r00fie1
Well-known member
Its that time again.....
Here we go again....just another game in the Championship on a chilly day in October by the Tees. Its not quite a third of the way through the season and we are already suffering a nosebleed! We may be sat ninth in the table on 20 points, alongside three other teams, but if the world stood still and we won on Satda, we could go sixth in the table! Unbelievable? Not really. Michael Carrick is a genious, Jonny Woodgate is a Red, Danksy is just cool, Grant is the best Captain we`ve almost ever had and we`ve now won seven [!] out of seven, in all competitions and six out of the last six league games!
In October alone, we`ve amassed twelve from a possible twelve, so a win today could see us needing oxygen! We know its a long way to go an not to get excited and all that, but how good does it feel to have sprinted up the table after an appalling start? This team, this club, does something to us like nothing else: it takes us to the lowest place we can be, losing by odd goals, missing out on chances, not defending properly......then suddenly, its all systems GO! Engines on, chocks away.....Up The Boro! Somehow, the dark clouds and the doubts are left behind and.........you know.
Michael Carrick
We`re delighted because there was so many fans down there on Tuesday night, such a long way to travel, and to give them that [winning] feeling was terrific.
Michael Carrick was asked by a reporter, whether he was "scared" that Ipswich and Leicester are now virtually "uncatchable" [in October!?] and that Boro would be aiming for a play-off spot? Carrick made him look slightly foolish [if I`m honest] with a calm considered response:
I don’t know where we are in the league to be honest. I`ve not looked at it. I`m not interested at this stage. The play-offs are a mare, so its about winning games , accumulating points, as many as you can. We cant control Leicester or Ipswich or who ever`s above us at this time until we play them really [smile], so its wasted time and energy if you like. Its what`s coming next. For me its planning ahead Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday. Planning ahead like that. Thats what matters. Picking up as many points as we can and, at some stage during the season we assess where we are.[Big smile].
He might be fibbing, because the boys will be well aware of how improved and consistent we`ve been over recent games. Its not quite Fly Me To The Moon time, but its a credit to Carrick and his Staff, keeping the faith, believing his squad had the capability and talent to rise to the challenge - whilst all around some people were freely giving advice about solutions to the "problem". He has proven many doubters wrong [for now] after defending what were some "poor" early season performances. Even the most optimistic of us couldnt see the massive change in results. We had shown "flashes" of promise and people still talk of "development players" as if they have been put in cold storage.
What we have, is a well balanced squad of young and more experienced players, with the kind of versatiltiy and adaptability we havent witnessed on our hallowed ground for quite a few seasons. Carrick always takes care to explain that players develop at different levels, with different strengths and experiences. Managing and nurturing that blend - with effectively a new team compared to last season, is something which Michael Carrick has persevered with. He was asked about the Norwich game and the fact its now Boro`s seventh win in a row. How did Carrick explain Boro`s progress:
What explains it – the boys working their socks off for each other, going way and beyond in terms of effort and attitude, togetherness – as I`ve said all along – and football of course. We [have] got to play to a certain level. To do that you`ve got to put certain things into the game….and its clear to see the effort and commitment the boys have given. We`ve found a good balance level. We need to keep finding that, we need to keep pushing, keep striving for more. We`ve been building from the start of the season and the results weren’t there, but the performances were largely there. The boys are getting what they deserve now.
As of the Norwich game, Carrick was of course "delighted", made a point of pointing out how players coming off the bench [Morgan Rogers] can make an impact and also how those players who may not have had many "minutes" [Sam Greenwood] can play a big part in the games. He also praised the fans for the support down in East anglia:
Everyone played their part. We`re delighted because there was so many fans down there on Tuesday night, such a long way to travel, and to give them that [winning] feeling was terrific.
As for Stoke - Carrick hasnt forgotten the tough lesson they gave us last season and acknowledged their improvememnt and recent defeat of Leeds. But in the end, its how we manage our game, how we perfom and overcome the challenge. The Saturday-Tuesday fixtures roll relentlessly on, irregardless of injuries, the cold weather, long drives to far away grounds, but "thats football". Carrick mentioned rotating players for different games, giving them time to "freshen up" and keep as fit as they can:
They`re a good team. [When] we played against them last season they gave us a real game. Very well organised, very well coached. Very aggressive…...asking a lot of our back line . It`ll take a big effort. We will have to recover well from the other [Tuesday v Norwich] night. It`s gonna take a lot of effort on Saturday to win the game. A big challenge. They obviously had a great result against Leeds and played very well. We kind of know what to expect….[and] putting things in place to stop it. [Smile] That`s the challenge and we know the boys are in a good place, we know we`re in a good run and it should be a good game.
Injuries t players are clearly something Carrick would rather not have, but everyone on the coaching and medical staff know thats going to be part of their role to manage. Last week, Carrick said it would be great to have a fully fit squad, but he believes in the squad and their resilience to overcome players being unavailable through injury and illness.
Unfortunately for Tommy Smith:
He`ll be missing for most of the season, if not all of it, so not much more to say. We`ll do everything we can to support him and get him back as quick as we can. He will be a big part of the group even though he`s not fit and cant play. He can still have a big impact in and around it [the group] said Carrick.
Forss - he`s going to be out for a number of weeks unfortunately.
Darragh - still doing a bit of clinical investigation and assessment.
McGree - still out with a foot problem.
Carrick was unable to give "time frame" for when the injured players would be back.
Michael Carrick was in no doubt that injuries wouldnt effect his judgement when we face Exeter City in the League Cup on Tuesday night. He emphasised that having a fully fit squad to chose from, can be as much an issue if we have players out injured. Clearly, its keeping the ones we have fit and managing options. He`s a winner and wont take anything for granted:
Sometimes when you`ve got a lot more players to choose from, we need to keep everyone involved. At other times, like for now – its a little bit of making sure we freshen it up and keep as many fit as we can now. We`ve lost some players, so there`s a bit of a balance on that. Good form - you want to keep that going, when you`re on the rythym of playing games, [smile] its good to keep playing games, so there`s a balance. Does it make it any easier that there`s less players to chose from. …...probably not. Its just a little bit different.We`re looking to go there and try to win the game. That`s pretty obvious.
Both us and Stoke have different players and a different look about our teams compared to last year. Every game is a "tough" one. The challenge is how we manage the players to perform to their best and get the game over the line. The astute use of substitutes has played a crucial role in Boro`s resurgence, as well as "team spirit" between players and the staff. Carrick, replying to a question about "managing" players emphasised the point of treating each one individually, to get the best out of them for the team collectively:
Its not just about game to game, there`s a big thing of looking after each individual player and what stage they are in their career, what are their needs, what help do they need. Its something for me I really enjoy and take a lot of time to try and do that…..feeling we can get the benefits as a team. As we go through.....we have a lot of players [aged] 19, 20, 22, at the stages of their careers are bouncing off each other. Great to see in training…..pushing each other…….fantastic to see and we`ll benefit from it.
Finally, Carrick gave some insight into the reasoning behind his approach to team building:
For me that`s a large part of the plan – to have a real foundation and a base to build on and not having too much chopping and changing with the transfer window at the end of every season. Its not always straight forward. Sometimes things are taken out of your control. We are really happy with the group we`ve got now and really looking to improve and tweak it as we move forward.
Would he be dipping into "the market" to find players to cover for those injured?
"No! Not at this stage" was the firm reply from a stern faced gaffa.
Can we do it today? Can we win another game to add to this terrific run? There is no reason we cant - only our own performance and support from the terraces can make it happen. It appears over 1000 will be visiting us from the Potteries, so it should add to a cracking atmosphere. As the season opens up, its a long, long way to go, but we always have hope.
We can do this.
Come On Boro!
In October alone, we`ve amassed twelve from a possible twelve, so a win today could see us needing oxygen! We know its a long way to go an not to get excited and all that, but how good does it feel to have sprinted up the table after an appalling start? This team, this club, does something to us like nothing else: it takes us to the lowest place we can be, losing by odd goals, missing out on chances, not defending properly......then suddenly, its all systems GO! Engines on, chocks away.....Up The Boro! Somehow, the dark clouds and the doubts are left behind and.........you know.
Michael Carrick
We`re delighted because there was so many fans down there on Tuesday night, such a long way to travel, and to give them that [winning] feeling was terrific.
Michael Carrick was asked by a reporter, whether he was "scared" that Ipswich and Leicester are now virtually "uncatchable" [in October!?] and that Boro would be aiming for a play-off spot? Carrick made him look slightly foolish [if I`m honest] with a calm considered response:
I don’t know where we are in the league to be honest. I`ve not looked at it. I`m not interested at this stage. The play-offs are a mare, so its about winning games , accumulating points, as many as you can. We cant control Leicester or Ipswich or who ever`s above us at this time until we play them really [smile], so its wasted time and energy if you like. Its what`s coming next. For me its planning ahead Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday. Planning ahead like that. Thats what matters. Picking up as many points as we can and, at some stage during the season we assess where we are.[Big smile].
He might be fibbing, because the boys will be well aware of how improved and consistent we`ve been over recent games. Its not quite Fly Me To The Moon time, but its a credit to Carrick and his Staff, keeping the faith, believing his squad had the capability and talent to rise to the challenge - whilst all around some people were freely giving advice about solutions to the "problem". He has proven many doubters wrong [for now] after defending what were some "poor" early season performances. Even the most optimistic of us couldnt see the massive change in results. We had shown "flashes" of promise and people still talk of "development players" as if they have been put in cold storage.
What we have, is a well balanced squad of young and more experienced players, with the kind of versatiltiy and adaptability we havent witnessed on our hallowed ground for quite a few seasons. Carrick always takes care to explain that players develop at different levels, with different strengths and experiences. Managing and nurturing that blend - with effectively a new team compared to last season, is something which Michael Carrick has persevered with. He was asked about the Norwich game and the fact its now Boro`s seventh win in a row. How did Carrick explain Boro`s progress:
What explains it – the boys working their socks off for each other, going way and beyond in terms of effort and attitude, togetherness – as I`ve said all along – and football of course. We [have] got to play to a certain level. To do that you`ve got to put certain things into the game….and its clear to see the effort and commitment the boys have given. We`ve found a good balance level. We need to keep finding that, we need to keep pushing, keep striving for more. We`ve been building from the start of the season and the results weren’t there, but the performances were largely there. The boys are getting what they deserve now.
As of the Norwich game, Carrick was of course "delighted", made a point of pointing out how players coming off the bench [Morgan Rogers] can make an impact and also how those players who may not have had many "minutes" [Sam Greenwood] can play a big part in the games. He also praised the fans for the support down in East anglia:
Everyone played their part. We`re delighted because there was so many fans down there on Tuesday night, such a long way to travel, and to give them that [winning] feeling was terrific.
As for Stoke - Carrick hasnt forgotten the tough lesson they gave us last season and acknowledged their improvememnt and recent defeat of Leeds. But in the end, its how we manage our game, how we perfom and overcome the challenge. The Saturday-Tuesday fixtures roll relentlessly on, irregardless of injuries, the cold weather, long drives to far away grounds, but "thats football". Carrick mentioned rotating players for different games, giving them time to "freshen up" and keep as fit as they can:
They`re a good team. [When] we played against them last season they gave us a real game. Very well organised, very well coached. Very aggressive…...asking a lot of our back line . It`ll take a big effort. We will have to recover well from the other [Tuesday v Norwich] night. It`s gonna take a lot of effort on Saturday to win the game. A big challenge. They obviously had a great result against Leeds and played very well. We kind of know what to expect….[and] putting things in place to stop it. [Smile] That`s the challenge and we know the boys are in a good place, we know we`re in a good run and it should be a good game.
Injuries t players are clearly something Carrick would rather not have, but everyone on the coaching and medical staff know thats going to be part of their role to manage. Last week, Carrick said it would be great to have a fully fit squad, but he believes in the squad and their resilience to overcome players being unavailable through injury and illness.
Unfortunately for Tommy Smith:
He`ll be missing for most of the season, if not all of it, so not much more to say. We`ll do everything we can to support him and get him back as quick as we can. He will be a big part of the group even though he`s not fit and cant play. He can still have a big impact in and around it [the group] said Carrick.
Forss - he`s going to be out for a number of weeks unfortunately.
Darragh - still doing a bit of clinical investigation and assessment.
McGree - still out with a foot problem.
Carrick was unable to give "time frame" for when the injured players would be back.
Michael Carrick was in no doubt that injuries wouldnt effect his judgement when we face Exeter City in the League Cup on Tuesday night. He emphasised that having a fully fit squad to chose from, can be as much an issue if we have players out injured. Clearly, its keeping the ones we have fit and managing options. He`s a winner and wont take anything for granted:
Sometimes when you`ve got a lot more players to choose from, we need to keep everyone involved. At other times, like for now – its a little bit of making sure we freshen it up and keep as many fit as we can now. We`ve lost some players, so there`s a bit of a balance on that. Good form - you want to keep that going, when you`re on the rythym of playing games, [smile] its good to keep playing games, so there`s a balance. Does it make it any easier that there`s less players to chose from. …...probably not. Its just a little bit different.We`re looking to go there and try to win the game. That`s pretty obvious.
Both us and Stoke have different players and a different look about our teams compared to last year. Every game is a "tough" one. The challenge is how we manage the players to perform to their best and get the game over the line. The astute use of substitutes has played a crucial role in Boro`s resurgence, as well as "team spirit" between players and the staff. Carrick, replying to a question about "managing" players emphasised the point of treating each one individually, to get the best out of them for the team collectively:
Its not just about game to game, there`s a big thing of looking after each individual player and what stage they are in their career, what are their needs, what help do they need. Its something for me I really enjoy and take a lot of time to try and do that…..feeling we can get the benefits as a team. As we go through.....we have a lot of players [aged] 19, 20, 22, at the stages of their careers are bouncing off each other. Great to see in training…..pushing each other…….fantastic to see and we`ll benefit from it.
Finally, Carrick gave some insight into the reasoning behind his approach to team building:
For me that`s a large part of the plan – to have a real foundation and a base to build on and not having too much chopping and changing with the transfer window at the end of every season. Its not always straight forward. Sometimes things are taken out of your control. We are really happy with the group we`ve got now and really looking to improve and tweak it as we move forward.
Would he be dipping into "the market" to find players to cover for those injured?
"No! Not at this stage" was the firm reply from a stern faced gaffa.
Can we do it today? Can we win another game to add to this terrific run? There is no reason we cant - only our own performance and support from the terraces can make it happen. It appears over 1000 will be visiting us from the Potteries, so it should add to a cracking atmosphere. As the season opens up, its a long, long way to go, but we always have hope.
We can do this.
Come On Boro!
Last edited:
