We shouldnt mistake Bristol City`s lowly position for lack of effort on behalf of the players or the Manager. Although the club were on an upward trajectory under the residency of Lee Johnson and Steve Cotterill, the club have the habit of slipping backwards - with an owner who has an itchy trigger - finger. A City the size of Bristol has never come out of the shadows in the top echelons of English Football. True, they have produced players who have gone on to greater things, but have never quite managed to achieve their potential as a club.
Our trip to the South west is fraught with danger - not just the weather - but the Robins are due a win.
After our victory at Old Trafford, an immense 2-2 draw at QPR and leading the Rams to the slaughter last Saturday - its been a busy time for us and the lads. The momentum is upwards. Complacency is a word which Chris Wilder doesnt have in his Managerial "Pocket Guide": as he expanded in his Friday Media Conference, he intends to "keep the hammer down".
Well said Chris
This Weekend`s Championship Fixtures: * Friday 18th match between Bournemouth and Trees has been postponed.
Preview: Bristol City vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups
By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 1d
Middlesbrough square off against Bristol City on Saturday afternoon looking for the victory which will keep the club in the Championship playoff positions.
At a time when Boro currently occupy sixth spot in the standings, Bristol City are down in 17th place after losing nearly half of their league fixtures this season.
Nevertheless, it highlights the magnitude of the job that Chris Wilder is pulling off at the Riverside Stadium, and there is every sign that will continue in their bid for promotion.
For the first time since April, Boro scored more than two goals in a league fixture last weekend as they posted a 4-1 victory against Derby County.
Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Aaron Connolly was among the goalscorers as Boro recorded a sixth successive win in the North-East, taking them to 32 points from 16 home fixtures this campaign.
All things considered, Middlesbrough have a relatively favourable schedule ahead of them, but Wilder is aware that complacency cannot become an issue if they want to return to the Premier League.
As has been well documented, the Robins are without back-to-back league wins this season, a run which was extended when they gave up a half-time lead at Swansea City last weekend.
Conceding three times in South Wales made it 28 goals shipped in just 11 league games, and Bristol City are now only two goals short from having the worst defensive record in the division.
At a time when his side play three promotion contenders in succession, Nigel Pearson knows that he can ill-afford more defeats if he is to be kept at the helm for 2022-23.
On a positive note, Andreas Weimann has now reached 15 goals in the Championship this season, a total which is complemented with six assists.
Middlesbrough midfielder Matt Crooks will be assessed after sustaining a head injury which forced his withdrawal against Derby. Riley McGree could be drafted into the side for his first Boro start, while Wilder has decisions to make over his forward line.
Connolly and Folarin Balogun impressed in the absence of Andraz Sporar and Duncan Watmore, and only two of the four will start this contest.
David Bentley may start ahead of Bristol City's first-choice goalkeeper Max O'Leary, who was withdrawn during the second half of the Swansea game through injury. Joe Williams is pushing for an opportunity in midfield, but George Tanner, Matty James and Andy King are likely to remain sidelined.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Vyner, Kalas, Klose; Dasilva, Massengo, Williams, Pring; Weimann; Semenyo, Martin
While Bristol City have improved at Ashton Gate as the season has progressed, this match may be more about how Boro perform on their travels. All things considered, they have a poor record away from the Riverside Stadium, but we are backing Wilder's side to edge this contest in the latter stages.
Take an in-depth look at how City match up against Middlesbrough when they meet at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
www.bcfc.co.uk
MansionBet Match Preview: Middlesbrough (H)
Friday, February 18th 2022
Take an in-depth look at how City match up against Middlesbrough when they meet at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon (3pm).
OURSELVES
City head into this game off the back of a 3-1 defeat away to Swansea on Sunday afternoon, after going into the break a goal to the good.
Nigel Pearson will want to see his side show commitment and desire as they look to make it five consecutive Sky Bet Championship victories at Ashton Gate on the bounce.
After netting his 15th of the season Andreas Weimann will be eager to hit that 20 mark as he looks to continue his best scoring season of his career.
OUR OPPONENTS
Middlesbrough come into this game off the back of a commanding 4-1 home away win over Wayne Rooney's Derby County on Saturday afternoon, making it just one loss in 13 for the North East outfit.
Chris Wilder will want to see his side continue their fine form as they look to cement their place in the play-off spots.
Boro midfielder Matt Crooks will be full of confidence going into this game at Ashton Gate after netting in their last game against the Rams as well as scoring in the their recent Emirates FA Cup win against Manchester United. Crooks will be looking to emulate his performance last time out against the Robins when he netted the winner at the Riverside earlier on in the season.
MIDDLESBROUGH PROFILE
Formed: 1876
Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Nickname: Boro
Manager: Chris Wilder
Finish last season: 10th, Sky Bet Championship Honours:
Division Two/Division One/EFL Championship winners: 1926/27,1928/29,1973/74,1994/94
Play-off winners: 1988
League Cup winners: 2003/04
Anglo-Scottish Cup: 1976
MATCH DETAILS
Where: Ashton Gate
When: Saturday, February 19th (3pm)
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Referee: Leigh Doughty
Assistant Referee: Nick Greenhalgh
Assistant Referee: Adrian Waters
Fourth Official: Christopher Sarginson
HEAD TO HEAD
BRISTOL CITY
Match vs the opposition: 84 Won: 27
Drew: 22
Lost: 35
The 2021/22 season so far in all competitions…
Goals scored: 44
Goals conceded: 61
Championship position: 17th (37 points)
Carabao Cup: Round One
FA Cup: Third Round
Yellow cards: 63
Red cards: 1
Top goalscorer: Andi Weimann (15)
Top assists: Antoine Semenyo (7)
MIDDLESBROUGH
Match vs the opposition: 84
Won: 35
Drew: 22
Lost: 35
The 2021/22 season so far in all competitions…
Goals scored: 42
Goals conceded: 35
Championship position: 6th (49 points)
Carabao Cup: Round One
FA Cup: Fifth Round (March 1st, 2022 v Tottenham at Riverside Stadium)
Yellow cards: 73
Red cards: 2
Top goalscorer: Matt Crooks (8)
Top assists: Isaiah Jones (8)
⏮ MATCH REWIND
Result: Bristol City 2-1 Middlesbrough
When: 16.01.16
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Wes Burns scored the latest of late winners to end Middlesbrough’s amazing run of clean sheets at Ashton Gate.
The visitors were on the verge of a tenth straight Sky Bet Championship shutout until Burns touched home Flint's powerful header five minutes into added time to claim all three points for the Robins.
ONE TO WATCH
MATT CROOKS
After signing for Boro from Rotherham in July 2021, Crooks has made quite the impact in his first season. The 28 year old has eight goals and two assists to his name this season.
After recently netting against Manchester United at Old Trafford and scoring the winner against the Robins earlier on in the season the 6ft4 midfielder will be confident that he can be the difference in the game at Ashton Gate this weekend.
Before his two years at Rotherham the Leeds born midfielder also had played for Northampton Town, Scunthorpe United, Rangers and Accrington Stanley as well as numerous loan spells in his time at Huddersfield Town.
Jon Lansdown was speaking at the official announcement of the partnership with Bristol-based company Huboo
www.bristolpost.co.uk
Bristol City chairman admits club are underachieving and delivers Nigel Pearson verdict
Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown believes the club are underachieving having expected the side to be performing higher in the table even though he accepts it's been a transitional campaign under Nigel Pearson.
The Robins lie 17th in the Championship on 37 points, having won 10 of their 32 matches this season but will be barely glancing over their shoulders as they currently sit 17 points above the drop zone.
City haven't won back-to-back matches all season but also haven't gone more than three matches without a victory highlighting the inconsistencies in the campaign so far.
Three home wins on the spin have helped bring back a feel-good factor around Ashton Gate, especially after October's victory over Barnsley ended a run of 277 days with a win on home territory.
But the away form and defensive record leaves a lot to be desired having not won on the road in their last 10 while the 58 goals conceded throughout the campaign is the third worse in the Championship behind Reading and Peterborough.
Speaking at the official announcement of the partnership with local sponsor Huboo, Lansdown said: "We should be competitively better than we are doing at the moment in the league.
"We've shown good signs, we've had some good performances from younger players as well and we'll look to finish at strongly as we can. But we'd certainly like to be in a better position than we are now and definitely going forward."
Today marks 12 months to the day since Pearson's predecessor Dean Holden was sacked, following a run of six straight defeats with the Robins 13th in the table on 39 points after 30 matches.
Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson is approaching a year in charge at the club.
There have been considerable changes to the club since Pearson's arrival with 10 first-team players released last summer in order to reduce the wage bill with the expectation that improvements could then still be made by the integration of more academy players.
City can justifiably be considered as being in a state of rebuild, with the manager one year into a three-year agreement, but there is still a desire internally to witness quantifiable progression in the Championship standings, even if Pearson has been required to work within severe financial restrictions due to the £38.4m losses published for the financial year ending 2021.
Pearson, who has taken three leaves of absence this season related to health issues and/or medical procedures, is also approaching a year in charge at the club. Saturday's home game with Middlesbrough will be his 49th in the dugout, having won 12, drawn 11 and lost 25.
"It's not like you can change from A to B straight away, you've got contracts, you've got to work your way to it but there's no reason why you can't improve while you're doing that," Lansdown added. "It's been a tough time over that period (a year) considering everything going on in the whole football environment.
"Nigel's had a few of his own health issues as well through that so we're still growing that relationship, but it's the same as anything we want to win football games. He'll be wanting that as much as we do."
Independent Fan Groups and Social Media reflect the apparent growing divide between fans , owner and Manager.
The club doesnt appear to be in a good position either on the pitch, in the boardroom and certainly not with the bank.
Chairman Lansdown appears to have put his foot in it by making an ambiguous comment about contracts and under-achievemnt - in front of journalists at a media event!!!
Its not good when your Manager receives reports second hand, about the Chairman`s comments on your work >>>>> especially if you are Nigel Pearson. mmmmmm.
* These fan-sites, podcasts and social media are a small selection and by no means exhaustive.
There are many more which can be found on the internet and twitter / facebook, etc.
Nigel Pearson, Jon Lansdown and the Bristol City storm that contains an unknown ferocity
From seemingly nowhere, a sharp and very public difference of opinion has emerged between chairman and manager
Before we get into the nub of the issue, some context>>>>>>>>
Jon Lansdown, along with CEO Richard Gould, Ashton Gate managing director Mark Kelly, CFO Gavin Marshall, director of communications Lisa Knights and various other high-ranking Bristol Sport employees, was in the Heineken Lounge at Ashton Gate on Wednesday to announce the company’s new partnership with Bristol-based logistics company Huboo.
For the first time, the shirts of Bristol City men and women, Bristol Bears men and women and Bristol Flyers will bear the same sponsor and, crucially, this was a local and modern company offering a departure from the often divisive and uncomfortable, given expected government legislation, relationships with the gambling industry.
It was a relaxed affair and, it has to be said, a friendly and warm atmosphere; there was a short presentation and speech from Lansdown followed by a series of interviews, either conducted on the balcony overlooking the pitch or inside where members of the written media gathered.
Over 28 minutes, Lansdown fielded questions about the sponsorship and what it meant in a corporate and wider sense, the importance to the community, the wish for a unifying partner across the five clubs, the implications regarding financial fair play and whether or not it was a concerted effort to move away from betting companies.
Lansdown answered them all politely and thoroughly when he could; revealing it’s “certainly not less” when asked about the monetary value of the Huboo deal compared with MansionBet and was just about pushed enough to concede that up to seven clubs could be in a similar situation to City regarding potential breaches on the horizon of the EFL's Profit & Sustainability rules.
About halfway through, a rather throwaway and largely non-specific question by a member of the national media about the season so far, then elicited this response: “It's not like you can change from A to B straight away, you've got contracts, you've got to work your way to it but there's no reason why you can't improve while you're doing that.
“We should be competitively better than we are doing at the moment in the league.”
We’re yet to hear from Lansdown Jnr on the season so far, with the most recent board-level comments emanating from a brief Steve Lansdown address before Christmas and Gould in November, therefore it was of interest and carried news value.
You’re struggling to find any great controversy in those words but, then again, it did tap into a guiding narrative throughout this season: what constitutes success?
There are a number of fans content to slightly overlook the league position, render it irrelevant even providing relegation is staved off, providing there is visibly progress in a tangible sense with individuals and the team, and an intangible way with the overall culture of the club.
Bristol City chairman Jon Lansdown speaks at Ashton Gate (Picture: Rogan Thomson) (Image: Rogan Thomson)
There are those who quite simply look at City’s place in the table, the goals against column, the points deductions incurred by Reading and Derby and voice extreme concern about what could have happened this season, and what might further down the track.
There are plenty of supporters who sit roughly in the middle of those two camps - they would like to be higher in the table, of course, but there is an awareness of the restrictions and challenges Pearson is working within, whether that be in a financial and/or sporting sense, and he’s earned himself time and the right to try and navigate such obstacles.
Based on his words - and if you were hyper-analysing them in the context of his feelings towards Pearson, there was more not-so positive stuff than there was positive stuff - Lansdown is probably lingering between the latter two parties.
After all, he could have been effusive in his praise of the way Pearson has worked through his health issues to turn City into a mostly exciting attacking team, has vastly improved the market value of a number of individuals and kept the Robins head above relegation waters.
His words could be viewed as either direct criticism of apparent under-achievement, or under-performance as Pearson recognised it, or a message to the manager that the desire for progress up the league table is anticipated over these remaining 14 games of the season. A sort of subconscious reminder of what’s expected, if you like.
What transpired just over 24 hours later, at around 1pm probably wasn’t what the chairman envisaged in answering that question and has created a storm partly of his own making, but also one that raises fresh questions of the club in the present, past and future.
Sitting down for his weekly pre-match press conference at the High Performance Centre, conducted via Zoom, Pearson was in a chirpy mood as he answered questions about injuries, Middlesbrough and Chris Wilder, the Ashton Gate Eight before the subject of the Robins defensive problems was discussed.
Pearson can go on interesting tangents when answering questions and did so in response to this one: “that intangible mental characteristic, is that the main reason for the defensive flaws or are they technical problems you have as well?”
After discussing the mental challenges of academy players making the step-up to the first-team environment, the manager then pivoted to a very direct criticism of the transfer model that has guided the club for the last five years or so.
“I think the chances of us continuing to produce players is going to be good but we’ll need to because we’ve got ourselves into a mess as a football club by having a previous strategy to build within a squad and that is spending too much money and having to sell to stay viable which is bonkers.
Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson is approaching a year in charge at the club
“Who does that? Now hopefully we’ll get to a point when our wage bill is manageable and we’ll still create players who will be great for us and we will at some point, I never intend to stop a player’s long term ambitions of playing in the Premier League but our aim is still to get there. It might take longer than we hope but what is important at the moment is that we get the foundations right. The foundations haven’t been right.”
Now, Pearson has spoken before about fixing the problems of the past but that’s nearly always been caveated by the pandemic and various mitigating factors supposedly out of the club’s control. Yet, here he was directly criticising a banner policy of the Lansdowns in how they wanted to run Bristol City in the Championship.
It was especially pertinent because in his interviews on Wednesday, Jon Lansdown had spoken about that very process being, “a perfectly valid way to operate for a number of years and we’ve done it pretty well, along that sense.”
In that context the, “who does that?” seems particularly stinging.
Then later on, as topics moved onto Matty James, Dan Bentley and Andi Weimann, a largely open question about how he reflects on his first year in charge drew the gallows humour of, “I’ve been here a year and aged probably five” before the slightly strong and obviously revealing statements that he didn’t realise how chaotic it would be.
Korey Smith stuns Manchester United at the death to send Bristol City through
No wonder this was the hottest ticket in town; this was a night the red half of Bristol will simply never forget. As the final whistle blew, a sea of Bristol City supporters stormed the pitch while manager Lee Johnson was still recovering after hurtling down the touchline, catching a delirious ballboy in mid-flight before swinging him around his hips, by which time the celebrations were already well under way. Bristol City had deservedly dispatched Manchester United for the first time since 1978, with a brilliant 93rd-minute winner teeing up a date with Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Korey Smith, the matchwinner who crashed home with only seconds remaining, was mobbed before leaving the pitch “like John Wayne”, according to Johnson while Joe Bryan, the Bristolian and academy graduate, who opened the scoring in equally emphatic style, was carried towards the dressing room. Johnson had urged his players to make themselves heroes but they did that and more, etching their names into history after felling the holders in the sweetest manner imaginable. In doing so, the Championship side have now beaten four Premier League opponents this season, more than both Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion. Another fearless performance like this and they might make that five.
This was always going to be a special occasion, under the lights inside at a sold-out – revamped and rocking – Ashton Gate as the Robins duelled with United for the first time since 1980. The ambition here is to make these meetings a more regular occurrence, with City third in the second tier and vying for promotion. José Mourinho stuck to his word by naming a strong team here although David de Gea and Nemanja Matic did not travel to the West Country. Luke Shaw, however, made his first start since April.
It was Smith – a £350,000 signing from Oldham Athletic – and City’s one change, the incoming former United goalkeeper Luke Steele, who made the greatest impression, with the latter twice superbly denying the substitute Romelu Lukaku. Smith’s opposite number Sergio Romero, though, was kept more busy during a frenetic first half of action, with Josh Brownhill’s dipping drive forcing him to punch clear early on while defender Hordur Magnusson also went close.
United, though largely underwhelming, twice struck the woodwork inside 21 minutes, through the returning Zlatan Ibrahimovic and then Marcus Rashford. Ibrahimovic then skewed a volley horribly wide and into the rebuilt South Stand. When Smith drove into the box he almost laid the ball on a plate for Bobby Reid only for Daley Blind to pour cold water on the move, intercepting just as the forward looked to pull the trigger.
Aden Flint, who has a knack for coming up with the goods having scored six times already from centre-back this season, did put the ball in the net when poking home after blocking Romero’s goal-kick but the referee, Mike Dean, intervened with the defender already wheeling away. It caused a kerfuffle on the touchline, too, with Mourinho’s assistant, Rui Faria, and Bristol City assistant coach Dean Holden briefly exchanging words.
After the interval, a couple of quickfire late challenges on Paul Pogba and then Anthony Martial presented the visitors with the chance to test Steele. Test him they did, with the City goalkeeper diving low to his right to clear Rashford’s effort. Then City flew forward, with Reid flashing a shot into the side-netting after eluding Victor Lindelof.
City’s next move left a significant mark, though. Reid played a fine through ball into Bryan, who raced down the left before blasting the ball across Romero and into the corner of the net. United, as poor as they had been, were shell-shocked while the home dugout exploded to life as Johnson, Holden, assistant coach Jamie McAllister, kit man Scott Murray and goalkeeping coach David Coles celebrated wildly in an impromptu mosh pit.
Ashton Gate was bouncing, but the joy was short-lived. Six minutes later, Pogba ran in to blockade of red shirts, winning a soft free-kick out of the midfielder Smith. Ibrahimovic stood over it before hammering it low around the wall and past Steele, who seemed to be caught unsighted. Ibrahimovic simply wagged his finger in celebration.
Then came Lukaku in place of Blind but it was Bryan who found the next opening, his tame right-footed effort being easily gathered by Romero after he had read Reid’s nutmeg. Mourinho then introduced Mkhitaryan – but in place of Ibrahimovic – while City went for broke, summoning the former Bristol Rovers striker Matty Taylor in place of Magnusson.
City surrendered control in search for a winner, with Lukaku’s header forcing Steele into a superb stop while Bryan did brilliantly, as the last man, to prevent Rashford from squaring for Lukaku. But then Smith latched on to Taylor’s chipped pass to provide the most incredible of finales. The rest is now history.
Special Request from Bristol City to Home and Away Fans on Saturday:
The 40th anniversary of the Ashton Gate Eight
In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the historic events of February 1982, Peter Aitken, Julian Marshall, Geoff Merrick, David Rodgers, Gerry Sweeney and Trevor Tainton will attend with Chris Garland represented by son Adam and Jimmy Mann by club legend Tom Ritchie.
Fans are asked to head to their seats earlier than usual.
By 2.40pm Fans to take their seats
2.45pm Paul Cheesley introduced to crowd
2.46pm Showing on big screen of the recently unearthed video of THAT Jimmy Mann goal from 1979 against Nottingham Forest
From 2.45pm Surfer flag moves along South Stand from the corner with Lansdown Stand to the Section 82 corner
2.47pm Paul Cheesley welcomes the Ashton Gate 8 to the centre circle* with images on the big screen
2.56pm City and Middlesbrough players line up
2.57pm The Ashton Gate 8 leave the field
3pm Kick-off
On 8 minutes: 8:01 to 8:59 applause and a giant '8' card mosaic** in the Upper Dolman central three blocks
*In the event of adverse weather preventing the pitch parade, the Ashton Gate 8 will be welcomed on to the Heineken Lounge balcony. Timings will remain the same.
On February 3rd 1982, eight players selflessly tore up their contracts to save the club from financial ruin – an act which will never be forgotten.
www.bcfc.co.uk
The Ashton Gate Eight
On February 3rd 1982, eight players selflessly tore up their contracts to save the club from financial ruin – an act which will never be forgotten.
Bristol City were just minutes away from folding with the club set to cease trading at midday.
There was seemingly only one way out of the hole: the club would be declared bankrupt, a new club would be formed under a new board and the players who were on long-term deals would be asked to tear up their contracts. Without these measures, the club would no longer exist.
Enter the Ashton Gate Eight. Geoff Merrick, Chris Garland, Trevor Tainton, David Rodgers, Gerry Sweeney, Jimmy Mann, Peter Aitken and Julian Marshall were given the ultimate ultimatum. Either they agreed to have their contracts terminated or the club would fold.
Those eight selfless men are the reason the club is still thriving 40 years on and here we celebrate each heroic individual.
Like us in 86 - they were on the verge of liquidation.
Keeping Bristol City in business meant more to those players than their own livelihood`s - which they selflessly sacrificed to keep the Robins in the Football League.
One of the Robins most successful teams in the mid 70`s:
Chris Garland
Andy Cole
Alan Walsh Some may remember he joined the Robins from Darlington, for just over £18,000 following a football league tribunal - The Quakers werent happy, but Alan and his family moved to the South West. The rest is history.
Bristol City c1969
Dickie Rooks left Boro in 1969 to join the Robins:
Gerry Sweeney He was a tough right-back, who wasnt known for putting a smile on opposing forwards faces!
Chris Wilder has hailed the commitments of Boro’s travelling support as the Teessiders prepare for a long trip to Bristol City.
Storm Eunice has arrived in parts of the UK, bringing strong winds that could disrupt travel plans across the country.
More than 1,800 Boro fans are set to make the journey to the south west, and the Boro manager hopes to reward them with another memorable away day.
“There’s no doubt about it, the attitude of football fans is what makes them the best,” Wilder said.
“You don’t want to miss out when things are going well and it’s brilliant to see.
“We saw it at Old Trafford, QPR, we do appreciate it and the onus is on us to go and produce another committed performance.
“However the fans get done there, by hook or by crook, hopefully we can reward it with a good result.”
As for Boro’s own travel arrangements, the Boro boss hopes they won’t be disrupted this afternoon - but says plans are in place to ensure his squad arrive ready to put in a performance.
“Hopefully we can fly, the club have been fabulous in those sorts of things to give us the best preparation for what will be another tough afternoon in terms of the football match.
“But we do have contingency plans and there will be no excuses come Saturday afternoon.”
Hello and welcome to Tripe Supper. Andrew and Craig are back to talk all things Boro including - the win over Derby- Connolly and Balogun impressing- The future of out of contract players- Martin P...
Chris Wilder is 15 games in to his tenure as Middlesbrough manager
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Chris Wilder delighted with his start at Middlesbrough but says now they have to put the gas down
Chris Wilder is 15 games in to his tenure as Middlesbrough manager [Is that all?]
“I’m greedy. I always want more,” Chris Wilder said when asked about the turnaround he's overseen in 15 games as Middlesbrough manager.
Lifting Boro from 14th to 6th, with 27 points from a possible 39, Wilder has also overseen FA Cup wins over Mansfield and Manchester United which sees Boro into the fifth round.
It's been a huge turnaround on Teesside, with performances a joy to watch too, and that has ignited a fanbase.
While the Boro boss is delighted with the start they've been able to make, he's far from sitting back with pipe and slippers in satisfaction of a job well done just yet.
“I always want more whether it’s in terms of results, performances, improvement from the players," he continued.
“That’s how it’s always going to be, whether it’s the 15th game or the 350th. I’ve not got a crystal ball in terms of how long we’ll be here, but we’ll give it our all while we are. We’re a demanding staff and I’m a demanding manager.
“But I’m a supportive manager as well. I’m delighted with the start, and I’m delighted with the players. To get the results we have at this level, we’ve had to play well.
“There’s been a few downsides in that, but I couldn’t ask for anything more from them.
“But that’s in the past, that’s gone, we’re happy with the start but we’re hungry for more. We’re hungry for that feeling of coming off the pitch at Old Trafford, coming off the pitch on Saturday when we’ve played as well as we did.
“The competitive aspect of us all means we want that feeling at ten to five on a Saturday of, ‘job done, got a result’.
“To get that you’ve got to do a lot of things right and we have to continue to do those things.”
The mood around the club is very positive right now - be that within the club or on the outside with the fans.
As well as cup exploits, there are 16 games remaining in the Championship season, with Boro currently in the top six and aiming to consolidate that position to earn a play-off spot come May as the games come thick and fast.
“I just keep the hammer and down and make sure we keep doing the things that has got us into this position," Wilder notes.
“This is where we need to step on the gas now. We’re in a good position, but we want to put ourselves in a great position.
“We’ll only do that by setting standards and maintaining them Monday-Friday and then into a game on Saturday.
“We keep the hammer down, stay humble and look to keep this momentum going that we’re building.”
It's been an excellent start and the turnaround in the consistency of performances is ultimately what has allowed Boro to climb up that league table to the extent they have.
Wilder still expects that Fulham and Bournemouth will seperate themselves from the chasing pack, but the further up that table Boro can get themselves, the more secure their chances of achieving their goals become.
Wilder continued: “We talk about my appointment being a medium to long-term one, and yeah, I’m really proud that the club views me as someone for the long-term.
“But there are opportunities for us right now. There is no point in dressing it up. We all can see the league table.
“We’re embracing it, we’re looking forward to it and we can’t shy away from it. There is pressure on every team.
“We’d rather have that because it means we must be doing something right and people are coming, getting behind us and expecting us to win.
“We won’t go the last 16 games without a setback, but we’ve proven after Blackburn we can react to that and I’d like our positive reaction to continue for a little while longer.
“So there will be a lot of football and a lot of emotions still to come this season. We need to keep calm, and also embrace it as well.”
There's already been plenty to enjoy about Chris Wilder's first 15 games at Middlesbrough, but there feels so much to look forward to ahead. Hopefully in 15 more the position in the table will be very rosy indeed.
Beyond that, right now, with Wilder manning the ship, the possibilities seem endless at the Riverside over the long-term.
Following Boro`s away draw at West Brom - we stood 14th in the Championship.
One point above 17th place Preston.
On the way home - Chris Wilder was announced as the new Boro Manager.
Richmond`s Josh Coburn had scored again.
Cracks were already showing in the Baggies sides - playing on the back foot and looking very defensive for a home side - with aspirations for promotion.
Some of their fans booed their team off at half - time.
It was close: We could have won. Spirits lifted as we heard the news - fans speculated who Chris Wilder would bring to the Riverside.
With a spring in our step and increased volume on the train into New Street - the mood had lifted already
Characterised by inconsistency and indifferent results - we needed a change of direction. We know we had a good squad. A previous Management regime had done its job - stabilising the club - following a disastrous nose-dive under Johnathan Woodgate. It had been difficult - playing in empty grounds during lock-down. It had been essential to jettison some of those highly paid players - notably Fletcher, Assombalonga, Ayala and Gestede. It was a pity that George Friend decided to move on - but he had more than done his duty to Boro and to Teesside - a true gent.
Josh and Jonesy particularly, had broken through - banging on the door. Matt "The Tree" Crooks has proven to be a "best buy". Is he the new "George Friend"?
Boro Record v Bristol City:
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