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KARL WATSON'S
BIG MOUTH - BOING, BOING, SHABBY SHABBY 29-9-08
Karl Watson
A loss at home to a newly promoted side may seem like a cloud in the sky when compared to sides such as Newcastle who are deemed to be in a state of commotion.
However, our situation has left me in a state of anger, disappointment and ultimately, realism.
At the time of writing, I have yet to view any of the game from television footage but in this situation, I do not need to as the result speaks for itself.
Column continues below...
I often ponder as to what to write during these weekly columns and regularly come to the conclusion that my utterances may be similar to those of other fans. Essentially, from season to season, I am writing the exact same things.
But no longer.
Defeats are always hard to take, especially when the bread and butter of success in the League is through home results.
However, this one has really turned me against Boro, even more so than when we all witnessed possibly the club's worst display in its modern era against Cardiff City in last season's FA Cup.
It has left me already looking forward to early January for the third round draw because barring the FA Cup, we have no chance of any success this season and we are only seven games in.
How many times have we used the terms "Typical Boro", "Jekyll and Hyde" and "consistency is our key"? Too many. So why the hell are we still saying them week in week out?
The answer is simple. In recent years, not enough has been done to make sure we can cut these phrases out of our vocabulary.
Promises have been made and they will ultimately be broken come the end of the season. It is quite simple; we cannot compete with the top ten, we are a million miles from Europe and I hope I am actually alive when I can see Boro hitting the heights of the Champions League.
However, I believe we are due some answers from the club because I feel as if my money is being put to great waste. Can someone please give an answer as to why the team can miraculously perform against the top sides, yet dismally fold against some of the Premier League's worst outfits?
Every time a mediocre side arrives on Teesside, the game is met with an expectancy of victory. However we have come accustomed to dog-awful performances and woeful results.
Performances may be encouraging but this isn’t a fantasy league that issues points for good performances and the most shots on target.
This isn’t an attack on the current crop of management and playing talent, it has been a problem that has haunted us for many seasons. But when will this rut finally stop?
Who is actually going to take the bull by the horns and issue some well deserved bollockings for results that will make supporters unwilling to dip back into their pockets and fork out more money to spend on watching shite?
Roy Keane instantly springs to mind. He often doesn’t care about the result but more so the attitude of the players and the effort they give. Despite their Carling Cup victory in mid-week, it has been clear to see that the strategic white board was getting kicked all around the Sunderland dressing room.
I am surprised the Anfield dressing room was still left in one piece after Manchester United’s defeat at Liverpool only a few weeks ago. Sir Alex Ferguson would have unleashed the famous ‘hairdryer’ treatment that the players are scared to death of.
It worked though as it produced a good result at Chelsea for the champions because they needed a reaction to a poor performance.
Money may talk in football and it's clear to see that those who spend big, win big. However, without sufficient management behind the playing talent, how can they develop further?
Alves cannot be excused for some of his recent misses and neither can Downing. The are two players who have valuations worth double figures.
The top four sides tend to get the results they need despite who plays. This can be seen by taking a history lesson. Despite what Manchester United side it was, it is, or may be, they will always be the side to beat in English football because they ooze quality.
However Boro ooze inconsistency, no value for money and just sheer disappointment.
I decided after the result that I will not go to any more games until I feel I am going to get real value for my money. Going to a game leaves me with emotions that often end in a door being kicked off its hinges and I am no longer willing to get myself into this situation.
Things have to drastically change at the club for us to go forward.
I have full belief in Gareth Southgate and his abilities and I want to see him be this club's manager. However, in truth, we are heading nowhere under him. Let’s face it, were we ever going forward with any other manager? And would we ever go forward with any other manager? Probably not.
I was asked the question by a lecturer at University, "Why do you go to watch Middlesbrough, what do the fans genuinely expect them to achieve". And he was right. Although my love for the club will never fade, we have to ask ourselves what is truly the point of supporting Middlesbrough?
This doesn’t mean I am going to go and jump on the glory hunters’ bandwagon and support Manchester United or Chelsea, but is supporting Boro and going on a weekly basis not just something to do at the weekend? Something to fill the time? And something to spend our money on?
Realistically, if we are to attend Boro games regularly, we must simply get used to the fact that things will always be Jekyll and Hyde, that we will always be inconsistent and we will always get beat by poor, mediocre sides at home.
It even leaves me thinking, do I agree with David Gold? Would I prefer us to be a Birmingham City where we are yo-yoing year upon year? I’m sure it must be exciting and once they reach the Premier League again, they will at least have realistic ambitions.
They know their limits and the fans have accepted that surviving in the League after promotion is like winning it. They have accepted that they will probably get beat week upon week but they seem happy with it.
Maybe we should take a leaf out of their book?
Realistically what are our limits? Settling for a dull, predictable 13th?
At least we are consistent in one aspect.
BACK TO THE KARL WATSON'S
BIG MOUTH INDEX
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