Saints 1-1 Boro - Match Thread

[saintant]

6 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

I’d go with AM only because he saves shots.

Me too. I grew up believing that's a goalkeeper's most important skill but maybe being able to pass trumps that.

[AlexLaw76]

any links to the presser?

[trousers]

3 minutes ago, AlexLaw76 said:

any links to the presser?

Hasn't started yet. Will do when it does

[AlexLaw76]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

Hasn't started yet. Will do when it does

where do you normally get the feed?

[trousers]

Just now, AlexLaw76 said:

where do you normally get the feed?

Twitter... or whatever they call it these days

[trousers]

Unusual for it to be this late in starting....

[saintant]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

Unusual for it to be this late in starting....

Heard Will has called the two keepers into his office for a little chat. 🙂

[Toussaint]

Just now, saintant said:

Heard Will has called the two keepers into his office for a little chat. 🙂

I also heard Will has been called into Spors office and Spors into Dragan’s.

[trousers]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

Heard Will has called the two keepers into his office for a little chat. 🙂

One assumes Bazunu has dropped his pen and McCarthy has stubbed his toe on the desk....

[Fabrice29]

5 minutes ago, trousers said:

Unusual for it to be this late in starting....

Pretty sure the press conference is tomorrow.

[trousers]

Ah... oops... it's 13:30 TOMORROW....! At ease people....

 

 

[saintant]

1 minute ago, Toussaint said:

I also heard Will has been called into Spors office and Spors into Dragan’s.

Hold on is this your version of the spider and the fly? Surely Rasmus has been called into someone's office.

[saintant]

Just now, Fabrice29 said:

Pretty sure the press conference is tomorrow.

Stand down!

[saintant]

1 minute ago, trousers said:

Ah... oops... it's 13:30 TOMORROW....! At ease people....

 

 

Gonna be a long chat for Baz and Macca 🙂

[Charlie Wayman]

There is absolutely no need at all for Still to make any changes to the side that started against Liverpool unless one or two are carrying knocks.

He is the one who uses the words "brave" and "deserves to play" and nobody can argue that those lads did not deserve their place or were not brave by playing their hearts out to give the scousers the fright of their lives.

So Still prove your metal by sticking with the lads who stuck by you. The others must earn their places back, don't gift them a free ride.

I think we will shade this one 2-1 if Still sticks with Tuesday nights team.

[saintant]

11 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said:

There is absolutely no need at all for Still to make any changes to the side that started against Liverpool unless one or two are carrying knocks.

He is the one who uses the words "brave" and "deserves to play" and nobody can argue that those lads did not deserve their place or were not brave by playing their hearts out to give the scousers the fright of their lives.

So Still prove your metal by sticking with the lads who stuck by you. The others must earn their places back, don't gift them a free ride.

I think we will shade this one 2-1 if Still sticks with Tuesday nights team.

I can't disagree. We actually looked like a team where every player understood his role. Give these lads another go then it's up to those not selected to fight for their places. I'd be quite happy to stick to the same starting line up with plenty of strength on the bench. It will not happen and Jander probably won't be fit anyway.

[Willo of Whiteley]

What I would like to see, 4-3-3:

McCarthy - shit, but keep the ball away from our goal and we’ll have half a chance.
Jelert - impressive debut, better than Roerslav at early impressions
Wood - hasn’t put a foot wrong
Quarshie - clumsy, but better than Stephens and THB so far this season
Manning - decent enough
Jander - if he isn’t injured
Charles - prefer him over Downes
Fraser - in the middle CAM
Robinson - shouldn’t have been dropped for these new signings
Armstrong - by far our best ST and excellent in this league regardless of what you think about him based on his Prem record
Scienza - looks a handful

Bazunu, THB, Stephens, Downes on occasion and Azaz have looked poor for the most part this season; and that is being fair. Downs has been beyond shit, the fact we paid money for someone who looks like they have such a lethargic workrate has gone down like a lead balloon with the fans. I’d potentially bring Aribo back into the fold.

However, I expect him to go with five at the back for this with: Bazunu; Roerslav, Captain undroppable, Mr thinks he is better than he is, Wood, Manning; Downes, Charles, Fraser, Archer, Armstrong

[Wade Garrett]

Playing Bazunu will lead to more goals conceded from weak shots.  

McCarthy's weakness is distribution.  Just tell him to hit it long, when he did on Tuesday it was ok.

I would rather have McCarthy's goalkeeping and hitting it long than Bazunu's frankly amateur goalkeeping and being able to pass the ball to feet 20 yards.

2 saves that McCarthy made on Tuesday, the early one and another low shot in the first-half, are goals with Bazunu playing.  He is the goalkeeping equivalent of Damien Downs.

Edited September 25 by Wade Garrett

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

Ah... oops... it's 13:30 TOMORROW....! At ease people....

 

 

FFS Trousers sort it out , as bad as Sports Republic 

[trousers]

7 minutes ago, Football Special said:

FFS Trousers sort it out , as bad as Sports Republic 

Rasmus is rubbing off on me....

[Mboto Gorge]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

Rasmus is rubbing off on me....

Now there’s a visual image I was hoping to avoid….

[trousers]

12 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

McCarthy made another low shit in the first-half

Didn't see that on my stream. Dirty bastard.

Edited September 25 by trousers

[tdmickey3]

16 minutes ago, trousers said:

Rasmus is rubbing off on me....

Perve

[coalman]

I would actually go with as new a broom as we can for Boro

                                McCarthy

Roerslav             Wood             Quarshie           Jelert

                       Jander            Charles

Armstrong                   Azaz                    Fellows

                                   Archer 

Downes did well on Tuesday but hes been a liability in every other game this season. Manning is a midfielder playing as a fullback. Armstrong and McCarthy are the only ones who've played themselves back into the team for me. Wood and Quarshie deserve a chance because Stephens and THB are just spectators when people cross into our box and have stupid mistakes in them. That back 4 isn't part of the omnishambles that has let in soft goals for 2-3 years and McCarthy is ok as long as he knows when to put his foot through the ball. 

If Jander isn't fit then Downes starts. Don't see the point in dropping Fellows and Azaz already without giving them a chance to show what they can do.

[Willo of Whiteley]

Azaz has been non-existent since signing.

McCarthy is a terrible, terrible keeper. How a professional player is unable to pass a ball five yards is baffling. But let’s not fool ourselves, he can’t save a shot at his near post, or his far post for that matter. The only thing McCarthy does ok is coming for the ball at corners and punching away.

But that is it.

[Toadhall Saint]

5 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Azaz has been non-existent since signing.

McCarthy is a terrible, terrible keeper. How a professional player is unable to pass a ball five yards is baffling. But let’s not fool ourselves, he can’t save a shot at his near post, or his far post for that matter. The only thing McCarthy does ok is coming for the ball at corners and punching away.

But that is it.

And your views on Bazunu?

[Willo of Whiteley]

27 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

And your views on Bazunu?

Bazunu is poor. Simple as.

He is replaced by 90% of the other Championship goalkeepers.

I think McCarthy has been woeful for years, he gets beaten at his mast post, far post, caught when passing out from the back, isn’t a commanding keeper, isn’t vocal to those around him but does punch the ball at corners effectively; if also say he is ok with shot cannoning off him (saves).

Bazunu could have the ball shot at him and it’ll bounce to the next nearest attacking player. He fumbles or stays on his line at corners. Hes a bit more vocal, you do see him shout, but in the same we THB does - not effectively or to no one in particular. He can pass the ball out - yay - an absolutely basic for all footballers. Good for him. He strikes me as a confidence player, and he has none.
With him I think it was too much too soon at a young age.

[Toadhall Saint]

20 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Bazunu is poor. Simple as.

He is replaced by 90% of the other Championship goalkeepers.

I think McCarthy has been woeful for years, he gets beaten at his mast post, far post, caught when passing out from the back, isn’t a commanding keeper, isn’t vocal to those around him but does punch the ball at corners effectively; if also say he is ok with shot cannoning off him (saves).

Bazunu could have the ball shot at him and it’ll bounce to the next nearest attacking player. He fumbles or stays on his line at corners. Hes a bit more vocal, you do see him shout, but in the same we THB does - not effectively or to no one in particular. He can pass the ball out - yay - an absolutely basic for all footballers. Good for him. He strikes me as a confidence player, and he has none.
With him I think it was too much too soon at a young age.

Better shot stopper than Baz (mind you that’s not difficult). Personally I have more confidence in AM than I do with Baz.

[Willo of Whiteley]

13 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

Better shot stopper than Baz (mind you that’s not difficult). Personally I have more confidence in AM than I do with Baz.

I think we can both agree it’s a low bar 😂

[Saint Fan CaM]

4 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I wouldn't write off Downes and Charles just yet.  Downes was much more positive with the ball on Tuesday, so the partnership could have a different dynamic on Saturday.

Let’s hope so, however the dynamic was quite different from Downes with Jander which leads me to believe he and Charles are not as compatible - kind of cancel each out…perhaps too similar. Bit like Lampard and Gerrard never really worked that well together for England despite their great individual careers.

[VectisSaint]

19 hours ago, saintant said:

How can you possibly criticise him for their first goal? - McCarthy decided to pass the ball straight to Cienza. Quarshie had nothing to do with it.

We all see things differently. He was clearly not set to receive the ball, which he should have been. I agree Macca dropped an absolute clanger. In the end it actually made no difference anyway, but the timing wasn't good considering we should have just scored at the other end.

[saintant]

1 minute ago, VectisSaint said:

We all see things differently. He was clearly not set to receive the ball, which he should have been. I agree Macca dropped an absolute clanger. In the end it actually made no difference anyway, but the timing wasn't good considering we should have just scored at the other end.

How can he be set to receive a ball that is passed straight to an opponent? 🙂

[captainchris]

On 24/09/2025 at 15:14, derry said:

I thought the outfield team last night that played well should be started with the luxury of some good substitutes to use later. they deserve another go. If Jander not fit possibly Charles. Personally as there isn't an alternative I'd play Bazunu because the three centrebacks are more combative and Wood and Quarshie are far superior to THB and JS in defending an areial threat. Because of his incompetence if the ball is passed back, like Bambi on ice, unless 100% went long which it wouldn't, furthermore Middlesborough will be looking to exploit him I wouldn't want McCarthy.

Buzuno gave Hull a goal in the last game and doesnt save shots…

McCarthy is far superior.

[Toadhall Saint]

2 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I think we can both agree it’s a low bar 😂

Aye - you’d never limbo under it

[captainchris]

4 hours ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Azaz has been non-existent since signing.

McCarthy is a terrible, terrible keeper. How a professional player is unable to pass a ball five yards is baffling. But let’s not fool ourselves, he can’t save a shot at his near post, or his far post for that matter. The only thing McCarthy does ok is coming for the ball at corners and punching away.

But that is it.

Oh that is rather wide of the mark I’m afraid.

[Harry_SFC]

2 hours ago, saintant said:

How can he be set to receive a ball that is passed straight to an opponent? 🙂

Totally. It had absolutely nothing to do with Quarshie. It was a McCarthy special. Just boot the damn thing up to the half way line. 

[Dr Who?]

I’m afraid I can see this as being another home defeat. Middlesborough are looking very good, and playing some great football. They look like a team and they are high on confidence, where we are not. It seems we are playing these teams at the wrong time at the moment, as I do not expect Boro to stay up there, likewise an another confident side that came to SMS, Stoke City. You can put the other team we have played at home thus far Wrexham, again high on confidence and on another day could have easily left with all 3 points, if not at least a draw. 

I am hoping that we can start to get things on track at Bramble Apple Pie Lane, even though I expect a completely different Sheffield United side (again bad timing for us) or Derby next weekend, before a home win against Swansea. 

One thing I will say these fixtures do not look as easy as they did on paper when they first came out. Hopefully this will all change soon! But not this weekend. 

Edited September 25 by Dr Who?

[Verbal]

6 minutes ago, Dr Who? said:

I am hoping that we can start to get things on track at Bramble Lane, even though I expect a completely different Sheffield United side (again bad timing for us) or Derby next weekend, before a home win against Swansea. 

Can you tell me which village that's in because Google Maps is giving me bupkis

Edited September 25 by Verbal
Yiddish not up to scratch

[Dr Who?]

3 minutes ago, Verbal said:

Can you tell me which village that's in because Google Maps is giving me bubkis

Bloody iPad! 😂 

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

7 hours ago, Charlie Wayman said:

There is absolutely no need at all for Still to make any changes to the side that started against Liverpool unless one or two are carrying knocks.

He is the one who uses the words "brave" and "deserves to play" and nobody can argue that those lads did not deserve their place or were not brave by playing their hearts out to give the scousers the fright of their lives.

So Still prove your metal by sticking with the lads who stuck by you. The others must earn their places back, don't gift them a free ride.

I think we will shade this one 2-1 if Still sticks with Tuesday nights team.

Problem is deep down you know that's not going to happen. Stephens will be back for starters. Fellows came on late against Liverpool so I'd expect him to start. 

That said, I'd like to see Wood have a place in the starting line up. I'm beginning to think he's our best defender.

[Paul_B]

                         McCarthy

            Edwards   Wood  Quarshie

Jelert       Downes    Jander     Manning

                             Azaz

                 Armstrong   Stewart

 

3 CBs as they played well the other night.

If Jander isn't fit, swap with Charles.

With the 2 up front it gives us the option to put balls through for Armstrong or cross them in for Stewart who I think needs a run.

[Wade Garrett]

7 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

 

Edited September 25 by Wade Garrett

[Wade Garrett]

7 hours ago, trousers said:

Didn't see that on my stream. Dirty bastard.

Fucking iPhone 😀

[Willo of Whiteley]

If we lose I can see the fans turning quickly.

Azaz may be dropped due to being a former Boro player.

[Willo of Whiteley]

People talking on here now like Alex McCarthy is bloody Manuel Nueur 🤣

He is absolutely bloody terrible.

Picking between him and Gavin Bazunu is like being offered the chance to step in cow shit or dog shit. 

[Patches O Houlihan]

21 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

People talking on here now like Alex McCarthy is bloody Manuel Nueur 🤣

He is absolutely bloody terrible.

Picking between him and Gavin Bazunu is like being offered the chance to step in cow shit or dog shit. 

You called him out for being crap at his near post - but he got right down to a cracking strike at his left near post in the first half against the scousers and made a solid save.

One swallow does not make a summer but I reckon we'd have finished with 4 against with Baz playing.

[Andrew Watson]

Boro are not a really good side,but as we are so easy to play against will that matter ? My cousin is a lifelong Boro fan [ 65 years ]  and says they all put in a shift,but they have no real standout player and are lucky to be top at present.

[CSA96]

1 hour ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

If we lose I can see the fans turning quickly.

Azaz may be dropped due to being a former Boro player.

Why's that?

[gio1saints]

I know it’s probably just me but I kind of feel relaxed about this one. 
We are nowhere in the league, they are top. They are now amongst the favourites for promotion. There’s a big question mark against us. Last home match there was massive pressure not to lose. This match just feels like if Will just says “ go and show what you can do” our game level will rise substantially.
Boro will need be at their best to get a result if we do. That’s my view. If the team can just take a breath play instinctively we will not lose and more likely win. 2-1 or 3-1 win for Saints my prediction. 😇

Edited September 26 by gio1saints

[VectisSaint]

15 hours ago, saintant said:

How can he be set to receive a ball that is passed straight to an opponent? 🙂

FFS, give it a rest and stop being a twat. I made a comment, you disagree, end of.

Anticipation is an important aspect of the game, especially when you know you have a dodgy keeper behind you.