v Middlesbrough (a) - 26/12/25

[rigger]

20 minutes ago, DE. said:

Can't say I'd be surprised if I found out the club had just left him to his own devices rather than ensuring he was getting the best care. Let's hope it's just a bullshit story though. 

Perhaps the physios have knocked-off for Christmas ? 

[Tom]

That twitter account is a bit of a clown show so take it with a pinch of salt.

On the previous debate I think Callum Brittain is a class act and definitely one of the best right backs in the league; Alebiosu for me has potential to be better and it’s certainly a worthy debate to suggest he may already be.

[norwichblue]

Merry Christmas Rovers fans.

Been a happy hunting ground for us in the past but they’ve probably got too much for us this year. Last time I went up there Paul Dickov won it at the dead and my mate did the Kuqi celebration and hurt himself. Simpler times! 😂

[bigbrandjohn]

Looks like Pickering is going to be potted in January. Doesn’t fit the system. Strange for a versatile left side or Centre back. 

Perhaps high earner syndrome, or contract rundownitis? Surely not. 

Probably be in the shop window Boxing Day. 

Funny how these reliable players become a liability under a different regime. 
 

Just call me sentimental. 

[47er]

On 24/12/2025 at 00:16, philipl said:

Bristol City beat Boro 2-0 in their last game, not because Bristol were brilliant but because Boro were distinctly ordinary. Brittain in particular was nothing like the player he was for us.

He'll have something to prove in this game though.

[davulsukur]

On 23/12/2025 at 13:16, philipl said:

Bristol City beat Boro 2-0 in their last game, not because Bristol were brilliant but because Boro were distinctly ordinary. Brittain in particular was nothing like the player he was for us.

I've watched a couple of Boro games this season and Brittain was really good in both.

Brittain is the better player as it stands right now but Alebiosu might develop into a better right back given time.

[infoman]

Any indication of how many tickets have been sold for the game at Middlesbrough?

Thank you.

[Neal]

Quite surprised some think Brittain is better... Alebiosu is a league ahead in quality and it's not even close in my opinion. He plays like a player who came through at Arsenal and even if he didn't make it there, should be playing in the same league. 

[Tomphil2]

10 hours ago, infoman said:

Any indication of how many tickets have been sold for the game at Middlesbrough?

Thank you.

I'll take a punt and say 1400 ish.

[Penwortham Blue]

2 hours ago, Tomphil2 said:

I'll take a punt and say 1400 ish.

Well short of the 5,000 we took up to the old Ayresome Park on Boxing Day 1987. I think Boro, with Mowbray and Pallister, were top of the league and went on to get promoted via the play offs. We were 23 or something unbeaten with Steve Archibald up front. Garner and Bernie ‘the wolf man’ Slaven scoring in a 1-1 draw. It was certainly a rough old encounter, especially off the pitch, supporter bus windows being bricked and they attempted to turn our tranny van over, those were the days 😊

[Old Codger]

1 hour ago, Penwortham Blue said:

Well short of the 5,000 we took up to the old Ayresome Park on Boxing Day 1987. I think Boro, with Mowbray and Pallister, were top of the league and went on to get promoted via the play offs. We were 23 or something unbeaten with Steve Archibald up front. Garner and Bernie ‘the wolf man’ Slaven scoring in a 1-1 draw. It was certainly a rough old encounter, especially off the pitch, supporter bus windows being bricked and they attempted to turn our tranny van over, those were the days 😊

It was probably the boufant hair, make up and glam pants that irked the locals.. Roux Paul wasn't a celebrity back then, especially in the 'man's world' of Teesside..

[Wheelton Blue]

1 hour ago, Penwortham Blue said:

Well short of the 5,000 we took up to the old Ayresome Park on Boxing Day 1987. I think Boro, with Mowbray and Pallister, were top of the league and went on to get promoted via the play offs. We were 23 or something unbeaten with Steve Archibald up front. Garner and Bernie ‘the wolf man’ Slaven scoring in a 1-1 draw. It was certainly a rough old encounter, especially off the pitch, supporter bus windows being bricked and they attempted to turn our tranny van over, those were the days 😊

I was there that day and can still remember the coach driver telling us to seek cover in the aisle, moments before the windows went through!