Championship thread 25/26! (54 Viewers)

[quinn1971]

Yeah, to be fair Ipswich and Hull are in the cup so if we beat Boro, we’re back top and widen the gap.

and it was always about the gap to 3rd, just don’t lose on monday and we’ll go into the West Brom game with a full squad for the 1st time in ages, no excuses after that, hopefully it’s given Thomas and kitching a bit of a wake up call, you’re not undropable, it’s gonna be a cracking game,

 

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[Shannerz]

Completely agree. Franks early season success has brought expectation and entitlement to the fan base.

If he gets us into the playoffs perpetually then he’s doing his job well.

Of course it’s the hope that kills you but we all knew deep down the early season was simply not sustainable.

To a point that's true, but to throw it away from the position we were in would be a pretty abject failure.

The form didn't have to be sustainable, we had a margin for error and could afford a drop off in results. What we had to do was avoid collapsing. We've conspicuously failed to do that.

 

[Macca]

To a point that's true, but to throw it away from the position we were in would be a pretty abject failure.

The form didn't have to be sustainable, we had a margin for error and could afford a drop off in results. What we had to do was avoid collapsing. We've conspicuously failed to do that.

This is a good point. At half way we could have afforded a drop to 1.5 points a game, effectively a 69 point season and still finished on circa 85 points

 

[Macca]

To a point that's true, but to throw it away from the position we were in would be a pretty abject failure.

The form didn't have to be sustainable, we had a margin for error and could afford a drop off in results. What we had to do was avoid collapsing. We've conspicuously failed to do that.

Damn you changing my thought process just before bed

 

[quinn1971]

To a point that's true, but to throw it away from the position we were in would be a pretty abject failure.

The form didn't have to be sustainable, we had a margin for error and could afford a drop off in results. What we had to do was avoid collapsing. We've conspicuously failed to do that.

The form dropped when we lost Asante It’s no coincidence, we tried playing the same but nobody capable of doing what he does for us, I’ll get pelters of certain people but we had Eccles trying to play in the 10 Saturday, just Slowed us down, we were all about pace and closing down start of the season, Asante starts it from the front, and watch how much space wright gets when he plays

 

[Shannerz]

The form dropped when we lost Asante It’s no coincidence, we tried playing the same but nobody capable of doing what he does for us, I’ll get pelters of certain people but we had Eccles trying to play in the 10 Saturday, just Slowed us down, we were all about pace and closing down start of the season, Asante starts it from the front, and watch how much space wright gets when he plays

It may have been a factor but it's over-simplifying to blame one thing.

Disruption from illness, naively continuing with the same tactics when they stopped giving us the same results, and general mismanagement of the squad hurt us way more than the loss of any one player.

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

Eccles is always going to divide opinion, for me he is one of our most consistent players. There are far more inconsistent players in our squad and the midfield, when did torp last have a good game? Grimes? Rudoni?

Are you saying you believe Eccles is far more consistent than Grimes?

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

The form dropped when we lost Asante It’s no coincidence, we tried playing the same but nobody capable of doing what he does for us, I’ll get pelters of certain people but we had Eccles trying to play in the 10 Saturday, just Slowed us down, we were all about pace and closing down start of the season, Asante starts it from the front, and watch how much space wright gets when he plays

1000% this, we played with pace, energy, chasing and closing down from the front, and as soon as BTA was out it all changed

Eccles was ok at the weekend but he doesn’t give us the same level of game I don’t think

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

Right, serious question.

Everyone is agreeing that Boro are really good, that's beyond dispute.

So, a lot of people think they will hammer us next week.

With that in mind, would we therefore be happy with a draw on Monday?

we actually played some great stuff at the weekend, the only problem we have is we don’t score two or three early then our heads drop and we panic

play like we did against Oxford, get the scoring touch / combination of forwards back and I think we’ll be fine

 

[quinn1971]

It may have been a factor but it's over-simplifying to blame one thing.

Disruption from illness, naively continuing with the same tactics when they stopped giving us the same results, and general mismanagement of the squad hurt us way more than the loss of any one player.

Take Hackney out the mboro team for 12 games, you think that wouldnt affect them, that’s how important Asante is for us, sometimes it is that simple, we’ve missed one of our consistently best players and top scorer for 12 games,

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

Take Hackney out the mboro team for 12 games, you think that wouldnt affect them, that’s how important Asante is for us, sometimes it is that simple, we’ve missed one of our consistently best players and top scorer for 12 games,

BTA owes us big time now with this stupid ban.

 

[quinn1971]

1000% this, we played with pace, energy, chasing and closing down from the front, and as soon as BTA was out it all changed

Eccles was ok at the weekend but he doesn’t give us the same level of game I don’t think

Exactly no,offence to Eccles, he’s done ok this season but if we’re being honest he doesn’t start when everyone's fit, problems been whilst Asante’s been out we’ve had too many players gone missing 15 games to go and we’re still hoping that rudoni and wright step up, running out of games but just need to find some sort of form and eveything changes,

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

The form dropped when we lost Asante It’s no coincidence, we tried playing the same but nobody capable of doing what he does for us, I’ll get pelters of certain people but we had Eccles trying to play in the 10 Saturday, just Slowed us down, we were all about pace and closing down start of the season, Asante starts it from the front, and watch how much space wright gets when he plays

A lot more than that. Simms was scoring, 10 in 12..or thereabouts, got player of the month..Then dropped. Bizarre.

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

we actually played some great stuff at the weekend, the only problem we have is we don’t score two or three early then our heads drop and we panic

play like we did against Oxford, get the scoring touch / combination of forwards back and I think we’ll be fine

Great stuff, really?

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

Take Hackney out the mboro team for 12 games, you think that wouldnt affect them, that’s how important Asante is for us, sometimes it is that simple, we’ve missed one of our consistently best players and top scorer for 12 games,

Our defence and midfield have been dreadful. Tactics dreadful..This isn't on one player, being out. Frank has had a squad and refused to use it. Simms scoring goals, gets a monthly award, then dropped.

 

[SeaSeeEffCee]

Our defence and midfield have been dreadful. Tactics dreadful..This isn't on one player, being out. Frank has had a squad and refused to use it. Simms scoring goals, gets a monthly award, then dropped.

There is no way you aren’t related to or a close friend of Simms. You mention him in every single post you make

 

[quinn1971]

Our defence and midfield have been dreadful. Tactics dreadful..This isn't on one player, being out. Frank has had a squad and refused to use it. Simms scoring goals, gets a monthly award, then dropped.

Our defence has always been dreadful, we lost our top scorer and stopped scoring,he played in the 10, started the press from the front and took defenders Away from wright, don’t think some realize how important he is, feel A bit sorry for Simms

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

Our defence has always been dreadful, we lost our top scorer and stopped scoring,he played in the 10, started the press from the front and took defenders Away from wright, don’t think some realize how important he is, feel A bit sorry for Simms

Wright, Simms and Assante, all have 10 goals. This isn't on one player missing. It is on the manager, sticking with the same players, same system. No subs, late subs. The fans can see it. It is obvious. Milan being played, whilst ill. KH not played. Wolf not played. Lati not played. Wright picked over the inform striker. Wright 2 in 20, Simms 10 in 12. Frank, won't alter systems. 1.0 up away, recently. Lock up, bring Wolf on, go back 5..Worst that happens, you get a point. Oxford at home, no threat whatsoever, one striker. Even bring Thomas on, as an extra "lump the ball forward", last 15 minutes.

 

[quinn1971]

Wright, Simms and Assante, all have 10 goals. This isn't on one player missing. It is on the manager, sticking with the same players, same system. No subs, late subs. The fans can see it. It is obvious. Milan being played, whilst ill. KH not played. Wolf not played. Lati not played. Wright picked over the inform striker. Wright 2 in 20, Simms 10 in 12. Frank, won't alter systems. 1.0 up away, recently. Lock up, bring Wolf on, go back 5..Worst that happens, you get a point. Oxford at home, no threat whatsoever, one striker. Even bring Thomas on, as an extra "lump the ball forward", last 15 minutes.

Mate,thats What I’m saying you take Asante out and it doesn’t work, the squads been put together to play 433, lampards not changing it, he didn’t at Chelsea or derby, fair play to him for sticking to it, he knows what’s coming if we don’t get it done, all I’m saying is watch the difference in us once asantes back

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

There is no way you aren’t related to or a close friend of Simms. You mention him in every single post you make

I am a white male, early 60s. I am more closely related to Lenny Henry, than Simms. My family are originally from Wolverhampton, moved to Cov, in the 50s. My association with Lenny, is based on Wolverhampton being close to to Dudley, where Lenny grew up. I just can't get my head around, Simms scores 10 in 12 starts. Gets the monthly award. Wright comes back, straight back in. I think technically Wright is a better player, but we need goals. I obviously have no family relationships with Wright. Wish I had his money though. My posts are more about Franks love affair, with Wright. So much that Simms didn't get one minute, in 2 play offs and extra time, against Sunderland. Bizarre. Hope Frank turns it around. I did actually start a thread on "sign Bamford", but was ridiculed, as well. 7 in 9 goals for Sheffield Utd.

 

[Skyblueabo1111]

Mate,thats What I’m saying you take Asante out and it doesn’t work, the squads been put together to play 433, lampards not changing it, he didn’t at Chelsea or derby, fair play to him for sticking to it, he knows what’s coming if we don’t get it done, all I’m saying is watch the difference in us once asantes back

You can't rely on one player. Why "fair play" to Frank, for sticking with a system that isn't working? The Middlesbrough manager adapts, to what he has!

 

[clint van damme]

Mate,thats What I’m saying you take Asante out and it doesn’t work, the squads been put together to play 433, lampards not changing it, he didn’t at Chelsea or derby, fair play to him for sticking to it, he knows what’s coming if we don’t get it done, all I’m saying is watch the difference in us once asantes back

'Fair play to him?'
Not changing thinks as cost us big time,I'm not sure why you'd give him any credit for that.

A few managers have lost their jobs recently for being rigidly wedded to a formation that isn't working, he needs to a plan b

 

[Shannerz]

Take Hackney out the mboro team for 12 games, you think that wouldnt affect them, that’s how important Asante is for us, sometimes it is that simple, we’ve missed one of our consistently best players and top scorer for 12 games,

Yep, you're probably right.

Brandon Thomas-Asante's place in the starting line up is the difference between us being a team of all-conquering Championshp supermen and a bunch of mentally shot lower mid-table plodders.

We missed his energy, no question, but adjustments should and could have been made to account for that.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Yep, you're probably right.

Brandon Thomas-Asante's place in the starting line up is the difference between us being a team of all-conquering Championshp supermen and a bunch of mentally shot lower mid-table plodders.

We missed his energy, no question, but adjustments should and could have been made to account for that.

Yep he did last year when we lost our midfield and wright
Played 3 at the back and Simms and Bta up front and played long when on a winning streak
Even if we were playing well and not winning you’d change things to try and make something happen

 

[CovValleyBoy]

Wow BTAs absence is the reason for our decline.
Great energy. Can't trap a bag of cement.

 

[Hobo]

Let' Boro have their moment going top. They are a good side. But I can see pole position changing several times between now and the end of the season.

The important thing is stay in the mix and hit top form over the last 5 or 6 games. The time to do what Middlesbrough did last night is in the last two games not now

 

[Rodders1]

To a point that's true, but to throw it away from the position we were in would be a pretty abject failure.

The form didn't have to be sustainable, we had a margin for error and could afford a drop off in results. What we had to do was avoid collapsing. We've conspicuously failed to do that.

I think abject failure is a bit harsh in him - disappointing of course. Getting us in this position has been incredible with 15 to go with a squad none of us was saying should be getting autos with.

AND it’s also not over yet.

 

[Macca]

I think abject failure is a bit harsh in him - disappointing of course. Getting us in this position has been incredible with 15 to go with a squad none of us was saying should be getting autos with.

AND it’s also not over yet.

Its a debatable point but one you would hear far more if MR was in charge because ultimately personal preference will always play a part in opinions and discussion. Nevertheless Lampard took the job on knowing that only promotion would win the fans over given who he replaced. Now he needs to show what he is capable of when the chips are down

 

[quinn1971]

'Fair play to him?'
Not changing thinks as cost us big time,I'm not sure why you'd give him any credit for that.

A few managers have lost their jobs recently for being rigidly wedded to a formation that isn't working, he needs to a plan b

So how would you suggest he changes things, we set up more defensive on Saturday which was what a lot wanted and we couldn’t even score against Oxford, he sets up attacking to try and win games, rather see us come up short having a go at teams than play like we did Saturday, unless You wanted to see us play 532 with a back 5 who can’t defend and no wingers and 2 forwards who can’t hit a barn door at the minute, we’re a team who can’t defend but some fans want us to play more defensively, work that out

 

[clint van damme]

So how would you suggest he changes things, we set up more defensive on Saturday which was what a lot wanted and we couldn’t even score against Oxford, he sets up attacking to try and win games, rather see us come up short having a go at teams than play like we did Saturday

We should have been far more solid away from home. Especially when we started hemorrhaging points from winning positions.

Leaving Brau one on one at the back should carry a custodial sentence!

 

[quinn1971]

We should have been far more solid away from home. Especially when we started hemorrhaging points from winning positions.

Leaving Brau one on one at the back should carry a custodial sentence!

But if brau doesn’t do what he did, da silva doesn’t get sent off and Thomas and kitching don’t forget how to defend in those away games we don’t get beat, you can’t allow for players doing that and costing us games, we can’t defend everyone knows it, we don’t know another way to play other than to try and out score teams,

 

[clint van damme]

But if brau doesn’t do what he did, da silva doesn’t get sent off and Thomas and kitching don’t forget how to defend in those away games we don’t get beat, you can’t allow for players doing that and costing us games, we can’t defend everyone knows it, we don’t know another way to play other than to try and out score teams,

A manager can't be responsible for what his players do on the pitch? OK

And you don't leave Brau 1v 1 for fucks sake, that's on Lampard.

 

[SIR ERNIE]

How many players of ours get into Boro's XI

Exactly what Boro fans were saying about us when we smashed them in November.

 

[quinn1971]

A manager can't be responsible for what his players do on the pitch? OK

And you don't leave Brau 1v 1 for fucks sake, that's on Lampard.

so you think they practice getting sent off a minute into the 2nd half and kitching practices giving the ball to a centre forward to score, players have absolutely shit it, assnte makes the difference and we go back to 433, it works with him, Lampard might be a bit stubborn but im not slating him when players can’t even do basics anymore

 

[clint van damme]

so you think they practice getting sent off a minute into the 2nd half and kitching practices giving the ball to a centre forward to score, players have absolutely shit it, assnte makes the difference and we go back to 433, it works with him, Lampard might be a bit stubborn but im not slating him when players can’t even do basics anymore

So if you're exonerated the manager for our shit away form would it be fair to say he doesn't get credit for our excellent home form?