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THE BORO YOUTH COLUMN
Written by Laurence I'Anson
Well, what's going wrong? OK, we are still 6th (well, now 7th due to Bolton's win), but we are now in serious risk of not getting back into Europe.
We were a dead cert for European football earlier on the season, with an elusive Champions League spot on the horizon. But now we are surrounded by mid-tabled sides that are just two or three points away with a game in hand.
Yes we do play Crystal Palace and Southampton next, but these two will surely be up for it and will be scrapping for everything they can get to help them in their relegation battle. Unlike Boro who in the last few weeks have not looked like they were giving 100%.
Aston Villa was almost a horror show. The first half hour or so wasn't too bad as we showed some glimpses of good football. But the second half began and from the forty sixth minute, we showed nothing at all. Two chances by Graham and Zenden had us on our feet but both fell flat-footed.
Then when we were raised to our feet the villa stewards kicked a load of lads out for "persistent standing and singing".
It's a football match and the best fans in the country sing for their team. Obviously VILLA stewards won't realise this.
'Persistent standing' wasn't necessary. There were no reasons as to why we needed to stand up with us only having two good chances of goals in over ninety minutes of football.
I believe that the problems on the pitch at villa arose from the tactics employed by McClaren, again. What is the point of playing one striker when we are easily capable of three points? Especially considering Everton absolutely tore Villa apart the week before.
And it wasn't as if we were short on strikers. There was one on the right wing and two on the bench. I reckon playing the usual 4-4-2 would have given us something to cheer about. Villa weren't exactly the best team after all.
Our next game is against Lisbon in the Estadio summat or other. Personally I can't make it, but there will be thousands of Boro that will create the best atmosphere in Europe.
Finances are the reason I can't get there but after the Graz AK game at the Riverside there has been a lot of criticism aimed towards the people that have stayed away and watched on TV. The team needs the best support possible at the minute but if there is really that many of you who can't afford it then fair enough.
There have been hundreds if not thousands who have just stayed at home and left the Riverside half empty. We need fans that can get behind the team and give the best support in order for us to progress as far as we can.
And after the recent Carling Cup final, we are no longer in possession of a major trophy for the first time for a whole year. Well a year isn't long enough considering we waited 128 years for it. That's why we must give it our best shot in the UEFA Cup after being kicked out of both domestic cups.
The scum of Man.U threw us out of the FA Cup, and their recent game against Everton was an entertaining one to say the least. Rooney's return was the cause and it started before kick-off when an Everton sponsor thought it would be beneficial to hurl abuse at the potato-faced granny-fancier as he returned to the changing room. I thought this moment was very funny myself, as were the times when Rooney went anywhere near the Gladys Street End as he got the all appropriate finger signals from the ever-joyful Everton fans.
After the game there was also a major talking point as many Everton and United fans clashed outside the stadium. Bottles and other items were thrown as a slim line of police separated the fans. A number of reasons have been given to why they clashed but there is no place for violence and hooliganism in football. Just ask Jack.
But these events were all but inevitable due to the nature of the game, so why did the police only prepare for it with a thin line separating the fans? Football needs fat coppers!
On another football note, there have been rumours of Keegan leaving his job at Manchester City. I was considering this and was thinking whether they would go in for McClaren as a replacement. Think about this situation.
Boro knocked out of UEFA Cup next round. Finish mid-table in Premiership. No European place for next season. Newcastle finish above us. Zenden leaves at end of contract in summer.
Who would be happy with McClaren as manager in this situation? I know I wouldn't be. Obviously this would be the worst possible position to be in at the end of the season but it is feasible.
However, here is another feasible situation to cheer us up. Boro win UEFA Cup after a win over the Geordies in our second trip to Lisbon. Get our highest Premiership finish after sneaking into 5th place. Newcastle finish mid-table. Zenden signs up and another top class defender, midfielder and striker are bought to bolster our quality squad.
Finally, to help create the best atmosphere Lisbon has ever heard, here is a song for the lads to sing to cheer on the team. To the tune of 'Always Take the Weather With You.' Sent in by Phil Yates of Egglescliffe School.
Every where you go, always take the Boro
Every where you go, always take the Boro with you
Every where you go, always take the Boro
Everywhere you go always take the Boro
Take the Boro, take the Boro, take the Boro with you.
Come On Boro!!!!!
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