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ALASTAIR BROWNLEE - LIVE ONLINE AT COMEONBORO.COM - 11-12-07
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Alastair Brownlee appeared live on ComeOnBoro.com on Tuesday evening, 11th December 2007. Here are his answers to your questions.
Beany
Firstly, which viewing position do you prefer - the cramped North Stand with the two massive pillars obstructing the view at Ayresome or the spacious West Stand at the Riverside?
And secondly how did you first get the commentary job back at Ayresome?
Alastair Brownlee
The best viewing position is neither as my favourite view of the Boro action will always be to the right hand of the goal behind the Holgate End.
I first got the commentary job in the dark days of the early Eighties when attendences were poor and the local BBC station wanted a Boro fan to report on the team. The sports editor, John Allard, chose me and I've been doing the job ever since.
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dagwaie
Great as he is, should Boro try pushing Gary O'Neil into the middle alongside Arca? Arca and Rochemback are the first choice pairing (they even got recognised on MOTD as such) but do you think O'Neil would be better? Would he be able to do the job Rochemback did against Arsenal week in week out?
Secondly who would you pick out of Pogatetz, Wheater, Woodgate and Huth for the centre back pairing?
Alastair Brownlee
I would keep Gary O'Neil on the right side of midfield and bearing in mind that Rocky will be suspended for the West Ham game I'd go with George and Julio at the centre of midfield.
For the centre backs it would be Woodgate and Wheater. Wheats' performance against Arsenal was terrific and reminded me of watching Tony Mowbray.
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Frank
Do you think Boro need to enter the transfer market in January? If the players can put in performances like they did against Arsenal every week, is it necessary? If we need re-enforcements, should we wait until the summer to avoid the inflated price tags?
Alastair Brownlee
Yes I think we should still enter the transfer market as the squad needs strength in depth, especially up front. Aliadiere and Tuncay were magnificent against the Gunners but if injury strikes, we still look a bit thin, especially with Mido still out of action. I do agree though that in an ideal world, you would wait until the summer before bringing people in.
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Charlie Stubbs
Ali, as a local celebrity of sorts, do you get any fanny throwing themselves at you when you are out and about on the town?
Alastair Brownlee
Definitely not! Both Mrs Brownlee and Bernie would object.
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TeessideCleveland
Gary O'Neil is the best right-sided midfielder we've had in a few years in my opinion. He gives us balance with Downing (or Johnson) on the other wing.
Do you feel the same, that we've finally sorted out a position that has been a problem for a few years?
Alastair Brownlee
Yes I would agree - I think that Gary O'Neil is one of the best buys the club has made for many seasons and is possibly a candidate for the captain's role.
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Toby
Hi Ali
First things first, how's Bernie?!
Mark Schwarzer is a Boro legend but would you look to sign a replacement for him in January? Or would you hang on until the end of the season, assuming he moves on in the summer?
Cheers
Toby
Alastair Brownlee
I don't think there is any need to sign a replacement in January as I am a big fan of Ross Turnbull and think he has done nothing wrong so far. Brad Jones is also back fit again.
Bernie's doing fine, especially after the result against Arsenal. He's been able to give McDonald some stick, which is always good news.
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Jasboro
What would your lass have done if everyone had turned up for parmos?
Alastair Brownlee
There was a big enough queue as it was so I probably would have had to give Joe Rigatonis a call and wake the chef up. Mrs B had already drunk far too much wine celebrating the win over Steaua.
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James
My own favourite bit of commentary is your unforgettable and breathless:
"Yakubu raises his arm, Boateng lifts it in towards the direction of Yakubu, chests it down, Hasselbaink edge of the penalty area, it comes away, Rochemback shot, the goalkeeper saves it, Maccarone...IT'S IIIINNNNNNNNN...The greatest comeback since Lazarus has been completed...Massimo Maccarone...El Gladiatore...", which I'm proud to admit I have as a ringtone and, consequently, know off by heart.
But what's your favourite bit of commentary by another commentator?
Alastair Brownlee
It has to be the World Cup Final of '66 and Ken Wolstenholme's "There are people on the pitch, they think it's all over...it is now". It's a classic commentary of the only time England have won a major trophy. I just hope I get another chance to commentate on Boro picking up some silverware.
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freedomfighter
Is it frustrating that the Boro manage to turn on the style against the top clubs but always seem to fall short against the lesser sides?
Alastair Brownlee
I think it's a Boro tradition. When I first went to Ayresome Park in the Sixties the old guys used to say "Boro can beat the best and lose to the worst". Let's hope that the standard we set against Arsenal will be shown on Saturday at Derby.
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freedomfighter
Do you ever read the messageboards?
Alastair Brownlee
Yes, as a Boro fan I am always interested in what the fans have to say and I hope the club takes the same view as well.
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freedomfighter
Where IS the best place for a parmo on Teesside? What would you eat if parmos hadn't been invented? I like a good curry meself.
Alastair Brownlee
As they kindly sponsored the book and made the biggest parmo in the world I would have to say I enjoy going into Joe Rigatonis but the staff at Central Park make me feel welcome as well. If parmos hadn't been invented I would have had to stay with beef curry and chips from YK Chow's.
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Sir jack
Who is the worst player you have ever seen play for the Boro? You have been watching longer than me so I guess you have seen some shockers in your time. Remember Steve Spriggs? He was only four foot five!
Alastair Brownlee
I remember a centre-half we bought from Sunderland called George Kinnell. The song "Twenty thousand for Kinnell" seemed to sum up his ability or lack of it.
I also remember Bobby Murdoch signing Bobby Thomson who nearly hit the corner flag with a penalty at the Holgate End. He was also a classic waste of money.
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Ray Mallon
I heard a whisper that you are going to run for Mayor again. Is this true?
Don't forget that I am the Daddy around here.
Alastair Brownlee
The answer is definitely yes. When Bernie put my name forward last time there was a lot of interest but the job is a serious one and as I am somebody who lives in the town, I would think it an honour to do the job.
I am taking a bit of time to look into what it's all about so I can put my name forward properly next time.
If Ray has any tips they will be gratefully received.
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Dogfight
Ali
It's great that you are coming on here and answering questions live. Hats off to you!!
What's the best story you have from our two European campaigns? You and Bernie must have had some great laughs behind the scenes?
Thanks.
Alastair Brownlee
I think the best story was on the first trip to Ostrava when Bernie and I attended, unbeknown to us, a mixed sauna. My wife is still trying to forgive me and my solicitor is still trying to sort it out.
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Rippers Beard
Do you miss Ayresome Park?
Alastair Brownlee
Yes. As the first ground I went to with my dad and granddad, Ayresome Park will always be very special but the Riverside is a great place to watch football. Some of the matches, like the League Cup semi-final against Liverpool in '98 and the UEFA Cup nights, have been as good as anything that Ayresome could produce.
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Rippers Beard
The dead canoeist - just think he missed us winning a cup and getting to a European Final!!
Alastair Brownlee
I think he gave himself up because he realised that we were going to stuff Arsenal and he didn't want to miss it.
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Frank
Where do you see the club in ten years time?
Cheers
Alastair Brownlee
The past ten years have been remarkable with five Finals and regular Premiership football. I think as long as Steve Gibson continues with his ambition for the club, the next decade could be just as good.
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MsCurly
Hello Alastair
The Boro goalie dilemma...is there one?
Mark Schwarzer was quoted as saying that he's ready to negotiate and sign a new contract. Do you think he's still good enough to play top flight Premiership football (okay, maybe not top flight but why not reach for the stars, eh)?
Ross Turnbull - is he good enough?
It's good to have Pearsy onboard coaching the youngsters...but do we really need to be shopping for a new number one?
MsCurly responds
Apologies, I see Toby has already asked you this question.
So instead...what's your favourite tipple?
Alastair Brownlee
I think that Mark Schwarzer gets a bit of a hard time sometimes but when you look back over the eleven years he's been at the club, I think he is one of the best keepers that we've had and I think he could certainly carry on next season.
In my opinion Ross Turnbull is good enough and will benefit from Pearsy coaching him as he's been with him ever since he joined the Academy.
My favourite tipple is a pint of Guinness in the wine bar on Stonehouse Street on a Sunday night celebrating a Boro win and trying to answer questions in Tony's Pop Quiz.
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BrownSmog86
How can the players completely outplay Arsenal, when we have been lacking confidence and playing ability over the course of the season so far?
Alastair Brownlee
The point at Reading certainly gave the players some confidence but I think that in the Arsenal match, there was no pressure on them as everybody in football expected an away win. You could see the benefit of our relaxed approach and the early penalty just gave us extra belief.
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Beany
Have you done all your Xmas shopping yet?
Alastair Brownlee
Yes, I had to buy myself a new Boro scarf that the kids are busy wrapping at the moment but I am still to buy something for Bernie. Apart from a new tin of Grecian 2000, have you any suggestions?
Lord Sherington responded
A new sporran, he can't get his hand in the old one!!
Alastair Brownlee responded
That's a great idea. In the ten years we've worked together the one consistent factor has been that Slaven's hand has been kept firmly in his own pocket/sporran.
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Lord Sherington
Do you think you will be returning to radio commentary in the near future?
Alastair Brownlee
It's my biggest hope to be back commentating on the Boro and fingers crossed I'll be able to pick up the microphone in the near future.
Lord Sherington responded
I hope you're back on soon mate. Your accurate match details and unbiased commentaries are much missed!!
Alastair Brownlee responded
Thanks very much. The rose tinted spectacles are polished and ready for use again ASAP.
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Alastair Brownlee
I will be back in the New Year to answer more of your questions. May I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
MsCurly responded
Merry festivities to you and your family too.
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