NEDG 17.10.1899
FOOTBALL
THE MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB.
An “Old Hand,” writing to “Old Bird,” says;-- “ I don’t like to see a management
worried with public criticism, knowing as I do that they are generally as deeply
concerned for the success of their team as are the supporters. But it appears to
me the time has come when a few words may with advantage be addressed through your
columns to the directors of the Middlesbrough Club.
There is evidently a pronounced weakness in the team, and the public naturally
ask ‘Where is it?’ and, ‘How can it best be remedied?’ A look at the records will
show that whilst in one match the Middlesbrough team succeeded in scoring 3 goals,
in none of the others have they secured more than 1, and not always that.
This conclusively proves a great weakness in the attack. Longstaff and Lamb on
the right wing are good, and Pugh gives satisfaction on the left. Gray I have not
seen, but presumably he will be well worth his place. But what of the centre forward?
pratt is a very promising lad, but in present circumstances Middlesbrough want a
first class centre who now is and not one who is to come. With the inclusion of Raisbeck
the half-back line will be sound, but the back line is not good enough. At times,--as
against Grimsby--they play splendidly, and never make a mistake; but the public will
not be satisfied until they are represented by a pair of backs who are nearly always
reliable. For goal we have two good safe men.
The directors should, therefore, make every effort, and that quickly, to secure
really high class men for the back and centre forward positions. I know it is contended
that we shall improve matters and pick up points during the next four weeks. But
that is not good enough--for if we cannot win against the next month’s visitors our
position at the end of the season will be very dangerous. What we want is a team
not only strong enough to beat the weaker clubs at home, but also to keep gathering
in a few points away, and tosave us when pitted against the very best teams--either
at home or away. Three men of First Division League form are necessary--never mind
Second Division form.
The directors doubtless are anxious not to indulge in excessive expenditure. Extravagence
is folly, but excessive caution may bring about a dreadful calamity. If Middlesbrough
should fail, and have to seek re-election--which fate forfend--I should be sorry
for the directors and sorrier, indeed, for the poor unfortunate mortal, whoever he
may be, who would have to plead their cause.
In the purchase of new men of only medium quality for, say, £40 or £50 each, the
directors may soon lose more than £50 in the gate at each home match, whilst the
outlay of £200 for two or three first-class men would in all probability bring about
such a change as to permanently increase the gates to an equivalent extent. Surely
this would be the wiser enterprise.
The public have shown their readiness to support the club. The directors must now
do their share, and satisfy the reasonable demands of the public.”
North Eastern Daily Gazette, September 1899
THE MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB.
“A shareholder” writes :-- “Dear Old Bird, -- I think we are in for a grand
old time this winter seeing that we have got back to the old professional days. Middlesbrough
F.C. have got a chance they will never have again, in that they have the whole district
to themselves now, whereas before there were four professional teams within a radius
of six miles. Then there is a splendid tram service running past the ground within
the reach of 200,000 people. Then again we have no Durham strike staring us in the
face, and trade is at its best, and now the Washers and Old Scabs, the pride and
glory of Tees-side, are hand in hand in friendship, and are all wihing success to
the club. All that is left now is for the Middlesbrough F.C. to place a good team
on the field, and success is certain, as was proved by the gate on Saturday to see
the Alliance team. Though twice defeated, I would warn the Middlesbrough F.C. to
prepare for a large gate on Saturday, seeing that Stockton, South Bank, and Darlington
are all due from home on that date, I am sure the working classes of Middlesbrough
will rally round in their thousands and help the directors to keep improving the
team. If this is done the time is not far distant when the stands will have to be
enlarged. I would suggest that the plantation stand be made the same as the Linthorpe-road
stand for those who cannot afford to pay more. I am sure the club will not lose by
it. The alterations would not cost a great deal.”
Old Bird is highly pleased to find that such a keen interest is being taken
in the club. The attendance last Saturday was most encouraging, and Old Bird feels
with “Shareholders” that given a fine day on Saturday there will be a huge attendance
to witness the first home game of the premier side. May they be as fortunate as the
Alliance eleven, and record a victory. One sentence in “Shareholder’s” letter should
be taken to heart and acted upon. I refer to that where he says:-- “I am sure the
working classes of Middlesbrough will rally round in their thousands and help the
directors to keep improving the team.” If this support is forthcoming as I sincerely
believe it will be, the club will be placed in such a financial position as will
enable them to secure men who will bring the team to a standard of excellence that
will be most pleasing to all concerned.
