Fly Me To The Moon column: Why Neil Warnock could be nurturing something a little bit special at Middlesbrough

To say we have a pared-down squad would be something of an understatement but the old promotion maestro Neil Warnock is drawing on all his experience to manipulate his scant resources into a unit that is both difficult to beat and able to pounce on any gifts from opponents.

In a recent press conference the manager revealed how he is having to carefully nurture live-wire talent Patrick Roberts. Warnock is able to act on sports science analysis as well as his canny instincts from years in the game to know that less is more for Roberts timed impacts.

Players all over the country are likely to suffer adverse reactions to a foreshortened two week pre-season and so rest and recuperation will enforce more rotation than ever to prevent injury. At Boro we do not have the luxury of much in reserve and yet everyone is playing their part to the full.

Against Coventry, Hayden Coulson, snapped into action down the flank after following on Marcus Browne as substitute. The latter provided the telling through ball for Spence's match-sealing second. Everyone is giving their all and you feel the cast list will widen to include more currently waiting in the wings.

That huddle after the recent victory at Bristol City was repeated by the players just prior to kick off v Coventry and was surely indicative of the way the players are working so hard for each other and the manager. This was personified by Marcus Tavernier's amazing last ditch interception to prevent Coventry converting their one real chance of the game.

In the first half Tav had spells on both flanks as he was chopped and changed for the team. But he never stopped running and trying and playing with great discipline, whether rasping a shot on target or racing back the length of the pitch to prevent Boro going behind.

Looking back over Tuesday’s game, how important could that first goal be for captain Britt? Like all goal scorers Assombalonga's form seems so much about confidence. He needs to find the back of the net. Earlier in the game he wasted efforts on goal but he continued to put himself in threatening positions. When Sam Morsy split their tiring defence Britt only needed one touch before caressing the ball around the keeper for the opener.

If the past is a good indicator that opener could be the signal for defences to beware, Assombalonga could now set off on a goal bagging run. Yes, if we can add goals to that level of organisation and team commitment then Neil Warnock could be nurturing something a little bit special here at Boro.

We will whisper it for now though because injury or luck could desert our thinly resourced side at any time. I am just enjoying watching our team putting up a real fight and succeeding.

Next up comes the revived Nottingham Forest. Let's hope Britt and co. can help make it a Halloween horror show and leave no treats for the Tricky Trees.

Come On Boro and Up The Boro

Robert Nichols

fly me to the moon

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