Boro sharpen scoring boots
Nov 28 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
GORDON Strachan feels it is up to Middlesbrough’s strikers to spark the club’s stumbling Championship campaign into life after admitting the lack of goals was a major worry ahead of the trip to Peterborough, writes LUKE EDWARDS.
Boro’s top goalscorer this season is midfielder Adam Johnson and, having strengthened his attacking options with the loan signings of Leroy Lita and Dave Kitson, Strachan hopes it will not be long until his new side are posing problems for opposition defences.
Lita scored in last week’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest and Strachan hopes the return to form of his strikers will coincide with the sort of run Boro need to get back into the promotion hunt.
He said: “There is four points between us and third but we need to go on a run. We need to get a system that gets us goals. We need to be more rounded and get goals from different positions. Adam has nine goals, but we need them from more positions. We have not had settled team because of injuries. There is a lot which I like and I think that is okay, but we need it to be settled up front.
“You need to get on a run, starting with a lucky one or a great one. Lita has scored one now and we would like to see more. The striking unit can do more. Lita is working hard.
“In pre-season they had one combo. Then Jeremie Aliadiere and (Marvin) Emnes. They are not out and out strikers. The club has struggled to get a unit that means goals. Fortunately at the start of the season they has Jonno scoring. Now we need goals from elsewhere. At the start of the season we never had goal scorers in place. There was not goals there from the start. Not the fault of previous managers it was circumstances. It has been a problem area from the start.”
Strachan has also explained his decision to hand the captain armband to midfielder Gary O’Neil, suggesting another candidate, centre-back David Wheater, was too young to take on the responsibility.
He said: “I thought it was better to have a captain who knows what I expect all round the pitch. David is getting to grips learning the game himself. He is centre-half and they don’t come in to their prime until 25-28. Gary is at the hub. He knows everyone’s role. He is better places at this club to know what I want from everyone. Emanuel Pogatetz is still club captain. He is good at organising around the place. But O’Neil is the man on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, former Posh defender Sean St Ledger has defended his decision to ask for a move three years ago as he anticipates a hostile welcome at London Road. St Ledger was desperate to leave the club because of the turmoil behind the scenes which saw manager Steve Bleasdale – who was filmed rowing with St Ledger in one episode – resign on the day of the game in protest at interference from supposed trouble-shooter Ron Atkinson.
He said: “I spent a long time there after joining at nine years old and I was there for 10 years. My football education was there and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There’s only one player there from when I was there and Barry Fry. There has been a dramatic turnaround there. Embarrassing would be the word I’d use to describe that show. They showed it on Sunday and I’ve had a few texts giving me stick. I have had to learn from it and I’ll never ever be like that again.
“If I was like that now I would be out the door. I am a completely different person and I am sure the three managers I have had since would say the same thing.”
