Boro vs Saints - Match Thread

[ChristopheVAFC]

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well?

Today marks the first leg of the play-offs, and I wish you every success on the pitch.

It’s not an easy match, but even less so with this whole business…

Was this a one-off act by this person? Was it at the club’s request? You’d have to be mad to drive 10 hours there and back to take such a risk just hours before a big match.

I don’t think it was really necessary to take such risks and get into trouble for nothing, because as far as I’m concerned, Boro could very well change their tactics even in the final hours before the match.

Here are my thoughts:

- I think the video analysts must have access to all 46 of Boro’s matches this season so they can work on their strengths and weaknesses...

- Given that SFC are on a run of 19 consecutive matches without defeat, why do this? Do we not have confidence in our players to win the match on the pitch?

- With so much at stake, why didn’t Boro hold their training sessions this week behind closed doors and in locations hidden from prying eyes?

- With the first leg being played away, isn’t it a significant advantage to play the return leg at Saint Mary’s?

The timing is really poor and I don’t think it was the right moment at all...

We’ll need to be strong today because this match will be played in a hostile atmosphere where Boro will be even more determined to win.

Have a good match, friend!

Force to you from France, from Valenciennes.

COYR !

[Convict Colony]

6 hours ago, danjosaint said:

I wonder if it was to see purely if Hackney was fit for the game

I think he did train but will be on the bench

[Matthew Le God]

6 hours ago, CanadaSaint said:

Spying is NOT illegal, other than in the 72 hours before a game, so what we apparently did would have been fine if we’d done it the previous day; it can’t suddenly become a capital offence with the tick of the clock.

I'd guess the 72 hour thing is due to clubs using those last training sessions for set piece routines and other tactical work that generally doesn't happen earlier in the build up to a game.

[SaintStinger]

I think this will be a big distraction and we'll fail to get promoted. Then we'll lose our manager and half the squad, the good half. Well done for all involved in this, well done.

[kwsaint]

3 minutes ago, SaintStinger said:

I think this will be a big distraction and we'll fail to get promoted. Then we'll lose our manager and half the squad, the good half. Well done for all involved in this, well done.

Nah I’m of the opposite view. We’ll get promoted and be laughing about this in 3 months.

[lambtiss]

20 minutes ago, SaintStinger said:

I think this will be a big distraction and we'll fail to get promoted. Then we'll lose our manager and half the squad, the good half. Well done for all involved in this, well done.

That's the spirit 

[Harry_SFC]

42 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

I'd guess the 72 hour thing is due to clubs using those last training sessions for set piece routines and other tactical work that generally doesn't happen earlier in the build up to a game.

Which is fair enough. However it's clearly not the serious offence many are making out. The fact you can do it, just not within 72 hours before shows that. 

[Harry_SFC]

Also having a laugh at a lot of people saying how embarrassed they are to be Saints fans.

Fucking get a grip and man up. 

[bangkoksaint]

We’ve been spying for months, you don’t get caught the first time. Maybe our finish in the league was a false position and TE isn’t as good as we thought? Whether this is the case or not it casts a shadow over everything, fans are throwing a lot of time and money following this club and personally I think deserve better

[hypochondriac]

8 minutes ago, bangkoksaint said:

We’ve been spying for months, you don’t get caught the first time. Maybe our finish in the league was a false position and TE isn’t as good as we thought? Whether this is the case or not it casts a shadow over everything, fans are throwing a lot of time and money following this club and personally I think deserve better

I hardly think that seeing how the opposition line up is going to be the reason why we've won so many games. I doubt we spied on arsenal for example.

[Football Special]

13 minutes ago, Harry_SFC said:

Also having a laugh at a lot of people saying how embarrassed they are to be Saints fans.

Fucking get a grip and man up. 

They just refused to serve me in kings Cross M&S, we're social outcasts 

[Football Special]

4 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I hardly think that seeing how the opposition line up is going to be the reason why we've won so many games. I doubt we spied on arsenal for example.

Exactly, its virtually impossible to get near most clubs training pitches, Middlesbrough having such as easy access is different if you can watch from a golf course 

[obelisk]

He could at least have just wandered around in loud and colourful golfing attire shouting into his phone and everyone would have thought it normal.

[Convict Colony]

If we beat Boro over 2 legs the guys deserve a break and id suggest a nice couple of days golf at Rockliffe Hall.

Also for the attention of Saints coaching staff - DJI Mavic 3 Pro flys above 400ft which is the height drones cannot be heard and are very hard to see (i would paint it sky blue to make it invisible) and films no issue in 4k and can fly for 50mins.

Its better to pay the fine for flying in restricted airspace as a "analyst" than being caught by an opposition football club.

I'm more disgusted we got caught, absolute amateur hour.

 

Edited 5 hours ago by Convict Colony

[sockeye]

Tonda’s tricky reds.

We will smash them 2-0 this leg and in  15 days we will be promoted.

COYS!

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

This must go on all the time in various forms across the leagues. 

Boro acting as if they're angels and have been mortally wronged. 

Yes, not a great look and generally incompetent from Saints for not being more discreet. 

Could have done without the distraction. 

[saintant]

7 hours ago, SouthWalesSaints said:

I’ve had it on good authority this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Tonda knows, lads in his manager of the month photos. 
 

Club has a choice. Throw the lad under the bus, or take the fine/points suspension. 

Not true so your 'good authority' would appear to be anything but.

[Convict Colony]

Yeah well i think Gibson is gonna take this as far as possible 

2019–2022: Middlesbrough FC (via Steve Gibson) vs. Derby County (and related parties)

What happened: In May 2019, Middlesbrough (with Gibson driving the action) launched legal proceedings against Derby County. They claimed Derby's alleged breaches of EFL Financial Fair Play (Profitability and Sustainability) rules — particularly the sale-and-leaseback of Pride Park stadium — unfairly allowed Derby to gain a sporting advantage. This allegedly cost Boro a play-off place in the 2018–19 Championship season.
Details: The claim was reportedly valued at around £40–45 million in compensation. Gibson publicly raised the stakes, threatened/ pursued the action, and engaged in direct talks with former Derby owner Mel Morris.
Outcome: In February 2022, an "accord" (settlement/resolution) was reached through private conversations between Gibson and Morris. The exact terms were not publicly disclosed, but it resolved the claims by Middlesbrough against Derby (and others), allowing Derby's administration process to move forward.

[saintant]

6 hours ago, bpsaint said:

Just re-reading the EFL statement and it says that under regulations we would normally have 14 days to respond but they want that shortened. Surely they can’t demand that if there’s set time frames in place? Why the urgency?

Clearly because, if proven, this affects two massive games being played today and on Tuesday. If the club know they are in the clear on this (and the only valid excuse could be that the intern went rogue and was acting independently with no written or verbal authority from the club) then they should be saying so quite vociferously ahead of today's game - they don't need to reveal all the details but make it known that we consider we have no charges to answer.

[sandwichsaint]

Can’t see this ending well, no point having the rule if it is not enforced, but this is football so who knows. Easiest way out for everybody is play the games and ref sees Midds through. 
 

in other news was it Bobby Spooks wot done it?

[saintant]

1 hour ago, SaintStinger said:

I think this will be a big distraction and we'll fail to get promoted. Then we'll lose our manager and half the squad, the good half. Well done for all involved in this, well done.

Think your glass needs topping up feller.

[Convict Colony]

Interstingly that Boro have a person sitting on the EFL board of directors

Rick Parry Chair, Trevor Birch CEO then these guys, surely the Boro guy will have to recluse himself ?

[Colinjb]

Surely all our 'spy' would have needed to do to fit in was wear a replica shirt and be munching on a chicken parmo.

Just so damn weird.

Let's take the game to them now. At least the atmosphere will be better then usual for the Riverside.

Edited 5 hours ago by Colinjb

[saintant]

1 hour ago, bangkoksaint said:

We’ve been spying for months, you don’t get caught the first time. Maybe our finish in the league was a false position and TE isn’t as good as we thought? Whether this is the case or not it casts a shadow over everything, fans are throwing a lot of time and money following this club and personally I think deserve better

Or maybe it's because we signed a very competent keeper, a good centre forward, brought James Bree back from Brentford and converted to a back four.

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

6 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

Yeah well i think Gibson is gonna take this as far as possible

Particularly if we put them out and go up. It's been reported that promotion is now worth over £170m, that's what at stake.

We'll get a £500,000+ fine and likely other sanctions if proved, all we need now is the cameras to pick out Redknapp in the crowd winking towards the directors box.

[Mr X]

2 hours ago, ChristopheVAFC said:

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well?

Today marks the first leg of the play-offs, and I wish you every success on the pitch.

It’s not an easy match, but even less so with this whole business…

Was this a one-off act by this person? Was it at the club’s request? You’d have to be mad to drive 10 hours there and back to take such a risk just hours before a big match.

I don’t think it was really necessary to take such risks and get into trouble for nothing, because as far as I’m concerned, Boro could very well change their tactics even in the final hours before the match.

Here are my thoughts:

- I think the video analysts must have access to all 46 of Boro’s matches this season so they can work on their strengths and weaknesses...

- Given that SFC are on a run of 19 consecutive matches without defeat, why do this? Do we not have confidence in our players to win the match on the pitch?

- With so much at stake, why didn’t Boro hold their training sessions this week behind closed doors and in locations hidden from prying eyes?

- With the first leg being played away, isn’t it a significant advantage to play the return leg at Saint Mary’s?

The timing is really poor and I don’t think it was the right moment at all...

We’ll need to be strong today because this match will be played in a hostile atmosphere where Boro will be even more determined to win.

Have a good match, friend!

Force to you from France, from Valenciennes.

COYR !

This and why would the club give them any reason to be even more fired up!it will be tough as it is, Dissapointng all round a stupid move by the club (or rogue individual) 

[saintant]

7 minutes ago, sandwichsaint said:

Can’t see this ending well, no point having the rule if it is not enforced, but this is football so who knows. Easiest way out for everybody is play the games and ref sees Midds through. 
 

in other news was it Bobby Spooks wot done it?

How the refs handles the next two games might be interesting.

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

We look a bit silly and I reckon it'll be a financially costly cock up. But equally, any advantage gained is miniscule compared to, say, a "professional foul" that gets a yellow card on the pitch.

[Pamplemousse]

I reckon it'll be a hefty fine and a (suspended) points deduction.

The EFL will want to make an example out of us and any points deduction, even suspended, would act as a deterrent to others.

Anyway let's see how today plays out first. Really hope we win because the meltdown afterwards would be sensational to watch

[Osvaldorama]

I can’t believe how soft some people are 😂 

 

it’s the most minor thing imaginable. Bet all clubs do way worse behind the scenes. 
 

Grow up and let’s fucking smash them 

[Toadhall Saint]

10 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

Interstingly that Boro have a person sitting on the EFL board of directors

Rick Parry Chair, Trevor Birch CEO then these guys, surely the Boro guy will have to recluse himself ?

It’s why they bring in independent people.

[Pamplemousse]

Good news is that it is forecast to be pissing it down all day up here, so that should put a dampener literally on their planned bus welcome.

[saintant]

1 minute ago, Osvaldorama said:

I can’t believe how soft some people are 😂 

 

it’s the most minor thing imaginable. Bet all clubs do way worse behind the scenes. 
 

Grow up and let’s fucking smash them 

Yeah, all these journos taking the holier than thou approach yet these same people fawn and eulogise over Man City the biggest cheats in this country. Double standards.

[Harry_SFC]

5 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

I reckon it'll be a hefty fine and a (suspended) points deduction.

The EFL will want to make an example out of us and any points deduction, even suspended, would act as a deterrent to others.

Anyway let's see how today plays out first. Really hope we win because the meltdown afterwards would be sensational to watch

I agree. Can see that being the punishment. Possibly 3 points or something. 

[Doctoroncall]

10 minutes ago, Convict Colony said:

Interstingly that Boro have a person sitting on the EFL board of directors

Rick Parry Chair, Trevor Birch CEO then these guys, surely the Boro guy will have to recluse himself ?

An independent panel will decide, not the EFL. 
 

interestingly only the EFL have this 72 hour window for observing, because of Leeds, all other associations/leagues have the previous fair play rule.

I cannot find any other European team except Leeds being caught and an Austrian team in 2020 (points and fine). 

[RedArmy]

4 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said:

I can’t believe how soft some people are 😂 

 

it’s the most minor thing imaginable. Bet all clubs do way worse behind the scenes. 
 

Grow up and let’s fucking smash them 

Yep. Embarrassing that we got caught so easily but couldn’t give a fuck that we did it. 

As the yanks say…if you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying. 

 

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

The stories are inconsistent. 

Matey was in the bush / Matey was on top of a hill.

Had a phone / had spy equipment. 

Matey was an idiot though if he didnt see people walking up towards him on the hill. Surely at that point he should have just retreated.

[SW11_Saint]

1 hour ago, bangkoksaint said:

We’ve been spying for months, you don’t get caught the first time. Maybe our finish in the league was a false position and TE isn’t as good as we thought? Whether this is the case or not it casts a shadow over everything, fans are throwing a lot of time and money following this club and personally I think deserve better

I think people are attaching *way* too much importance on the value spying brings… games are won by the 11 on the pitch. Tactics are important, but this sort of thing will only really really tell you who is fit & training, and marginal info like set-piece set-up - which you likely know anyway from watching their previous matches! 

[kwsaint]

6 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

Good news is that it is forecast to be pissing it down all day up here, so that should put a dampener literally on their planned bus welcome.

I live in West Yorkshire and can confirm it is a soggy morning.

[Miltonaggro]

Thinking about this spying nonsense. If the situation were reversed I genuinely feel the vast majority of Saints fans wouldn’t give a flying fuck. Most would laugh it off. This says an awful lot about MFC and their fans - tinpot wankers who are shitting themselves and doubting their chances having won 4-0 against us earlier in the season. I hope Saints win convincingly today and we take them to the fucking cleaners at SMS! 

[ChristopheVAFC]

Let's win on the pitch this afternoon, despite all this!

[Harry_SFC]

2 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Thinking about this spying nonsense. If the situation were reversed I genuinely feel the vast majority of Saints fans wouldn’t give a flying fuck. Most would laugh it off. This says an awful lot about MFC and their fans - tinpot wankers who are shitting themselves and doubting their chances having won 4-0 against us earlier in the season. I hope Saints win convincingly today and we take them to the fucking cleaners at SMS! 

Yeah, it's really hit a nerve with them hasn't it.

[Convict Colony]

[trousers]

7 minutes ago, kwsaint said:

I live in West Yorkshire and can confirm it is a soggy morning.

Fair play on having him to stay with you.  Just don't mention the war....

[Miltonaggro]

2 minutes ago, Harry_SFC said:

Yeah, it's really hit a nerve with them hasn't it.

The last season they were in the top flight was 2016-17 and that was a straight back down humiliation, and it shows. 

[trousers]

10 minutes ago, SW11_Saint said:

I think people are attaching *way* too much importance on the value spying brings… games are won by the 11 on the pitch. Tactics are important, but this sort of thing will only really really tell you who is fit & training, and marginal info like set-piece set-up - which you likely know anyway from watching their previous matches! 

If 'spying' doesn't achieve anything, it begs the question: 'why do it in the first place?' when the risks of being caught quite obviously outweigh any gains...

[whelk]

The good news is that after our inevitable relegation to National League South for this most heinous of crimes, we can then have a beer on the terraces/seats watching the game 

Edited 4 hours ago by whelk

[Miltonaggro]

2 hours ago, SaintStinger said:

I think this will be a big distraction and we'll fail to get promoted. Then we'll lose our manager and half the squad, the good half. Well done for all involved in this, well done.

Fuck me Russell, just let it go x

[Sheaf Saint]

8 minutes ago, trousers said:

Fair play on having him to stay with you.  Just don't mention the war....

Or the election results 😬

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 minute ago, whelk said:

The good news is that after our inevitable relegation to National League South first this most heinous of crimes, we can then have a beer on the terraces/seats watching the game 

When our Phoenix club play, as surely the honourable course of action is to close down the club in shame.

It was a dark, dark moment when I read about this. But then, it was after midnight....🙂