to a yellow card suspension. He’s also scored three goals and got an assist in the process.
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TEAM NEWS
Long-term absentees Jordan Rhodes, Pipa, Aaron Rowe, Álex Vallejo and Jonathan Hogg will all be unavailable on Saturday.
Town Head Coach Carlos Corberán will provide a further update on the fitness of his squad during his virtual press conference on Friday 26 November 2021.

 
Footballing Greats:

Denis Law.

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Nicknamed ‘The King', Denis Law reigned at Manchester United for 13 years in between two spells with local rivals Manchester City. A statue of Denis Law stands on the Stretford End, testimony to the Scotsman who combined speed, skill, bravery and aggression.
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In 1956 he became the youngest player ever to play for Huddersfield Town when he made his debut aged just 16 years and 10 months. With Huddersfield he played alongside future 1966 World Cup left-back Ray Wilson, and under future Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.
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Shankly rated Law, turning down an offer from Manchester United for the young Scot. Shankly left in 1959 for Liverpool and a year later Law joined Manchester City for what was then a British record transfer fee of £55,000. In 1961 Law scored an incredible six goals in an FA Cup tie against Luton Town until the game was abandoned with 20 minutes to go!
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Law only spent one year with City however. At this point, there was a maximum wage restriction for players in the English Leagues and an offer from Italian side Torino proved too much to resist. His time in Italy didn’t prove a happy experience and fellow Scot Matt Busby at Manchester United was only too happy to bring Law back to England.
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It was this transfer that ignited the young Scot’s career. Law helped transform Manchester United into the successful team of the 1960s alongside the likes of Bobby Charlton and George Best.

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They won the FA Cup in his first season and were runners-up in the League with Law scoring 46 goals – more than any United player before or since. The next season, Law won the European Footballer of the Year award, and Manchester United won the League with Law as United’s and the First Division’s top goal scorer.

"Denis was the best in the business, he could score goals from a hundredth of a chance never mind half of one" George Best

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Law was club captain for the next three seasons and in 1968 he crowned a glittering domestic career when United clinched the European Cup. He played on at Old Trafford for another five seasons, but without the success of his earlier years. Blighted by a knee injury, Law was given a free transfer across to the blue half of Manchester. He played just one season, scoring an infamous backheel against Manchester United which saw United relegated to Division Two, though results elsewhere meant United would have been relegated anyway.

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Law retired from football after the 1974 World Cup Finals in West Germany, where he made the last of his 55 appearances for Scotland, having scored a record 30 goals (twice scoring 4 goals in a match), a record he shares with Kenny Dalglish. Despite all of his success with United he still cites being informed about his first cap for Scotland as his greatest moment.
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After 11 years at Manchester United he had scored a total of 237 goals in 404 games in all competitions. Law also held the record for the number of FA Cup goals until surpassed by Ian Rush. Although he helped to send United down to Division 2, Law remains a legend and one-third of the famous ‘United Trinity’ alongside Best and Charlton.


Principle English Clubs: Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, Manchester United
Caps:
55 (40 goals, Scotland)
Honours: 2 Division One Championships, 1 European Cup, 1 FA Cup
Inducted: 2002

Sourced from: National Football Museum [ https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/halloffame/denis-law/ ]


Heres a short - grainy video, of the famous Law goal. A neat side foot facing away from the goal! This relegated his previous club, Manchester United, whilst playing for arch rivals Manchester City. Law expressed no emotion having scored the goal.
 
You probably predict the next segment: it concerns a player who is now back at Huddersfield, whose football league career includes Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich and Ipswich Town. He`s a seasoned campaigner at 31. He was a Scottish international. Today he is reported injured. Of course:

Jordan Rhodes

Here are the highlights of that Match at Bolton, where Rhodes scored two glorious goals and set the Boro fans alight with delight (y) ⚽⚽

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NOTICE BOARD:

A reminder>>>

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If you witness abusive language or behaviour - dont sit there and take it.
Help is available at the HTFC Stadium:
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In spite of a poor team show v Preston:
Paddy McNair made the Championship Team of The Week!
Well done Paddy.(y)

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We must never forget that football is much more than a game: it is woven into the very fabric of our society - our culture.
We care about all those who are less fortunate - in [reportedly] the sixth richest country in the world!
Fans across the country help to support families and children in need of a decent meal.
Huddersfield Terriers are willing helpers....well done to them(y)


One less beer......🍻

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A big "Hi" (!) to the New York Reds across the pond(y)
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Is this a Cause celebre?
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Here`s hoping Duncan is fit to play - the winning goal will be what Wilder ordered......
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FOOTBALL IS FOR FANS:

The Football Supporters Association.

Screenshot 2021-11-27 at 10-35-35 Fan-led Review Potentially a huge step forward - Football Su...jpg

Fan-led Review: “Potentially a huge step forward”​

Posted on 24th November 2021

The Fan-led Review of Football Governance, chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, was published today (24th November 2021). Supporters’ groups from around 130 different clubs took part, along with the football authorities, during more than 100 hours of evidence gathering sessions.

Kevin Miles, chief executive of the FSA, said:


“This is potentially a huge step forward for football governance – the Government committed to a fan-led review which has listened to the voice of fans. It’s now up to the Government to deliver upon the recommendations.



“The review’s proposals to strengthen the voice of supporters in the game, protect football’s heritage and the pyramid, and provide genuine independent regulation, lay the basis for a prosperous and sustainable future for football at all levels.”

Key recommendations include:

  • The Government should create a new independent regulator for English football (IREF) established by an Act of Parliament based upon specialist business regulation adapted to the football industry. IREF should operate a licensing system for professional men’s football.

  • To ensure financial sustainability of the professional game, IREF should oversee financial regulation in football which should be based upon prudential regulation in other industries recognising that football is obviously sport but also now big business.

  • New owners’ and directors’ tests for clubs should be established by IREF replacing the three existing tests to ensure that only good custodians and qualified directors can run these vitally important community and cultural assets.

  • There should be a new corporate governance code to support a long-term sustainable futurefuture of the game. This should be mandatory for all professional clubs with common requirements tailored to different leagues.

  • Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) plans should be mandatory for all clubs with EDI Action Plans regularly assessed by IREF.

  • As every club’s most important stakeholder, supporters should be properly consulted by their clubs in taking key decisions by means of a Shadow Board. Effective supporter engagement should be a licence condition and overseen by IREF.

  • There should be additional protection for key items of club heritage through a “Golden Share” requiring supporter consent and overseen by IREF.

  • There is a strong case for additional contributions from The Premier League to further support the future of the football pyramid including a new solidarity transfer levy paid by top-flight on buying players from overseas or from other Premier League clubs.

  • Women’s football should be treated with parity and given its own dedicated review to guarantee its future recognising the significant steps forward taken in recent years but also the unique challenges facing the game.

  • The welfare of players exiting the game needs to be better protected – particularly at a young age – and all stakeholders should work together on improving this including the provision of proactive mental health care and support.

More on the Fan Lead Review and Latest News can be accessed here: https://thefsa.org.uk/news/

 
As always Roffie, great introduction for the game. I'll post my algorithm predictions for the championship when I get them done.
 
How do we protect the welfare of young players exiting the game?

Billingham Town have just signed a young fella released by the Boro. Should he be treat any differently to the other players?
 
HOME AND AWAY


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As of 10:55 BST the match is on.
Check club twitter for any changes.
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How do we protect the welfare of young players exiting the game?

Billingham Town have just signed a young fella released by the Boro. Should he be treat any differently to the other players?
All players welfare should be protected.
Safeguarding and support for players mental health and signposting once out of the game - is the responsibility of clubs and professional associations.There are examples in the modern game of "best practice" - but there is a long way to go.
Football is an employer like any other.
Taking responsibility starts at the top>>>>>
Good point (y)
 
All players welfare should be protected.
Safeguarding and support for players mental health and signposting once out of the game - is the responsibility of clubs and professional associations.There are examples in the modern game of "best practice" - but there is a long way to go.
Football is an employer like any other.
Taking responsibility starts at the top>>>>>
Good point (y)
It's difficult though, the lads running the clubs down the ladder have jobs and families too. How can they find time to look after the needs of players who aren't good enough to make it as a career?
 
Thank you very much for your well presented and interesting write up. I actually look forward to reading these every game. You are certainly talented at this kind of thing and myself and(I should think) most of the board appreciate the time and effort you go to making these every match, thank you again.
Yep agree with that Dress, top poster r00fie lad
 
Just about a month from Christmas Day [ish] - its that time again......
View attachment 28656

After the capitulation and ultimate defeat on Tuesday [23 rd Nov 2021] Chris Wilder gave a loud and clear warning: if you dont want to play as part of a team and stick to the plan >>>> you wont play! He said "I want people who want to be here"! He said the biggest problem was Boro players [especially in the second half] who "went too individual" - trying to save the result on their own and becoming the "look at me" show. He wasnt a happy bunny and there was no doubting what he meant. Unlike previous Managers who have called out individuals - Chris Wilder said the "Team Attitude" wasnt right.:oops:

He repeated several times: "Im a team man. A team player >>>> and thats how I want my team to play". There was no ambiguity or room for prevarication. It was a poignant moment for all who wanted to listen; more so for those who chose not to hear!:mad:

It was disappointing - the lads are clearly taking on board the new training methods and style of play. But it sounds like he has plans for a big shake out before the New Year arrives....He said today [Friday 26th November] at his Media Conference, targets and plans for new arrivals in January are "already a long way down that road...". He wouldnt be drawn by a number of Journo`s. He made it quite plain: "Im not going to tell you"!!!!!! [I like this Manager - he doesnt suffer fools]o_O(y)

So can we make it three points today?
Lets hope so(y)
3000+ Boro fans have paid good money to watch them at Huddersfield!
The forecast is for strong winds, sleet and snow.
Lets hope the players do as they are told - stick to the plan - be as one and send a soggy away end home - happy!

I hope you find todays offering interesting, informative - and opinionated!



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Upcoming Weekend Championship Fixtures:

View attachment 28659

Right now - its half time between West Brom and Forest. The table may be updated tomorrow - but our focus is to get the points and climb that ladder.

The Championship Table As It Stands:
View attachment 28660


Our record against the Terriers is good - but they have been in and out of the Championship and we spent a year in the Premiership. Stats are interesting, but on the day - who knows?! Huddersfield have won two, lost two and drawn one out the last five, but comfortably sitting in 8th place - three points off the Play-Offs.

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MATCH PREVIEW:

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

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 1d
Great Britain
English

Huddersfield Town head into Saturday's Championship encounter with Middlesbrough sitting three points adrift of the playoff places.
Meanwhile, having failed to win any of their last five fixtures, Boro have dropped down to 15th position in the standings.


Match preview

Huddersfield Town manager Carlos Corberan on October 16, 2021
© Reuters

There have been times this season when Huddersfield have looked ready to establish themselves as a top-six team, particularly having impressed during the opening weeks of the season.

However, the Terriers have not recorded back-to-back league wins since the end of August, their latest failed attempt coming on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to playoff rivals Queens Park Rangers.

Having failed to win away from home since September 14, the defeat hardly came as a surprise, but Carlos Corberan would have been frustrated to concede a goal nine minutes from time.

Huddersfield are now back down in eighth position, three points adrift of sixth-placed Stoke City, and there is extra pressure on maintaining their superb run at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Yorkshire outfit have collected 13 points from a possible 15, Corberan's side keeping clean sheets in each of their last four home fixtures.
Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder on November 23, 2021
© Reuters

Chris Wilder would have had high hopes of starting his Middlesbrough reign with at least four points ahead of home matches with Millwall and Preston North End.

However, the newly-appointed boss has quickly discovered that all is not perfect at the Riverside Stadium, a 1-1 draw being followed by a 2-1 reverse on Tuesday.

Conceding two late goals in the latter of those games could be put down to tiredness with Wilder opting against making any alterations from the weekend.

Boro's season is now at somewhat of a crossroads, the margin to the playoffs and relegation zone both standing at eight points, and he will be desperate for a reaction from his players on Saturday.

Despite possessing one of the poorer away records in the division, Middlesbrough have still collected four points from their last three games on unfamiliar territory.

Huddersfield Town Championship form:

  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • L
Middlesbrough Championship form:
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • D
  • D
  • L

Team News​

Huddersfield Town's Fraizer Campbell looks on August 7, 2021's Fraizer Campbell looks on August 7, 2021
© Reuters

Corberan will likely make a number of changes to his Huddersfield XI, including handing a recall to Sorba Thomas.

Fraizer Campbell may get the nod ahead of Danny Ward in attack, but Ademipo Odubeko is expected to remain on the substitutes' bench.

View attachment 28666
Despite passing a late fitness test on Tuesday, Duncan Watmore was off the pace and will likely drop off out of the side.

Uche Ikpeazu could be given an opportunity in the final third, as may Onel Hernandez in one of the wing-back roles.

Josh Coburn is a candidate in attack if Wilder opts asking risking Andraz Sporar, who also needed to undergo a fitness test earlier this week.

View attachment 28667
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Pearson, Lees, Colwill; Thomas, High, O'Brien, Toffolo; Sinani, Koroma; Campbell

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Daniels; McNair, Samba, Peltier; Jones, Crooks, Tavernier, Howson, Hernandez; Ikpeazu, Sporar



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We say: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Middlesbrough

With both teams needing a response for different reasons, we expect a competitive clash at the John Smith's Stadium. One goal could settle this contest, and we are going to back the Terriers to edge this game in the closing stages.
r00fie say: 1-0 Boro(y)


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Flashback:
Huddersfield Town 2-2 Middlesbrough. 2013/14 Season.
Highlights from Huddersfield's Sky Bet Championship match against Middlesbrough at John Smith's Stadium.


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Fact / Stat:

* Although Huddersfield Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR in midweek, they remain just three points shy of the top six ahead of this round as they look to inflict further pain on Middlesbrough.

* However, the Terriers’ have often lacked bite in this fixture, failing to win nine of the last ten competitive H2Hs (D3, L6) with five defeats coming ‘to nil’.

* Fans would be quick to point out that their recent defeat came away from home and that Huddersfield are much more effective on home soil.

* In fact, Huddersfield have picked up 68% of their points here and are unbeaten in each of their last five home league games (W4, D1), a run which includes an impressive four straight clean sheets ahead of this clash.

* The introduction of Chris Wilder as manager has not yet had the desired effect for Middlesbrough, who are now without a win in five straight league games (two under Wilder).

* There’s some small positives however, as Middlesbrough have recorded a higher possession total recently, while outshooting their opposition by more than a 2:1 ratio in both games under the new boss.

* Though Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four of their last five trips to the John Smiths Stadium (W2, D2), their travelling fans have not had the best days out of late.

* Just three sides have picked up fewer than Middlesbrough’s nine away points so far while they possess a mere 29% win-rate when priced up as away league outsiders (W2, D3, L2), all of which points to another tough afternoon for Boro.

Key battle: Huddersfield keeper Lee Nicholls has successfully faced 39 goal attempts without conceding across his last four home games.
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Trying to create a move to beat him will be midfielder Jonny Howson, who marked his 200th Middlesbrough appearance with an assist last time out.

Hot stat: Middlesbrough have failed to win a joint-league high six games in which they took a lead this Championship season (W6, D2, L4).

[Courtesy "Flashscore": https://www.flashscore.co.uk/match/dU0MsdbC/#match-summary]




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Beyond Our Wilderest Dreams.

Chris Wilder.

'I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right, there's a big future'​

[Courtesy: Dominic Shaw. Evening Gazette. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chris-wilder-im-here-long-22289484 ]
With Boro languishing in the bottom half of the table and with Chris Wilder open and honest about the need to strengthen his squad, it would be easy for the new boss to dampen expectations this term and already turn attention to next season.

But that's not in his DNA.

For Wilder, this season is still very much alive and kicking and his plan is to stay within touching distance of the top six between now and January, before adding to his squad with players who he believes can and will make a difference.

Despite only taking one point from his first two games, Wilder has seen plenty to be encouraged by and says the players have taken on his message quicker than he expected.

And if Boro do fall short this season, Wilder has no doubt his side will come back a lot stronger next term.

For the more he sees of the football club, the more Wilder says he knows he will be a success on Teesside.

"I'm here for the long term and I'll get it right," said the boss.

"The longer I'm here, the more confident I am we'll get it right. You always walk into a football club thinking what's it really like, but the more I'm here I know there's a big future for this football club."

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Boro boss Chris Wilder (Image: CameraSport - Mick Walker)

Wilder is excited for the future but his immediate focus is on the here and now, and picking up his first win at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

On the whole, he's been pleased with the way his players have responded, despite not getting the results he believes they deserved against Millwall and Preston.

Boro head for the John Smith's Stadium in 15th place in the Championship but top six remains the target.

"Why not?," said Wilder.

"If we can add one or two bits and pieces to our game then yeah definitely. January is huge because of the quality we're going to bring in that suits the way we play.

"I want to win the next game. The feeling I want the players to have after a setback is the feeling I had on Tuesday - disappointment. You can reflect and think that went well and that went well but we lost a game of football.

"If you're a competitor, defeat doesn't sit easy. If you're playing a game of pool in that next room, you want to win. That's the attitude you need. In training if it's a small sided game you want to win, if it's a sprint you want to do your best. You have to maximise everything.

"If you have that inside you, which fortunately I have, you have to accept defeat but you don't enjoy it. When it goes against you, you need to take it on the chin and come roaring back."

The boss has seen promising signs.

"I thought there was a period for 25 minutes (against Preston) where they got it," said Wilder.

"We played some great stuff, even in the second half we created some fabulous chances. It's just individual moments that are key."

That's the next step - turning promise into points.

Wilder says: "We'll stick with the process, get the balance right, play well and win. If we don't play well, can we get something from the game?

"We have to keep knocking on the door, believing in what we're doing and get both penalty areas right.

"We'll learn from Tuesday night. It's the first time they've seen me annoyed, with the hump a little bit, they haven't seen the full blast yet. It's important I get the balance right and we keep morale high. I want them to play with confidence.

"I have the full blast in the locker. Timing is key. I'm a manager of human beings as well as footballers. I have to get the maximum out of the players.

"I can't be too critical at the moment because they've had a lot chucked at them and hopefully the sledgehammer doesn't come out and we're smiling and celebrating with 3,500 supporters on Saturday night.. We've sold out, which is incredible. To have that backing is a great incentive."
Well done r00fie lad, so much detail, you must finish the upcoming game then start on the next
 
A Boro at Bedtime:
📚

A selection of good reads - for when you just fancy casting your mind back.....*
From being a "Small Town in Europe" to Wembley Cup-Finalists and "Ayresome Park to The Riverside".
Anecdotes and fond memories.
From heartache to heartbreak.
The phoenix which rose from the ashes - the club "which refused to die".
All these books and more, are available from all good bookshops and outlets.
Check MFC Online shop to see if they have any in stock.


* Apologies if a particular book isnt included - I assure you there will be another "Boro at Bedtime" segment in future match-day threads


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