Season shape-up - Boro

We look at how sides are gearing up for the new campaign

Last updated: 9th July 2008

Gareth Southgate

Southgate: Beckons new signings

Middlesbrough transfer activity

Ins: None

Outs: Jason Kennedy (Darlington), Fabio Rochemback (Sporting Lisbon), Gaizka Mendieta (free transfer), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)

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Middlesbrough are eager to have the majority of their squad in place for the start of pre-season training and are thought to be close to concluding a couple of deals already. Alex Dunn looks at which areas of his squad Gareth Southgate will look to improve and who might be heading for The Riverside.

What's happened so far

It's been a relatively busy pre-season to date at The Riverside, with manager Southgate eager to conduct the majority of his dealings as early as possible.

Having trimmed his squad of a couple of high-earners, Southgate has plenty of finances and scope to reshape elements of his playing staff, with a revamped midfield set to be in place before the start of the next campaign.

Gaizka Mendieta, who once commanded a €48million transfer fee, was finally found in the cupboard normally reserved for misshaped balls and has been released. The one-time Spanish international last played for Boro's first team in December 2006, so while his departure will not really affect Southgate's planning for the new season, it will rid the club of one of its more exorbitant salaries. Also on his way out is Fabio Rochemback, whose departure will be missed by Boro supporters that claim the football served on Teesside can be a little bland, but not those that lament a work-rate not dissimilar to Keith Miller's.

Captain George Boateng is another player who has been linked with the exit door, as former boss Steve McClaren looks to add a couple of familiar faces at new club Twente. A move back to his homeland could be appealing for Boateng, who made 29 Premier League starts last season but according to some Riverside regulars, his star is waning.

Gary O'Neil is known to favour a central midfield berth but was shunted out to the right flank for the majority of last season. Should Boateng move back to Holland then O'Neil may be moved inside to partner the popular Julio Arca, but Southgate will nonetheless add at least another two midfielders to his ranks to generate competition.

A number of possibilities have been mooted, with James Harper, Ferrie Bodde, Sean Davis, Marvin Emnes, Michael Bradley and Anthony Annan all thought to be high on Boro's radar.

Chief executive Keith Lamb has spoken of his belief that Middlesbrough will conclude a number of deals before the start of pre-season training: "We are actively pursuing a number of players.

"Negotiations are going very well and we hope to have most of our incoming transfer activity completed before the players return to training on July 7."

Liverpool continue to be linked with star man Stewart Downing but the local boy insists he'll continue to make good on Teesside, so Southgate will be quietly confident of fending off Rafa Benitez's advances.

What they need

Starting from back to front, it's fair to say Middlesbrough lacked a regular goalscorer last season. Downing's nine league goals saw him top the club's scoring chart, with Tuncay Sanli having scored one less in a campaign that saw him toughen up towards its back end to establish himself as a fans' favourite.

At Euro 2008 the Turkey international showed an entirely different side to his game though, as he completed a remarkable metamorphosis from talented but slight forward into a hard-running midfielder that showed a real appetite for getting the dirty stuff done in Austria and Switzerland.

Tuncay's performances will have been noted by Southgate, who will be praying that his one major transfer to date, striker Afonso Alves, will prove worthy of a club record fee.

Southgate has intimated he has been pleased with Jeremie Aliadiere's contribution since his arrival from Arsenal, while Mido has vowed to watch his weight after spending much of last season waddling on and off the substitutes' bench.

As previously stated, it is in midfield that the major restructuring work will be done, with deals for Reading's James Harper and Paris Saint Germain's Didier Digard reportedly all but wrapped up. Harper showed in Reading's two-year top flight sojourn that he is a more than capable performer, while Frenchman Digard is thought to have plenty of raw power and promise. Neither have the craft of Rochemback, but with Downing having excelled last season, it could be that Southgate elects to confine his flair players to the flanks.

Sparta Rotterdam's right winger Marvin Emnes has expressed a desire to move to England should the rumours linking him with Boro have credence, and the Dutchman's pace would certainly counter balance Downing's more considered and measured style. However, with Adam Johnson thought to be growing increasing exasperated by a lack of playing time, Southgate could again elect to give youth its chance - as proved successful with the likes of David Wheater and Andy Taylor last season.

Mark Schwarzer's switch to Fulham leaves Boro desperately short of a goalkeeper with Premier League experience but Southgate insists he is unconcerned and will allow Brad Jones and Ross Turnbull to battle it out for the No1 jersey. Both have shown potential on loan spells away from the club, but with the likes of Andreas Isaksson and Paul Robinson both available for transfer, many supporters would like to see an experienced campaigner behind what is a youthful back four.

Southgate seems content enough with his defence and is unlikely to alter his personnel, as it is hoped the likes of Wheater and Taylor will build on what were hugely promising campaigns, with the former eager to cement his place in the thoughts of Fabio Capello, who has been quick to recognise the player's obvious potential by naming him in a number of his early squads.

What they'll get

According to those in the know, Harper is ready to put pen-to-paper and likewise, Digard has been reported to have already been a visitor to the Riverside.

If McClaren manages to persuade Boateng to join him at Twente then another central midfielder will almost certainly be added, with Ghanaian starlet Annan known to have impressed the club's scouting network.

Southgate has stated his contentment with both his goalkeeping and striker departments but should neither Turnbull nor Jones convince in pre-season, then it wouldn't be a surprise if a more mature goalkeeper pitched up in the North East. Likewise, much will depend on whether Aliadiere and Mido impress, as Boro weigh up whether either could be a successful foil for Alves - who will be expected to deliver on his end of season three-goal salvo against Manchester City.

Fan's view - Yusuf Jama

Even though I'm a Boro fan, I can concede that there are many teams better than us. Clearly the top four is beyond our reach in this moment in time. Everton, Man City, Villa, Spurs and Pompey are all better than us. Sunderland will spend silly money, so will Newcastle. West Ham will have their injured players back - most notably Bellamy. Bolton have signed Elmander and Blackburn have got Paul Ince. For us to even finish in the top 10, we need to rely on these teams failing. Five years ago, this team would have got us a European position. However, the quality of the teams has improved, meaning even the 15th placed team is a good side. If we want to finish in the top ten we need players of immense quality. Players that are better or at least equal to what we have now - not Sean Davis and James Harper. We need somebody like Tom Huddlestone.

Unfortunately, I can see the next 12 months being make or break for our best players. If we have another relegation-battling season then I expect Alves, Stewy, Wheats etc to move on as they are too good for that (If this is the case then this proves we have quality, as if there wasn't interest I would be really worried).

I can see O'Neil moving on as he hasn't settled in the North East. If we get Benayoun or even Pennant we have a chance of breaking into the top half. Also, I was extremely impressed with the performances of Isaksson for Sweden at Euro 2008. He is apparently available for £2million. I think he wants to stay in the Premier League.

There are many teams better than us - at least 9 (potentially 12) so we need to act and not buy players like Harper. I think we will be competing with Blackburn, Fulham and Bolton to break into 10th spot. Newcastle are bound to battle for Europe and dare I say, so are West Ham and Sunderland.

Comments

Adam Hudson (Middlesbrough fan) says...

I think we need to get the midfield sorted first and foremost. It seems that Harper, Digard and Emnes seem like close signings and i think that they will definatly help feed Alves and his partner up-front next season. Gary O'Neil in my opinion would be a real threat in the centre of the park playing as an advancing midfielder, leaving the right wing spot to be filled by either Johnson Emnes, Aliadere or even Tuncay. Turnbull looks like a young, fresh player that could become a quality goalkeeper and i would give him the gloves. Brad Jones is useless! We must keep players like Downing to progress and the top 8 should be a real target. Defensively, we look stable, Riggot showed us he can be a Premier League star in the 8-1 thrashing of Man.City and i bloody hope Huth can get himself fit! With Alves in attack, i would play Mido with him. Mido when fit and thin can be a real threat and can play just like how Viduka did for us. Alves is a hell of a finisher, just what we need.

Posted 14:44 3rd July 2008

Shane Largan (Middlesbrough fan) says...

Great article and a good read . Think we have a talented back four with the cb's looking as good as ever. However we need cover at left back if taylor gets hurt..then pogatetz will have to come and hes not the best lb out there.. midfield definately needs strengthening james harper would be a good signing hard working midfielder cut the mustard in his two years in top flight raw talent...sean davis would also be an exccellent signing. Hard working sits in midfield and will give 100% also believe he would settle gary o'neil as its been reported at there time at pompey togther there were the "likely lads". Joe lewis had a brilliant season at peterborough...if not him then isakkson....really big year for us this year we need to see some sort of return from what Gibbo and Southgate promised when they outlined there ambition when he took over....

Posted 15:02 2nd July 2008

Jeremy Newbegin (Middlesbrough fan) says...

A good well-balanced article. I agree that GS is happy with his defence, as I am. Young, McMahon, Wheater, Huth, Riggott, Bates, Hines, Pogatetz, Taylor and Grounds provides excellent depth. Yes, I would prefer to see an experienced "quality" keeper and Robinson would be my choice, but if GS thinks Turnbull and Jones are worth backing then thats good enough for me. I am a little puzzled in that I would have thought GS would see that Tuncay would be ideal as an attacking centre-midfielder. The fact that we are linked with three midfielders at the moment suggests then that Boateng and O'Neil will be on the move. All the more imprtant then that we have a right winger in place asap. A midfield of Downing, Arca, Cattermole, Shawky, Tuncay, Harper, Digaard, Emnes, and Johnson will give us plenty of cover. I suspect however that GS will play Tuncay up front which will challenge the gaffer in trying to keep all four strikers happy. Not a bad problem to have! With the above squad I would expect us to qualify for the UEFA Cup next season, either as a Cup winner or a top seven spot. A bottom half finish would be unacceptable unless we get to Wembley.

Posted 14:31 2nd July 2008

Michael Reynolds (Middlesbrough fan) says...

A good piece. First I would like to mention that we have good talented players, and on our day we beat anybody. But like many teams (ie, west ham) we struggle when we get injuries. So when you hear about the likes of James Harper, I would say yes, that would be good squad player. I predict 11th, with good cup run!

Posted 14:23 2nd July 2008

Scott Duncan (Middlesbrough fan) says...

I must say firstly, great piece, but I dont think we are as bad as Yusuf is making out. I think our defence is quality. We have a former England RB, a current England squad CB, a German International CB (when fully fit), an Austrian CB / LB and an England U21 LB. Chris Riggott is still a quality player and could do a more than adequate covering job. Tony McMahon is back from injury at long last to provide cover on the right side of defence, and a lot of Boro fans were singing his praises before injuries struck him down. Our midfield is most definately an area which needs looking at. For me, Arca struggled a little last season and made some quite glaring errors. I hope these were one offs and the one bad season most pros have. O'Neill I think will still be here next season, as will Stewy. I dont see why we have to bring in a ball winner once Boateng goes as we still have Shawky, who I expect to figure quite prominantly in our team next year after last seasons settling in period. He is a good player who could do a job in this league. Again, I dont think we need to bring in anyone up front. A combination of 2 from the 4 players available would cause trouble for most defences. Mido can finish, he showed this when he first came to England, and just needs to keep his weight under control. Alves will strike fear into the hearts of many a centre back after his blistering start last year. Aliadiere is probably one of the quickest strikers in the league and Tuncay has the guile, industry and work rate to trouble any team. The area which worries me the most is in the sticks. I still think we need to bring in an established keeper, like Jaaskalainan, Carson or Isaksson, any one of those 3 are better than what we have currently. Brad Jones made mistakes when he has played and I got worried every time the ball went into our box! Oh and please, no James Harper or Sean Davis!

Posted 12:49 2nd July 2008

K M (Wigan Athletic fan) says...

Thomas Sorensen also became available today. How about him?

Posted 11:30 2nd July 2008

Alex Smith (Middlesbrough fan) says...

A goalkeeper should be a definite priority. Though Turnbull has bags of potential, Jones has been waiting on the fringe for longer so is probably GS' first choice of the two. I just don't trust him, though. Boruc from Celtic would be a massive coup. very consistent performer north of the border and the only decent thing about Poland's team in the Euros. He's also said he wants a new challenge and should fit right in to a top-half Prem side. Also, Hennessey from Wolves has been doing wonders for them and Wales all season. Wales game against Italy, he was the only thing that kept the score down. Again, he's another that's been voicing a wish to move on. Robinson, for this supposed £5m would be a heck of a gamble on player that's been completely out of sorts for the last year and a half. We need someone more instantly reliable. In midfield, Harper's been a lot more impressive over the past couple of years than that fat lump Huddlestone. I'd love to see us move for Larsson from Birmingham, though. A young player with a season's top flight experience, he's fast and creative and takes an excellent free kick. Equally at home in the centre or out right. I'd be tempted to stick with what we've got across the back four. Riggott, Bates and McMahon have something to prove this year and should provide good enough cover should we need to maybe push Mad Dog to the left in event of injury to Taylor. Don't forget, Jon Grounds also looked very impressive breaking into the team this year. I'd just plow every penny into a new keeper, a midfield battler and a fast playmaker.

Posted 10:57 2nd July 2008

Ray Earl (Sheffield Wednesday fan) says...

I think Boro need to stop persisting with Aliadiere. We were linked with him and quite frankly I wouldn't have him here at this level. From what I saw of Boro at the end of last season Tuncay and Alves look to have a good partnership and Tuncay was outstanding during Euro 2008. I think he'll be a revelation next season.

Posted 10:44 2nd July 2008

Paul E (Middlesbrough fan) says...

Good article and close to what fans are thinking, I did think Yusuf "I'm a Boro fan" was an imposter but then remembered how wonderfully pessimistic our fans can be, so he probably is genuine. Top 4 is out of the question at the moment, but the others are much the same with a few clubs pushing for 4/5th spot more than relegation. If our strikers click Alves & Tuncay would be my 1st choice in a 4-2-3-1 formation I think we can have a good season & push for Europe & cups. I'd sign an experienced keeper as cover & give Turnbull the gloves.

Posted 10:33 2nd July 2008

Simon Goody (Middlesbrough fan) says...

We badly need to bolster the midfield. We need a central midfielder who can put his foot on the ball and knock it about a bit. Someone with a bit of quality!! Not impressed with Boateng last season and glad to see Rochemback was shown the door. We should definitely get a new Goalkeeper, i think it would be a big mistake starting the season with the two youngsters. Tuncay should be switched to midfield after seeing his performances in Euro 2008 and maybe Southgate should look at his turkey teammate Kazim Richards as an alternative down the right. he proved he could do it on the big stage.

Posted 09:50 2nd July 2008

Peter Mitchell (Middlesbrough fan) says...

I agree with the earlier comment, we definately need a goalkeeper, a cover left back would also be reqired, I trust Taylor but all it needs is one dodgy tackle and we are in trouble. We also could need a good central midfielder to support Arce, plus a true right winger is required, Adam Johnson is good but again we cannot rely on him for the whole of the season. - Come on Boro!!!

Posted 09:40 2nd July 2008

Paul Boro (Middlesbrough fan) says...

Wonderfully well researched piece. Struggled for a goalscorer and yet no mention of £12m import Afonso Alves who scored nearly a goal per start after arriving in January. Taylor had a hugely promising campaign? The previous year yes but last season was blighted by injuries and looked off form when he did return to the team. Anthony Annans agent keeps linking him with the club but he's just trying to raise his players profile - no indications whatsoever from the Middlesbrough end that we are interested in him.

Posted 08:42 2nd July 2008

Joe Mcphee (Middlesbrough fan) says...

We need a goal keeper and a left fullback at Boro. Its no good playing,players out of position or in a position they are unhappy with.You might get a great game or two off them but over aseason they will be found out and cost you. Whats wrong with Shorrie from Reading and Yaskalin----from Bolton

Posted 08:30 2nd July 2008

Jon H (Middlesbrough fan) says...

You are obviously not a Boro Fan no boro fan would say Newcastle are better than us. We finsihed 1 point below them when we had no stirker for most part of the season, they however had 3 top strikers. please explain. The only reason for this is the strenght in dept which southgate has brought in like Young, Oniel, Arca, Keeping Stewy, mido (when he is fit) Tuncay and Alliadire bringing Wheater through, no longer do we have an average side with 2 top class strikers who we passed the ball to and let them score the goals. with an edtion to the midfield i have no doubt we will be callenging for the top 10-8 next season

Posted 08:05 2nd July 2008

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