Proud to be a Boro fan

Article by e-Middlesbrough correspondent Stephen Davison

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Aitor Karanka has been supported to the hilt this summer by Steve Gibson who has armed him with the squad that he wanted. Every position is now covered with quality and not just quantity. The squad is down to the size that he demanded and the players he didn't want have been moved on. This is the final gamble that Mr Gibson can make in line with Financial Fair Play, it is very much now or never.

The squad that has been assembled is impressive in so many ways. It has dynamicity, speed, aggression, youth and experience to name a few qualities. The players that have been acquired are diverse and the options that the manager has are now there for all to see. There is now not only a starting 11 that is a good team, but 7 very capable substitutes who can change a game or a formation.

The team will need time to gel, that is a given, but the start to the season was very understated and at times looked to lack an idea of how to change a game. Had teams realised what formation Karanka was going to set out with and muzzled our attacking play? Are we predictable and easy to read so opposing managers and teams know how to set up against us?

Leeds away, Sheffield Wednesday at home and Reading at home all ended in defeat. These were games where defeat could easily have been avoided, and arguably games that the Boro should have won. Everyone knows about the mistakes by Spanish keeper Mejias but it can not all be put down to him.

The international break was very timely for the Boro and for Karanka, as it gave him and the club time to take stock of what is going well but more importantly what isn't. It gave the coaches the time on the training pitches to work on the new Boro philosophy and re-emphasise the orders to all of the players.

The players have all bought into this vision, and what is impressive, is that the current crop are here because they want to be here, not because uncle Steve gives out massive lucrative contracts. They want to be part of what has been sold to them. The players are now of an age and quality that they all have a sell on value, which is hugely important in view of the FFP rules. It means that the club should be able to generate its own money should a player be subject to a big bid or even when it hasn't worked out for certain players, because not all of the signings will work, that's just football.

After the international break, the Boro travelled to what looked to be a tricky tie away at Huddersfield. New manager installed and new expectation, Huddersfield would have thought that they could kick start their season against the reds. It didn't work out like that. It was evident being at the game that the 2 weeks had been spent very wisely on Teesside. The passing and movement was very good and the overall team performance, led by captain fantastic Grant Leadbitter, put in a real shift in a very hard fought game to win 2-1. In truth, we deserved more, and it took a 92nd minute penalty to and a free kick that you might only see on FIFA to win it, but win it they did.

That result needed to be backed up and just a few days later the team went to Cardiff for a very tricky game. A rejuvenated Boro won 1-0 courtesy of an early Kike strike. Back to back away wins and all of a sudden a feeling of momentum was building on Teesside.

Next up was on paper a very even looking tie at home to Brentford. Just 2 places and 1 point behind the Boro, this could have been a tricky game. It did not work out like that. I witnessed one of the best Boro performances that I have seen in many a year. Cynics will point to the fact that 'it was only Brentford', but you have to beat what is in front of you. The Boro smashed the Bees 4-0 and it could easily have been lots more. To a man, I couldn't find an average performance, they were simply brilliant. The football and speed of pass was so crisp and slick. Not only was the pass and move impressive but they also dug in, they put in a tackle, they had grit and resolve and showed they will not be rolled over when teams try to put the pinch on them. Lots of passing teams can be intimidated and knocked off the ball, this isn't the case with this team. Youth and experience mixed and I came away from the game without 1 single negative which is a first for me.

Confidence high and looking a good team with a winning mentality, the Boro moved on to Anfield to take on the mighty Liverpool to test themselves at a level above what they are. I travelled to the game hoping we didn't choke and hoping that we performed as I know we can. I need not of had such fear, the Boro again to a man were fantastic, and after an epic cup tie, levelled from behind twice to make the score 2-2 and forced the Merseysider's to have to win it on penalties. Even then they did not choke. 14-13 to Liverpool and part of the longest ever penalty shoot out in the history of the League Cup.

I never felt like we had lost sat in Anfield when the game finished, I was as proud as a lion, my chest puffed out and swelling with pride. The Liverpool fans that we had great banter with the whole evening, applauded us supporters as well as the whole Boro team as they left the ground, which is testament to them and was a very nice touch indeed.

The team is a team again. Aitor Karanka and his staff have built a bond of the likes I have not seen on Teesside since I was a boy and Bruce Rioch built the famous boys of 86. Every man is supporting every player. It is clear to see the camaraderie and togetherness that they have and it is making the team feel like it is connected to the fans again. They look like a bunch of mates that are playing football together, it is so refreshing and almost endearing to see.

Next up is a very hard away day at the impressive Charlton who have started the season very well. That’s followed by 2 home games against Blackpool and Fulham respectively. The team will no doubt be exhausted after their excursions at Anfield but hopefully the back room staff can get them ready for Saturday.

Now is a time that all Boro fans should be proud to support their local team. We are a club moving forward again and we are all in it together.

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