|
|
THE BORO YOUTH COLUMN
Written by Laurence I'Anson
With just one game to go, the season's end is here. A long summer break is around the corner. But there is one almighty game left at Man City to conclude the season. And if we don't give it our all, then the previous thirty-seven league games won't mean much at all.
It was absolutely crucial to get a win on Saturday against The Spuds. And the lads did a smashing job in keeping Spurs at bay after the indestructible Boateng scored the winner despite the deflection that diverted it past the keeper. It was a brilliant performance from all the team that needs to be followed up in Manchester on Sunday.
A positive omen for the game has been mentioned and the reminder that Manchester City have never beaten us in the Premiership will buoy on the 2200 fans in the away section at the City Of Manchester stadium. And the rumoured few Boro fans in the home end, such was the demand for tickets. They were definitely hot property as they sold out in just eight hours.
Another rush for tickets was for the Derby game at St James' last month. As expected around two and a half thousand Boro fans congregated in the top corner of the stadium - apparently ¼ of a mile away from the centre circle - to cheer on the lads in the hope of a derby win. It was our best chance in years to grab a win against our old foes and cement our place as a North-East top dog.
But it wasn't to be, as we fluffed two or three great opportunities in front of goal and only had Brad Jones and a brilliant defensive display to thank for keeping us unbeaten against the Geordies this season. The highlight of the night was the constant singing by us Boro fans including, allegedly, Tony McMahon. Shows what a true Boro lad he is.
Everyone there that night sang their heart out, whilst some lads even went as far as nicking a dirty old mop, from the toilets I guess, in order to enhance their evening and create a bit of banter in stands. Only to be spoiled by the Bobbys taking it from them at half time.
The 'easy, easy, easy' chant was definitely most popular and most frequent, possibly too frequent, while "36 years and you've won fuc* all" was the most appropriate to a load of sad Geordies who sat quiet as a mouse throughout.
And to be able to splash out at Newcastle on pies, beer, programme, etc, I sold a MFC match day programme on eBay recently. "Well you can't have got much for that?" I hear you say. But the programme in question was no ordinary MFC match day programme. Well it was, just it was extra-ordinary.
It was from the home game versus Chelsea back in September. And with Chelsea just securing the Premiership/Championship for the first time in 50 years, these items are now gathering a collectible status to them. Now I hear a "how much did you get for that then" call from the back of the room. Well I'll tell you for free. £42 was what the winning bidder paid as a result of a 'fierce' bidding war.
And next season we will be able to look forward to four derby games, as the recently promoted Sunderland will join us in the country's elite. Personally I hope they do better than the barcodes up the road, but when it's our turn to entertain them, I hope we do just that and give them a good stuffing. I think they'll have to spend heavily in the summer in order to survive but I reckon it's possible.
Another stadium I'm looking forward to go to is the JJB at Wigan. It wasn't really a surprise seeing them coming up but only a few years ago they were playing League Two football. A lot of investment is needed but it is good to see another northern team in the Premiership. And with a bit of luck we may see another one if either Derby or Preston come through the play-offs which is expectedly tough with the likes of West Ham and Ipswich competing in the other play-off fixture.
Maybe whoever the play-off winner is, or even Wigan or the Mackems, or even any other Prem team, they might put on what West Brom did a couple of weeks ago and repay their fans with free coaches. I just wished the Boro did it to repay us for our support through the season as we do pay quite a bit more than others for travel being second most northerly team. After all the more fans the better atmosphere to cheer on the team in the hope of three points. It creates a top atmosphere and gives a good day out to all aboard.
And whilst on the topic of support, the atmosphere at the Riverside has been better than normal lately in hand with the recent mini-revival. But to be honest this is how it should have been all season at every home game. It seems that when the opposition bring a few fans then we put on a better atmosphere. But it should be for every game no matter what the atmosphere. I say bring back the original Holgate . . . somehow!!!
There have been desires from some fans for a special standing and singing section at the Riverside and this is something I would like to see a lot. It would congregate all the people, or at least some of those who want to stand and sing at the games, while others won't be affected as much. I and a lot of others would certainly want to be part of this and would probably mean selecting the whole north stand for the people wishing to stand. This would be too unsafe and unfortunately I can't see it happening.
Next time I'll be writing, we'll be on our long deserved break from football and looking forward to seeing Boro in Europe for a second consecutive season.
Up The Boro!!!!
BACK TO YOUTH COLUMN INDEX
|
|
|
|
