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EARNING OUR SPURS 16-8-08
Whatever the next nine months has in store for us Boro fans, you can be sure it won't be boring.
It seems as if Gareth is going to finally have in place the type of players who can produce fast, attacking football. If it's entertainment you want, then the Riverside should be the place to be.
Time will tell if edge of the seat 4-3 thrillers will become the norm, or if the new look defence can make our afternoons a little easier.
Whilst we look forward to more goals this season, I think that we may also see a few more cards from the referees. This is true if the Community Shield is anything to go by!!
The players and managers have been told in no uncertain terms that dissent will be punished and that the Respect campaign that is being shoved at us from every angle is here to stay.
Cue the action and within half an hour, Vidic has been booked for humping the ball half a pitch away and Distin sees yellow for continuously arguing with the "lino" over a throw-in.
We also saw Sir Alex having a "quiet" word with the ref at half time.
More concerning was the commentary from Setanta's Craig Burley. He said that it is part of the game for a player to have a go at the ref. Der, that's the whole point Craig, that is what has to change!!
Last season Boro had the worst disciplinary record in the League and that too must alter. Having said that, our worst offenders have all left the club and with competition for places very high, you would hope that players have learned to control their emotions a little better.
It is vital that Boro get off to a good start. With even more season ticket holders than last season and the promise of a different style of play, there is every reason to be optimistic.
A million words have been written and spoken about who plays in goal for Boro but now it is time for the fans to back Gareth's choice and get behind our keeper.
I always have great sympathy for a keeper as they are a bit like a referee. They can have a brilliant game but then one mistake and that is what everyone leaves the ground talking about.
The first dropped cross, poor kick or ineffective punch and the groans ring out around the ground. That is not going to do much for anyone's confidence is it?
For as long as I can remember it has been part of Boro history for the fans to have a boo-boy. I would love to see that stop from tomorrow and that the fans get behind everyone who wears the shirt for ninety minutes.
Let's keep our comments to the pub after the game, or give me a ring and get it off your chest.
Spurs have spent a fortune and fancy their chances of challenging for European places. They have looked good pre-season but at the Riverside, just like at the Stadium of Light last season, we can make their opening day trip to the north-east a pointless one.
With that in mind I am tipping with fingers crossed that Boro can beat Spurs. I see goals so how about a thrilling 3-2 victory to get the season off to a flyer?
I fancy Pools to get a point at Tranmere (2-2) and for Darlo to nick all three points at Notts County (2-1).
If any of my predictions come true then thanks to our friends at William Hill in aid of The Great North Air Ambulance we can start the season off successfully and profitably.
Catch me tomorrow lunchtime on Aplha103.2 for my pre-match warm up programme from 1-1.30 and then from 6-7 for the Phone-in.
You can tune in by clicking here. Also, read my other columns on my website.
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