Victories the key to boost Boro support says Arca
Dec 17 2010 The Journal
AS Tony Mowbray begins the search for January’s secret, free formula, Julio Arca admits he understands Teesside’s lingering reluctance to back its football club.
And after just 14,250 – a record league low for the Riverside – witnessed Middlesbrough’s shock win over second-placed Cardiff City last week, the Argentinian insists the only way to win back more support is by ensuring such victories become regular, rather than rarities.
“That’s what happens with this team, when we play against the big teams we tend to play well,” said Arca, who scored the only goal of the game, from the penalty spot, after convincing Gary O’Neil he was the man to replace previous spot-kick takers Barry Robson and Leroy Lita.
“I just went and got it, I felt like I wanted to. Usually someone else is taking the ball but this time I saw my opportunity and took it.
“It’s always good to score and even better to see the team get three points at home against a good team like Cardiff.
“But it won’t be if we don’t follow it up on Friday. That’s why I say we have to get something from the next game. The confidence was there right through to the end under all that pressure against Cardiff.
“Some players were tired but that’s understandable. We didn’t chase the game and it was a very disciplined performance.
“But it’s understandable the fans don’t believe in the team as much as before because of the position we are in. I’d probably be the same in their position but those who are coming along, we are grateful for. They see a team giving everything.”
Boro will have to do so again tonight, when they travel to Doncaster Rovers, as Mowbray’s side boast the unwanted record of being the worst away side in the Championship, with just one win at Scunthorpe United and a draw at Leicester City from 10 games on the road.
As such, the Boro boss is already scouring the transfer market ahead of the window opening next month.
But with funds limited and Mowbray far from certain yet as to whether any significant finance can be raised through the potential sales of the likes of David Wheater, Gary O’Neil and Kris Boyd, he knows he may be confined to the bargain basement.
“We’re looking everywhere,” said Mowbray, who has injury doubts over Wheater and Nicky Bailey tonight after the pair missed training in midweek.
“Because of the uncertainty regarding what might be available for us to bring players in, we need to cover all bases. Ultimately, if there aren’t enough people leaving the club, then we will potentially be looking for free transfers who don’t need very much in terms of wages.
“We need to be ready if and when an opportunity comes up in January to bring players in.”
One player who Mowbray hopes will alleviate some of his problems at the Riverside is Rhys Williams.
The versatile Australian international remains sidelined following surgery on a pelvic injury, and is undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
But his new manager – made aware of the 22-year-old during his time managing Celtic – is keen to see him return to action and prove his reputation is justified.
“When I was manager of Celtic everyone told me that the player to watch at Middlesbrough was Rhys Williams,” Mowbray said.
“That was his reputation and yet here I am and I haven’t seen him kick a ball yet. I wish him a speedy recovery for the good of him and all of us and I hope he’s half the player people were telling me about when I was in Scotland.”
Meanwhile, former Boro stars Andrew Davies, who has been told he can leave Stoke City, and free agent Jeremie Aliadiere are both training with the club.
