Alves Bagged Two Goals.

By Luke Sandelands
August 10 2008

While Sparta Rotterdam may have been a couple of weeks behind Boro in their training schedule, nonetheless our victory in Holland following on from an impressive performance at Darlington by a young team could perhaps be the first sparks of a promising season at the Riverside this year.Yet with the completion of the sale of Young, could gaps in our backline hold us back from our full potential?

Our midfield and attack have displayed promising performances, with Alves notching in two goals in Rotterdam and Downing looking remarkably assured in the captaincy role. Some questions may be asked as to whether we need a further creative midfielder, but if we can ensure the defence is in order you would think that we would have assembled a team capable of a top half finish.

The sale of Young, who was a competent and consistent player may not be as damaging as first thought if an assured replacement fills his role, indeed the transfer fee was exceptional considering he was only at the club for a season. Although Rhys Williams has come to the fore rapidly in recent weeks and played well in the right back position, he was very impressive in a centre back role, and perhaps should be kept in this position. If Boro do move for Hoyte successfully, this should provide good competition with McMahon in this position. The question over whether our goalkeepers are able to adequately cope with the rigourous Premier League schedule it seems remains unanswered until the Tottenham game next Saturday.

Sparta Battered Now For Spurs.

Discussion started by Down by the Riverside (IP Logged), 10/08/2008 15:24

Down by the Riverside
10/08/2008 15:24

Sparta Battered Now For Spurs.

Reply Quote Report

Spirit of Steaua
10/08/2008 16:01

The pace and passing can be awsome - but I can just see teams getting behind us down the flanks. Hope I'm wrong. We'll see on Saturday!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:08:10:18:32:16 by Spirit of Steaua.

Reply Quote Report

Matthew Hind
12/08/2008 15:30

I am not so sure. O'Neill is no mug and I wonder if he has seen something in Young that we have missed. Time will tell.

Reply Quote Report

Spirit of Steaua
12/08/2008 15:41

Yeah - Young was good pretty much every game last time. We seem to be moving on everyone over the age of 28 - Riggott is now our oldest player at 27 and three quarters.....

Hope it pays off rather than us needing the pay off.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net