The Twe12th Man Website

23/02/2009
Liverpool Program Notes

Last Saturdays result against Wigan was disappointing to say the least. It was a game in which 3 points should have been ours and would have been a big boost to the fans. We are still in with a chance of survival but we must start turning draws into wins. The support from the stands was great last week, I think everyone was aware of the games importance and tried to lift the team with their noise. After such a long run without a win they could be excused for being flat but that certainly wasn’t the case. This has to continue, none of us are happy with the position we find ourselves in. We all must do our utmost to get away from the bottom 3 and ensure premier league safety.

The supporters must be helped in this aim by being allowed to show their passion in the stands. We need noise from every stand in the stadium, as our remaining home games are vital. Today’s game will be difficult but we have overcome difficult hurdles before and Liverpool may have their minds on the Champions league so we must take our opportunity. Give the fans the opportunity to back the team and we will deliver as has been seen many times before. We care because its in the blood.

Please take a look at the twe12th man website at www.twe12thman.co.uk. Take a look around, read the forum, register and give us your thoughts.

WE SHALL OVERCOME

17/02/2009
Wigan Program Notes

WE SHALL OVERCOME

Two thirds of the season has now gone, but to all intents and purpose, our season begins today, with this match against Bruce's Boys, the first of 3 home games from our next 4 Premiership fixtures which will ultimately be a determining factor as to which League we will be playing in next season. The time for rhetoric has passed; actions from now to the 24th May will speak louder than any words. Premiership survival is imperative and 17th place finish now an acceptable if not wholly satisfactory target.

Collective responsibility has been the watchword of late. Recent media interviews with Gareth and the players indicate a solidarity in the dressing room (Mido's departure purely coincidental?); the teams' positive performances in the FA Cup, whilst arguably a welcome distraction from the turbulence of the 'bread and butter' of the PL, have suggested a glimmer of expectation that an end to the winless run is not too far away, and also gone some way to reaffirm the commitment of the Boro faithful.

However, what has gone before, has gone, and counts for nothing. To coin a phrase from former PM, Harold Wilson, "a week is a long time"... In football it is certainly the case, no more so for Boro than this coming seven days; the visit next week of aspiring Champion hopefuls, Liverpool, following today's opponents, Wigan, (no doubt harbouring Uefa Cup qualification fantasies of their own?), being interspersed with an unwanted, but necessary Cup replay.

Now is the time for us all to close ranks and face whatever fate has in store head on. The Riverside has to become a place where away teams don't relish playing; our players have to show some Teesside steel, play 'ugly' if warranted; passion on the pitch will be reciprocated by unconditional backing in the stands. Defensive errors have to be eradicated, clean sheets the minimum requirement.

Given a decent rub of the green, honesty from the men in the middle, and more application on the pitch - building on last weeks' performance at Upton Park - we can guarantee our continued membership of the Premiership. Incidentally, we are told repeatedly that all the dodgy, dubious and downright bad decisions "even themselves out over the season..." I would appreciate knowing when our share of good fortune begins!

Come on Boro.. give it your all.. let's finish the season on the up.
WE SHALL OVERCOME.