BallBoy

Boro going infuriatingly well.

Delighted but surprised. This is a huge weight lifted for the club, the players, the fans and, most of all, for Tonda himself.

The irony is that the FA are set to make Tonda accountable for his actions. Yet they are accountable to nobody for their own inaction.

I assume the FA have now knocked off for the day. In fact they probably take Friday afternoons off.

I hope for the best but fear the worst. I do feel strongly that the efl punishment was disproportionate and the 4 points unnecessary. Many neutral football people feel the same. Even many Boro supporters say enough is enough. I do think that the FA action was not needed and has been delayed far too long. It is not possible (bar a personal fine only) that a punishment for Tonda not to be a punishment for the club and fans again but the FA will have to justify their existence. I suspect that the punishment will make it difficult for us to keep a very promising coach. Given time he will be very successful. As for Phil Parsons. He couldn't sell a used car for a decent price. I do actually agree with most of what he said but sometimes it is better to say nothing.

Just not strong enough. I think those 4 points could really hurt us.

We will leave any incoming announcement to the very last minute. We always do. At least we will have an actual game of football to distract us.

We really missed out on Lankshear.

Results like this will make it even more difficult to sign decent players. They are not all stupid.

I don't pretend to know how transfer negotiations work but I am concerned that THB will go at the very end of the window leaving us no time to sign a decent replacement. Is it possible to set a deadline of this coming Saturday for Villa to make an acceptable offer. Anything after that to be rejected. THB to kept informed. Maybe I am a little naive but THB is still under contract. Tell him he is playing on Saturday in the absence of such an offer.

Scienza anonymous since being clattered twice. Matsuki constantly guided outside. Dobbin and Larin poor so far so no attack.

Yes, yes, yes Oh bollocks.

I find myself watching Boro v Lincoln purely because I want Boro to lose. No humiliation can be enough as far as I am concerned. I cannot remember (in 60 years) disliking a club as much as them. Oh, I forgot. They are victims!

Underwhelming. Really need that centre forward.

My personal view is that Tonda will get hammered because the FA will not want to be seen to be weak. I know it is supposed to be an independent panel but that didn't help us last time. It is absolutely crucial that we get off to a good start and without Tonda on the touchline that is a tall order. The odds are stacked against us. A few bad results and our better players could jump ship before the end of the window. Then it gets worse. I know that is a pessimistic view but it is is not entirely unrealistic. I live in hope.