WINTER'S WORLD 9th August 2010: BORO FAIL TO IMPRESS AGAINST IPSWICH, RANGERS BEAT NEWCASTLE

Following the World Cup, I went to Gran Canaria for a week, then after two days back at home it was back out to Lanzarote for another week with one of my sons.

Back home early on Friday morning all ready for the new season. So far so good. I must admit I was fearful for both Boro and Hartlepool on the opening Saturday. Pools because they just do not appear to have strengthened during the summer and Boro because it will obviously take time for the new team to gel.

Well Pools started off well enough with an away point, albeit against a Rochdale side that I think will be near the foot of the table. As for Boro, what can you say?

The pleasantries before the off, but is it really necessary? In the SPL the players run out a couple of minutes before kick off the, captains toss up and away we go.

The obligatory handshakes as Boro lose the toss and have to kick off towards the North Stand.

A sizeable crowd over 20,000 was probably expecting a lot more from new look Boro. The atmosphere initially was okay but as Boro worsened so did the fans and the site of hundreds streaming out of the ground with fifteen minutes to go after Ipswich’s third goal was a site all too familiar at the Riverside.

In their defence the team had not exactly lifted the crowd but it must have been a shock to the Old Firm players who are used to vociferous loyalty from their fans.

The kick off to 2010/2011 season, Kevin Thomson plays the ball as Boro get the season in motion.

The Red faction display their new banners, Success isn't your right, it's your choice." Beyond me I am afraid!!!

At half time it had seemed a different matter. Despite looking second best at times we were leading 1-0 and the work rate was good from midfield, the defence was coping ok but as per usual there was a lack of pace and creativity in midfield, with Boyd and McDonald isolated up front. The one good attacking move brought a goal and something to build on.

Within minutes of the restart it had all gone pear shaped and we were behind and in fairness could have been drubbed but for the saves of Danny Coyne. Ipswich were much the better side and thoroughly deserved their comfortable victory.

The kick off to 2010/2011 season, Kevin Thomson plays the ball as Boro get the season in motion.

A tragic start to the season for Willo Flood who now faces another lengthy lay off after his early departure.

As Strachan stated post match there were no positives from the game. Harsh perhaps, but he should know and realises that the watching Steve Gibson and the floating fans will not be as patient this season as they have been in the past.

The in and outs before the end of the month will be crucial if the optimism and favourites tag is not going to weigh heavy. Rumour was rife that Brad Jones is to go to Liverpool so fans' favourite Danny Coyne may get an extended run in the side. We would then have to get another keeper in, so Gordon may be going back to Scotland looking for another goalie.

He also has to go back to get a wide man, especially as Willo Flood looks likely to be out for a considerable time following his early injury against Ipswich.

Even the fanatical Red Faction gave up on Boro as the empty seats show following the dismal defeat.

Rangers beat Newcastle in a friendly so that provided some joy for me personally.

Sunday saw a trip to Hartlepool to see the Tall Ships.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday sees my day of reckoning and hopefully the end to two years of agony. I am having two injections into the facet joints in my neck, which is aimed to ease the pressure on the nerves and hopefully mean that I can get back into shape by resuming training. To be honest walking without pain will be a good start.

Tuesday, if I am fit enough to travel, I will be off to Chesterfield’s new ground to see Boro without their Scottish internationals face the Spire-ites in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Friday evening sees racing at Catterick, where Ibrox may run. Alternatively he may run at Doncaster the following day. My plans for Saturday are therefore up in the air. It's either racing, go to Leicester to watch Boro or go to either Darlington or Hartlepool for their first home games.