<div id="attachment_758" style="width: 228px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-758" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-758" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/01/Gylfi-Sigurdsson_2372258.jpg" alt="Note To Self: Bring Motivation To Every Match" width="218" height="298"></figure></div>Note To Self: Bring Motivation To Every Match</div>
In a season where the passion and relevance of the English F.A cup have been in question, one team defies the odds and shows a true cup spirit. Of course I am referring to Reading, the team who have become all to familiar to football fans around the world after deservedly knocking out Liverpool in the 3rd round and Burnley are the latest top flight victim to the Royals. If you needed any sort of proof that the F.A cup can bring out the best in players, take into consideration that Reading haven’t won a game in their last six league outings and only won three league games in 2009 at their home ground, the Madjeski Stadium (and two of them came in January!). Their win in the 4th round once again got me thinking about how players become differently motivated when the competition changes and the mental challenges that players obviously face.
In the third round replay against Liverpool, at Anfield, Reading completely out played Liverpool and there were several occasions where the players were so confident that they were tricking and nut-megging their way through Carragher and Agger – two experienced decorated defenders. Yet we never see play like this from Reading in the league and they’re often guilty of dropping their heads when things don’t go their way. They’re a talented set of players, obviously the team isn’t of the same calibre as the previous season, but this team shouldn’t be in the relegation zone and that is clear when we know that they are capable of beating the likes of Liverpool and Burnley who are in the league above them.
So it comes down to confidence and belief, one week you’re in the league and struggling to garner belief that you can play to the best of your ability and the next week the cup comes about and you have all the confidence in the world. But why? I’m not sure even a Reading player could answer you that, it’s almost as if there are two Reading teams at the moment and although the scalps of two Premiership teams are impressive, they need to transfer this confidence they get playing in the cup over to the league otherwise Reading may not be starting next seasons cup run from the 3rd round…
It’s a strange phenomenon not only in football but psychology itself; the aspect of motivation is something fascinating and strange. From an outsiders view, it doesn’t make much sense how Reading can get beat by Plymouth (a team below them in the league) 4-1, then soon after outplay Liverpool – twice. Players are obviously very motivated to take on the top teams with the top players as if to prove a point to the football world, yet why do motivation and confidence levels change so dramatically because the name of the competition changes?
Now Reading come up against Sheffield United in the league, away; not an easy game for an team in the Championship. And I wonder if Reading will return to their poor league form or will be inspired by their cup performance. They recently played quite well against Nottingham Forrest away from home but the punters will no doubt prefer the Blades. This also raises the question of how much is ability down to confidence and motivation? Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo obviously have a lot of confidence in their play and the raw talent to match it, but could there be players that maybe could have been a lot better if they had just played with confidence and motivation. I believe that the more you think about motivation and confidence, the more it hinders your play and maybe the likes of Kaka, Ronaldo and Messi don’t even consider their motivation and instead try to focus on how their actual talent – so as if motivation takes a back seat therefore is constantly high.
You look at the England goalkeeper situation at the moment and people constantly mention the word ‘confidence’. David Seaman was England’s number one for years and I can’t ever remember his confidence being questioned, whereas people are worried that Robert Green is losing his concentration because of all the goals he is conceding. Seaman didn’t need confidence – he was just ability and although I’m not questioning how good Robert Green is but how good can you say England’s goalkeeper is if he loses faith in his own ability? A lack of confidence can ruin any player.

Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round &#8211; Motivation Phenomenon

Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round - Motivation Phenomenon - World Soccer Talk

Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round – Motivation Phenomenon

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Well we all know how the competition started but the tournament kicked off in earnest on Sunday evening with the host nation Angola entertaining Mali. Hopes were high after all the political wrangling that engulfed the weekend, football could return to the forefront. What no-one expected was a series of breathless games and major shocks that have turned the Cup Of Nations on its head.
Angola stormed in to a 4-0 lead in the opening game and the home fans were jubilant. When Manucho hit a penalty in the 74th minute, Mali looked down and out, shocked to the core by the host nation. Yet by full time, Angola were delighted to hear the final whistle, after an extraordinary fightback saw the The Eagles score 4 goals in the last 15 minutes. Barcelona’s Seidou Keita scored a brace, with Freddie Kanoute scoring and Mustapha Yatabare hitting the equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time.

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It really was a breathless encounter that hardly stopped for a second, a delightful and passionate affair that seems to have set the template for this years tournament. Monday saw Group B kick off and the shocks just kept on coming. The Ivory Coast struggled to a draw against unfancied Burkina Faso in a one sided encounter, but it was a massive result for The Stallions. Ivory Coast had 21 shots but couldn’t find the back of the net and Marseille’s Bakari Kone missed several gilt edged chances to win the match.
In Mondays other game, Algeria were smashed to pieces by Malawi, 3-0. It was a disturbing performance to see the World Cup qualifiers so easy picked apart after the Algerian goalkeeper gifted the opening goal by smashing a clearance against Essau Kanyenda who squared the ball for an easy goal for Russel Mwafulirwa. After that, the Algerians couldn’t get going and by the time Malawi made it 3-0, they were looking like the final whistle couldn’t come quick enough.
The Algerian manager has come under some criticism for blaming the weather for his teams bad performance, but as it has been pointed out, he’d only got himself to blame. If you playing in a humid country, would you prepare by holding your base in a chilly South of France? No, I thought not!
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Yesterdays’ clashes saw Group C enter the fray and finally, one of the favourites delivered. Nigeria took the lead against Egypt in the heavyweight clash after 12 minutes, but that was as good as it got. Egypt just kept purring and showed that even without Mido and Amr Zaki, they can still score goals. Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassan, winning his 167th international cap, set one goal up and scored another as the Pharaohs cantered to a 3-1 win. What did surprise me though was the ovation that greeted Kanu when he came on from the Angolan crowd. There is no doubting how much of an icon in African football he is after playing for 3 of Europes most illustrious clubs, Ajax, Inter and Arsenal.
The second game in Group C saw Mozambique and Benin clash and 90 minutes later, both countries were still waiting for their first win in African Cup Of Nations history. It was another super game though, despite some dodgy goalkeeping, as a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result. Despite the relative weakness of both sides, Nigeria will know that a slip up could see them crash out in the group stages, for the first time since 1963.
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Yet, probably the biggest shock of the first round of matches happened this afternoon. Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o and all were stunned by some comedy defending that allowed Gabon, ranked 62nd in the world, to snatch a 1-0 win. It was a heroic performance after Daniel Cousin, of Hull City, had scored as Gabon dug in and held out for a famous win. Until today, I didn’t realise they were managed by former French legend, Alain Giresse and he’ll have enjoyed the win over compatriot Paul Le Guen.
Finally, Zambia and Tunisia fought another fairly even draw that was a positive result for the Zambians. Despite the recent troubles that Tunisia have had in world football, they are still one of Africa’s key footballing nations. Zambia will be delighted with the 1-1 result but it will be tempered by the fact they have to face a wounded Cameroon next. Cameroon know they need to win, and well to have a hope of qualifying.
So there you have it, all four of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup have managed a total of 1 point this week. We’ve had 22 goals in 7 games, no sendings off and some dynamite games. All the big countries now have to pick themselves up and show everyone that they deserve their billing, otherwise some very famous footballers will be coming home extremely early.

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4 - World Soccer Talk

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Four weeks ago, Arsenal’s title challenge was over. The home defeat to Chelsea had seen everyone and their dog line up to kick Arsene Wenger’s team. While they were still licking their wounds, Manchester City snatched a win against the usual collection of youngsters, sprinkled with experience in the League Cup. Not good enough, not strong enough, need another striker they cried.
Well here we are then, on December 30th, Arsenal are tucked in 3rd, with a game in hand, which is against Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates next week. Win that and they go second in the table. Yet as the Portsmouth fans who have witnessed tonight’s thrashing at the hands of the Gunners said, if they had a predatory striker, they’d have scored 20.

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For all the failings that Arsenal are constantly accused off, it’s their lack of that predator in the box that seemingly holds them back from killing teams off that their rivals manage to snuff out. Yet, it feels churlish to criticise a side that have score 51 goals in 19 Premiership games and could be second this time next week. Of course, as my fellow EPL talk <a href="http://epltalk.com/wenger-plans-for-the-two-weeks-that-will-determine-arsenal%E2%80%99s-season/14258#comment-89152" target="_blank">writer Eric Altshul wrote earlier this week</a>, Arsenal have a crucial 4 game period coming up from January 27th.
The results against the other big clubs do not determine the Premiership title, you only have to look at Liverpool’s result last season to see how little it effects the Premiership outcome. It is the games that you should win, that slip through your fingers that cost you titles and cups. For every emphatic thrashing of Portsmouth, there’s a defeat at Sunderland or a draw at West Ham United. Those are the games, especially the West Ham match when Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead that will keep them from going top next week.
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Of course, Wenger is one of the best managers at protecting his players and keeping his cards close to his chest. If he thinks he needs a striker, he’s not the type to come out and say it, he usually just goes out and gets his man. Now, with Arsenal having a real chance to get their hands on the Premier League title, having someone who has an ability to scuff the ball in off his backside is exactly what Arsenal need. Financially Wenger could, within reason, land any striker outside of the Premier League to give them that final piece.
For all the doom mongers complaining when he sold Adebayor and Toure, for a combined £41 million, the dissenting voices seem to have grown increasingly quiet. Replacing Toure with the elegant Vermaelen was a masterstroke that has seen the Belgian weigh in with some important goals from the back. With the injuries to van Persie, Bendtner, Walcott, Denilson and Fabregas and the impending African Cup of Nations taking Song, Wenger may be forced into the market whether he likes it or not.
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Of course, the one major bonus to the injuries that have blighted Arsenal is the continued presence of Andrei Arshavin, who has continued to rein in his own attacking instincts for the benefit of the team. The lad has given a real team performance over the last few weeks at the expense of personal glory and has re-affirmed his reputation as an excellent footballer.
So Arsenal finish a year which has seen them continue to play beautiful football, but miss out on the big prizes. Perhaps Wenger has already decided what part of the jigsaw is required to complete the beautiful with a little bit of brawn in the box.

Arsenal Re-Ignite Their Title Challenge

Arsenal Re-Ignite Their Title Challenge - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_699" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-699" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-699" src="/files/2009/12/kevin-nolan_1-300x225.jpg" alt="Nolan Is The Cream Of The Championship Crop" width="300" height="225"></figure></div>Nolan Is The Cream Of The Championship Crop</div>
Unless your team was unfortunate enough to be struck by bad weather (particularly Barnsley), you may realise we are now at the halfway point of the Championship season. 23 games gone and all of sudden ambitions become a bit clearer for clubs. The championship can be one of the most exciting leagues in the world and this season has been no exception – providing plenty of thrills along the way. Amidst the alcohol (and hangovers) of the festive period, why don’t we take a look back at some of the main talking points of the season so far and I will give my opinion on a few categories I feel have been worthy of being labelled the best so far this season.
The Toon Army Answer Their Critics:
Many people predicted Newcastle would struggle this season and few predicted the level of success they have achieved so far. A team that fell out of the Premiership with no fight what so ever has unified this season and sent the famous black and white stripes back to the top of the league. Many considered Newcastle to face even more pressure due to the stature of the club and were labelled ‘one of the big scalps’. But the players have responded well and despite the fact the off field troubles still continue, they find themselves sitting comfortably at the top of the table. The Geordies should be warned however that the work is far from done yet and as the Championship is one of the most open leagues in the world today.
Peter Whittingham Fires His Way To The Top:
In a league where usually a great goal poacher can gain you success, three of the top five goal scorers are midfielders. Cardiff’s Peter Whittingham finds himself at the top on 12 goals for the season, the former Aston Villa youngster has been in great form this season and one of the reasons why Cardiff find themselves in a serious bid for promotion. He is joined up there by fellow team mate Michael Chopra and both have helped make Cardiff a free scoring entertaining team. The two will be expected to keep up their efforts and Cardiff fans will be hopeful that Whittingham will continue to be allowed his freer role.
The Tractor Boys Going Backwards:
Roy Keane spent a considerable amount of money compared to his managerial peers in this league and so far Ipswich have struggled dearly. Instead of a promotion bid the club will probably have to focus their attention on a relegation battle as the club struggles in a number of areas this season particularly when it comes to a reliable goal scorer. The last few games have shown a bit of hope for the club and I still believe they will be safe, Keane is still finding the right formula and it is great to see how much confidence the board have put in him – something rare in this day and age.
Swansea Flying High – But How?
Not saying they’re not playing well but its rare to see a team with a goals for and against record like theirs. Swansea currently have the second worst goal scoring record in the league yet have found themselves in the playoff contention for much of the season. Paulo Souasa has made Swansea’s defence stern and hard to break down something, which isn’t often mentioned, but brilliant in it’s own right. The multinational side will be hoping to continue to churn out results for the club and promotion is very realistic target for the Welsh side.
Fortress Aston Gate Breached:
Bristol City almost managed to go a whole year without losing a single home league game until Sheffield United scored a last minute winner after Bristol City thought they’d held on to their record only seconds earlier when they equalised. Take nothing away from Gary Johnson however, the manager of City has been superb and I for one think it would be great to see a team from Bristol in the top flight once again. The club are sitting in 12th place as things stand so their season could really go either way. Fans of the club would be happy if their home form in 2010 mirrored that of the previous year.
The Madjeski Ruins Crumble:
On an alternative note, Reading’s home form has been woeful and something of a phenomenon. I couldn’t even tell you how many games it is since they last won at home, but it is definitely a confidence issue with the players, as the club has relied on it’s home form to pick up the points this season. The club should be optimistic that 2010 can bring a fresh start at their home ground – all it will take is one win for players to get their confidence back.
Rival Supporters Green With Envy At Forrest:
Nottingham Forrest are rolling back the years and are currently 15 games unbeaten. Billy Davies is once again proving he is a manager with confidence in this league and that certainly reflects on his players. The club is certainly stating its ambition and recently loaned in former England international Nicky Shorey, showing that the club is serious about bringing in players to help their promotion push. It’s quite funny really; a manager gains success with local rivals Derby County, has a disagreement with their board, leaves and then goes on to become successful with Forrest. Where have I heard that before?
My Awards So Far:
Best Goal Of The Season So Far: Nicky Maynard – QPR V Bristol City
Yes its fresh in the memory (from this weekend) but don’t let that take anything away from Maynard’s goal. City may have ended up losing this game, but Maynard’s strike was a superb individual effort – controlling the ball with two fabulous touches before volleying the shot past a helpless Cerny in the QPR goal. If you haven’t already seen it I suggest you do, it’s as good a goal I think you will ever see!
Best Decision Of The Season So Far: Barnsley Hiring Mark Robins
I remember hearing a few Barnsley fans who were unhappy at the club hiring Robins’ from Rotherham, but he is one fantastic manager. When he took over the club was at the foot of the Championship, yet Robins’ has helped the club up the league and gained the respect of the Yorkshire outfit’s fans. Fantastic wins against West Brom, Blackpool and Cardiff have steered the club into more control and Robins’ must take plenty of the credit for that. As a Newcastle fan I went to our game against them at Oakwell and it is clear to see how confident he has got his team playing and every player gives 110%.
Worst Decision Of The Season So Far: Plymouth V Barnsley Replay
This was a tough decision and Barnsley are involved once again. If you are a regular reader you may have read my post slamming Peterborough’s decision to part ways with Darren Ferguson but the Plymouth V Barnsley game at home park was a whole different story which raises all sorts of questions regarding common sense in football. Barnsley were 4-1 up in the 2nd half but weather conditions got so bad (in the referee’s opinion) that the game was called off after 58 minutes. Barnsley were understandably <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8376276.stm">upset at the decision</a>, particularly when football league rules state that the game must be replayed from the start at a later date. The conditions did look bad, but do you really need to restart the game from 0-0 when Barnsley were dominating? If anything the game should restart from 58 minutes at 4-1 – Plymouth is not exactly the easiest place to get to. Barnsley fans were promised that their tickets for the replay would be free, but travel costs alone are quite expensive on that particular journey – I’m sure the tykes would gladfully of taken the three points!
Best Signing Of The Season So Far: Doncaster Rover’s Loan Of Billy Sharp
Many football fans have a keen fondness for Sharp, particularly because he has fired their own team to victory numerous times on their football manager game. The young front man struggled in his time at Sheffield United, but a loan move to local Doncaster has seen the player rekindle the form he showed at Scunthope United and he seems to be enjoying his football more than ever. Who knows, maybe he felt too much pressure at United but Doncaster has put him back on the map. Donny will be hoping that the Blades don’t decide to recall the striker earlier to cash in on his good form as he has been their key player this season.
Worst Signing Of The Season So Far: Ipswich Town’s Signing Of Tamas Priskin For £1.7m
In this league £1.7m is a lot of money. It seems even more when its a striker who has got you one goal all season. Priskin may be the stem of all Keane’s problems as his price tag would suggest that the Irishman was intending to base a team around Priskin and he has been less than impressive so far. Priskin is probably lacking a lot of confidence at the moment and Keane should keep the faith with him, Brendan Rodgers proved at Watford that the big Czech hitman can get you the goals if you implement him in the correct way.
Best Game Of The Season So Far: Nottingham Forrest 3-2 Derby County
It’s a big derby that hasn’t got the recognition it really deserves considering both sides have fallen from grace slightly. Last Season Derby beat Forrest 3-2 in this fixture, so Forrest were obviously keen to prove a point and took a commanding 3-0 lead at half time. Nigel Clough obviously got his players fired up at the break and a fortuitous own goal followed by a Jake Livermore strike meant that there was everything to play for in this thrilling local encounter. Forrest held out and took home the bragging rights. I bet Derby will be determined to get one over on their rivals when the sides meet at Pride Park in 2010.
Best Manager Of The Season So Far: Billy Davies – Nottingham Forrest
As mentioned above, Forrest are having a great season and much of that can be credited to their fantastic manager Davies. It could have been easy (especially as a born and bred Geordie) to give this award to Chris Hughton at Newcastle United, but Davies has guided his team up the table without the resources Hughton possesses. 15 games unbeaten is a fantastic achievement for any club and Forrest can only go from strength to strength. Davies never really got a chance with Derby in the Premiership; he will be hoping he can get this opportunity with Forrest.
The One To Look Out For: Tom Cleverly – Watford
He may be on loan from Manchester United, but this lad can strike fear into any defence. Many clubs have their eyes on the young red devil – his performances for Watford have not gone unnoticed and the 20 year old has been a star for the Hornets. A clever player on the ball who shows bags of confidence, he is a player who improves with every game he plays and any young Englishman that puts the effort in on the pitch is bound to be coveted by a number of league sides.
Best Player Of The Season So Far: Kevin Nolan – Newcastle United
A player that never really did anything for the Toon in the premiership has exploded into life this season and has been one of the driving forces behind Newcastle’s surge to the top of the table. The former Bolton captain has put a number of defences to the sword and Newcastle will be confident that if they can keep their star midfield man in the transfer window then they will bounce back to the Premier league at the first time of asking.
So there you have it. But remember, that’s only my opinion. Do you agree? If not why don’t you leave a comment and let us know here at Championship talk! Hope you all had a great Christmas and heres to hoping that you and your football team has a great new year!

The Championship: Halfway There

The Championship: Halfway There - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_647" style="width: 217px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-647" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-647" src="/files/2009/10/3756622801-soccer-barclays-premier-league-middlesbrough-v-portsmouth-riverside-stadium-207x300.jpg" alt="Southgate: Shown The Door" width="207" height="300"></figure></div>Southgate: Shown The Door</div>
After winning 2-0 on Tuesday night, Gareth Southgate was relieved of his duties as manager hours after the game. Despite being quite a popular player for the club, Southgate could never quite get the same level of support in his time as manager; despite a number of hardships being put on him such as the sale of top striker Yakubu. It may come as a slightly surprise that the Boro board decided to sack Southgate moments after a win rather than Saturday where the club, at the time, suffered it’s 3rd straight home defeat at the hands of a Watford side currently struggling for form. It is most likely that Gibson and the Middlesbrough board had only fully committed to a change in leadership on the Monday.
An outsider to the championship may wonder how a manager who’s team sits 4th in the 2nd tier table can be sacked but <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5642338,00.html">Steve Gibson’s proclamation Wednesday afternoon</a> certainly suggests that it has been building up for some time; and anyone who follows the club can relate to that. One of the most notable things in Gibson’s decision may well be the constant dip in attendance. Even though the club has been relegated and would expect smaller crowds, Boro’s home form has been woeful and left a lot of fans questioning the point in turning up to
You could feel some sympathy however for Southgate. Steve McLaren was a tough act the follow after all of his success. McLaren’s bid to gain success for the club cost the team, and despite selling a number of key players to balance the books on Southgate’s arrival, the club still suffered<a href="http://www.football.co.uk/middlesbrough/southgate_reveals_boro_debt_278124.shtml"> heavily from debt</a>. Southgate, even recently in the championship, has been forced to field a number of players who have came through the clubs academy. Despite Boro having one of the strongest youth teams in the country, it was hardly surprising that they were relegated from the Premiership.
It can’t be denied however that Southgate had no resources. He could be accused of putting all his eggs into one basket when signing Alfonso Alves for what is believed to be almost £13 million. Alves turned out to be a poor piece of business, lacking the finishing touch that the likes of Yakubu and Viduka had brought before him and was largely lethargic in his Boro days. Many questioned the price tag before he had even signed. Alves abandoned ship just before the close of the summer 2009 transfer window; his lacklustre attitude may be better suited to the sweltering heat of the Middle East. He could happily retire early with the amount of money I imagine he is making out there.
After the clubs relegation, they opened the Championship campaign with a 0-0 home draw to Sheffield United and were booed off the pitch by the supporters. Many people criticized the fans for this, but it wasn’t just about the result; fans had already lost confidence in Southgate and a 0-0 draw all but justified this. Southgate never appeared to have a charismatic edge as a manager and sometimes seemed too accepting in defeat. Many within the game saw him as a bit of a push over and someone who could easily cave in.
I myself consider Steve Gibson one of the best Chairmen in the country, a patient man who doesn’t hit the panic button at the first time of asking. He is one of a dying breed in world football; an owner who was brought up in the local environment supporting his club. Boro fans will always have a gratitude of debt towards the man, as Gibson is one of the men that saved the club from Liquidation when they almost folded towards the end of the 20th century. His decision to let Southgate go was the correct call and I believe it has come at the right time. Gibson wants the club to bounce straight back the Premiership at the first time of asking, most likely to help the club balance the finances once again. He gave Southgate every possible opportunity, something most managers don’t get. The club is sitting in a great league position and the right appointment can help give the club an initial boost and help the club realise it’s ambition of promotion at the first time of asking.
The only problem is who will take the job? The objective is clearly to get the club promoted this season as another season in the Championship may result in the club needing to make more cut backs. Gordon Strachan’s name has once again been churned out by the bookies as a favourite – an ideal candidate for the club, but is Boro an ideal opportunity for Strachan? If any manager is tasked with getting promotion they are going to want resources to do so and Boro lack a lot of funding. Their young squad lacks experience and any high profile name manager will want to bring in tried and tested players. If it is to be Strachan then Gibson and the board would have to take a massive gamble, put whatever they’ve got left into the club and pray that he can get the job done.
<a href="http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,16478_5642286,00.html">Milan Mandaric has ruled out the fantastic Nigel Pearson</a>, but you can never say never in football. I’m a big fan of Pearson and I’m not surprised that the Leicester chairman is so keen to keep hold of him. Kevin Keegan is the bookies 2nd favourite to take the job (maybe becoming a Toon heretic?) as well as Alan Curbishley being up there. However, these are two managers who would demand they’d be given resources; particularly after their most previous employers relieved them of purchasing duties.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Gibson takes his time with this appointment, as mentioned before he is a man with a lot of patience and likes to be 100% sure before his makes a big decision. Middlesbrough’s situation makes their next managerial appointment a difficult one to call, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being an intriguing appointment. One of the best things about Steve Gibson as a chairman is that he has the right mix of being a fan and an owner, so whoever he and the board decide on is most likely to be someone the fans can put faith in.

The Inevitable Axe Of Gareth Southgate Confirmed: What Now For Middlesbrough F.C?

The Inevitable Axe Of Gareth Southgate Confirmed: What Now For Middlesbrough F.C? - World Soccer Talk

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Am I Reading This Right? Royals Into 5th Round – Motivation Phenomenon

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African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4

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Arsenal Re-Ignite Their Title Challenge

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The Championship: Halfway There

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The Inevitable Axe Of Gareth Southgate Confirmed: What Now For Middlesbrough F.C?