Pride was restored in Birmingham as Middlesbrough came away with a point against Aston Villa, but a refereeing mistake cost them all three.

Middlesbrough travelled to the Midlands to take on Aston Villa and were aiming to put right the indescribable debacle on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate made three changes from the side that lost in the FA Cup quarter-final, with the South American central midfield pairing of Julio Arca and Fabio Rochemback being replaced by Mohamed Shawky and George Boateng. Afonso Alves is ill as Mido took his place in the starting line-up.

The acting Captain Arca didn’t even make the bench, though Fabio accompanied local boys in the dugout. It was notable that Boro did not name a striker as a substitute. Emanuel Pogatetz captained the side from left-back. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in an eventful game as they had two goals disallowed and Jeremie Aliadiere sent-off.

Middlesbrough travelled to Merseyside to take on Liverpool at Anfield and made one change from the side that drew 0-0 with Sheffield United, last weekend.

Mido dropped to the bench, allowing the returning Tuncay to partner Jeremie Aliadiere up front.

Robert Huth hadn’t trained all week and didn’t make it, while his usual centre-half partner, David Wheater continued in the heart of defence as his ban doesn’t start until 7 days after picking up his fifth booking of the season last Sunday. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have to do it all again at The Riverside on February 26th following a goalless draw at Bramall Lane.

For this FA Cup 5th Round fixture, Boro made two changes to the side that beat Fulham just over a week ago. Mido returned to partner Aliadiere up front, at the expense of Dong Gook Lee. Left-back Jonathan Grounds replaced the injured Robert Huth as Emanuel Pogatetz switched to centre-half.

There was a nice touch from the travelling army of Middlesbrough supporters, just before kick-off.. “There’s only one Bryan Robson”, was the cry from behind the goal, following the sacking of Robbo on Wednesday, from Sheffield United. (Read on …)

Stewart Downing has agreed a new five-year contract with Middlesbrough, Gareth Southgate revealed this afternoon.

The news comes after months of speculation about Stewy’s future, with a seeming ever-present interest from Tottenham. This will be a huge boost for Middlesbrough fans who were obviously anxious about the left-winger’s future, especially following comments from his agent in recent weeks.

Ian Elliot, Downing’s agent, stated; “We will not enter into any further negotiations and the player will see out the two years and option his rights under freedom of contract at the end of it.” Strange then, Mr Elliot, that Downing is now contracted to Middlesbrough Football Club for a further FIVE years. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough triumphed against Fulham, in a dogged and determined performance, following a coolly taken Jeremie Aliadiere goal in the first half.

All the buzz before the game was surrounding new multi-million pound man, Afonso Alves. The record-breaking Brazilian started the game on the bench, primarily because of his lack of fitness. Alves hasn’t trained with a team in a month, not playing in six weeks.

Dong-Gook Lee was the only change to the side that drew 1-1 at Newcastle last Sunday, with the injured Lee Cattermole making way. Mido joined Alves on the bench. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough’s new £12million signing Afonso Alves, has arrived on Teesside from Holland this morning and is now officially a Boro player.

The Teessiders’ had to wait for a visa application to be accepted and had no other choice but to get in the queue. Now that Alves has all the necessary paperwork, he can begin his Boro career. His debut is expected to be on Saturday against Fulham, at The Riverside.

Middlesbrough are creating a carnival-like atmosphere for the Brazilian. Fans are being invited to The Riverside Stadium on Thursday, where he is to be presented to the gathering crowds. Afonso will be greeted with a “samba band, carnival girls and dozens of waving Brazil flags”, according to Middlesbrough’s official website. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough took a point away from St James’ Park following a late Robert Huth equaliser in a game that could easily have given Boro a victory.

Boro took the short trip up the A19 to play Newcastle, who had not won, or scored, under the returning Kevin Keegan. Gareth Southgate was defending an unbeaten record against Newcastle, since taking over as manager 18 months ago.

The injured Tuncay was replaced by Lee Cattermole in the starting line-up as Boro opted for a 4-5-1 formation. Emanuel Pogatetz returned at left back at the expense of young Jonathan Grounds. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough completed a deadline day move for Brazilian striker Afonso Alves from Heerenveen for an undisclosed fee. The fee is actually understood to be in the region of £12m. Alves has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Middlesbrough, but is not expected to feature this Sunday against Newcastle United.

The deal has been simmering away for a long while, we’ve had court cases and contracts all over the place, even third party ownership. But finally he is a Middlesbrough player. With 36 minutes to spare before the transfer window slammed shut at midnight of the 31st of January, the deal was sealed. (Read on …)

Middlesbrough overcame the nerves to beat Wigan Athletic at The Riverside on a night that Afonso Alves watched from the stands ahead of his expected transfer from Heerenveen.

Middlesbrough saw Stewart Downing, Tuncay Sanli and Gary O’Neil return to the starting line-up, whilst Jonathan Grounds once again deputised for the injured Emanuel Pogatetz.

Fabio Capello made a trip to The Riverside to watch the game, sat alongside Chief Executive Keith Lamb, as he perused England potentials. (Read on …)

The 5th Round draw of this season’s F.A. Cup, sponsored by E-ON, was made this lunchtime. Middlesbrough, ball number 15, were drawn 6th out of the pot away to Sheffield United.

Blades’ Boss Bryan Robson, was of course Middlesbrough manager from 1994 to 2001 and brought the club into the big time. Memories are sure to be evoked, when Boro travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in the 5th Round of the F.A. Cup on either Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th February. (Read on …)