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ALASTAIR BROWNLEE'S BORO v SPURS MATCH PREVIEW 2-11-07
ORDER YOUR COPY OF ALI'S NEW BOOK 'VOICE OF THE BORO' RIGHT HERE
Gareth Southgate will pit his wits against Juande Ramos at the Riverside on Saturday for the first time since the final of the UEFA Cup in Eindhoven eighteen months ago.
Sadly, on that warm May evening in 2006 the Sevilla side managed by Ramos ended Boro's remarkable European adventure with an emphatic 4-0 win, but on Saturday Ramos arrives at the Riverside in charge of a Spurs occupying a place in the bottom three.
It is interesting to reflect on just how much has changed since the "small town in Europe" made it all the way to the final and not just that the game in Eindhoven was Gareth's final match as a player, before taking over as manager.
The Boro side that started in the final was Schwarzer, Parnaby, Riggott, Southgate, Queudrue, Morrison, Rochemback, Boateng, Downing, Viduka, Hasselbaink.
From the starting eleven, five players have left the club to pursue careers elsewhere and the captain is now the manager, an example of just how quickly things change in football.
Although we are only just into November, Saturday's clash with Spurs could be a key moment in the season.
A much needed win for Boro in Gareth's 50th league game in charge would start the move up the table and away from the drop zone. A victory for Spurs would push Boro into the bottom three, it is that big a match.
Traditionally,Boro have the upper hand in clashes with Spurs at the Riverside and last season's 3-2 win for the north London outfit was their only maximum three point display in eight Premier League matches on Teesside.
Another statistic to throw in for good luck is that Boro have scored more goals in the Premier League against Spurs than any other side as 33 goals have been struck past Tottenham.
Looking back to the trip to Old Trafford last Saturday whilst the 4-1 score line was an emphatic margin of victory for United, there were certainly positives to be taken from the journey to Manchester.
Gareth was keen to stress to me this week that it is results that matter but the side did play with far more spirit than was on display in the previous match with Chelsea and yet again, a whole hearted performance from Gary O'Neil proved what a terrific purchase he has been.
The first goal in a Boro shirt for Jeremie Aliadiere was also another major plus and the striker spoke about his relief at opening his account for his new club together with his hope that this will just be the start of a goal scoring run.
As Mido will miss the chance to play against his former club on Saturday, due to injury, it seems likely that the Tuncay/Aliadiere partnership will be given another chance to flourish and they certainly combined well for the Aliadiere goal at United.
Not than any further motivation will be needed for Jeremie to get his first goal at the Riverside but as a former Arsenal player coming up against Spurs it is also an opportunity to put one over his old rivals!
The main danger to Boro could be Robbie Keane who traditionally does well against us and will be making his 250th Premier League appearance at the weekend, if of course he is selected by Ramos.
The new manager watched Spurs defeat Blackpool in the Carling Cup in midweek, but is now in charge for the first time.
The fans also have a big role to play on Saturday in lifting the team to what would be a much-needed win.
It is certainly true that a run of one point from eighteen and four Premier League defeats in a row has been a major disappointment, but the full backing of the supporters at the Riverside could just give Boro the edge they need.
Away from the playing side ,commercial manager Graham Fordy left the club this week by mutual consent.
I would just like to thank him for all the help he has given me over many seasons and that was shown in particular last year, when he freely gave his time as Gordon Cox and I researched the book "The Class of 86".
Graham played a key role in helping Boro come through the dark days of liquidation and he will always have a part in the history of the club.
I would like to wish him every success in the future.
Bernie and I will be back on Sunday, hopefully reflecting on three points taken off Spurs, with Simply Red on Century FM.
As well as our usual features including the chance to win Sunday lunch for two at the Bluebell Hotel, Bernie and I will be speaking to the "Voice of Ayresome Park" Bernard Gent together with Terry Cochrane and a member of Big Jacks promotion winning team, Frank Spraggon.
We start at 11 so why not join in the fun by giving a call on 08450021100 or text 85102.
Bernie will also join me at signing sessions over the weekend for the new book "Voice of the Boro" that looks back over my 25 years following the team on radio.
Priced at £12,the book includes a complimentary cd containing some of the exciting bits of commentary including the parmo party invite!
We will be at Borders, Teesside Retail Park, on Saturday from 10-30 until midday and on Sunday at WH Smith, Teesside Retail Park, from 1-30 until 2030pm. Hope to see you there!
ORDER YOUR COPY OF ALI'S NEW BOOK 'VOICE OF THE BORO' RIGHT HERE
RETURN TO ALASTAIR BROWNLEE INDEX PAGE HERE
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