Good afternoon Peeps and Boro fans,

Only a couple of days until Middlesbrough battle Arsenal at the Riverside. The lunch time kick off looks very mouth-watering for a Boro fan. We have done very well against the north London team in the last four league meetings.

Boro took four points off Arsenal last season and will be looking to improve on that points total starting with another win against the top four side.

Can we beat Arsenal?

Of course we can, especially now because Arsene Wneger's side are going through a rough patch, which will give Gareth Southgate even more confidence going into the game.

The only problem Southgate faces before the game is his 'defensive pickings'. With David Wheater suspended after last weekends red card against Hull our manager will be sweating on the fitness of Robert Huth. If the German fails to make the game, then Seb Hines will be in contention to make a rare start.

I think the likes of Tuncay, Alves, Aliadiere and Downing will cause the Arsenal defence all sorts of problems on Saturday. If Tuncay has been reading the latest media reports, then he will be full of confidence knowing that a top team like Chelsea are after him. It can only be a good thing for our Turkish star.

Alves still has a lot to prove to the Boro players and I expect him to thrive against Arsenal. If Tuncay and Alves are on form, then I can see us winning on Saturday. Big if though.

I'll bring you the latest match preview tomorrow. Let's hope Huth is still in contention for a start. Fingers crossed.

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

Some bad news for all the Middlesbrough fans today. Chelsea are reportedly going to offer Boro £8million for Tuncay in January.

According to some newspaper talk, our Turkish hit man is wanted by the Blues and Tuncay is Scolari's number one target in January to add more fire-power to his Chelsea team.

Gareth Southgate will be bracing himself for the offer in January and if he has any sense he will reject that offer straight away. Tuncay has been our best player this season by a mile. He was awesome last season as well and is a fans favourite at the Riverside.

Southgate might be tempted by a big cash offer for the Turk though. We have funding problems ahead of the transfer window and the Boro boss has insisted he wants to strengthen his midfield.

I would not be surprised if the next move is by Southgate. He will either say Tuncay is not for sale or the Blues have to cough up £10million. I'm also sure that if Tuncay was to be sold that other European giants will be contenders for his signature.

We need to keep Tuncay though, if we're to get better as a team. He is one of a few that has experience in the team. He will be a vital player for us in the next couple of seasons.

What do you guys think? Would it be a big mistake selling Tuncay? Or, considering we signed him on a free, would it be good business? - Answers on a post card or alternatively post your comments in the aptly named box below.

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Good morning Peeps and Boro fans,

I hope everyone is well and looking forward to the Arsenal game this weekend. It will be a tall order for our boys to repeat last seasons win against the Gunners, but I'm sure they will be up for the lunch time kick off on Saturday.

Off the pitch and there has been a number of players linked to Middlesbrough this week. It is unsure whether Southgate will have any funds to wheel and deal in the transfer market in January. Yesterday's 'Follow the Boro Brick Road' suggested that Downing was off to Spurs, but after talking to a few Boro fans and reading the latest reaction news from that story, it seems that Downing wants to stay put.

If Stewie does stay at the Riverside in January it will mean that Southgate may look to sell off another big name in the squad to raise funds. My money is on Mido. The Egyptian is unsure about his future at the Riverside and after he was left out of the squad last Saturday I would not be surprised if he is already looking for a new club.

Mido money will strengthen the team

Steve Bruce is a big fan of Mido and could offer him a regular slot at the JJB if he decides to go there in January. A figure of £7million would fit the bill if Southgate wants to sell. Wigan reportedly offered £6million in the summer transfer window, but Southgate rejected it straight away.

So, if we do get the money for Mido, Southgate will look to strengthen the team with that money.

Players that have been linked to the Riverside this week are: Marko Pantelic, Stephen Hunt and Anthony Vanden Borre.

Pantelic is a recognised goal scorer who currently applies his trade in Germany with Hertha Berlin. The Serbian international has a decent goal record. I think Southgate would be tempted by a player of his calibre because he is experienced at 30-years-old. The Boro boss faces competition from Everton, Wigan and West Brom for his signature. Possibility rating: 2/5

Stephen Hunt was linked to us last summer along with James Harper, but both decided to stay at Reading to help them get back in the Premiership. Hunt would be an ideal player for Boro. He is very passionate and loves to run all day long. He would be very similar to Tuncay's work-rate and has a good delivery. Possibility rating: 2/5

The most likely out of the three players reported this week is the signing of Anthony Vanden Borre. Southgate likes signing versatile players and Vanden Borre fits the criteria very well. He is predominantly a right back, but can play in midfield. The Belgian starlet wants to play in England and Boro could be the likely destination for the 21-year-old. Negotiations have apparently already started. Possibility rating: 3/5

What do the fans think of these possibilities? Do we need another striker? Who would you like to see in a Boro shirt in the new year?

Answers on a post card or alternatively post your comments in the aptly named box below.

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Afternoon Peeps and Boro fans,

Another disappointing weekend has come and gone. The Tigers fought back from a Tuncay flick to inflict another terrible late show.

How the Hull did it happen?

I was watching in disbelief as Marlon King strokes a sloppy penalty past Ross Turnbull in the final stages of the game to make it 2-1 to Hull.

After Tuncay had struck to give us the lead, I thought we would be ok and that we would be climbing up the league tonight. How wrong I was. An unthinkable moment of comedy errors occurred at the most important period in the game, the last ten minutes.

I do have some sympathy for Ross in our goal because he has been very strong for us in recent months. It was a shame that his run of good games came to an end at Hull on Saturday.

The goals were individual mistakes, however you look at it. The main contenders were: Turnbull (first goal), Wheater (penalty), the referee (penalty) and the assistant (Geovanni being offside leading to the penalty).

Naive is a word that has been used a lot this season describing our team. We are a young side that lacks the discipline and leadership skills to close a game out without producing mistakes. Gareth Southgate will have to address this problem if we're to move up the league.

With all the late goals that we've conceded in games this season, I make it 10 points lost. We cannot afford to lose many more games or points because of naivety within our team. Those 10 points would have put us in the top five and within touching distance of the top three.

The Arsenal game on Saturday will be a massive game for us because our confidence will hinge on the performance against the North London side. A win will see us gather momentum going into the Christmas period whilst a loss will see us in all sorts of problems.

Downing to Tottenham in January

Will he? Won't he? That is the question all Boro and Spurs fans are asking. I think January could see a new era starting at the Riverside. The golden boy of Teesside has had better seasons in a Boro shirt and with some fans questioning his abilities he might just take the gamble of going to another team in the Premiership to seek better fortunes for himself.

Gareth Southgate needs funds to improve the team in January so the sale of Downing could well and truly be on. A figure of £12million will probably be accepted for our left winger, which would mean a couple of new players for Southgate to look at to strengthen the midfield and defence.

Personally I would like to see Stewart go to a team like Liverpool, where he would flourish in the Champions League. We know he can play at the highest level, but if he played more high profile games I think he can be world class in the coming years. We'll have to wait and see what happens in January 2009.

I'll bring you guys all the transfer gossip tomorrow, including rumours about another Belgian starlet and a Serbian.

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

What a week of football news we've had. Off the pitch that is. It all started with the Mido incident at the beginning of the week and now, at the end of the week, all the news has been about Roy Keane leaving the Stadium of Light.

It seems that Boro are currently the most stable club in the North East. Gareth Southgate must be quietly smug about the situation of his two local rivals. First Kevin Keegan left his post at Newcastle earlier this season and now Keano has left Sunderland.

I was very surprised to hear the news that Roy had left Sunderland yesterday. He is a very astute character and is not one for giving in, so it confused me slightly when the Sunderland chairman, Nial Quinn said that Roy had left because he had taken the club as far as possible.

Keane is a winner through and through. My opinion is that he knew he wasn't going to get any help in the January transfer window to help strengthen his squad and decided to call it a day now rather than prolong the job with insufficient resources.

If Keane thought the team was going to be in a relegation battle I think he would have had a couple of ideas on who to bring in to help the team survive, but something has gone on behind the scenes that we've not heard about yet. I'm looking forward to reading part II of Keane's book when it comes out.

With both rival clubs in dire straits it seems that Gareth Southgate will be holding his head up slightly higher. I make him king of the North East now.

Our boss will feel more confident about his future now knowing that he has the best team in the North East. 

Hull City vs Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate takes his band of merry men to the KC stadium tomorrow to face a couple of old team buddies. George Boateng, Nick Barmby and Dean Windass all play for the Tigers. Out of the three, George is the only player likely to face Boro on the pitch. It will be interesting to see Digard battle against our old boy.

Good news on the injury front ahead of the game. Robert Huth is back in the squad and Gary O'Neil has also made the game after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Bolton.

Probable line-up: Turnbull, Hoyte, Taylor, Pogatetz, Wheater, Aliadiere, Downing, O'Neil, Digard, Alves, Tuncay.

The bench will look something like this: Jones, Huth, Bates, Arca, Emnes, Mido, McMahon

Prediction: Hull's style of play should help Boro tomorrow because they play very attacking football. This will allow Boro to also have the freedom to attack. I'm predicting goals, goals and goals.

Hull City 2 Middlesbrough 4

What do the fans think? Will Boro get an away win?

Enjoy the game, see you there!

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

I hope everyone is in good spirit this morning! The sleet and snow is tumbling down outside whilst I'm writing this. The sled has been cleaned is ready for take-off once the snow has settled.

Yesterday Mido pointed the finger at the F.A. after the Egyptian received racial abuse from the Newcastle United fans at the Tees-Tyne derby last Saturday.

This was not the first time Mido has heard Islamaphobic chants directed at him by the Newcastle fans. The same fixture last year also had similar chanting.

Understandably Mido is very upset and has pointed the blame at the F.A. for not acting upon the abuse in last seasons Tees-Tyne derby.

"They (Newcastle fans) kept chanting disgusting words, racist words, about Islam and unfortunately this is the second time from the same fans."

 

Mido is insistent that the F.A. will not do anything the second time around, but still think they have the power to stop the racial abuse. Strong words from our Egyptian striker towards the F.A.

"It happened since the first time the English FA did nothing. I considered this an invitation from the English FA to repeat such shameful acts from the Newcastle supporters, I am asking the English FA to take serious action to stop such things."

 

Mido is totally right on this one. How has it come to this that the victim in this thoughtless situation has to speak out to get things moving in the right direction. The F.A. should be taking this very seriously and should have identified the culprits by now and be taking action against them, after all, they are criminals. Racial abuse is a crime in this country. It's not acceptable on the street so why should it be 'swept under the carpet' if it occurs at football matches?

What do the fans think about the F.A.'s involvement, or lack of, with the Mido abuse? 

Hull City this Saturday

Back to the football now. It looks like we will have our big German stopper for the Hull game. Robert Huth returned to training this week and has been put in the squad to face the tigers on Saturday. 

Gareth Southgate will be very happy with the strength of his squad at the moment because the injury list is very short at this present moment. Chris Riggott is nearing full fitness as well after he suffered a hamstring injury against Everton last month.

Boro fans will also be very pleased to hear that Matthew Bates is nearing full match fitness. The 21-year-old had spent a lengthy time on the sidelines, but is now ready to fight for a place in the starting line-up. Southgate is hoping he can kick-start his career again after a lengthy lay-off.

"Having been through his previous injuries, he knew what he had to do to get himself fit again. I hope it works out for him."

 

The only injury worry ahead of the Hull game this Saturday is the fitness of Pogatetz. The Austrian picked up a bad shoulder injury against Newcastle. He is racing to be fit and doesn't want to miss the trip and play against his former team-mate George Boateng.

More pre-match news tomorrow.

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

I hope everyone is fine and well? It sure was a cold one last night here in England. My early morning workout today consisted of scraping the ice off the car. Never mind using de-icer, give your arms a mini workout, I say.

I'm going to follow on from yesterdays blog about Arsenal's players ending up on Teesside. Ok, we only have two former Gooner's on board, but that could soon change with the arrival of Traore. A figure of around £4million has been slapped on the left back if we're serious about taking him.

Is this a fair amount for a 19-year-old French U21 international? I think so. Boro may not have the funds to throw about at any player, but if Southgate thinks he needs him, then I'm sure the money will appear from somewhere. Whether the money will come from the chairman or from selling on a couple of players remains uncertain yet.

One thing is sure though, we've been talking about Arsenal's youngsters and the amount of good teenagers they have got that are not playing in the first team. After their league cup exit last night, a fair few of those youngsters will probably only get a couple of substitute appearances from the remainder of the season's games.

Here is my point, Arsene Wenger may have to keep some of those players sweet by letting them go out to fellow Premiership teams on loan. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of these North London youngsters being scattered across the country so they are able to play football.

Gareth Southgate obviously has a good relationship with Arsene Wenger because of the Aliadiere and Hoyte signings, plus he had very good words to say about our Gareth at the end of last season. 'An up and coming manager with lots of potential to lead a young team to glory' were the words that Wenger told one journalist. I would say that Arsene will be getting a Christmas card from the Boro manager this year.

It would be no shock to see an Arsenal youngster at the Riverside in the new year. I'm just wondering which one of their talents would suit a move to the cold of the north east for a few months.

A creative midfield player would be nice to fill that missing gap in the side. If Southgate was to be successful in landing an Arsenal player on loan it will also give the Boro boss more time to find the funds for a summer signing.

More news tomorrow. Keep warm people!

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

We're only two days into the festive season and the rumour mill is already bursting with transfer gossip.

I read last night that Axel Witsel is staying put at Standard Liege according to the club's vice-president. A bid of £17million had been rejected earlier this week for the 20-year-old midfielder, which confirms that Boro's interest in the young starlet is now officially over because we do not have that kind of money laying about.

Boro fans are still waiting for good news regarding a creative midfield player. We are desperate for an attacking midfielder to strengthen the team.

Steven Defour's name is still on everybody's lips concerning transfer rumours, but I must admit if Arsenal are interested in the Belgian maestro, then we may have to concede that possibility now before we get our hopes up.

A team of Arsenal cast-off's

Southgate might have a little plan when dealing with Arsene Wenger in January. The Boro boss is apparently interested in strengthening his left back situation. Taylor needs competition and cover so a move for Armand Traore looks likely. The Arsenal left back is currently on loan at Portsmouth and Wenger might be tempted to letting the 19-year-old Frenchman go if a cash offer plus Southgate's interest in Defour dies down.

If Southgate is successful in landing the Arsenal player, it would be another Gunner joining us. We already have Aliadiere and Justin Hoyte. To be honest I wouldn't mind having a team of Arsenal cast-off's, at least they are all good players that have been nurtured by arguably the best coach on the planet.

I can see what Gareth Southgate is doing with the team/squad. He wants to make the team a formidable force in the coming years so that's why he is purchasing players that are aged between 19 and 23-years-old. He is still building a team and is showing us that by bringing in players like Digard, Emnes and Hoyte. These players are not overnight stars, they are players for the future.

Boro fans are not fickle like many other Premier league club fans. We don't demand overnight success so when Southgate makes moves like this, we are right behind him. Just get it right soon yeah! Two more seasons for him to get his five-year plan spot on.

More gossip on its way when the rumour mill churns it out.

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Good Morning Peeps and Boro Fans,

The flu has been fully exorcised from my body, at last. Sorry I couldn't bring the pre-match blog on Friday morning, my head just couldn't handle all the lights and my fingure tips felt like small hammers as I attempted to type on the keypad.

I am in full voice this morning though and have a couple of things to get off my chest, other than the remainders of mucus. Sorry if you're still eating breakfast.

Sunday newspapers at it again

What really grips me is the match reports in the Sunday papers. Having seen the match myself and witnessed all the goings-on of the Tees-Derby on Saturday I was really pi**ed off when I read the Sunday Mail's match report. I'm not one for naming names so I'll leave the name of the little weasel out of this blog post.

He said that the Tees-Tyne derby was a flat affair and the crowd lacked atmosphere. Was this writer actually at the game? I don't think he was. I reckon he was sitting in his Surrey home watching the English rugby team get walloped by the all blacks. The next thing this idiot decided to frown upon was about our very talented, Afonso Alves. His words were - 'A £12.5million embarrassing advert for Brazilian football.'

Again, if the chap was at the game he would have noticed that Alves was one of the brightest sparks on the pitch. His footwork and touch was clear evidence that he is a gifted player.

I can't wait to see what this moron will write when Alves gets his goals.

Boro battle the barcodes

Southgate was pleased with his team's performance on Saturday as they claimed a point in the Tees-Tyne derby. I was also very pleased with the way they responded from last week's 3-1 defeat to Bolton.

The team will now be confident of getting a result at Hull this Saturday. The defensive showing was super on Saturday and it looks like Downing and Aliadiere have finally found their rhythm this season. Very pleasing to see.

So, on this cold Monday morning, I won't reflect too much on the retard that spoilt my Sunday reading. We can now look forward to the Hull game on Saturday.

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Morning Peeps and Boro fans,

I am well-prepared for this stage of the season. The first thing I read this morning when woke up was that Tottenham Hotspur are planning on bidding for Stewart Downing in January.

Sounds like a broken record, the people that make this rubbish up should change their tune and annoy someone else.

The suggested bid of £11million is so laughable that it doesn't even stand a chance of reaching our fax machine because Steve Gibson has had the old fax machine tweaked so that stupid bids like this will not filter through. Call it a safeguard against pirates.

Harry The Pirate

Living on the south coast of England in massive mansion of a house must have been pure boredom for Harry Redknapp because it seems that the Spurs manager has turned into a pirate. He thinks he can wave orders around and take things that are not his for very little bounty.

If he wants our prized possession, then you will have to cough up a more considerable amount. These home-grown players don't grow on trees and we don't pluck them from thin air.

Another option would be to fight us for it. Harry the pirate could sail his ship up the North Sea and down the River Tees where he will meet a strong army of noble men. This army will be lead by Captain South 'Hook-nose' Gate. He is related to one of Middlesbrough's greatest sea traveller and explorer, Captain Cook and has inherited the fighting spirit.

So, if Harry the pirate is serious about taking Stewart Downing to White Hart Lane, then I suggest he ups the bounty. Downing is going nowhere for that small sum of money.

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