What Do Boro Do In Training?

Last updated : 10 February 2009 By Boro Mad

We have touched on this before ... why is our goal ratio from dead-ball kicks so poor?

That, at least, should be a game plan ... with some inspiration at least.

Stoke City got promoted on the strength of set-plays, yet we seem totally clueless.

Matthew Bates sounded a basement battlecry today by insisting that fan power can help spark a Boro charge to Premier League safety ... but come on Boro ... give the fans something to BELIEVE IN!

At least LOOK as though you you (the players) know what you are doing!

Gareth Southgate's reign is coming under increasing scrutiny among supporters on the back of their wretched run of 13 league games without a win.

Bates: "Our fans are brilliant and it's important that everyone stays upbeat and sticks together.

"I'm a fan myself so I know it's frustrating sometimes.

"I know the fans want the club to do well and they are looking back at the couple of years we had in the UEFA Cup.

"It's difficult for them to take that we are in a relegation fight at the minute and I can't blame them, but that's how it is.

"There are six or seven teams in the same situation as us and I know it's a cliche, but staying up could come down to little things like how the fans can be our 12th man.

"We've got 13 games left and we need everything from the lads. And I know for a fact that, speaking on behalf of them, everyone will give it everything.

"We haven't got any given right to be in the Premier League and we need everything from the fans and players. Other teams' fans might be getting on their backs but we need everyone to get behind us really."