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WHAT A DIFFERENCE A COUPLE OF MONTHS MAKES 5-2-07
Rob Dixon
After the Boro held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Riverside, my only disappointment was that we didn't hang on to the lead and win. Funnily enough, that was apparently the mood of the players after the game too.
That mentality alone gives us all an insight as to where we have arrived in 2007. A couple of vital wins against other relegation candidates made us look secure of being in the Premier league next season. After several more wins, including a 5-1 demolition on a Bolton side that seemingly failed to turn up at our place, and now a couple of satisfying draws - we could even push on for Europe and have a great FA Cup run.
I am delighted to echo Toby Higgins' comment that we shouldn't lose at home again this season. The belief is firmly in place at the moment from the fans, the players and the staff. We've spent the last season in the half playing silly buggers in the league with our world famous showings of pure inconsistency. I'm beginning to be less cynical at my beloved Boro once more - and the last time we all did that, they went to Eindhoven.
Two of the main reasons we're back to our best are thanks to the ever-reliable form of Jonathan Woodgate and the returning danger of Stewart Downing. Like many, I'm delighted both have a chance to shine in the forthcoming England friendly. There's also been a feeling for me that Southgate may eventually give Downing the kick up the arse that he needed.
I've never seen the 'Pallister Park star' (as coined in every other paragraph about him on mfc.co.uk) as arrogant or without ethic, mainly just without a direction. The shackles of McClaren held him back and left him with the doubt that he should defend constantly. Thankfully, now all he wants to do is get to the byline and get the ball in.
If you'd asked me two months ago about out chances of keeping Jonathan Woodgate at the club, I'd have laughed at you. Now however, we have an opportunity to do just that. He has seen firsthand his importance to the club's backline and playing with us has got him injury-free (touch wood) and back into the England fold. He has achieved those aims with us and he has everyone's wholehearted support. Maybe this could be enough to make him consider staying with us and helping to build a team with some of the best youngsters in the Premiership.
One person I'm not so sad to have seen leaving is Massimo Maccarone. After several seasons of unfulfilled potential, Mac entered Boro folklore last year - and now he's gone and spoilt it. Whether he made the comments he supposedly did remains to be seen, but what we all know is he has no right to criticise anything about the club that stood by him throughout a nightmare spell.
We paid him a ton in wages so he could warm the bench and he moans that Southgate didn't fulfil a promise to give him a run in the first team. Why? Because he wasn't good enough, simple as that. He earned a start at Watford this season and was anonymous. He was given chances, but never took them.
I was glad to see some clearing out of players in the transfer window. Ugo Ehiogu was a great servant but ultimately had to leave, as did the ineffectual and dull Ray Parlour. It's nice to see some de-cluttering in an attempt to give the young players a more prominent role. I also admired Southgate's attitude in the window, as he refused to pay over the odds for players. He wants to buy quality players at a reasonable price and, while it is an honourable concept, it is becoming far more difficult - with smaller clubs holding the Premiership's teams to ransom at times.
There is optimism however, in the form of Lee Dong Gook. We all look forward to seeing what he can do, as it has been stated several times that the man is a superstar in Asia. He's had injury problems but maybe, like Woody, he can get rid of them here and move on to great things with the club. He's not over 30 either, which makes him a quality purchase for now.
I remain concerned about our failure to strengthen the right midfield spot though. Jimmy Morrison is proving to be a danger there but he likes a certain quality of presence, while again Lee Cattermole is playing out his skin there but I'd prefer to see him in the centre. Hopefully in the close season, we will have the opportunity to buy someone who can add the necessary width and balance to the team.
And finally, just a quick word of praise for Julio Arca. He's quietly gone about his business in the middle and may be there for the long haul. His eye for a pass is proving instrumental to the side and the two goals against Charlton have really seen his stock rise in the fans' eyes. Not too bad for a person who was supposed to replacing Franck Queudrue at left back.
I just hope when I write this next month, I've still got a smile on my face!
Up the Boro
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