FOREST GAME

Forest were lucky to go in 0-0 at half time and benefited from that due to Boro's lack of finishing and final ball. Yes, they had lots of possession, yes, they looked good going forward, but they did not actually do anything with it, it all was a bit wasted from both sides. Leroy Lita was at fault for the goal as we know and should have played to the whistle but like all strikers these days they always are looking for the protection and in fairness he did have a point. Boro looked a much better side than I had seen on the TV recently and will do well to get in the play-offs. The recent signings show for more energy and knowledge of the game. I have not seen one decent refereeing performance home or away this year watching Forest, so all the managers can moan all they like, you pay peanuts you get what you see every week and it's getting worse. I think also an element of blame has to go on the players too. Both sides on Saturday new how important the game was and the constant goading of the officials was plain to see, but they do not have the bravery to wave the flag and be committed in their decision making and because of that the players and more so the crowd, get on there backs and get negative about their presence. As a Forest fan, to conclude, Gordon Strachan's face at the end was worth the ticket price. Neither of us could believe it, a draw was always the best it could be.
Rob Willoughby, Forest fan

BLACKPOOL GAME

Went to the Blackpool game, drove from Oxford and picked up a fellow Boro supporter based in Manchester on the way. We were both full of optimism and looking forward seeing the new breed of players signed in the transfer window. I don't get to see that many Boro games and maybe shouldn't have an opinion based on this showing alone but I just felt we were extremely naive and clueless. Forgetting that too many players had bad games, we just played fully into Blackpool's hands and didn't seem to have any idea how to counter their game plan. This is a general observation but is fully supported by two incidents. Firstly, when Blackpool went down to 10 men, rather than using width to stretch them, be patient and find the openings, we continued playing down the middle, allowing them to soak up the pressure. We went 3-4-3 when Miller came on but the midfield and front men just bunched in the middle, with the only width coming occasionally when Hoyte went on the overlap. Arca seemed to play more full-back than wing-back and Flood, for some reason, pushed into the middle with Robson and O'Neil.  The second incident was when we won the penalty. Nobody seemed to know who should take it, which for me has to be agreed long before the game starts! We never really looked like scoring despite a few opportunities. The Aliadiere-McDonald partnership didn't work on the day and having Lita warming the bench just didn't make sense to me (and most others in the crowd). The ability is clearly there but based on that performance we'll struggle to make the play-offs. Throw away the shackles and play with belief and confidence.
Phil Stanway, Oxford

BARNSLEY GAME

Congratulations Gordon and the Boro for a workmanlike, hard-earned and deserved three points against Barnsley, who are a proven, battling, no pushover side. That was a performance where every player in a Boro shirt played with passion, guts and determination and especially in the first half, when we saw one-touch, slick passing in and around the opponents' penalty box that I have not witnessed at the Riverside in more years than I care to remember. It was refreshing and exciting to watch and for the first time in a long while the whole team seemed to have a telepathy among themselves. It's been a long time since I have come away from the Riverside excited and anxiously awaiting the next game as I did the other night. If that was Scott McDonald half fit, I can't wait to see him when he's 100%. His speed and movement tortured the Barnsley defence. Let us hope that this performance will be the boost the team needed to spur them on to better and hopefully more, exciting matches at the Riverside. Again, well done lads and come on Boro!
Wayne Laville, Ormesby

I get to the match whenever I can and really enjoyed Tuesday's game, although I have now got short fingernails! One thing I really must point out is that Boro team had heart and soul. I never ever saw Boro win as many balls. They were spot on, in the air and in the tackle also second ball wins, it was good to see. Well done Strach. I think you might have just got them going.
Pete Sigsworth, Billingham

TEAM MATTERS

It makes me laugh when I read articles, and listen to comments on the radio and TV that sacking Southgate was folly. The truth, in my opinion of course is that Southgate should not have been given the job as manager in the first place. Be that as it may, we were struggling to find a manager to take over from McClaren. We were obviously paying the price for our European dream and needed to tighten our belt and that would have put most experienced (and quality) prospective managers off. Was it wrong to live that dream? Certainly Leeds suffered, amongst others. We have suffered up to a point but personally I would have chosen the same path to have experienced our first silverware and such an exciting UEFA Cup experience. I did think Southgate would become a good manager. However, the club has paid the price for giving him an apprenticeship. With the benefit of hindsight we should have chosen a more experienced man but clearly no one of the right calibre was prepared to take the job on. So, we now find ourselves in the Championship, mid-table, home crowds of less than 20,000 the norm and all our stars playing for other clubs. It does seem depressing. Time will tell whether WGS will change things round for us (although I think he will). For now I am still living on the thrill of the UEFA Cup QF and SF, and of course our win against Bolton at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. So, living the dream was worth it! Thank you Steve Gibson.
Jeremy Newbegin, Southampton

I seem to be going through a sense of déjà vu following the aftermath of the Wolves cup defeat in 1981, when we lost the likes of Souey, Hodgy, Spike, Craig Johnston etc. A lot is going to depend on our new manager over the next few months. For me our recent downfall began when Schwarz wasn't offered a two-year deal instead of one. Why? And then losing Ross Turnbull on a free didn't help. Everyone can add to this list of players who have been lost which, after relegation, culminated in Tuncay and Huth going and now Jinky. It has become evident that the wage bill needed reducing and always a fine line to draw, but where are we now? Let's hope that our old friend Mogga has done us a favour and we bounce back like he and Bruce's Babes did. Erimus! Come on Boro!
Alan Ebbs

I just want to say I love you MFC. Thank you for everything, through the best of times and the worst you always have my support.
Josie Sison

OVERSEAS FANS

I'm Dirceu, a boy of 14 years, born in Brazil. I've always been passionate about English soccer, a soccer and beautiful with great players. Never had a favourite English team but that changed in 2005 when I saw a game at Middlesbrough and it was love at first sight! Me encata this time with a beautiful story and winning. And since then my love for Middlesbrough grows every day more. Today is my favourite player Jeremie Aliadiere, to unite and grab ability on the field.
Dirceu Lucio da Silva Junior, Patos de Minas, Brazil

GENERAL

On a recent visit to my home town of Middlesbrough I visited the Riverside for the first time. I have lived abroad since the 1960s in Germany, South Africa and currently in Spain. My memories of the Boro go back to the early 50s and home matches at Ayresome Park in the Boys End for 9d. I took many photos outside the ground and then I ventured into the reception where I was lucky enough to meet a gentleman who introduced himself as "Graham" and who gave me a conducted tour of the stadium. My wife took a photo of Graham and myself and I would be very grateful if you could pass this on to him with my thanks for a wonderful experience. My father was Superintendent WE (Ted) Raine who served in the Middlesbrough Constabulary and some time during his service was in charge of the policing in the ground on matchdays. With best regards and good luck for a speedy return to the Premier League.
Paul Raine, Spain