Just now, Sparks Rover said:

If he was being sacked why not hang on and let woodgate decide? Strange you don't want oldies or youngies

To be honest I don't think the club wanted to sell Chapman - My understanding is he wanted to leave and join Blackburn last summer - He was out of contract this summer. You'll see Boro giving lots of young lads debuts this season. 

Just now, Sparks Rover said:

Why sell Chapman then?

Pulis sold Chapman?

15 minutes ago, Sparks Rover said:

So, his legs must have gone .  

If he was worried about accusations of favouritism it could only be because Downing has lost it. He wouldn't get criticism if Downing deserved to be playing....

Iffy move this for us.

Not at all as above he would of played 46 games for us last season - Woodgate made it clear in his press conference he is looking towards using the academy bringing young players into the side and this is a fresh reset for Boro.

Just now, jim mk2 said:

My worry is that if Mowbray is planning to use Downing in midfield he will slow our build-up play even further. We're a pedestrian team lacking pace and the ability to break quickly at the best of times and Downing as I see it will make the problem worse. You need to be young, strong, fast and hungry to get out of this division -  Rovers for the most part last season was none of these. 

Great post from the Boro supporter - always liked Boro and a very similar club to us (without the trophy room). Would be interested to hear his views on Chapman

A lad with bundles of potential - struggled with injuries but every time I saw glimpses of him in the league cup last season he has the ability. He must feel a bit hard done to that he never got a shot under Pulis but then again what attacking wide wingers do? I expect Chapman needs to knuckle down work hard and stay fit to reach his potential - he's probably a bit gutted he left Boro when he did in hindsight as im sure Woodgate would of given him an opportunity to show what he can do for us this season - I hope it works out for him at Blackburn. We let another kid go similar to him - tricky attacking winger called Jordan Jones he left to Kilmarnock a couple of years ago and just got a big move to Rangers. 

Just now, Tyrone Shoelaces said:

I'm pretty sure we had Cardiff fans saying  similar things about Whittingham and Fulham fans regarding Danny Murphy. Mowbray's plan was to have Whittingham playing in a similar role to the one you have pencilled Downing in for. That plan lasted a handful of games until he realised that Whittingham could know longer get into anything more than a leisurely jog and as a result we were we looked awful as a team.

After that " experiment " we reverted to a more conventional formation and looked 100% better for it.

The smart managers know when a player is approaching the wall and know when to move them on.

He would of played 46 games for us last season had the contract situation not arose, was arguably one of our better players in a team that finished 7th on the final day - would of been higher if not for Pulis' negativity. He's achieved miles more than the other two in his career IMO and is a class above those in terms of ability. You're not getting a player who cant put himself about the pitch or put a shift in - he's as fit as a butchers dog.

Just now, Wing Wizard Windy Miller said:

Thanks for clarifying.  If he can't go past a man on the wing, where has he been playing for Boro?

Smallwood was great in league one.  Needed that type of blood and thunder player.  Very limited technically  though - really struggled at championship level. 

Well he's struggled under Pulis, for me his best position now would be RW where he can come inside and use that wand of a left foot or behind the striker in the middle.

Just now, Wing Wizard Windy Miller said:

Thanks for the insight.  Out of interest, why did he get stick from sections of the Boro fans?

Like any local lad they never get the same time as some Jonny Foreigner with a fancy name who cost £10 million. I think on his return some Boro fans expected the flying winger who gave us so many memorable moments back. Downing was instrumental in our Carling Cup victory and run to the Uefa Cup final in 2006 - some fans forget he was also instrumental in our promotion back to the big time. DESPITE playing under a much more negative manager than Mowbray. I think its a real coup for Blackburn and very low risk.

Just now, Sparks Rover said:

A very close relationship with woodgate?  His legs must have gone or he would keep him 

Woodgate is married to Downings sister. 

Just now, 47er said:

Nice post but I really hope you won't get the chance to welcome Smallwood! There's every possibility you will though.

What happened with him? Seemed to be well liked by your support when you got promoted? Always rated the kid at Boro - 110% is what you got from him and wore his heart on his sleeve, I remember him scoring and crying straight after in the corner V cardiff, limited in terms of going forward but a solid championship battler - I suppose if your pushing for top 6 you want a bit more quality....

23 minutes ago, jim mk2 said:

Message to Boro fan - will Chapman be in the team ?

Nowhere near the 18. I expect him to force a move come January. Not in Pulis' plans. Has the ability but not sure he has the attitude. Been unlucky with injuries the lad. Let's see if he features in the League Cup Quarter Final coming up. Be nice to see how academy graduates Richie Smallwood & Danny Graham get on.

Morning Lads,

Boro fan here. Looking forward to welcoming back my hero to The Riverside tomorrow, Mogga as he is affectionately known on Teesside will get a cracking reception. A legend of a man and Boro through & through. I've seen him several times at the Riverside the last couple of years watching the Boro at every oppurtunity. Hopeful for a 1-0 win for the Boro but i fear if Blackburn go 1 ahead they could go on to win by 2 or 3. Dack looks outstanding.

Trains will be on strike again tomorrow so most of you will be coming by bus as above - Yarm is your best bet for a good sup before the match. However Middlesbrough town centre is home to a number of lovely little micro pub bars around Baker St, other areas such as Southfield Rd you will get served as away fans. Avoid near the ground as The Navigation is Home Fans Only.

Have a good day on Teesside,

Bring yer big coat.

Up The Boro