* The Unofficial "Official" Boro v Plymouth Argyle Match-Day Thread *

[r00fie1]

Its that time again>>>>>>

We have got a good squad and I think [with] the number of injuries and illnesses, at times we`ve suffered and are still suffering….will test the squad...but the boys have came through so far very, very well and every one`s played their part and every one`s been ready when we`ve needed them and that`s the beauty of having a good squad. There`s some really, really good players we cant chose from at the moment, but we have some really good players who have stepped up and give us different options. I`m lucky that we`ve got that choice because it could easily not be there [looks questioningly at reporter]. So at the moment we`ve got to keep pushing, we got to keep getting better. We got things to improve on, but at the moment the boys are doing really well. [Michael Carrick]​

Michael Carrick in his recent media conference stated that Plymouth will be a big threat and not to be taken lightly:

They are a very dangerous team. They`ve had some really big results, scored a lot of goals. Its a tough place to go. Their results show that. We`ll have to be really prepared for that and its a big challenge for us, but we look forward to it. We are playing alright at this moment of time ourselves and obviously winning football matches is a great feeling [smile]. That`s the challenge, but we know its a tough one going down there.

They currently sit in 19th place in the Championship table, six points off the bottom three. But that doesnt reflect the way the Pilgrims are playing: they have scored 23 goals, which is only beaten by Sunderland, Leeds, Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester. They have been almost side-by side with opponents in their 14 games. They drew 0-0 at West Brom, lost 3-2 at Ipswich, drew against Hull and only lost to Southampton by a single goal.

[Substitute Ryan Hardie scored Plymouths third goal in the 3-0 defeat of Sheffield Wednesday just over a week ago]

They are clearly no push - over. They have been a team on the rise for several seasons. Their history over recent years includes near-bankruptsy, changes in ownership and near relegation to the National League. There are no "big" stars and the club havent been able to dip into a pot to spend millions on players. The club have average home attendances of over 16,000 so far and a vocal support who enjoying the rise. Getting into the Championship was last seasons aim. The aim this season is to stay here and build for the future.

As for last week`s home defeat to Stoke, Carrick acknowledged that we have had a decent run, but also emphasised we have two big games before the International Break and thats what matters to us right now.

Following the superb cup-tie at a drenched St James Park against Exeter City, it was obvious Carrick was going to be asked about his thoughts on the result. He was clearly very happy, but not over-joyed and wouldnt give in to the inference that the squad might not be able to cope with both league and cup competitions simultaneously. His answer made some of those present laugh:

The cups the cup. Its only a few more games. Its not like we`re committed to playing an extra 15 or 20 games you know.


Carrick takes everything in his stride and inspite of the League Cup draw being upermost on reporters note-pads, he kept drawing the focus back to todays game:

I don’t want to be a spoiler but from our point of view, I`m not diminishing the cup when it comes around, we`ll be hugely looking forward to it and….its fantastic for the supporters and that`s why we take the cup and approach it so seriously, because it means a lot to us because we understand what cup runs can bring...to the supporters and the club in general. [Laughs] But there`s a lot to go on, and quickly obviously, [such] as Saturday, so we cant [when we`re in it] let our minds wander. Got to keep the focus on what`s ahead for us.

Exeter was a "typical" cup - tie, with us more worried that we might slip up, than Grecians thinking they might lose. After their victory over Luton, they had every right to remain boyant and up for it. Their two goals from 20 year old Brentford loanee Ryan Trevitt were excellently well taken and reminded us we should take nothing for granted. But we showed again how we can fight back, up the gears and bank on all the players in our squad to do the job when required.

Although he doesnt usually pick out players, he was asked about two players in particular: Morgan Rogers and Matt Crooks. Rogers rocket in the second half against Exeter got the Boro bandwagon back on the road, followed on the hour by Silvera, whose effort wasnt dissimilar.

Fantastic. We`ve obviously brought Morgan to the club because we believe in him, we know what he`s capable of doing, hes a really exciting player. He`s came here to learn and develop and to take the next step in his career and at the moment he`s doing fantastically well. He`s had a big impact on us over recent weeks: scored some big goals in the cup competition, scored a big goal against Birmingham. [I`m] really happy the way he`s going. He`s been patient, training really well , training really hard as a group – as all of them have. In the end you get the rewards from it. He`s doing really well Morgan. We always expect more and I think there`s more to come from him.

As for Crooks, he is more than just a character around the squad, but Carrick feels he isnt always given credit for what he does on the pitch, out of possession and his skill around the box. Dertainly he is now one of the senior players. He`s played under three different Managers since joining the Boro and shows a kind of resilience and temperament which has managed to cope with everything asked of him. One key question was how Crooks can influence playing higher up the pitch, having been used as a forward at the end f last season and beginning of this:

Crooks is right where he says he probably naturally feels more comfortable and at home in that position. I still thought he did have and could have, moving forward, an influence playing that little bit higher up, because of how he is in and around the box. He`s really clever and got a natural instinct for his timing and arriving in the right place, in the right space, in the right time and that`s something that`s difficult to coach. He`s got that naturally. Over his career and how he`s developed he feels a little bit more comfortable playing deeper and I get that and understand that. He`s certainly improved since I`ve been here and its all down to him.

Its once more into the breach, fellow fans. Its another tough game against Plymouth. Hopefully those of our fans who stayed down there after Exeter, are dry and refreshed and hopefully those who have endured two trips in a week have had enough opportunity to rest and recouperate.
Irregardless. Whether fans are watching in North America, Australia, Singapore, Berwick Hills or from the stands of Home Park, its here we go again.

Always believe.

Come On Boro!

r00fie1
03.10.2023
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[r00fie1]

Caraboa Cup - Next Opponents - Port Vale



Connor Ripley`s reaction after Vale`s victory over Mansfield Town at Field Mill in the Caraboa Cup. Son of Boro`s former blonde "flying winger", he made some crucial saves to win the tie and keep his team in the draw - to face his hometown club





Its an opportunity for Port Vale, as it is for us. Its about getting through to the next round regardless of who`s in the rest of the competition. At this stage it doesn’t matter to us. Its what`s ahead of us really and we`ll approach the game like we have done all the rest and look forward to it.

[Michael Carrick]

 

[r00fie1]

"Your Incredible Fans"!


What Michael Carrick had to say to a reporter after the Exeter Cup tie:

Honestly, its unbelievable, and we got an incredible following at Norwich the week before, so its three of the longest journeys you could get. I`ve said it many times, we don’t take that for granted……..its such a big effort….not easy in current times and for those travelling there and back, and there and back again, we thank them an awful lot. For those who stayed down there, hopefully they`ve had a nice few days and ...we can give them a performance that makes it worthwhile. Tuesday night for them was obviously great. They enjoyed it and it was brilliant to share that at the end. We`re trying to do that all over again, but still thankful for the effort and we`re just trying to repay that and hopefully they see that by what the boys are giving on the pitch.​

 

[r00fie1]

STATS


Championship Table and Form*
[*Leicester City play Leeds United tonight [Friday 3rd November]






League Trends:




Head 2 Head - Last Six Games:
Plymouth


Boro




Boro v Plymouth Record - [Back to November 1987]

[In 33 years we`ve played the Pilgrims professionally only 12 times]





The Plymouth League Journey:

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymo.../File:PlymouthArgyleFC_League_Performance.svg]

 

[r00fie1]

Steven Schumacher


Plymouth Manager Steven Schumacher on Boro`s trip to Home Park:

Forwards Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu are both unavailable for Saturday’s home game against Middlesbrough.

Both Hardie and Bundu limped off during last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at Ipswich Town, and manager Steven Schumacher has confirmed that both remain on the injured list with hamstring problems. Their absence could open the door for Ben Waine to stake a claim in the central striker’s role for the Greens.

In the credit column, Schumacher said that Callum Wright and Brendan Galloway have come through a week’s training, and come into the contention for the squad, as do Tyreik Wright and 17-year-old Freddie Issaka.

“They’re both unavailable for this weekend,” said Schumacher, of Bundu and Hardie. “They’ve both got grade two hamstring strains, which is a bit of a blow.

“We felt Ryan's might have been worse because Ryan is still quite sore. Mustapha is moving a little bit better; he's got a bit more range and a bit more power through his hamstring. Touch wood, he won't be too long. As [physiotherapist] Gareth [Law] always says, he'll treat the player and not the scan, and get their rehab in order accordingly, to get them back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“We're going to be light in that department, but it is an opportunity for someone else to step in and take it.

“Waineo is now our senior, recognised number nine. He's the only one available. He's been waiting for his opportunity and his chance to start a run of games. Let's hope he can take it.

“Tyreik Wright will come back into the squad. We'll probably put Freddie [Issaka] in the squad for the weekend.

“You never know in football, funny things happen. We all know how exciting we think Freddie's going to be, but he's not quite ready yet. Now is his opportunity and he might prove everyone wrong.”

Argyle face a Middlesbrough side who have been on somewhat of a resurgence in recent weeks. Although they lost their last league game, at home to Stoke City, Boro won their previous six. Remarkably, all that followed Michael Carrick’s team getting just two points from their opening seven encounters, after which they sat bottom of the table.

“They had quite a big turnover on the players from what they had last season,” said Schumacher. “They lost a few big players for them, lads who scored goals, and it took a little bit of time, I think, for their team to gel.

“Nobody expected them to be bottom of the league when they were, but you could see by looking at their squad [that they would improve]. I remember reading Michael's comments when they were losing games. He was saying that their performances were good, they just were not coming out on top of those big moments, so probably similar to how we're feeling.

“Of late, they’ve got themselves going really well. I went to watch them on Tuesday night [in the Carabao Cup against Exeter City]. They didn't start the game great, but got better, showed quality in the second half.

“They are in good form. We know all the strengths that Middlesbrough are going to have, but we've got to try and be confident and be us as well.

“We know we're going to be the underdogs again because they're a massive club in the Championship, but we’ll just do our best.”

Middlesbrough (H) | Schumacher's Preview | Plymouth Argyle - PAFC

www.pafc.co.uk

OUT:
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Available:

 

[r00fie1]

The Carling Cup

Danny Mills on Boro’s League Cup anniversary: “That one little medal I’ve got is huge”​

It’s been two decades since Middlesbrough laid claim to the League Cup but for former Boro defender Danny Mills, it could be a lifetime ago.
The 2004 showpiece, in which Boro saw off Bolton Wanderers in the Welsh capital, was always going to be hard to top for the now-46-year-old and for the Club, and the trophy is in sight once again this season.

“It’s bizarre because people often ask about great moments and big games,” Mills explains. “For me, it’s one of the two biggest games that I played in – along with the Play-Off Final in 1998 when we (Charlton Athletic) beat Sunderland which Boro fans will be delighted with – in terms of Club football because I won a trophy.

“It’s the only proper trophy that I won, so it was an absolutely magnificent day. I was only here for a year on loan. It was 128 years back then and even more now, and it’s the only trophy the Club has ever won, so it’s special.”

The full-back, who had just turned 21 when the Addicks played out an eight-goal thriller with Sunderland at the old Wembley Stadium to clinch promotion to the top-flight, appreciated the occasion more the second time around with Middlesbrough.

Mills was named in the starting line-up as Steve McLaren’s Boro side ran out 2-1 winners over Bolton – the team Middlesbrough ousted from the competition in Round Two this season – at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“I always say to people, when I played in the Play-Off Final, I was very young and didn’t really appreciate the enormity of the situation – it was just another game,” he says. “When we won the League Cup Final at the Millennium, I went and sat on the advertising boards for five minutes after the game to try and soak it in.

I’d played for England at that point; I’d played in World Cups and I’d played in the Champions League, but it bypasses you very quickly. There’s a realisation that this might not happen again and suddenly you think, ‘I need to enjoy it’.

“For the fans, it’s unbelievable, but as a player, sometimes you get wrapped up in running around the pitch doing silly things and spraying champagne.

[Extract]

“I look back now, and amongst all the memorabilia that I’ve got, that one little medal that I’ve got is huge – it’s only the size of a two-pound coin but it means a lot because it’s vitally important.”

The North Yorkshire outfit took an early lead when Boro attacker Joseph-Desire Job slotted in the opener inside two minutes – going down as the fastest goal scored in a Final at the time – to get Middlesbrough off to a flying start.

Just five minutes later, McLaren’s men doubled their lead. Emerson Thome brought down goal-scorer Job inside the area, forcing referee Mike Riley to point to the spot. Boro’s Boudewijn Zenden stepped up and, despite slipping in taking the spot-kick, managed to beat Trotters stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The first half saw all the action as Kevin Davies pulled one back for Bolton but Boro held on for the remaining 70 minutes to prevail.

“I remember the penalty from Boudewijn Zenden where he slips and has the double touch and nobody really knew what the rules were and we got away with one,” Mills states. “To be fair, Mark Schwarzer chucked one in at the other end to even it up. I think Kevin Davies hit one from way out and it was trickling towards the near post and clearly Schwarzey thought, ‘we probably shouldn’t have scored the penalty, so I’ll chuck one in at the other end’.”

Skippered by current England boss Gareth Southgate, Boro were a team packed full of talent, including the late Ugo Ehiogu who sadly passed away in 2017.

Middlesbrough enjoyed an impressive run to the showpiece before getting their hands on the silverware. Boro overcame Premier League champions elect Arsenal – who would go down in history that year for going the entire league campaign undefeated – in a two-legged Semi-Final, winning 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the Final.

Mills continues: “It was quite early on in the season and the journey to the Final was superb. We did beat the Invincible Arsenal season who clearly weren’t invincible because we beat them – I need to throw that in! We had some tight games along the way – we had a couple of penalty shoot-outs which were a little bit hairy, but we got there and we won and that’s all that matters.”

Homepage - The English Football League

The Official home of the English Football League

www.efl.com

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[r00fie1]

Flashback:

Monday 5th April 2010.

Weather: blue sky, warm sunshine.

Plymouth 0 Boro 2

It was a great weekend in Plymouth to see Boro at Home Park. Boro were on tour and anyone with a red shirt had descended on the South West. It wasnt just the football, but folk had travelled for the craic. From Derbyshire Reds and Redcar, to fans from London and Manchester - everyone was intent on having a damn good time. The beer raydar had settled on a pub called "The Walrus".

At the time it was spit-and-sawdust, had plenty of ale, a hole in the carpet they called a stage, a DJ and a karaoke machine. That was enough for hundreds of Boro Fans who packed the place out and drank so much the landlady had to go and borrow a few kegs from somewhere. It was a great night out. The match topped it off.

For Plymouth. Their Manager was non other than Paul Mariner.

It wasnt a very good game. Justin Hoyte conceded a penalty by using his hand [he couldnt use his feet] which Plymouth then missed. One of Strachans better signings, McManus scored a header off a Barry Robson cross and late into injury time, Jonathan Franks cranked a long-range shot into the net. It was a nothing game for Boro, though Plymouth needed the win.


Boro Starting Line Up:
Jones
Hoyte
McManus
Williams R.
Wheater
Naughton
O`Sheah [Franks 83]
Robson
Arca
Lita [McDonald 64]
Miller [Killen 77]


Unfortunately Gordon Strachan remained Boro Manager untill he tore up his contract in October 2010. Boro finished the season outside the play-offs.

It was a miserable season, but the weekend in Plymouth certainly made it worth while - for a few days.

Championship as it stood:

 

[Maccarone]

Another cracker well done rOOfie

 

[r00fie1]

Plymouth - Top Scorers


Ryan Hardie
6 goals + 3 assists
The 26 year old began his career at Glasgow Rangers. Capped for Scotland at U16 / 17 / 19 / 20 / 21 level. Joined the Pilgrims in January 21 and signed a new three year contract in May 2023. Plymouth Top Scorer last season with 17 goals. *[Unavailable for todays game].


Morgan Whittaker
6 goals + 3 assists
The 6` 2" forward can also play winger. Started his youth career at Derby. Still only 22, he initially came in on loan in 2022, then signed a permanent deal in 2023, reportedly worth £1M`s. Plymouths record fee for a player. Scored on his debut v Huddersfield Town and then scored a Hat-trick in Argyles 6-2 defeat over Norwich just a month ago!


Luke Cundle
4 goals + 2 assists
Pacey attacking midfielder, currently on loan from Wolves. Still only 21, began his career at Burnley. This season he has made just 9 appearances and scored 3 goals.


Ben Waine
3 goals
A Kiwi who began his career at Wellington Phoenix. A dual NZ-UK National, he joined Argyle in December 2022. He is a big threat up front. Only 22, he has 7 Senior Caps for New Zealand and has scored 1 goal for his country.


Fin Azaz
2 goals + 2 assists
Spent 11 years at West Brom Academy at the start of his footballing career, but was released after a loan spell with Cheltenham Town. Joined Villa in 2021 and has been on loan to Argyle twice, including the current season. He is 23 and has made 1 appearance for Republic of Ireland U21`s.


Adam Randell
2 goals + 1 assist
Local lad. Been with the Pilgrims since 2010, made his first Senior appearance in 2018. Loaned out to Torquay United, but recalled after impressive performances. Was a real star of the 22/23 promotion season. Another youngster at 23, signed a contract and is committed to Argyle untill 2026.

 

[r00fie1]

​

Plymouth Argyle summer target Josh Coburn set to line up against them​

The 20-year-old has been leading the attack in recent Championship matches for Middlesbrough, who will be the visitors to Home Park tomorrow
[Chris Etherington - from Devon Live - explains Steve Schumacher was ready to add Josh to the squad - but Boro`s hope of another player didnt happen, which stalled his trip down to Devon] Published 3rd November 2023.

Plymouth Argyle are likely to face the striker they came very close to signing this summer when Middlesbrough are the visitors to Home Park in the Championship tomorrow.

Josh Coburn was lined up by the Pilgrims this summer on a season-long loan when they looked to add a third forward to their squad alongside Ryan Hardie and Ben Waine.

However, Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick had a change of heart over 20-year-old Coburn towards the end of the summer transfer window and decided to keep him at the Riverside Stadium.

That led to Argyle scrambling to complete the signing of Mustapha Bundu from Belgian club Anderlecht shortly before the deadline on a two-year contract.

Coburn has gone on to make eight starts and three substitute appearances in the Championship this term and scored in a 3-2 win away to Watford in late September.

Either Coburn or Emmanuel Latte Lath, an Ivorian summer recruit from Italian Serie A club Atalanta, will lead the attack against Argyle.

Schumacher said: "We made no secret of it, we tried to sign Josh. I think he's a good player. We had a deal agreed for him to come here.

"They were trying to bring in somebody else in the window and it didn't quite happen. The longer he was there I'm guessing Michael saw how good of a player he is and decided to keep him in.

"He has started, I think, the last seven games and they have won six of them and he's in good form so we have to be aware of what his strengths are. It didn't work out for us to take him but I'm glad he has got his chance because, as I say, he's a good player."

Middlesbrough will be playing in Devon for the second time this week after winning 3-2 against Exeter City in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday night.

Schumacher was among the crowd at St James Park as Boro came out on top in a tight encounter after a late penalty from Latte Lath.

Carrick's squad flew to and back for the Exeter cup tie and will do the same for the Championship clash against Argyle, so Schumacher does not believe travel fatigue will be any issue for them.

Schumacher said: "We know it's going to be a tough game. Whatever team Michael that chooses to play we will be up against it, as usual."

On Middlesbrough's two trips to Devon in a week, Schumacher said: "They flew to the (Exeter) game, they flew back from the game.

"They are flying down to us, they will fly back after the game because that's what big Championship teams do, so I'm guessing it's not going to take an awful lot out of them.

"They have got a good squad, they made a few changes through the week so I'm sure they will be fresh and ready to go."

Middlesbrough had been on a run of six successive wins until they lost 2-0 at home to Stoke City last Saturday, a result which has left them in 10th position in the Championship.

Argyle summer target Josh Coburn set to line up against them

The 20-year-old has been leading the attack in recent Championship matches for Middlesbrough, who will be the visitors to Home Park tomorrow

www.plymouthherald.co.uk

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[Normanby_Red]

2-1 win to the Boro today let's hope for another good result on the south coast.

 

[r00fie1]

2-1 win to the Boro today let's hope for another good result on the south coast.

Glad Hackney`s back.
Their main striker, Ryan Hardie is out, so that might give us a better opportunity. They score plenty of goals - but defence is like a sieve.
They`ve got a lot of youngsters under 25, including a few local lads. They are quick, but prone to mistakes. If we can knock them off their stride, lets hope we bring back three points from Home Park

 

[JonnyHistory]

4 - 1 Boro, I think we will be chomping at the bit to put last weeks defeat behind us. Coburn brace UTB

 

[r00fie1]

4 - 1 Boro, I think we will be chomping at the bit to put last weeks defeat behind us. Coburn brace UTB

So long as we dont go behind and have to chase the game. Like Carrick said on Thursday:

Reporter: Boro would be 3rd in league table if it was was based on second halves. Why are Boro so strong in the second half?​

[Smile] That`s a good question. [Laughter]Nah. Listen. Its good to know we`re capable of doing that. There`s maybe different reasons for doing that; how we play, maybe the amount of possession, maybe its the case of wearing teams down, whether its gaining control, whether its a game where we become stronger as the game goes on. There`s a lot of reasons. Of course, we want to start games better. We don’t want to have to chase games and we want to be ahead and we want the first half to be as good as the second half. There`s the challenge. You take the positives of course and what it probably does do is give us belief, as [shown] last season and as a group, whatever the circumstances we feel that we are always in the game and that we`re capable of scoring goals towards the end of the game. We`ll take it as a positive.​

​

 

[r00fie1]

The Boys are in town

 

[NormanbyRed77]

 

[r00fie1]

Strong team.
Plenty on the bench to cover an freshen things up in the second half - if need be.

 

[r00fie1]

 

[r00fie1]

Posted on BBC Tees:
The girders in the stand - housing the media - were manufactured by a certain Dorman Long of Middlesbrough!!!

 

[sambaDTR]

Watch out for Bali Mumba. Looked handy last time I saw him.