Middlesbrough F.C. season 2007-08

During the 2007–08 season, Middlesbrough participated in the Premier League. The season saw them play their 4000th league game, versus Reading on 1 March 2008. They reached the third round of the League Cup, where they were knocked out by eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur, while in their FA Cup campaign they were knocked out by Championship side Cardiff City. [cite web|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,1~2007,00.html |title=Fixtures & Results |publisher=MFC.co.uk |accessdate=2008-01-22]

Gareth Southgate continued as manager under chairman Steve Gibson. George Boateng retained the captaincy from the previous season, until being replaced at the beginning of 2008 by Julio Arca.cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1222032,00.html |title=Why Julio's My Man |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-01-22 |accessdate=2008-01-22] Arca's poor form saw him dropped in March, and Emanuel Pogatetz was handed the captaincy in his absence, and later retained it upon Arca's return to the side, though any permanent decision was put off until the following season. [cite news|url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2008/04/10/pogatetz-make-me-boro-skipper-84229-20745619/ |title=Pogatetz: Make me Boro skipper |publisher=Evening Gazette |date=2008-04-10 |accessdate=2008-04-10]

January saw Middlesbrough smash their transfer record to pay a fee of around £12 million for Brazilian striker Afonso Alves.

They went through almost the entire season without scoring more than two goals in a game, until the last day of the season, where they put eight past Manchester City. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,1~38846,00.html |title=Middlesbrough 8-1 Man City |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-05-11 |accessdate=2008-05-11]

Team kit and sponsors

During this season, Middlesbrough's kits were produced by Errea. 888.com's contract with the club expired, and after prolonged negotiations leading to a delay in the release of the new kit, [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1063181,00.html |title=Boro Sponsorship Talks Ongoing |accessdate=2007-07-02 |publisher=MFC.co.uk] Middlesbrough announced that the new sponsors would be GPS manufacturer Garmin on 20 July 2007. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/ClubNewsDetail/0,,1~1076097,00.html|title=Boro Announce New Sponsor|accessdate=2007-07-20|publisher=MFC.co.uk]

On 16 July 2007, the club announced that the new home shirt would be predominatly red with white trim. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1073671,00.html|title=New Kit Unveiled in Austria|accessdate=2007-07-16|publisher=MFC.co.uk] The away shirt was revealed on 20 July 2007 as being predominantly white with gold trim.

Loans out

Academy squad

"Academy players for 2007-08 season." [cite web|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/Academy/0,,1~766297,00.html |title=Academy Squad 2007-08 |publisher=MFC.co.uk |accessdate=2008-05-15]

August

Nearing the start of the season, the first team was dealing with injuries to five of the club's centre backs: Woodgate, Huth, Bates, Pogatetz and Riggott, leaving the prospect of a shortage of players available for the first game of the season.cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_2636090,00.html |title=Pogatetz to miss start |date=2007-08-01 |accessdate=2007-08-01 |publisher=Sky Sports]

Chris Riggott returned from injury for Middlesbrough's first game of the season, but Young missed the game with a slight groin problem, leaving Boro starting with far from their first choice defence. However, Boro were more focused on attack and for the second season running Stewart Downing scored Boro's first goal of the season to give Boro a 1–0 lead, [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4786631.stm |title=Reading 3-2 Middlesbrough |date=2006-08-19 |accessdate=2007-08-22 |publisher=BBC Sport] before - also for the second season running - their opponents came from behind to win, this time Blackburn 1–2. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931063.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-2 Blackburn |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-08-11 |accessdate=2007-08-11]

The situation didn't improve in the next game as they went down to a poor 0–1 defeat away at Wigan. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941812.stm |title=Wigan 1-0 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-08-15 |accessdate=2007-08-15]

Despite lacking match fitness, Mido was included in place of Yakubu who was dropped from the squad for the game at Fulham. The first substitution of the game came after just eight minutes as referee Lee Mason limped off to be replaced by Andy D'Urso. Middlesbrough came from behind as Mido scored a debut goal, and Lee Cattermole the second as Boro secured their first points with a controversial 2–1 win, as replays appeared to show Fulham were denied a legitimate goal towards the end. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941857.stm |title=Fulham 1-2 Middlesbrough |date=2007-08-18 |accessdate=2007-08-18 |publisher=BBC Sport]

Woodgate, Rochemback and Young were thrust back into action for the Tyne-Tees derby, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Viduka scored on his Riverside return, with Arca and Mido scoring for Middlesbrough. [cite news|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6952886.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2-2 Newcastle |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2007-08-26 |publisher=BBC Sport] Unfortunately the game was largely overshadowed by allegations of islamophobic chants towards Mido by Newcastle United fans, prompting an inquiry into the incident by the FA. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6966707.stm|title=FA will probe fans' Mido 'abuse'|date=2007-08-28|accessdate=2007-08-29|publisher=BBC Sport]

eptember

Middlesbrough followed their midweek cup win with a 2–0 victory over Birmingham. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6963706.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2-0 Birmingham |date=2007-09-01 |accessdate=2007-09-01 |publisher=BBC Sport]

Despite a good performance away at West Ham United, Middlesbrough went down to a 0–3 defeat. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6984885.stm |title=West Ham 3-0 Middlesbrough |date=2007-09-15 |accessdate=2007-09-15 |publisher=BBC Sport]

A week later, Boro played Sunderland in the seventh match of the season. Sunderland took the lead in the second minute, but Julio Arca scored against his former club (his second in as many north east derbies this season) to bring the teams level. Stewart Downing scored from 25 yards in the second half, only for Sunderland to level the scores to 2–2 in the last minutes of the game. The game was marred by injuries to Tuncay, Arca and Mido. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6996754.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2-2 Sunderland |date=2007-09-22 |accessdate=2007-09-22 |publisher=BBC Sport]

Middlesbrough, still struggling with injuries, made it almost a month without a win when they lost 0–2 to Everton, Yakubu playing but not scoring in the victory over his former side. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7008204.stm |title=Everton 2-0 Middlesbrough |date=2007-09-30 |accessdate=2007-09-30 |publisher=BBC Sport]

October

At the City of Manchester Stadium, Middlesbrough went down to a 1–3 defeat versus Manchester City, with Ben Hutchinson scoring a consolation goal on his debut. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7019627.stm |title=Man City 3-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-10-07 |accessdate=2007-10-07]

Following the international break, Middlesbrough were back at home for the first time in almost a month, aiming to beat Chelsea at home for the third time in a row, but they could not repeat the feat, resulting in a 0–2 defeat as Boro's run was stretched to six games in all competitions without a win. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7043006.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0-2 Chelsea |date=2007-10-20 |accessdate=2007-10-20 |publisher=BBC Sport]

Things didn't get any easier in their next game, away versus Manchester United. Wheater, Cattermole and Aliadière returned to the starting lineup, but the match began the same way as Middlesbrough's previous four: conceding a goal within the opening ten minutes. However, Aliadière soon equalised with his first Boro goal, and the first home league goal United had conceded that season. A Downing error gifted Manchester United their second, and Tevez added two more. The 1–4 defeat meant Middlesbrough had then conceded sixteen goals in six league games, while scoring only four. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7054065.stm |title=Man Utd 4-1 Middlesbrough |date=2007-10-27 |accessdate=2007-10-27 |publisher=BBC Sport]

November

The team's run of losses finally ended, coming from behind to claim a 1–1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur; Luke Young denying his former team the victory. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7065162.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-1 Tottenham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-11-03 |accessdate=2007-11-03]

Emanuel Pogatetz returned to the squad for the game away at Bolton, and after thirty minutes he was called into action to replace the injured Andrew Taylor, helping Boro to a 0–0 draw, their second clean sheet of the season and first draw on the road. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7076649.stm |title=Bolton 0-0 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-11-11 |accessdate=2007-11-11]

Adam Johnson was recalled from his successful loan spell at Watford (where he scored 5 goals in 11 games) in time for the home game versus Aston Villa. He was immediately restored to the starting line-up, beginning the game on the left with Downing moving up front. Boro started well but conceded just before half time, and again just after the break, with the third going in ten minutes later. Astonishingly despite the 0–3 defeat, Middlesbrough avoided dropping into the bottom three: Bolton won versus Manchester United and moved out of the drop zone, but Sunderland's 1–7 defeat at Everton dropped them below the Boro on goal difference. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7099693.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0-3 Aston Villa |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-11-24 |accessdate=2007-11-24]

December

News arrived before the away game at Reading that Mido would be out until the 2008 at least, [cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_2928122,00.html |title=Southgate admits to Mido blow |publisher=Sky Sports |accessdate=2007-12-01 |date=2007-11-28] while Andrew Taylor and Mark Schwarzer would be missing for around three weeks. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1179902,00.html |title=Ross Ready To Grab His Chance |accessdate=2007-12-01 |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2007-11-30] On match day, Ross Turnbull started in goal with England U-17 keeper Jason Steele making the bench. While Boro started well, for the twelfth time in fifteen games they conceded the first goal of the game, eight minutes into the second half. Robert Huth made his first appearance of the season, replacing Woodgate after seventy minutes, while Tuncay replaced Dong-Gook Lee. The substitution worked as Tuncay finally grabbed his first Boro goal and it ended 1–1. Sunderland's victory against Derby County however, meant Boro dropped into the relegation zone. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7110962.stm |title=Reading 1-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-12-01 |accessdate=2007-12-01]

The visit from league leaders Arsenal was likely to be a tough game, but Boro were awarded a penalty after four minutes (the first penalty in a Middlesbrough game this season), which Downing converted for his fourth goal of the season. Tuncay scored his second in two games to increase the lead, before Tomáš Rosický scored in the final seconds of the game. The 2–1 win subjected Arsenal to their first defeat of the season, while Middlesbrough ended their run of eleven games without a win. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7122808.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2-1 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-12-09 |accessdate=2007-12-09]

Tuncay made it three goals in three in the 1–0 victory at Derby. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7134132.stm |title=Derby 0-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=2007-12-15 |date=2007-12-15]

Julio Arca made his first start since September following his return from injury, replacing Rochemback who was suspended after picking up five yellow cards. David Wheater put Boro into the lead after 40 minutes, but West Ham replied with two goals. The 1–2 scoreline gave the away side their first win at the Riverside Stadium. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7145747.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-2 West Ham |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=2007-12-22 |date=2007-12-22]

The festive programme continued badly with a 0–3 defeat away at Birmingham City, Downing opening the scoring with an own goal, giving the hosts their first home win under new manager Alex McLeish. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157262.stm |title=Birmingham 3-0 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-12-26 |accessdate=2007-12-26]

It was 31 October 1953 when Middlesbrough last won a top flight game at Fratton Park, and 1990 saw their last victory there at all levels. Tuncay gave Boro the lead against a Portsmouth side that hadn't scored at home since September, and it was enough to give them their third away victory of the season, their second 1–0. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7157414.stm |title=Portsmouth 0-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2007-12-29 |accessdate=2007-12-29] The game also saw Mark Schwarzer surpass Tony Mowbray and Stephen Pears' totals to move into ninth in the all-time Middlesbrough appearance records, after playing his 425th game for the club. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1203380,00.html |title=Mark Is Boro's Number Nine |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-01-01 |accessdate=2008-01-01] The result also saw Schwarzer overtake Dennis Bergkamp as the foreign player with the most Premier League appearances for one club. [cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=494835&cc=5739 |title=Socceroo No.1 honoured to be Premier League No.1 |publisher=ESPNsoccernet |date=2008-01-01 |accessdate=2008-01-09]

January

Boro didn't begin the new year the way they had hoped in their game versus Everton at home, failing to take their chances and succumbing to a 0–2 defeat. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7163893.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0-2 Everton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-01-01 |accessdate=2008-01-01]

Reserve team captain Jonathan Grounds made his Boro debut for the visit of Liverpool to the Riverside, with Pogatetz suffering with a virus. Boateng also returned as captain, having been left out of the last few games, and scored the opening goal of the game, witnessed by the highest crowd of the season so far. Liverpool equalised to tie the game at 1–1. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7172820.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-1 Liverpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-01-12 |accessdate=2008-01-12]

At Blackburn, Arca captained the side from the start, despite Boateng also starting. David Wheater put Boro ahead after 13 minutes with his fourth goal of the season. Arca went off injured at half time and Pogatetz became captain. Matt Derbyshire equalised during the second half to give Rovers a share of the points in the 1–1 draw. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/7198006.stm |title=Blackburn 1-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-01-19 |accessdate=2008-01-19] Manager Gareth Southgate announced after the game that Boateng had been relieved of his captaincy to allow him to "be free in his mind to enjoy his football". [cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_3068022,00.html |title=Boat stripped of captaincy |publisher=Sky Sports |date=2008-01-21 |accessdate=2008-01-21] It was then confirmed that Arca would be the new captain.

Jérémie Aliadière got his first Boro goal at the Riverside in the 1–0 win over Wigan Athletic. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210576.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-0 Wigan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-01-29 |accessdate=2008-01-29]

February

Boro were made to rue missed chances during the derby at Newcastle when Michael Owen gave Newcastle the lead on the hour mark, but Robert Huth scored a late goal to draw Boro level and tie the game 1–1. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7210620.stm |title=Newcastle 1-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-02-03 |accessdate=2008-02-03]

Aliadière got his third goal of the season at home to Fulham, while Alves made his debut after an hour as Boro did the double over their opponents with a 1–0 win. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7223967.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-0 Fulham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-02-09 |accessdate=2008-02-09]

Tuncay returned from injury for the game at Anfield and scored after 9 minutes, but a terrible error from Arca gifted Fernando Torres a goal after 28 minutes, and he got a second a minute later. He completed his hat-trick in the second half. Downing got a goal back late in the game, but Aliadière was then sent off. This 2–3 defeat was Boro's first in all competitions since the New Year's Day fixture against Everton. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7248349.stm |title=Liverpool 3-2 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-02-22 |accessdate=2008-02-22] Aliadière's red card was appealed against after the game, but it was dismissed and the disciplinary committee extended the ban by one game to four games as they branded the appeal "frivolous", a decision which angered chairman Steve Gibson and Keith Lamb. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/7263735.stm |title=FA's Aliadiere ruling angers Boro |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-02-27 |accessdate=2008-02-27]

March

The first day of March marked Middlesbrough's 4000th league game, at home to a Reading side who had lost eight straight games going into the day's match. In typical Middlesbrough fashion, that run came to an end as Boro lost 1–0 after a late goal. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7260392.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0-1 Reading |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-03-01 |accessdate=2008-03-01]

Following the Reading game was the home FA Cup tie versus Cardiff, where the team were defeated 2–0, producing a dreadful performance. The performance drew huge criticism from fans and they and manager alike demanded a better performance away at Villa Park three days later. Changes saw Arca dropped from the squad after a run of poor performances and Rochemback moved to the bench as Shawky and Boateng formed the new centre midfield partnership. Pogatetz captained the side. Downing got his seventh goal of the season after 23 minutes. Referee Steve Bennett gave Villa a penalty for a handball by Luke Young while the defender was looking the other way, which Gareth Barry slotted home. The game finished 1–1. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7284932.stm |title=Aston Villa 1-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-03-12 |accessdate=2008-03-12]

Three days later, Aliadière returned from his ban for the game against his old club at Arsenal and marked it with his fourth goal of the season in the 25th minute. Andrew Taylor made a long-awaited return from his December injury as a second half substitute. Kolo Touré scored a late equaliser, and then Mido was sent off for a high challenge. The game ended 1–1 to leave Middlesbrough undefeated against Arsenal for this season. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7284973.stm |title=Arsenal 1-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-03-15 |accessdate=2008-03-15] The club decided not to appeal against his card following consultation with referee's chief Keith Hackett. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/7302296.stm |title=Mido will serve three-match ban |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-03-18 |accessdate=2008-03-19]

Storms the night before meant that the South Stand of the Riverside was closed for the home tie with Derby. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/ClubNewsDetail/0,,1~1271384,00.html |title=Important Advice For Boro Fans |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-03-22 |accessdate=2008-03-22] The game marked Boro's first home game since the Cardiff debacle. Tuncay got his sixth of the season in the first half. Heavy snow in the second half allowed Derby back into the game but Middlesbrough hung on to win 1–0. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7298200.stm |title=Middlesbrough 1-0 Derby |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-03-22 |accessdate=2008-03-22]

After going behind very early in their game at Chelsea they spurned their chances in the second half, Alves hitting the post and Boro twice hitting the bar from a free kick. Chelsea were unable to extend their lead and so the tie finished 1–0. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7316235.stm |title=Chelsea 1-0 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-03-30 |accessdate=2008-03-30]

April

Despite being at the start of April, the game at home to league leaders Manchester United was played in a snow storm, watched by the season's highest home attendance. Arca returned to the starting line-up following his rest, however Pogatetz retained the captaincy. It didn't start well for the home side with Ronaldo getting a goal inside ten minutes. However, Middlesbrough responded with two goals. Both came from Alves, either side of half time to open his Boro account. It was the first time this season that a Middlesbrough player had scored two goals in a game. Wayne Rooney pegged the game level later in the second half and the game ended in a 2–2 draw. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7320230.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2-2 Man Utd |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-04-06 |accessdate=2008-04-06]

Grounds replacing the injured Taylor was the only change to the side for the game at White Hart Lane, which saw them up against former centre-back Jonathan Woodgate. Grounds was unfortunate to concede an own goal in the first half but Stewart Downing's eighth goal of the season drew the away side level. It finished 1–1. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7332042.stm |title=Tottenham 1-1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=2008-04-28 |date=2008-04-28]

Bolton visited the Riverside still in the relegation battle, while the home side had the chance to make themselves mathematically safe with a victory. Gary O'Neil, suspended anyway for this match and the next, was ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury and was replaced by Tuncay. Ross Turnbull was given a chance in goal after Mark Schwarzer was ruled out with a back problem. Boro dominated the opening minutes of first half, but went in for half time level. Bolton performed much better in the second half, and Boro much worse. Though the home side were denied a penalty shortly before the hour, the visitors took the 1–0 lead shortly after through Gavin McCann. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7344102.stm |title=Middlesbrough 0-1 Bolton |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-04-19 |accessdate=2008-04-19]

Still not safe, Boro went to the Stadium of Light for the Wear-Tees derby with Sunderland. Brad Jones made his first league appearance of the season while Schwarzer remained injured and Turnbull was only fit enough for the bench. Tuncay opened the scoring after 4 minutes, but less than 2 minutes later, the scores were again level. Sunderland took the lead just before half time. Alves got his third of the season after 74 minutes, but Boro conceded a goal two minutes into stoppage time to hand Sunderland a 3–2 victory. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7356054.stm |title=Sunderland 3-2 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-04-26 |accessdate=2008-04-26]

May

Chris Riggott was recalled from his loan period at Stoke City for the home tie versus Portsmouth, and put straight into the side also featuring the return of Mark Schwarzer and Fabio Rochemback. Riggott marked his return with his first goal of the season in the first half with a rare Boro goal from a corner. In the second half Tuncay scored from another corner to put Middlesbrough 2–0 up, and complete the double over Portsmouth, along with their first two-goal winning margin since 1 September 2007 against Birmingham. The win also finally secured the side's safety from relegation. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7368658.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2-0 Portsmouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-05-03 |accessdate=2008-05-03]

The last game of the season saw Middlesbrough play Manchester City. They started in next season's kit. After quarter of an hour, City captain Richard Dunne brought down Tuncay in the box to give the home side their second penalty of the season, which saw Dunne sent off. Stewart Downing, who started every league game of the season, converted the penalty for his ninth goal of the season. Alves got his fourth of the season on 37 minutes. In the second half, Downing got another to make double figures for the season, and mark the first time Boro had scored more than two goals in one game since the last game of the previous season. It got better when Alves got his second just minutes later. Johnson made it five on 70 minutes. Anthony McMahon made his first appearance of the season coming on as a sub for Luke Young with 15 minutes to play. Rochemback scored a thirty yard free kick to make it six with his first goal of the season. Jérémie Aliadière got another to make it seven. Elano got a consolation goal, before Afonso Alves completed a hat-trick to give Boro an emphatic 8–1 win. [cite news|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7381794.stm |title=Middlesbrough 8-1 Man City |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2008-05-11 |accessdate=2008-05-11] The game was the first time Boro had scored eight in a game since 1974, and the first time in the top flight since 1950. Alves' third goal was the 500th Boro goal in all competitions at the Riverside, and the 1,000th in the Premier League this season, as well as the club's 600th Premier League goal. It also saw the first time Boro registered five different goalscorers since 1939. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1310825,00.html |title=STAT ATTACK: Boro Go Goal Crazy |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-05-13 |accessdate=2008-05-13]

Results

"Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to [http://www.mfc.co.uk/ mfc.co.uk] ."

taff

In July 2007, former Hartlepool United boss Martin Scott was added to the youth team coaching staff. [cite news|url=http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=477925&CPID=8&clid=25&lid=&title=Southgate+has+Yak+faith |title=Southgate has Yak faith |date=2007-07-21 |accessdate=2007-07-21 |publisher=Sky Sports]

On 2 October 2007, Middlesbrough's Head of Operations Terry Tasker, a member of the executive team, passed away. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/ClubNewsDetail/0,,1~1127989,00.html |publisher=MFC.co.uk |title=Tributes Paid To Boro Chief Terry |accessdate=2007-10-05 |date=2007-10-05] Neil Bausor joined the club as new Chief Operating Officer later in the season. [cite news|url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2008/01/03/boro-s-goal-is-happy-fans-says-neil-84229-20306803/ |title=Boro's goal is happy fans, says Neil |publisher=Evening Gazette |date=2008-01-03 |accessdate=2008-07-08] Graham Fordy, the club's Head of Commercial, having previously also been a non-executive director following the club's liquidation scare in 1986, left the club by mutual consent on 1 November 2007. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/ClubNewsDetail/0,,1~1156928,00.html |title=Graham And Boro Part Company |date=2007-11-01 |accessdate=2007-11-01 |publisher=MFC.co.uk]

It was confirmed on 19 November 2007 that goalkeeping coach Paul Barron had left the club to take up a similar role with North East rivals Newcastle United. [cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_2892147,00.html |title=Magpies confirm Barron move |date=2007-11-19 |accessdate=2007-11-19 |publisher=Sky Sports] Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper and current youth team goalkeeping coach Stephen Pears was promoted to replace Barron. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1171584,00.html |title=Stephen Steps Up As Barron Moves On |date=2007-11-20 |accessdate=2007-11-20 |publisher=MFC.co.uk]

Former Boro legend David Mills and former first team coach and Sky Sports pundit Gordon McQueen returned to Middlesbrough to expand the recruitment department in April, under chief scout Dave Leadbeater, and alongside the Academy recruitment team. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1301046,00.html |title=Mills And McQueen Boost Recruitment Team |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-04-29 |accessdate=2008-04-29]

Other events

Premier League All Stars

In late September, the Premier League All Stars tournament (part of the Premier League Creating Chances campaign) took place. The Middlesbrough representative team won, beating West Ham United's side 3–1 in the final. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/creatingchancesdetail/0,,1~1124154,00.html |publisher=MFC.co.uk |title=Boro Heroes Lift All Stars Trophy |accessdate=2007-10-05]

The squad for the tournament was::Goalkeeper: Jim Platt (Captain):Legends: Mikkel Beck, Craig Hignett, Bernie Slaven:Celebrities: Alistair Griffin, Mark Stobbart, Gary Havelock:Fans: Julian McGuire (IT Consultant), Tony Rovardi (Ice Cream Cone Manufacturer), Steven Aithwaite (Sports and Science Lecturer)

Reserves

The Middlesbrough Reserves finished seventh out of ten in the Premier Reserve League North during the 2007–08 season, with the following record: [cite web|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/Reserves/0,,1,00.html |publisher=MFC.co.uk |title=Barclays Premier Reserve League North] "Key:" Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

The team also retained the North Riding Senior Cup, beating York City 2–0 in the final. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1268974,00.html |title=NRSC Final: York City 0 Boro 2 |publisher=MFC.co.uk |accessdate=2008-05-01]

Youth teams

The Middlesbrough Academy (U18s) side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the Fourth Round. In the 2007–08 Premier Academy League the team finished fourth out of ten teams in Academy Group D.

The Under-15s side lifted the Nike Trophy in April in the tournament held over four days at the University of Warwick, beating the U15 sides of Reading, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County, West Ham United, Manchester City and Sheffield United to lift the trophy. They go to the finals of the tournament held in Manchester in August. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1287759,00.html |title=Boro Win Nike Trophy |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-04-12 |accessdate=2008-04-12]

Marketing award nomination

Middlesbrough Football Club was shortlisted for the Sports Industry Awards in the category of Best Use of Digital Media in Sport, along with Nike, Virgin Media, The Football League, Emirates Airline and Land Rover. The award was in relation to the season ticket video campaign featuring David Wheater. [cite news|url=http://www.sportindustry.biz/awards/category/shortlist/?Id=4 |title=Sports Industry Awards 2008 |publisher=Sport Industry Group |accessdate=2008-01-05]

End of season awards

David Wheater picked up both the Official Supporters' Club's Young Player of the Year and the John Ovington Community Player of the Year awards, as well as being named Players' Young Player of the Year and the Official Garmin Player of the Year as voted for by the fans. Stewart Downing was Middlesbrough Official Supporters Club's Player of the Year and Player's Player of the Year. [cite news|url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1313743,00.html |title=Clean Sweep For Stewey And Wheats |publisher=MFC.co.uk |date=2008-05-17 |accessdate=2008-05-17] Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was given a special award recognising his outstanding contributions on and off the field over the past 11 years. [cite news|url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2008/05/08/players-delight-at-silverware-84229-20879529/ |title=Players' delight at silverware |publisher=Evening Gazette |date=2008-05-08 |accessdate=2008-05-08]

References