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THE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH - SEASON PREVIEW 1-8-08
Mohammed Shaffaf
So, it’s that time of the year again.
Some of us are consumed with uncertainty and anxiety, whilst others have been taken in with a wave of enthusiasm and optimism for the road that lies ahead.
The truth is, regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, the forthcoming season promises to be an exciting and eventful one for Middlesbrough Football Club and all those associated with it.
More importantly, it is Southgate’s third season in charge.
He has had his chance to build the squad as he sees fit whilst also gaining the necessary managerial experience at the top flight. This season is his opportunity to actually make an impact on the Premiership by returning the club to the top ten.
Our recent problem has been that we are too good to go down but not good enough to compete with the UEFA Cup chasing sides over the course of a season. This is the key because it is that “typical Boro” attribute of inconsistency that we need to shake off.
I must say, I am relatively pleased with the depth we appear to have in our squad now. Southgate has made some good signings and in the process has been able to hold on to some of our key players like Downing and Arca.
Our options are limited in the goalkeeping position and perhaps this is our only weakness. I say this not to doubt the potential shown by Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones, but more as a result of their relative inexperience.
A solid goalkeeper with a proven track record in the Premiership can help boost morale and add a sense of composure and leadership to the young players in front of him.
It will be interesting to see the ability of Didier Digard in comparison to Cattermole, a player who always put in maximum effort but who has since fallen out of favour.
We need a creative midfielder to cover for Arca in the event of injury. Harper has been linked and while I appreciate his quality and achievements with Reading, I would much prefer to see us linked with a player like Bullard – even if we do not sign him.
This would tell me that Southgate is indeed looking at the right area to strengthen. However I do feel there is potential to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation with Alves behind Mido and with Shawky and Digard holding.
Mohamed Shawky is another player who now needs to come to the forefront and lead the squad in central midfield. While many people have little idea just how good he is, I have seen enough in the African Nations Cup to recognise that he can actually be an excellent player if given a good run of games next to Arca.
It was also interesting to see Tuncay play in a variety of roles for Turkey at the Euros and this versatility can add depth within our midfield and attack.
At the end of the day, football is about scoring more than you concede. So how do our defence and attack measure up?
The fitness of Robert Huth could be essential. His partnership with David Wheater has not got going yet, unfortunately, but if this materialises then we will have a pairing that is as dangerous in the opposition’s box as is solid in ours.
Pogatetz’s mentality will also be important. Dubbed “Mad Dog” and given the captain’s armband, he has the opportunity to translate his passion and aggression in a positive manner this season. I’d like to see how this pans out.
We know what to expect from Young but it will be intriguing to see the competition for right back with the return of hot prospect Tony McMahon.
Goals, goals, goals. The major issue last season, it looks like we finally do have a healthy number of strikers, all with relative quality.
Alves has slowly been warming up to the Premiership and showed a few touches that certainly provided some insight as to why Southgate has paid £12million for him.
I really hope he can build a good partnership with Mido, who needs to stop messing about and realise his potential. He’s a great target man with excellent aerial ability. A player with Alves’s pace needs to benefit from the balls that bounce off him in the same way that Yakubu capitalised on Viduka’s genius not so long ago.
I like Aliadiere but I think he only has the attributes to make him a good impact player as he lacks that killer instinct.
Emnes is young and I believe he’ll be drafted in at right wing as opposed to given the responsibility up front. And in a similar respect to Tuncay, he will probably be rotated as such.
The competition for places looks fierce this year, with form perhaps the pressing factor for inclusion in the first team.
My first team? Turnbull, Young, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, Downing, Arca, Shawky, Tuncay, Mido and Alves. But it’s tough.
Which side of the fence am I on? Considering the fact that we can beat anyone on our day, I’m confident that this will be our year to break back into the top ten. And here’s hoping.
BACK TO THE VIEW FROM THE SOUTH INDEX
CREDIT CRUNCH RELIEF - A GUARANTEED PROFIT OF AT LEAST £43.60 ON MANCHESTER CITY v ARSENAL
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Deposit £48.00 into your new Sky Bet
account.
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.
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You have temporarily laid out a total of £111.00 on the Manchester City v Arsenal match. I stress, temporarily... Now sit back, crack a beer open and enjoy the match.
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If Manchester City win you collect £155.00. That's £130.00 from Extrabet plus a £25.00 cashback from Betfair.
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Please note that the bonuses are valid for new customers only so if you already have an account with one or more of the bookies we are using, you won't be able to do this. If that is the case, mail us or phone us on 01642 223229 and we'll create an alternative bet for you using different bookies.
This method of betting was used very successfully during the 2006 World Cup and you can read all about how it was done right here.
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