r00fie1
Well-known member
Its that time again>>>>>
Wednesday 6th March 2024. Riverside Stadium. Boro v Norwich City. KO:- 19:45 hrs.
In this Callander year, Boro have lost seven out of twelve games in all competitions, having won three and drawn two. Not easy figures to digest, and not something we would have expected at the start of the season. Norwich, on the other hand, have won seven since the turn of the year and only losing two. So, on paper at least, Boro are due a defeat or a draw. But fear not! This is the Boro and we can beat anyone! [Honest]. Norwich beat the Wearside Kids on Saturday with a late goal from Josh Sergeant [yes he's still there] assisted by one Ben Gibson.
The Canaries are now snooked into seventh spot, two points behind Hull with a game in hand going into tonight's fixture. Norwich have had a more productive season since Christmas. They are a free-scoring side who have an impressive record recently, including league wins against: Cardiff [4-1], Watford [4-2], Coventry [2-1], Leeds United [1-0] and Hull [2-1]. They have scored thirteen more goals than Boro [60], but conceded the same no. [51] Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting game. They also managed a 1-1 draw against Blackburn and 2-2 against QPR. Expect there to be goals tonight — hopefully for us, not for them!
Michael Carrick, in his most recent Media Conference, began by expressing his appreciation for the achievements of Hayden Hackney, who this week received the North East Football Writer's Young Player of the Year Award.
Said Carrick:
I really enjoy working with him, and he's desperate for more and desperate to learn, so he's a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club for how he's developed and grown over the years
But what about the “nitty-gritty” after last weekend's poor performance against Stoke?
Truthfully, Carrick protected his players, saying they were working hard and how he respected them collectively and as individuals.
But one particular reporter asked some probing questions, to which Carricks answers were “interesting”.
Does Carrick think his players have the character to pull away from the drop zone?
I don't doubt the characters of the boys, I have to say I think the attitude...... I know how much it means to them. I think it's very easy to be in this position where you've had a foot in different running results and for it to be a little bit fractious or a little bit, you know, edgy around the training ground or around the changing room and, people kind of half care........ I've seen it time certain in my career [and] the boys have been incredible, and they're so desperate to do well and really Keen trying everything…. I'm sure the boys will show that but character and attitude wise couldn't ask for any more.
They are certainly going to have to show “character” tonight and for the rest of the season. It's easy to pick on certain players and play the blame game, but the season [so far] has been at best “average” with high's and lows in-between. Confidence has certainly impacted performances, particularly with chopping-and-changing players due to International commitments and injuries, which Carrick admits has lead to him playing “square pegs” in “round holes” at times.
Carrick was asked whether he felt his tactics had been too rigid over the season, which may have impacted on results, and was he going to stick to the same approach for every game from now on?
It's never the same you know, and we always adapt, and we've always got a plan, and we've always got a certain way of playing. I've said it a long time I mean what's the same approach, you know, what formations is that.....you start dissecting it. You can think of all sorts of different things....... we've got a way of playing, and [what] we believe in. We've adapted plenty of times and played a whole range [of ways] ........ so we'll find a way.
Perhaps one of his most telling replies, was about the inexperience of some members of the squad and whether they will be able to take the pressure from the next twelve games. It's going to be tough, no matter what. He didn't mention individual players, but he could have included Engle, Van Den Berg, Hackney and Coburn [when fit]?
But there's also the likes of the experienced Jonny Howson, whose absence through injury has been glaring. His ability, agility, and knowledge is a big loss, as is the pace of Isaiah Jones.
We've lacked that cutting edge at times, and it's not unreasonable to say that the loanee replacements haven't really cut the mustard. Pace is something we must be contemplating for next season. Its obvious just how much we need Jones, but other Managers have surely been eying him, and we want to keep him!
Defensively, we have struggled all season with the loss of Lenighan, Smith and others on the treatment table at different times. We've seen different combinations forced at the back and in midfield, which no Manager could have anticipated. But like Carrick reiterated:
I think what's gone has gone, and you got you take experience from it. We are where we
are in the league we've got good results so we're talking about taking Confidence from certain games that we've played [like Leicester]....... one so to forget about that so that's part of the learning experience that you've got to draw on. Some of the boys have gone through these type of things, [some] for the first time. You got to learn from them experiences to….use it as best as you can moving forward.
Carrick believes the squad can create that positive momentum to arrive safely at our destination in May. There are certainly questions being asked by us fans [as is to be expected], but he says he understands that. He believes it's essential to keep a balanced view and not to become too overcome by emotion. That's easier said than done! Of course.
Does Carrick appreciate the apprehension and concern amongst the fans?
Of course, I understand the supporters! I've been a supporter, and I am a supporter. So I understand the situation, I understand we need to win games but, it doesn't change the way we go about things [and] it doesn't change the way I feel about the players or the club at all.
So there we go. It's about doing our best and about our lads pulling the cork out the bottle and giving it a go. It's not season end yet, although It's easy for us to become resigned to our fait and feel complacent. Like we said before Stoke, some players need to be looking at their own effort and performances, and some need to be reminded that other clubs may be watching and not think potential transfers are up to scratch. It's a ruthless business and there's no doubt about it. For now, we have to forget about that and encourage the lads to put a shift in! Teesside style!
Under the floodlights on a cool, Teesside evening can produce a special atmosphere. We need one tonight, and we need to score the first goal. We've chased too many games this season and that, for me, has been one of the main concerns. Let's give it our best shot and get some goals for [+] on our side.
Up The Mighty Boro!
Wednesday 6th March 2024. Riverside Stadium. Boro v Norwich City. KO:- 19:45 hrs.
In this Callander year, Boro have lost seven out of twelve games in all competitions, having won three and drawn two. Not easy figures to digest, and not something we would have expected at the start of the season. Norwich, on the other hand, have won seven since the turn of the year and only losing two. So, on paper at least, Boro are due a defeat or a draw. But fear not! This is the Boro and we can beat anyone! [Honest]. Norwich beat the Wearside Kids on Saturday with a late goal from Josh Sergeant [yes he's still there] assisted by one Ben Gibson.
The Canaries are now snooked into seventh spot, two points behind Hull with a game in hand going into tonight's fixture. Norwich have had a more productive season since Christmas. They are a free-scoring side who have an impressive record recently, including league wins against: Cardiff [4-1], Watford [4-2], Coventry [2-1], Leeds United [1-0] and Hull [2-1]. They have scored thirteen more goals than Boro [60], but conceded the same no. [51] Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting game. They also managed a 1-1 draw against Blackburn and 2-2 against QPR. Expect there to be goals tonight — hopefully for us, not for them!
Michael Carrick, in his most recent Media Conference, began by expressing his appreciation for the achievements of Hayden Hackney, who this week received the North East Football Writer's Young Player of the Year Award.
Said Carrick:
I really enjoy working with him, and he's desperate for more and desperate to learn, so he's a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club for how he's developed and grown over the years
But what about the “nitty-gritty” after last weekend's poor performance against Stoke?
Truthfully, Carrick protected his players, saying they were working hard and how he respected them collectively and as individuals.
But one particular reporter asked some probing questions, to which Carricks answers were “interesting”.
Does Carrick think his players have the character to pull away from the drop zone?
I don't doubt the characters of the boys, I have to say I think the attitude...... I know how much it means to them. I think it's very easy to be in this position where you've had a foot in different running results and for it to be a little bit fractious or a little bit, you know, edgy around the training ground or around the changing room and, people kind of half care........ I've seen it time certain in my career [and] the boys have been incredible, and they're so desperate to do well and really Keen trying everything…. I'm sure the boys will show that but character and attitude wise couldn't ask for any more.
They are certainly going to have to show “character” tonight and for the rest of the season. It's easy to pick on certain players and play the blame game, but the season [so far] has been at best “average” with high's and lows in-between. Confidence has certainly impacted performances, particularly with chopping-and-changing players due to International commitments and injuries, which Carrick admits has lead to him playing “square pegs” in “round holes” at times.
Carrick was asked whether he felt his tactics had been too rigid over the season, which may have impacted on results, and was he going to stick to the same approach for every game from now on?
It's never the same you know, and we always adapt, and we've always got a plan, and we've always got a certain way of playing. I've said it a long time I mean what's the same approach, you know, what formations is that.....you start dissecting it. You can think of all sorts of different things....... we've got a way of playing, and [what] we believe in. We've adapted plenty of times and played a whole range [of ways] ........ so we'll find a way.
Perhaps one of his most telling replies, was about the inexperience of some members of the squad and whether they will be able to take the pressure from the next twelve games. It's going to be tough, no matter what. He didn't mention individual players, but he could have included Engle, Van Den Berg, Hackney and Coburn [when fit]?
But there's also the likes of the experienced Jonny Howson, whose absence through injury has been glaring. His ability, agility, and knowledge is a big loss, as is the pace of Isaiah Jones.
We've lacked that cutting edge at times, and it's not unreasonable to say that the loanee replacements haven't really cut the mustard. Pace is something we must be contemplating for next season. Its obvious just how much we need Jones, but other Managers have surely been eying him, and we want to keep him!
Defensively, we have struggled all season with the loss of Lenighan, Smith and others on the treatment table at different times. We've seen different combinations forced at the back and in midfield, which no Manager could have anticipated. But like Carrick reiterated:
I think what's gone has gone, and you got you take experience from it. We are where we
are in the league we've got good results so we're talking about taking Confidence from certain games that we've played [like Leicester]....... one so to forget about that so that's part of the learning experience that you've got to draw on. Some of the boys have gone through these type of things, [some] for the first time. You got to learn from them experiences to….use it as best as you can moving forward.
Carrick believes the squad can create that positive momentum to arrive safely at our destination in May. There are certainly questions being asked by us fans [as is to be expected], but he says he understands that. He believes it's essential to keep a balanced view and not to become too overcome by emotion. That's easier said than done! Of course.
Does Carrick appreciate the apprehension and concern amongst the fans?
Of course, I understand the supporters! I've been a supporter, and I am a supporter. So I understand the situation, I understand we need to win games but, it doesn't change the way we go about things [and] it doesn't change the way I feel about the players or the club at all.
So there we go. It's about doing our best and about our lads pulling the cork out the bottle and giving it a go. It's not season end yet, although It's easy for us to become resigned to our fait and feel complacent. Like we said before Stoke, some players need to be looking at their own effort and performances, and some need to be reminded that other clubs may be watching and not think potential transfers are up to scratch. It's a ruthless business and there's no doubt about it. For now, we have to forget about that and encourage the lads to put a shift in! Teesside style!
Under the floodlights on a cool, Teesside evening can produce a special atmosphere. We need one tonight, and we need to score the first goal. We've chased too many games this season and that, for me, has been one of the main concerns. Let's give it our best shot and get some goals for [+] on our side.
Up The Mighty Boro!
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