Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough
Man City 1-1 Middlesbrough Hasselbaink's brilliant free-kick fired Middlesbrough ahead Mark Schwarzer saved an injury-time penalty as Middlesbrough earned a place in next season's Uefa Cup. Robbie Fowler missed the kick which would have seen City qualify at the expense of Boro. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's brilliant 30-yard free-kick put Boro ahead, but Kiki Musampa levelled after the break. City boss Stuart Pearce brought on Nicky Weaver and pushed goalkeeper David James up front in a frantic finale, but Boro held out. It was a dramatic end to a match in which City dominated possession without fashioning clear chances against a determined Boro back line. The visitors seemed content to invite City to attack from the start. Typicial City. If only, if only From HP Have your say on 606 Their first real chance came when Shaun Wright-Phillips burst through and lofted the ball over Mark Schwarzer, only to see it drift wide while Middlesbrough's sole chance in the early stages were limited to a long shot from Boudewijn Zenden. Nevertheless, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Hasselbaink's brilliant free-kick in the 23rd minute curled and swerved before cannoning in off the underside of the bar. City responded well and continued to look threatening, particularly down the right-hand side and also through Wright-Phillips who saw another shot just clear the angle of post and bar. But for all their huff and puff, there was precious little end product and City were pleased to see a long shot from Doriva flash wide. City boss Stuart Pearce needed a stirring half-time team talk and his words had a remarkable effect. The home side were level within 59 seconds of the restart, Musampa taking full advantage of some hesitant Boro defending to weave his way into the box and slot home. The crowd played their part in firing up the City players as Boro found themselves on the back foot - although their defence was well-marshalled. There were some fractious moments on the field in the passionate atmosphere and Ray Parlour was substituted after narrowly avoiding a second yellow card for a foul. The atmosphere reached fever pitch late on as Pearce replaced Claudio Reyna with keeper Weaver and moved James into a centre-forward role. And the game took a dramatic twist as referee Rob Styles penalised Franck Queudrue for handball - only for Fowler to miss the chance to fire City into Europe. Man City: James, Mills (Croft 84), Onuoha, Distin, Thatcher, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Barton, Reyna (Weaver 88), Musampa, Fowler, Sibierski (Bradley Wright-Phillips 54). Subs Not Used: Macken, Jordan. Booked: Barton, Distin. Goals: Musampa 46. Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Ehiogu, Southgate, Queudrue, Parlour (Morrison 69), Boateng, Doriva, Zenden, Nemeth (Downing 54), Hasselbaink, Morrison (Reiziger 84). Subs Not Used: Cooper, Knight. Booked: Queudrue, Zenden, Boateng, Parlour. Goals: Hasselbaink 23. Att: 47,221 Ref: R Styles (Hampshire).

Boro chairman swipes at Eriksson
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has criticised England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager Steve McClaren was again touted as the Swede's successor. Eriksson revealed he may step down after the 2006 World Cup and claimed an Englishman should take over from him. McClaren is in the frame and Gibson told the BBC's Sportsweek: "Sometimes Sven says too much too often. "I'm not aware it is the role of the current England manager to select the next England manager." Gibson added "What I am aware of is that Steve McClaren works with Eriksson in the England set-up, and has an ambition to one day be England manager. But he will know when that time is right. "He is in his fourth year of management in the Premiership and I suspect that Steve would consider the next appointment as too early for him. "What I do know is that he is our manager at this time. He is enjoying his role at our football club, and we have enjoyed having him and we've talked substantially about an extension to his current contract." McClaren currently has one year remaining of a five-year deal, and Gibson is eager to retain him, particularly in light of the success Boro have achieved over the last two seasons. Gibson, when asked as to how long he was looking to keep McClaren at the Riverside, added: "That's part of the current discussion and my discussions with Steve are not difficult. "We usually have them over a sandwich and a cup of tea, and it usually last 30 minutes because we are quite like-minded. "I think Steve is pleased with us, he can see the club is moving forward and he knows the role he has to play in that. "We're quite advanced in our discussion. Once we get the game with Manchester City out of the way then we will get down to some nitty gritty work." Gibson, though, appreciates there is little he could do to stand in McClaren's way if the Football Association came calling, as they might do at the end of next summer's World Cup when it is expected Eriksson may quit regardless of how England fare. "I'm an Englishman and I would love England to win the World Cup, but I can't have any effect on that," stated Gibson. "What I'm doing is working at Middlesbrough and with Steve McClaren to forward our club. "If at some stage in the future the FA wants to talk to me about Steve, then the final decision would of course rest with Steve McClaren and I would respect that decision."

Boro character delights McClaren
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren hailed his side's "amazing" character after securing a point at Manchester City to reach next season's Uefa Cup. Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer saved an injury-time penalty in a tense finish. "The whole season comes down to one moment between two players and our player won," said McClaren. "You couldn't write a better script. We withstood a battering. The team showed amazing character. But we deserved it over 38 games, not just this one." McClaren said his side's strong finish to the campaign laid the foundations for their successful finish. "We started the season very well, and finihs very well, but we struggled in the middle and went 10 games where I think we won just once," he said. "We knew City would be on the front foot. We had to withstand it and we did it brilliantly."

McClaren plays down England talk
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has played down suggestions he will be the next England coach by underlining his commitment to his club. "My ambitions lie solely with Middlesbrough," said McClaren, whose team drew with Manchester City on Sunday to clinch a Uefa Cup place. "The future is bright for Middlesbrough and it is bright for myself and I look forward to it." McClaren works for England alongside head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. Boro chairman Steve Gibson criticised Eriksson after the Swede suggested an Englishman should succeed him. But McClaren said after Sunday's draw that he is looking forward to a rest and the challenges of next season. "I am drained but I am excited about this season and next season because the chairman shares my ambition," added the Boro boss. "It's crucial to build on this success and keep improving year on year. "That is all I am thinking about - that and England as the coach next season hopefully going into the World Cup if we get the results."

Middlesbrough agree Yakubu deal
Middlesbrough have agreed a fee in the region of £7m with Portsmouth for Nigerian striker Ayegbeni Yakubu. The 22-year-old arrived at Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground to hold talks and will join the club in July. And Middlesbrough's chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We've agreed a fee with Portsmouth and we've agreed personal terms with the player. "He's having a medical. We don't anticipate any problems and we expect him to be a Boro player soon." Lamb added: "He fills Steve McClaren's requirements - he's young, he's a goalscorer and he's the next generation. "We've got Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, Mark Viduka and I'm sure with Yakubu joining it'll give us even more firepower." Yakubu was left out of Portsmouth's final game of the season away to West Brom and was expected to leave Fratton Park this summer. He is the club's leading scorer with 17 goals but has been unsettled since boss Harry Redknapp's departure in November. Any deal would involve a proportion of any transfer fee going to Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, who still part-own the player. Meanwhile, Boro will attempt to secure the futures of Brazilian midfielder Doriva and Dutch international Bolo Zenden over the next few weeks after booking a second successive Uefa Cup campaign.

No Boro get-out for boss McClaren
Steve McClaren has stated talks over a new Middlesbrough deal will not include him asking for a get-out clause. McClaren is involved in England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson's coaching set-up and has been touted as a future manager of the national team. "I would never negotiate a contract with a get-out clause," he told the Boro website. "It's not necessary. "People talked about my ambition. They were false in thinking it lies with England or another club." He added: "They said my only ambition was to be somewhere else. They got that totally wrong. "The most important thing I have to do is be successful here. One bad season and you're out of the reckoning. The pressure is on me achieving here. "This is starting to feel like my club. It's getting better each year. I have been in management for four years so it's still very early for me. I'm still learning, still improving, still tweaking my philosophy. "The chairman has allowed me the freedom to make mistakes, to get things wrong. He has been patient with me. I feel comfortable at this club." Boro drew with Manchester City on the last day of the season to book a spot in the Uefa Cup after McClaren led the Teesside club to seventh in the Premiership. And on negotiations about a new contract, McClaren said: "There is a willingness on both sides to extend the current contract, which only has a year to run. "We spoke on Monday and we are speaking again at the end of the week, so negotiations are ongoing and I expect things to move forward on Friday."

Mendieta wants pre-season return
Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta is hoping to make his return from injury in time for next season. The 31-year-old has not played since October due to anterior cruciate ligament damage and only managed eight appearances for Boro. He told the club's website: "Hopefully, if everything goes OK during the summer, I will try to be ready in time for pre-season training. "I've been training for a few days here with the team and felt quite good. He added: "Obviously it's not 100% but I've got six weeks to go so I'm really hopeful I'll be ready for the new season. "I can run and jump but I still haven't got my full strength back. I've recovered most of the muscle in the left leg, but not all of it."

McClaren feels Zenden will stay
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren is optimistic that Boudewijn Zenden will stay at the club as negotiations over a new deal for the midfielder continue. The 28-year-old Dutch international has rejected the club's initial offer but McClaren feels he will sign soon. McClaren said: "Yes, I am confident. I was talking to the chairman about the necessity to make sure we keep our best players this year - and he is one. "We must do everything possible to make sure he stays." Zenden joined Boro on a permanent basis last summer after a successful season on loan from Chelsea. He has become a fans' favourite at the Riverside and McClaren hopes their support - as well as another season of European football next season - will persuade him to put pen to paper. McClaren added: "Out of the 51 games we have played, he has played 49 and scored eight goals and how many assists? "And he has never missed a day's training. What value can you put on that? "We have done everything on the field - he loves it here, and what he has to weigh up is that he is a star here and he does not have to prove himself when he is a star. "It is a club on the up. As a career move, for me, I have told him it is the best move he could make. "He has played at Chelsea, Barcelona and he has been a squad player, whereas here, he is a star. The fans love him and that in itself has got value." McClaren will also try to keep 32-year-old Brazilian midfielder Doriva at the club.

Cooper agrees new one-year deal
Middlesbrough's 38-year-old defender Colin Cooper has agreed a new one-year contract at the Riverside Stadium. Cooper, who also played for Millwall and Nottingham Forest, has made over 400 appearances in two spells at Boro after coming through the youth ranks. "We're delighted to have people like Colin round the club, he's been a fantastic servant," chief executive Keith Lamb told the club website. His future had been in doubt after he was loaned to Sunderland last season. Cooper helped out with the reserve team on a couple of occasions last season and he had hinted that he may take up a coaching role but Lamb revealed that this was not something that was being discussed at the moment. "That's a matter for Colin," he added. "For the time being he is registered as a player for another year and we're delighted."

Boro interested in Juve's Appiah
Middlesbrough have made an official approach for Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah. They are hoping to add the 24-year-old to their squad this summer, with the Ghanaian having struggled to break into Juve's side this season. Appiah has spent the last eight years in Italy, with Juve, Udinese and Parma. "He's somebody we have an interest in and if we can do anything there then we will," Boro chief executive Keith Lamb told the club's website. "Juventus are aware of our interest but he's just one of a number of players on the manager's list." It is understood Boro, who booked a place in the Uefa Cup on the last day of the Premiership season, may try to sign Appiah on a season-long loan deal. Boro have almost closed out a deal for Portsmouth forward Aiyegbeni Yakubu, while they are also hopeful that Boudewijn Zenden will sign a new contract at the Riverside. Veteran centre-back Colin Cooper committed himself to a further 12 months at the club, while negotiations continue with regards to a new deal for boss Steve McClaren. Doriva is to be offered a new one-year contract this week and talks are continuing over a fresh deal for George Boateng.

Boro set to decide on Maccarone
Middlesbrough are set to hold talks with record signing Massimo Maccarone next week to discuss the striker's future at the club. The 25-year-old, who cost £8.5m from Empoli in 2002, spent last season on loan at Parma and then Siena. Boro chief executive Keith Lamb told the club's website: "He's got two more years on his contract. We will sit down with Massimo and see what will happen. "We have monitored him in Italy. Nothing has been ruled in or out." Maccarone scored just 16 goals in 64 appearances for Boro and eventually lost his place. Manager Steve McClaren opted to bring in the likes of Malcolm Christie, Michael Ricketts, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka. With Portsmouth's Aiyegbeni Yakubu due to complete a £7.5m move to the Riverside Stadium on 2 July 1, the Italy international's future looks bleak.

Downing targeting England return
Stewart Downing is targeting England's friendly against Denmark in August after missing out on the tour to the United States through injury. The Middlesbrough winger told the FA's website: "It's a real shame. I saw this tour as a big opportunity for myself. "Next season is really important for me for club and, hopefully, country. I'm looking to add more consistency. "I'll be working hard and I'll let the manager do the thinking. I'm looking at that game we have against Denmark."

Downing operation is successful
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has had a successful operation on his injured left knee. The 20-year-old jarred his knee in training with the England squad in the USA and flew home for treatment. "The operation was a complete success. Stewart has had a small part of his meniscus cartilage removed," a Boro spokesman told their official website. Boss Steve McClaren will be keen to have Downing available for his starting line-up after admitting his surprise at the pace of the youngster's progress after breaking into the side last season. Downing's emergence was fortunate for McClaren, who lost Spain international Gaizka Mendieta when a knee ligament injury ended his season early.

Liverpool have Zenden in sights
Middlesbrough's Dutch international Boudewijn Zenden is reportedly a transfer target for Liverpool. Zenden, 28, who is out of contract in July and would be available on a free transfer, is said to have been contacted by Reds boss Rafael Benitez. The approach was confirmed by the player's father and agent Pierre. "Liverpool have achieved great things but he has also had a great time at Boro," said Pierre Zenden. Zenden has turned down an initial contract offer from Boro but boss Steve McClaren is keen to keep hold of the utility man, who was voted the club's player of the year. "Yes, I am confident of keeping him. I was talking to the chairman about the necessity to make sure we keep our best players this year - and he is one," McClaren said recently. "We must do everything possible to make sure he stays." Zenden joined Boro on a permanent basis last summer after a successful season on loan from Chelsea.

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