Middlesbrough F.C. ~ General Chat & Latest News - Page 3

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 03:14 AM

Middlesbrough's Wheater: Gaffer staying calm

David Wheater says there's no tea cups being thrown by Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate as they find themselves at the wrong end of the table.

The young centre-half said: "He (Southgate) is a calm fella, but our chairman is a fantastic chairman as well and I do not think he will put the manager under pressure because that's not what we need right now.

"We just need everyone to be geeing us up and getting on our side.

"The press will say he is under pressure if we are not winning games, but we know what he can do and he is a fantastic manager.

"He is a young manager as well and it is only his second season, so I don't think it is fair to criticise him.

"We want to do well for him. Hopefully we can get a few wins for him."

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 03:16 AM

Middlesbrough set to land Rangers striker Cousin

Middlesbrough are moving for Rangers centre-forward Daniel Cousin.

The Mail on Sunday says Southgate, desperate to improve his team's firepower, is already thought to have set up a deal for Rangers' Daniel Cousin.

The French striker, believed to have a £1.5 million get-out clause, is unhappy at not being able to command a regular first-team place at Ibrox.

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 03:18 AM

Middlesbrough boss unhappy with AWOL Mido

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is upset with AWOL Egypt striker Mido.

The Mirror says Mido was allowed to go home for a break after suffering a groin injury but he has delayed his return and will miss the relegation crunch with Bolton today.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate has no idea when the £7m signing from Spurs will return.

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 12:18 PM

59' Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 12:18 PM

60'	Bolton W. [0 - 0] Middlesbrough

37'	K. Nolan

41'		D. Wheater

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 12:31 PM

73' Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 12:31 PM

73'	Bolton W. [0 - 0] Middlesbrough

37'	K. Nolan

41'		D. Wheater

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 12:47 PM

88' Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 12:47 PM

89'	Bolton W. [0 - 0] Middlesbrough

37'	K. Nolan

41'		D. Wheater

69'		L. Young

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 01:06 PM

FT Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 01:06 PM

FT	Bolton W. [0 - 0] Middlesbrough

37'	K. Nolan

41'		D. Wheater

69'		L. Young

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 10:38 PM

Megson blames fatigue as Middlesbrough hold Bolton

Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson blamed fatigue after they were held 0-0 by Middlesbrough at the Reebok stadium.

It was a disappointing performance by Bolton after their memorable draw in the UEFA Cup against Bayern Munich in midweek but fatigue set in after only two days' rest.

"This match was maybe a bridge too far in terms of it being our sixth in 17 days," said Megson after the 0-0 draw.

"We have travelled a lot. Physically it is hard work but mentally it is even more so.

"I thought we looked a tired unit, running on empty.

"While Middlesbrough have been team bonding we have been flying over Europe, trying to get a result against one of the best sides around.

"It is hard trying to get yourself up all the time for games. We did not show enough quality in the last third against a tight defensive unit."

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate thought the players benefited from a few days away in the Lake District last week.

He said: "There has been a good spirit among the squad. You could see that when we were away.

"Some of the tasks we put them through was reflected in the way they dug in today.

"They've been through waterfalls and up rock faces. They were put in situations where they've had to rely on team-mates.

"They are the qualities you need on a cold, horrible day in Bolton."

Southgate praised his defenders for putting in a solid shift.

"It was a tough scrap," said the Middlesbrough boss. "These are the games where you have to roll your sleeves up and I thought we did that.

"It was not a particularly attractive game to watch. But we came with the intention of trying to win it and we looked a threat on the break at times.

"We deserved a clean sheet as we defended well as a team. We showed the character needed to get a point."

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 10:38 PM

Bolton boss Megson: No coaching plans for Speed

Bolton boss Gary Megson has no plans to bring Gary Speed back onto the coaching staff and wants the midfielder to focus on his playing duties.

Speed started the campaign by combining his playing duties with the role of first-team coach before leaving the role in October.

The veteran Welshman made the decision to ensure he is focused on playing, and new Bolton boss Megson wants it to remain that way.

"You are either a player or a coach, but not both," said Megson in the News of the World.

"It is an impossible job. You can't do both. Player/manager is a bridge too far and player/coach is two bridges too far.

"I tried it at Norwich and it can't be done.

"If you are playing, you need to be training and if you are running the session, you can't train."

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 11:39 PM

Campo misses cost Bolton escape from drop zone

Written by: AFP


	Gary Megson´s hopes of securing his first win in charge of Bolton were dashed as fans favourite Ivan Campo, seen here in May 2006, failed to take two second-half chances to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough.

LONDON (AFP) - Gary Megson's hopes of securing his first win in charge of Bolton were dashed as fans favourite Ivan Campo failed to take two second-half chances to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough.

Campo was back in the starting line-up after sitting out the 2-2 midweek draw at Bayern Munich because Megson's predecessor as manager, Sammy Lee, had not registered him for the UEFA Cup.

The experienced Spaniard's return to the fold has been warmly welcomed by the Bolton fans but they were left with their heads in their hands just after the hour mark when, unmarked at the back post, he somehow directed a chip from Kevin Davies wide.

Then, in the closing minutes, Campo got on the end of Andy O'Brien's inviting cross only to head straight into the arms of relieved Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The draw leaves Bolton in the relegation zone having won only once in 13 league games this season, but Boro are scarcely any better placed with Gareth Southgate's side just two points clear of the drop zone.

Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, Abdoulaye Meite and Gary Speed joined Campo in returning to action for Bolton, while Southgate brought in George Boateng in place of Fabio Rochemback.

Injury and suspension deprived the home side of the services of Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf and the importance of the duo's finishing was underlined when Bolton's first clear chance fell to midfielder Danny Guthrie, who blazed his effort over.

Speed went closer with a 16th-minute free-kick that caught Schwarzer unawares but finished in the side-netting.

That was the best the home side could muster until, right on the stroke of half-time, Davies fired a shot narrowly wide.

Boro looked content to settle for a draw after the break and Campo's waywardness ensured they were not punished for that cautious approach.

Freddy Adu · 11-11-2007, 11:40 PM

Middlesbrough chairman: Southgate right man in charge

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson insists he has not lined up a replacement for under-fire manager Gareth Southgate.

Boro have endured a disappointing start to the season and sit 16th in the Premier League after a run of seven games without a win.

Reports have claimed that Paul Jewell is waiting in the wings to take over at The Riverside, but Gibson is standing by the current boss.

"We have played 12 games in the Premier League, not got the results we have wished for and already there is a noise about the continuation of the manager," Gibson told the Mail on Sunday.

"It is a nonsense. There has even been some trash about us having lined up a replacement. We know that's not true and Gareth knows that's not true.

"I've spoken to Jonathan Woodgate and one or two others to tell them it's c***.

"We gave Gareth a five-year contract because he had to be given a chance to develop. If we go 1-0 down at Bolton I will feel horrendous, but it won't shape what we do at the club."

Gibson also revealed that he considered appointing a German manager before naming Southgate as Steve McClaren's successor in the summer of 2006.

He added: "I looked at a German coach. He wanted to bring in a German fitness coach, German masseur, German players. We were going to become Middlesbrough-on-Rhine.

"It didn't feel right. We had all these kids coming through from our academy. An outside manager might not recognise that, but Gareth knew.

"He is a good man, with integrity and fantastic football experience. He will make mistakes as he's inexperienced, but he has the intellect to learn from those mistakes.

"That is why we went for Gareth over more experienced people."

Freddy Adu · 11-13-2007, 11:48 PM

Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 14


Middlesbrough				Aston Villa

Date
2007-11-24

City
Middlesbrough

Stadium
Riverside Stadium

Referee

Freddy Adu · 11-13-2007, 11:53 PM

Reading vs Middlesbrough

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 15


Reading				Middlesbrough

Date
2007-12-01

City
Reading

Stadium
Madejski Stadium

Referee

Freddy Adu · 11-19-2007, 02:14 AM

Sheffield Utd dismiss Middlesbrough interest in Beattie

Bryan Robson has dismissed speculation linking James Beattie with a move away from Sheffield United.

The striker has been a prolific goalscorer in the Championship this season, netting 11 times in 16 appearances.

There has been talk of him moving back to the Premier League in the January transfer window, with Middlesbrough reported to be interested.

The Blades boss is looking to keep his entire squad together as he attempts to pull his side up the Championship table.

"I haven't been contacted by anyone about James or any other of my players for that matter," Robson told the Sheffield Star.

"And there isn't anyone I want to let go either."

Freddy Adu · 11-19-2007, 02:14 AM

Middlesbrough chairman Gibson praised for sticking with Southgate

Managers' chief John Barnwell has hailed Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson for continuing to back Gareth Southgate after some poor results.

Boro have taken just three of the last 24 Premier League points they have contested and slipped to 17th place in the table after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Bolton.

However, Gibson remains fully behind 37-year-old Southgate, a stance which has won him the approval of League Managers' Association chief executive Barnwell.

Barnwell said: "When Steve Gibson was appointing Gareth, he put a very strong case for the appointment because he had looked at various domestic mangers who did not satisfy his needs, and he had also considered a foreign manager.

"He felt he had a lot of gifted young players on whom they had spent a lot of time and an enormous amount of money to educate them in the Middlesbrough pattern of life.

"He put a very strong case for appointing Gareth as his manager, and having done that, it is no surprise to us that he will not be swayed by the press or public opinion as to his determination to improve Middlesbrough Football Club.

"Whether that be with Gareth Southgate or anybody else, he has a clear vision of how that club should be run.

"During this period of the season when the culling of managers seems to increase considerably, it is extremely refreshing and a reminder to other clubs that you never achieve your aims if you are continually changing the manager."

Freddy Adu · 11-19-2007, 02:15 AM

Pogatetz chooses Middlesbrough over Austria trip

Manu Pogatetz has snubbed an invite from Austria to continue his fitness training at Middlesbrough.

"I'm staying here," the defender revealed to the Evening Gazette. "I got the invitation to join up with the Austria squad but because of the two-match ban I could not play the games and after talking with the coach we decided it would be better for me to concentrate on reaching full fitness.

"To be considered for international selection again is a big boost for me," he said.

"I have had a bad injury and lost my place for Austria but I know now that if I keep working and if I am playing first team football for Boro then it can still be there for me.

"Suddenly it all looks brighter for me. Things can transform quickly in football. There are ups and downs. I was Player of the Year at Boro and playing for Austria.

"Then suddenly I was out of the international team and injured - but I still had that belief and continued to work hard and now I can see the rewards.

"I have worked hard in the gym for long hours and have been able to get back two months sooner than expected.

"It is fantastic to be back playing but I need to get fitter and stronger so it is better for me and for Boro if I spend this international break working even more on those things.

"Although I have missed the start of the season and it has been very difficult, if I can get back to full fitness and play a lot of games for Boro then this can still be a great season for me.

"I think with Boro we can start to win games and climb the table and with Austria I can be back playing for the national team and, of course, I can play in the European Championships."

Freddy Adu · 11-19-2007, 02:15 AM

Middlesbrough boss Southgate: It's up to us

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned his players they cannot expect any help from rivals as they seek to drag themselves away from the wrong end of the Barclays Premier League table.

The injury-hit Teessiders fought out a grim 0-0 draw at Bolton on Sunday, to claim a second point in as many weeks.

That could not stop Boro slipping to 17th place and only a further two clear of bottom club Derby.

Southgate remains confident his club's season will take off once the likes of Jonathan Woodgate, Mido, Julio Arca and Robert Huth are fit again - and Emanuel Pogatetz, who returned from a double bout of knee surgery at the weekend, returns to his best.

Southgate said: "You look to pick up points from every fixture you go into - but certainly in the last four of five games we have had, there have been some particularly tough ones in there.

"We are in the situation we are in deservedly, because we have not played well enough or scored enough, we have conceded at the wrong times - any number of reasons.

"We know as a group of players and staff that we have to get ourselves out of that situation - because we are not going to get help from any other club.

"It is down to us."

Freddy Adu · 11-19-2007, 02:16 AM

Mendieta insists no Middlesbrough problems

Gaizka Mendieta insists he has no problem with Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate despite being frozen out at The Riverside.

The former Spain international has not featured for Boro this season with the club indicating they are willing to let him leave.

"My mission is to work each day and fight for a place in the team," Mendieta told skysports.com.

"The coach makes the decision and I accept it like a professional.

"I insist that I have no problems with the coach. I respect his decisions and that is fine with me."

The classy midfielder believes he could still a job for Boro and remains hopeful that he will figure for them this term.

"I believe that I am still able to play for Boro," added Mendieta. "It is my challenge to play in a match in the Premier League.

"In the summer my situation was worse.

"I aspire to be in the starting XI and the season is long."

Mendieta says he is in the dark about his future and that all he is focusing on is regaining his place in the side.

"In the last weeks I have not spoken to the directors about my future," noted Mendieta.

"I saw some rumours in the press about the winter transfer market, but I have signed a deal with Boro and my dream is to play and help the team."

Freddy Adu · 11-19-2007, 02:16 AM

Middlesbrough boss Southgate angry with job rumours

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is angry with the "Chinese whispers" swirling about his job.

He said: "As with every story at the moment that surrounds this football club, there is half an element of truth and half an element that builds momentum through Chinese whispers.

Click Here!
"Everything gathers momentum at this time and with the internet being how it is now, people can print anything without foundation and a story can build up out of nothing."

Talk that chairman Steve Gibson had telephoned senior players to assure them that Southgate's position was safe came after he gave an interview to former England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson for his Mail On Sunday column.

Southgate said: "He (Gibson) has not phoned senior players, he was at the training ground and saw them.

"Steve was here last week talking to Bobby Robson and two or three of the senior players were here.

"I know he was cheesed off with one or two articles that have been written and he just wanted to put them straight.

"Sometimes players can wonder if the manager's position is okay because they see other clubs reacting the way they have.

"I can say it to them, but if the chairman says it, then it has more weight."

11-11-2007, 03:16 AM	#62 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Middlesbrough set to land Rangers striker Cousin Middlesbrough are moving for Rangers centre-forward Daniel Cousin. The Mail on Sunday says Southgate, desperate to improve his team's firepower, is already thought to have set up a deal for Rangers' Daniel Cousin. The French striker, believed to have a £1.5 million get-out clause, is unhappy at not being able to command a regular first-team place at Ibrox.

11-11-2007, 03:18 AM	#63 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Middlesbrough boss unhappy with AWOL Mido Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is upset with AWOL Egypt striker Mido. The Mirror says Mido was allowed to go home for a break after suffering a groin injury but he has delayed his return and will miss the relegation crunch with Bolton today. Boro boss Gareth Southgate has no idea when the £7m signing from Spurs will return.

11-11-2007, 12:18 PM	#64 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	59' Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

11-11-2007, 12:31 PM	#66 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	73' Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

11-11-2007, 12:47 PM	#68 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	88' Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

11-11-2007, 01:06 PM	#70 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	FT Bolton W. 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

11-11-2007, 10:38 PM	#72 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Megson blames fatigue as Middlesbrough hold Bolton Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson blamed fatigue after they were held 0-0 by Middlesbrough at the Reebok stadium. It was a disappointing performance by Bolton after their memorable draw in the UEFA Cup against Bayern Munich in midweek but fatigue set in after only two days' rest. "This match was maybe a bridge too far in terms of it being our sixth in 17 days," said Megson after the 0-0 draw. "We have travelled a lot. Physically it is hard work but mentally it is even more so. "I thought we looked a tired unit, running on empty. "While Middlesbrough have been team bonding we have been flying over Europe, trying to get a result against one of the best sides around. "It is hard trying to get yourself up all the time for games. We did not show enough quality in the last third against a tight defensive unit." Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate thought the players benefited from a few days away in the Lake District last week. He said: "There has been a good spirit among the squad. You could see that when we were away. "Some of the tasks we put them through was reflected in the way they dug in today. "They've been through waterfalls and up rock faces. They were put in situations where they've had to rely on team-mates. "They are the qualities you need on a cold, horrible day in Bolton." Southgate praised his defenders for putting in a solid shift. "It was a tough scrap," said the Middlesbrough boss. "These are the games where you have to roll your sleeves up and I thought we did that. "It was not a particularly attractive game to watch. But we came with the intention of trying to win it and we looked a threat on the break at times. "We deserved a clean sheet as we defended well as a team. We showed the character needed to get a point."

11-11-2007, 10:38 PM	#73 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Bolton boss Megson: No coaching plans for Speed Bolton boss Gary Megson has no plans to bring Gary Speed back onto the coaching staff and wants the midfielder to focus on his playing duties. Speed started the campaign by combining his playing duties with the role of first-team coach before leaving the role in October. The veteran Welshman made the decision to ensure he is focused on playing, and new Bolton boss Megson wants it to remain that way. "You are either a player or a coach, but not both," said Megson in the News of the World. "It is an impossible job. You can't do both. Player/manager is a bridge too far and player/coach is two bridges too far. "I tried it at Norwich and it can't be done. "If you are playing, you need to be training and if you are running the session, you can't train."

11-11-2007, 11:40 PM	#75 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Middlesbrough chairman: Southgate right man in charge Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson insists he has not lined up a replacement for under-fire manager Gareth Southgate. Boro have endured a disappointing start to the season and sit 16th in the Premier League after a run of seven games without a win. Reports have claimed that Paul Jewell is waiting in the wings to take over at The Riverside, but Gibson is standing by the current boss. "We have played 12 games in the Premier League, not got the results we have wished for and already there is a noise about the continuation of the manager," Gibson told the Mail on Sunday. "It is a nonsense. There has even been some trash about us having lined up a replacement. We know that's not true and Gareth knows that's not true. "I've spoken to Jonathan Woodgate and one or two others to tell them it's c***. "We gave Gareth a five-year contract because he had to be given a chance to develop. If we go 1-0 down at Bolton I will feel horrendous, but it won't shape what we do at the club." Gibson also revealed that he considered appointing a German manager before naming Southgate as Steve McClaren's successor in the summer of 2006. He added: "I looked at a German coach. He wanted to bring in a German fitness coach, German masseur, German players. We were going to become Middlesbrough-on-Rhine. "It didn't feel right. We had all these kids coming through from our academy. An outside manager might not recognise that, but Gareth knew. "He is a good man, with integrity and fantastic football experience. He will make mistakes as he's inexperienced, but he has the intellect to learn from those mistakes. "That is why we went for Gareth over more experienced people."

11-19-2007, 02:14 AM	#78 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Sheffield Utd dismiss Middlesbrough interest in Beattie Bryan Robson has dismissed speculation linking James Beattie with a move away from Sheffield United. The striker has been a prolific goalscorer in the Championship this season, netting 11 times in 16 appearances. There has been talk of him moving back to the Premier League in the January transfer window, with Middlesbrough reported to be interested. The Blades boss is looking to keep his entire squad together as he attempts to pull his side up the Championship table. "I haven't been contacted by anyone about James or any other of my players for that matter," Robson told the Sheffield Star. "And there isn't anyone I want to let go either."

11-19-2007, 02:14 AM	#79 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Middlesbrough chairman Gibson praised for sticking with Southgate Managers' chief John Barnwell has hailed Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson for continuing to back Gareth Southgate after some poor results. Boro have taken just three of the last 24 Premier League points they have contested and slipped to 17th place in the table after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Bolton. However, Gibson remains fully behind 37-year-old Southgate, a stance which has won him the approval of League Managers' Association chief executive Barnwell. Barnwell said: "When Steve Gibson was appointing Gareth, he put a very strong case for the appointment because he had looked at various domestic mangers who did not satisfy his needs, and he had also considered a foreign manager. "He felt he had a lot of gifted young players on whom they had spent a lot of time and an enormous amount of money to educate them in the Middlesbrough pattern of life. "He put a very strong case for appointing Gareth as his manager, and having done that, it is no surprise to us that he will not be swayed by the press or public opinion as to his determination to improve Middlesbrough Football Club. "Whether that be with Gareth Southgate or anybody else, he has a clear vision of how that club should be run. "During this period of the season when the culling of managers seems to increase considerably, it is extremely refreshing and a reminder to other clubs that you never achieve your aims if you are continually changing the manager."

11-19-2007, 02:15 AM	#80 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Pogatetz chooses Middlesbrough over Austria trip Manu Pogatetz has snubbed an invite from Austria to continue his fitness training at Middlesbrough. "I'm staying here," the defender revealed to the Evening Gazette. "I got the invitation to join up with the Austria squad but because of the two-match ban I could not play the games and after talking with the coach we decided it would be better for me to concentrate on reaching full fitness. "To be considered for international selection again is a big boost for me," he said. "I have had a bad injury and lost my place for Austria but I know now that if I keep working and if I am playing first team football for Boro then it can still be there for me. "Suddenly it all looks brighter for me. Things can transform quickly in football. There are ups and downs. I was Player of the Year at Boro and playing for Austria. "Then suddenly I was out of the international team and injured - but I still had that belief and continued to work hard and now I can see the rewards. "I have worked hard in the gym for long hours and have been able to get back two months sooner than expected. "It is fantastic to be back playing but I need to get fitter and stronger so it is better for me and for Boro if I spend this international break working even more on those things. "Although I have missed the start of the season and it has been very difficult, if I can get back to full fitness and play a lot of games for Boro then this can still be a great season for me. "I think with Boro we can start to win games and climb the table and with Austria I can be back playing for the national team and, of course, I can play in the European Championships."

11-19-2007, 02:15 AM	#81 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Middlesbrough boss Southgate: It's up to us Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned his players they cannot expect any help from rivals as they seek to drag themselves away from the wrong end of the Barclays Premier League table. The injury-hit Teessiders fought out a grim 0-0 draw at Bolton on Sunday, to claim a second point in as many weeks. That could not stop Boro slipping to 17th place and only a further two clear of bottom club Derby. Southgate remains confident his club's season will take off once the likes of Jonathan Woodgate, Mido, Julio Arca and Robert Huth are fit again - and Emanuel Pogatetz, who returned from a double bout of knee surgery at the weekend, returns to his best. Southgate said: "You look to pick up points from every fixture you go into - but certainly in the last four of five games we have had, there have been some particularly tough ones in there. "We are in the situation we are in deservedly, because we have not played well enough or scored enough, we have conceded at the wrong times - any number of reasons. "We know as a group of players and staff that we have to get ourselves out of that situation - because we are not going to get help from any other club. "It is down to us."

11-19-2007, 02:16 AM	#82 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Mendieta insists no Middlesbrough problems Gaizka Mendieta insists he has no problem with Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate despite being frozen out at The Riverside. The former Spain international has not featured for Boro this season with the club indicating they are willing to let him leave. "My mission is to work each day and fight for a place in the team," Mendieta told skysports.com. "The coach makes the decision and I accept it like a professional. "I insist that I have no problems with the coach. I respect his decisions and that is fine with me." The classy midfielder believes he could still a job for Boro and remains hopeful that he will figure for them this term. "I believe that I am still able to play for Boro," added Mendieta. "It is my challenge to play in a match in the Premier League. "In the summer my situation was worse. "I aspire to be in the starting XI and the season is long." Mendieta says he is in the dark about his future and that all he is focusing on is regaining his place in the side. "In the last weeks I have not spoken to the directors about my future," noted Mendieta. "I saw some rumours in the press about the winter transfer market, but I have signed a deal with Boro and my dream is to play and help the team."

11-19-2007, 02:16 AM	#83 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194 Rep Points: 916	Middlesbrough boss Southgate angry with job rumours Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is angry with the "Chinese whispers" swirling about his job. He said: "As with every story at the moment that surrounds this football club, there is half an element of truth and half an element that builds momentum through Chinese whispers. Click Here! "Everything gathers momentum at this time and with the internet being how it is now, people can print anything without foundation and a story can build up out of nothing." Talk that chairman Steve Gibson had telephoned senior players to assure them that Southgate's position was safe came after he gave an interview to former England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson for his Mail On Sunday column. Southgate said: "He (Gibson) has not phoned senior players, he was at the training ground and saw them. "Steve was here last week talking to Bobby Robson and two or three of the senior players were here. "I know he was cheesed off with one or two articles that have been written and he just wanted to put them straight. "Sometimes players can wonder if the manager's position is okay because they see other clubs reacting the way they have. "I can say it to them, but if the chairman says it, then it has more weight."

11-19-2007, 02:17 AM	#84 (permalink)
Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng Adu Offline Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Estados Unidos Posts: 256,709 vCash: 20158194