The latest edition of EA Sports FC 25 is set for its worldwide release on September 27, and gaming fans are already buzzing with excitement. This year’s edition of the popular soccer game marks the second installment since EA Sports parted ways with FIFA. Despite the rebranding, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-inter-and-ac-milan-arent-featured-in-eafc-25/">EA Sports FC 25</a> promises to deliver the same excitement and depth that fans have come to expect. New features, game modes, and a revamped interface have been teased through a series of deep dives. For many gamers, it’s the player ratings that steal the spotlight.



As always, the release of player ratings is one of the most eagerly anticipated events each year. It offers a glimpse into which players will dominate in the virtual world. This year, a new era is dawning, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer commanding the highest ratings.



Leading the rankings for EA Sports FC 25 are <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/al-khelaifis-life-after-mbappe-new-era-and-better-psg-than-ever/">Kylian Mbappe</a>, Erling Haaland, and Rodri. Each boasts <a href="https://x.com/EASPORTSFC/status/1833158620768252051" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an impressive rating of 91</a>. Mbappe and Haaland are the future of soccer. Both players consistently deliver jaw-dropping performances for their clubs. Rodri, meanwhile, had a standout Euro 2024 campaign. He helped Spain secure a major victory and solidified his place among the world’s best.



The midfielder’s jump to the top comes as a surprise to many. He had an 89 rating last year. His contributions to Manchester City and Spain have earned him a significant upgrade. They pushed him into the 91-rated bracket alongside Mbappe and Haaland.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240911_WST_528354_Rodri-Haaland-1200x675_e8826b2c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-528390" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>What are Ronaldo and Messi’s ratings in EA FC 25?</h2>



For years, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-ventures-into-esports-as-co-owner-with-kun-aguero-20231108-WST-468193.html">Lionel Messi</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-in-talks-with-2k-to-help-create-new-soccer-video-game-20240213-WST-489326.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> have been the faces of the EA Sports franchise. They dominated the ratings with unmatched skill and longevity. However, the 2024 edition marks the end of an era. Lionel Messi, once rated as high as 94, has dropped to an 88 rating, marking his lowest score since 2008. He now sits at the 16th spot in the rankings, behind seven Premier League players.



Despite his legendary status, Messi’s move to Inter Miami and his lower involvement in top-tier European competitions likely contributed to the downgrade. He now shares the same rating as players like Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, and Robert Lewandowski, the veteran striker of Barcelona.



Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, finds himself even further down the list, not even cracking the top 25 players in the game. Ronaldo has picked up a rating of <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13830565/Lionel-Messi-LOWEST-rating-16-years-EA-Sports-FC-25.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">86</a>. It’s a significant drop that reflects his Saudi Arabia move and his reduced role in major European competitions. For years, the two GOATs have competed for the top spot. The game is increasingly reflecting the shifting dynamics of global soccer, however.



<h2>Rising stars and major upgrades</h2>



While Messi and Ronaldo face downgrades, several players have seen their ratings soar. One of the biggest risers is England’s Jude Bellingham. He earned a 90 rating after a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. His performances have impressed fans and critics alike, earning him a place among the best in the game.



Not only does Bellingham have a 90 rating, but so do Vinicius, Kevin De Bruyne, and Harry Kane, among others. This year’s ratings also showcase the Premier League’s strength, with stars like Kane, De Bruyne, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah all securing top spots.



The goalkeeping department is also strong. Alisson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Thibaut Courtois and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all received ratings of 90 or above. These players have consistently proven their value between the posts and will be key figures in EA Sports FC 25’s Ultimate Team mode.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

New EA FC 25 ratings revealed: Where are Messi and Ronaldo?

The latest edition of EA Sports FC 25 is set for its worldwide release on September 27, and gaming fans are already buzzing for the ratings.

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Everyone has a memory of their first soccer game attendance. In reality, it might not even be the game itself that you remember.
<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FootyScran?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A certain food or snack</a> just sat right after eating it. A song the supporters sang rang pure in your ears. Watching everyone launch their arms in the air because of a goal. Or, that could be a missed call, soccer fans are funny in that way.
Whatever it may be, attending your first soccer game is a precious memory. Oftentimes, you share that with loved ones to make it just that bit more special.
<h3>The first soccer game you attended</h3>
Here at World Soccer Talk, we have readers that come from across the world with a variety of ages. In the past, some readers mention how they watched Pele or Maradona compete at the World Cup in 1970 or 1986. Other readers are fairly new. In that case, they may recount watching Landon Donovan or Christian Pulisic score a hat trick. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/08/best-soccer-player-seen-in-person/">That applies to me</a>, at least, with those games coming in Tampa and Orlando, not far from where I live.
Whichever bracket you fall into, we want to know you earliest memories of watching the beautiful game live and in person.
For some, that could be when you were a small kid. Your parents took you to your local club’s stadium to watch a game. Frankly, the details may seem vague. However, it is still a memory.
For other readers, your first game in person could be more recent. You just got into the sport, and it is something you did not care about when you were young. In this case, you likely got to enjoy some beverages and take in the atmosphere for all it is worth.
Regardless, attending a game for the first time is a spiritual experience for many of us. Using the comment section below, please tell your stories of what it was like to attend the first soccer game in your life.
PHOTO: Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images

It is a cherished memory, and we want you to share it. Think back to the first soccer game you attended. What do you remember from that game?

What was the first soccer game you attended? - World Soccer Talk

What was the first soccer game you attended?

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Sometimes a fixture ends and we think to ourselves, ‘man, that might be the best soccer game I have ever watched.‘
Of course, there are a lot of factors that come into play. For example, Barcelona fans, such as myself, could say&nbsp;La Remontada&nbsp;against PSG takes the top prize. PSG Fans certainly try to wipe that day from their memory. Similarly, Barcelona fans try to forget May 7, 2019. That day lives in Liverpool lore for the rest of time as the unimaginable happened.
Some fans love goals. The recent seven-goal thriller between <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/26/three-things-we-learned-from-manchester-city-v-real-madrid/">Manchester City and Real Madrid</a> might not be in that discussion for greatest game, but it captivated millions.
Then, of course, there is drama. Whether it be a World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, final day of a league season or a playoff final, games are simply better when there is more on the line.
The ‘<a href="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIxr3kQnYvk">Game of the Century</a>‘ in 1970 between Italy and West Germany sent the Italians to the World Cup Final with a 4-3 final. Manchester United’s two late, late goals against Bayern Munich clinched England’s first treble-winning season.
<h3>What is the best soccer game you have watched?</h3>
We want to know which game tops your list of games watched. If it does revolve around a certain club, be sure to mention&nbsp; what you remember about that game. Oftentimes, fans remember where they were and how they reacted to a certain goal, save or major moment.
You can be as specific as you like. Some people might watch a defensive masterclass and think it was superb. Others want to see goals fly in by the bunches for players’ and crowd reactions. We are all different and we have different stories.
Be sure to share your story about what is the best soccer game you have watched in the comments below. It is possible that someone shares a favorite game with you.

What is the best soccer game you have watched? We provide some examples of great games, but everyone has a preference for this sort of thing.

What is the best soccer game you have watched? - World Soccer Talk

What is the best soccer game you have watched?

<div id="attachment_707" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>A game i&apos;m sure did nothing good for my health</div>
I was looking around a few sites, particularly reading all the articles on <a href="http:\/\/epltalk.com">epltalk.com</a> that have recently been posted and they have been looking back over what has been an amazing decade for football. You can go to any sports related website and you will have an abundance of critics and experts telling you what their favourite moment of the past ten years was. And what is so great about reading them is that everyone has a different opinion as different moments in football can mean different things to people. It could be easy of me to make a countdown of what I think are the X greatest Y’s of the decade but no one can ever agree on different things. And that is why instead I decided I’d just write about what for me was my favourite moment of the decade as I realised everyone has their own say. I know this is a Championship related website and I try to filter through news and opinion related to the league but here at Championship talk we value any sort of opinion and any article people want to write. And if everyone else can do it then so can I!
November 13th 2002 – Champions League Group Stage One – Feyenoord 2-3 Newcastle United:
This was one of those games that can only back up any claim that football is the most exciting sport in the world. Sir Bobby Robson helped Newcastle climb back to the top of the table and make it into the Champions league once again, but unlike our woeful efforts in Europe under Keegan, this time we were up to the challenge. When having a bit of a search to see if I could bring back even more memories of the match, I found <a href="http:\/\/www.guardian.co.uk/football/2002/nov/13/minutebyminute.sport">the Guardian’s minute by minute updates </a>of the match and just reading through that gives me goose bumps.
This was such in important game in a very open group between Juventus, Dynamo Kiev, Feyenoord and Newcastle. Juventus looked comfortable at the top but the other three teams most certainly had something to play for and they were ready to give it their all. It was a packed house on a cold night in Holland and Newcastle were hoping to become the first team in history to qualify for the next stage after losing their first three group games and it wasn’t easy considering that we were relying on a Juventus win against Kiev in Ukraine as well as winning our own game. Even more hairs were standing on the back of my neck as the players walked out to a cauldron of flares, streamers, flags and an electric continental atmosphere.
The first half had a few chances and most of them were Newcastle. We were dominating the game and the pace of our team seemed to be catching Feyenoord out every time. But I watched on, as our 2-0 lead all of a sudden became 2-2. In the middle of Newcastle and Feyenoord goals, it was all kicking off at Kiev as Dynamo had went 1-0 up only to be pegged back to 2-1. The game in Rotterdam had turned and Newcastle were starting to get over run by a heart-pounding atmosphere and the new found Feyenoord confidence. If things stayed the way they were in Kiev, the winner would be through to the second group phase.
Clive Tyldesley was commentating on the match and I remember him saying something along the lines of ‘a goal here is so important for either of these teams, especially when you consider it could be worth £10 million pounds’. That was what was at stake here, but more importantly for me it was for the chance to play in the next round, stay in the greatest competition in club football and meet more of Europe’s elite.
Feyenoord were pressing and it just seemed like it wasn’t going to be Newcastle’s night. We were 2-0 up and in control and had thrown it all away. But in the 92nd minute we thumped the ball forward where Shearer managed to head the ball to Dyer who shot was saved. Craig Bellamy latched onto the ball and could of held it up, but instead shot from a difficult angle and the keeper could do nothing about it. It was absolutely amazing and what football was all about. A pure battle which had a blockbuster ending and I think it was a couple of days before I stopped bouncing off the walls in my house after that one. One of my favourite games ever.
I had someone ask me a few months ago, obviously not trying to be offensive, why do Newcastle fans chant Sir Bobby Robson’s name all the time and why was there such a monument for a manager that didn’t win anything for Newcastle. Well apart from being from the local area, it is moments like this that we love Bobby for. He brought excitement to the team and moments like what I’ve mentioned above. He made us into a side that did amazing things and we had some great games with him at the helm. Sacking Bobby was a terrible mistake, but the fans will always love him and its games like our 3-2 victory against Feyenoord that we will remember him best for.
So there you have it! That was my personal favourite moment of the decade. And here at Championship Talk we would love to hear your opinion on what was your favourite moment. And also as a new year (and decade) looms, we are looking for new writers to help add their opinion on all matters Championship and Football League! If you are interested in writing for the site and would love to have your say, please send an e-mail to:
thegaffer[at]epltalk[dot]com
We hope to hear from you!

My Favourite Football Moment Of The Decade - World Soccer Talk

My Favourite Football Moment Of The Decade

<div id="attachment_691" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Ameobi: Key Man At The Derby</div>
Apologies for a lack of updates lately, with the amount of work I’ve been doing lately my life mirrors the ‘congested holiday fixture list’! Unfortunately this weekend we have once again discovered that the UK is the only country more efficient in a world war than being in a snow ‘storm’. Early season promotion favourites West Brom and Cardiff both had games postponed which makes tomorrows North East derby all the more interesting as we will find out if Newcastle can extend their lead at the top or if the Boro can keep up with the pack.
Middlesbrough have rarely been considered serious rivals to the Toon Army, the Geordies often focus on their mackem counterparts a few miles down the road so fiercely that Boro are often forgotten in any local affairs. But Sunday will see a change as both fans will no doubt raise the roof off St. James’ Park to support their teams and 3 points would be very welcome for either club. Last seasons tense Premiership encounter between these two sides ended in victory for Newcastle, albeit an unlucky defeat for Middlesbrough.
The task ahead of Boro is tomorrow however is one that many of the leagues other clubs would not envy. Newcastle have only conceded four goals in their ten home games, the best record in the football league and the depth of their squad is often good enough to see them to victory. Shola Ameobi is likely to start after being rested against Barnsley, the often-criticized striker has been missed by manager Chris Hughton and his cult status has elevated among the Geordie faithful. Shola chants were present in Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Barnsley, but Hughton made the right decision not to rush the striker back as he is a key player for the team. He’s often had a knack for scoring in Tyne-Wear games and he will no doubt be expected to emulate this against the Teesiders; watch for Newcastle to work the wings and get crosses onto Shola’s head.
Newcastle will be without the hard working Andy Carroll, who is suspended after picking up his 5th yellow card of the season. Hughton backed the big striker in Newcastle’s last game after his off the field troubles and after repaying his managers faith with a good performance, Hughton will be disappointed he won’t figure in his game plan. This most likely paves the way for a possible Harewood and Ameobi partnership up front (sounds like a dream come true for the game of football doesn’t it?) unless the manager would instead prefer to play Kevin Nolan in a more advanced role, a position he has been deadly in all season.
Middlesbrough on the other hand will be hit hard with injuries, particularly the loss of Adam Johnson being an unwelcome headache to Gordon Strachan. Defender Sean St. Ledger has returned to his parent club, meaning there will be a reshuffle at the back for Boro and Strachan may be tempted to welcome back Chris Riggot at some point if the defender is passed fit to play.
History has not been kind to Strachan at St. James’. The manager has never won in ten attempts, only once managing a draw. Put that together with Boro’s peculiar form this season and you’d begin to think that a little bit of anxiety may be rising in the Scotsman. The match may be dependant on what Boro shows up, they recently managed a very impressive 5-1 victory against QPR but then lost 3-0 to Blackpool the following game. So far Strachan has struggled to get any form in his side and the club could do with a victory over Newcastle to raise their spirits and kick-start them back into action. The club has a lot of quality players who just seem to be feeling the pressure a bit too much this season, it will be interesting to see how they handle the atmosphere of the derby game.
Boro could well suffer the same fate as many other teams in the Championship this season. Newcastle don’t tend to play very well over the whole 90 minutes, instead presenting the odd incisive move and being rewarded for it. What they do best is stopping other teams from playing their game plan and patiently wait for a breakthrough. Barnsley proved however that enough hard work and keeping your chin up are effective and deservedly grabbed a point.
I don’t think I’m letting my support of Newcastle getting the better of me when I predict that the Toon will win this one. I think most people would back the league leaders who have turned their disputed stadium into a fortress. Middlesbrough have puzzled many this season, they have a lot of good players and a good manager in charge but can’t seem to get it right on the day. Their saving grace is that this game is being played away and on the road they have faired better than their Riverside games and you can often throw the formbook out the window when rivals meet. Overall it should be an exciting game for all football lovers and the game is live on BBC1 from 12.50pm.

Newcastle V Middlesbrough Preview: The Biggest North East Derby Of The Season - World Soccer Talk

Newcastle V Middlesbrough Preview: The Biggest North East Derby Of The Season

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Anybody could tell you that Ipswich Town’s 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Derby on Saturday was a vital result. Defeat or another draw from the team and the alarm bells may of been ringing frantically at Portman Road, but 15 games into the 09/10 season and the Suffolk outfit have finally put a win on the board. Although they remain at the foot of the Championship table, fans danced in jubilation after the final whistle had gone at the weekend; and this hard fought one goal victory will lead them on to piecing together some decent form.
Ipswich’s poor season has surprised quite a lot of people this season. Many people backed Roy Keane to take the club on to the next level and bring success, but quite the opposite has occurred in Keano’s first full campaign in charge. The team has struggled both at the back and front this season, holding the second worst goal difference in the league with only Plymouth keeping them off the bottom spot by one goal. Counago, Walters, Priskin and Stead have accumulated seven goals between them this season and the players at the back have often lacked concentration when under pressure.
Keane certainly has had backing from the board and fans alike. Many other boards would have dismissed a manager who had failed to get a win in 14 games; particularly with the amount of financial backing Keane was given. But it appears that Ipswich are looking at the bigger picture and see this season as part of a jigsaw that will hopefully be completed with the club in the Premiership at some point. Fans have often said that they trust Keane and have kept a lot of optimism throughout the rough period. And why not, its obvious when looking at the clubs squad that they have a lot of quality, including a lot of players Keane knows well and who have a lot of Championship experience.
And I am sure the fans have no doubt that their next fixture away to Reading is just as important, if not more, than the Derby game. Reading are also flirting with the bottom of the table, but managed to beat Coventry convincingly 3-1 and although Coventry also have poor form, nothing should be taken away from their victory. The Madjeski stadium has seemed more like a ruin than a fortress this season, with only 1 goal scored by the club at home in the last 5 games there. Reading must also be aware that although Ipswich just picked up their first victory, they have only failed to score once away from home this season.
But after such a great victory on the road why wouldn’t Reading players feel that Saturday’s game is the perfect opportunity for them to give the home fans something to celebrate about? Over coming a team like Coventry by a comfortable margin will give them all the information they need to let them know that they can come out on top against the teams in a similar situation to themselves. They will look to <a href="http:\/\/www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2060022_grzegorz_rasiak_hungry_to_score_for_reading_fc">the hungry Grezgorz Rasiak</a> to fire them to victory on Saturday, as he appears to be one of the only players at the club who has a finishing touch. In their last home game the club had seventeen shots against Leicester and ended up losing 1-0; manager Brendan Rodgers has no doubt attempted to solve their goal shyness.
Ipswich fans will hope that their team will start to finally pick up form and a win at Reading would be the perfect way for the club to do this. Another draw will do nothing special for the club and they really need to beat the teams close to them so they can get away from the foot of the table as soon as possible. The next step for the club is to pick up their first away win of the season and if they can beat Reading on Saturday then it will also help them gain confidence which nobody can doubt the importance of. Jonathan Walters put in a good shift against Derby and Roy Keane will be hoping he can do a similar sort of job and also bag a goal or two when they face Reading. Keane has certainly moved quickly to bring his players back down to earth,&nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/www.ipswich.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=175911">criticising their overall performance against Derby</a>.
I would encourage any football fan to keep an eye on this game, even though it could end up being a tense and tight affair it could so easily go the other way. Both teams have just recorded much needed victories and both will see each other as the ideal opponent to get their season back on track. Defeat could see Brendan Rodgers lose his job and despite <a href="http:\/\/www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11673_5655564,00.html">Sir John Madjeski apparently backing him</a> 16 wins without a win at home may prove too much for the Reading board. Ipswich can’t let a club like Reading get further away from them and they definitely need to string results together to get out of their situation at the bottom of the table. Many people would consider this a ‘6 pointer’, even in November and it will be interesting to see the aftermath of the game; a good result for either team can help kick start their season.

Roy Keane's team record overdue victory: how important has Reading V Ipswich become? - World Soccer Talk

Roy Keane's team record overdue victory: how important has Reading V Ipswich become?

<div id="attachment_647" style="width: 217px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Southgate: Shown The Door</div>
After winning 2-0 on Tuesday night, Gareth Southgate was relieved of his duties as manager hours after the game. Despite being quite a popular player for the club, Southgate could never quite get the same level of support in his time as manager; despite a number of hardships being put on him such as the sale of top striker Yakubu. It may come as a slightly surprise that the Boro board decided to sack Southgate moments after a win rather than Saturday where the club, at the time, suffered it’s 3rd straight home defeat at the hands of a Watford side currently struggling for form. It is most likely that Gibson and the Middlesbrough board had only fully committed to a change in leadership on the Monday.
An outsider to the championship may wonder how a manager who’s team sits 4th in the 2nd tier table can be sacked but <a href="http:\/\/www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5642338,00.html">Steve Gibson’s proclamation Wednesday afternoon</a> certainly suggests that it has been building up for some time; and anyone who follows the club can relate to that. One of the most notable things in Gibson’s decision may well be the constant dip in attendance. Even though the club has been relegated and would expect smaller crowds, Boro’s home form has been woeful and left a lot of fans questioning the point in turning up to
You could feel some sympathy however for Southgate. Steve McLaren was a tough act the follow after all of his success. McLaren’s bid to gain success for the club cost the team, and despite selling a number of key players to balance the books on Southgate’s arrival, the club still suffered<a href="http:\/\/www.football.co.uk/middlesbrough/southgate_reveals_boro_debt_278124.shtml"> heavily from debt</a>. Southgate, even recently in the championship, has been forced to field a number of players who have came through the clubs academy. Despite Boro having one of the strongest youth teams in the country, it was hardly surprising that they were relegated from the Premiership.
It can’t be denied however that Southgate had no resources. He could be accused of putting all his eggs into one basket when signing Alfonso Alves for what is believed to be almost £13 million. Alves turned out to be a poor piece of business, lacking the finishing touch that the likes of Yakubu and Viduka had brought before him and was largely lethargic in his Boro days. Many questioned the price tag before he had even signed. Alves abandoned ship just before the close of the summer 2009 transfer window; his lacklustre attitude may be better suited to the sweltering heat of the Middle East. He could happily retire early with the amount of money I imagine he is making out there.
After the clubs relegation, they opened the Championship campaign with a 0-0 home draw to Sheffield United and were booed off the pitch by the supporters. Many people criticized the fans for this, but it wasn’t just about the result; fans had already lost confidence in Southgate and a 0-0 draw all but justified this. Southgate never appeared to have a charismatic edge as a manager and sometimes seemed too accepting in defeat. Many within the game saw him as a bit of a push over and someone who could easily cave in.
I myself consider Steve Gibson one of the best Chairmen in the country, a patient man who doesn’t hit the panic button at the first time of asking. He is one of a dying breed in world football; an owner who was brought up in the local environment supporting his club. Boro fans will always have a gratitude of debt towards the man, as Gibson is one of the men that saved the club from Liquidation when they almost folded towards the end of the 20th century. His decision to let Southgate go was the correct call and I believe it has come at the right time. Gibson wants the club to bounce straight back the Premiership at the first time of asking, most likely to help the club balance the finances once again. He gave Southgate every possible opportunity, something most managers don’t get. The club is sitting in a great league position and the right appointment can help give the club an initial boost and help the club realise it’s ambition of promotion at the first time of asking.
The only problem is who will take the job? The objective is clearly to get the club promoted this season as another season in the Championship may result in the club needing to make more cut backs. Gordon Strachan’s name has once again been churned out by the bookies as a favourite – an ideal candidate for the club, but is Boro an ideal opportunity for Strachan? If any manager is tasked with getting promotion they are going to want resources to do so and Boro lack a lot of funding. Their young squad lacks experience and any high profile name manager will want to bring in tried and tested players. If it is to be Strachan then Gibson and the board would have to take a massive gamble, put whatever they’ve got left into the club and pray that he can get the job done.
<a href="http:\/\/www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,16478_5642286,00.html">Milan Mandaric has ruled out the fantastic Nigel Pearson</a>, but you can never say never in football. I’m a big fan of Pearson and I’m not surprised that the Leicester chairman is so keen to keep hold of him. Kevin Keegan is the bookies 2nd favourite to take the job (maybe becoming a Toon heretic?) as well as Alan Curbishley being up there. However, these are two managers who would demand they’d be given resources; particularly after their most previous employers relieved them of purchasing duties.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Gibson takes his time with this appointment, as mentioned before he is a man with a lot of patience and likes to be 100% sure before his makes a big decision. Middlesbrough’s situation makes their next managerial appointment a difficult one to call, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended up being an intriguing appointment. One of the best things about Steve Gibson as a chairman is that he has the right mix of being a fan and an owner, so whoever he and the board decide on is most likely to be someone the fans can put faith in.

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