By the time this is printed Middlesbrough will probably have started their Premiership campaign. Exactly who will be shepherd their defence at least initially remains in doubt not least in the minds of the fans and Gareth Southgate’s determination to allow Mark Schwarzers’ understudies to fight for the number one jersey rather than a hired hand remains a massive concern in some quarters. Perhaps the fact that the shirt formerly filled for over a decade by Fulham’s new shot-stopper remains technically unfilled - both Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones have retained squad numbers 21 and 22 respectively - indicates a similar worry buried somewhere in the Boro boss’ mindset.

It is fairly certain the Boro will be amongst the goals this season. The closed season acquisitions of Digard and Emnes have strengthened options going forward and with a fit Alves alongside an all-new slim line Mido being supplied with ammunition from both wings, fans at the Riverside could be in for some serious goalmouth action. Unfortunately for them, it may be at both ends.

Several seasons ago, the number 10 shirt was unallocated. The rumour-mill was proven correct in that it was left open for the return 3^rd time around of Juninho. Leaving the number one shirt in similar limbo for an unspecified period of time may not only unsettle a defence which has in the past proven itself to be a little nervous without the safe hands of Schwarzer but will also play on the confidence of messers Turnbull and Jones who won’t know from one week to the next whether they are first choice, bench-warmer or even worse should Southgate decide that neither are up to the task of providing Middlesbrough‘s last line of defence.

Ultimately though, Southgate’s transfer decisions in the hot seat have in the main shown chairman Steve Gibson’s support to be well-placed. Whist Woodgate and Young have come and gone, both were sold at a profit - a rare recent phenomenon on Teesside- and even the signing of Abel Xavier following his drugs-ban proved a positive decision on balance. Whether the decision not to immediately replace his longest-serving player is a wise one will only be proven by results and Boro’s position in the league after the first few games.

When Kevin Keegan led his Newcastle side on their rollercoaster ride which saw constantly trying to outscore the opposition, nerves on Tyneside were no doubt frayed. Boro fans historically have few or no fingernails and nerves that should be of Teesside steel are frequently tested to the max. For their sake, let’s hope either Mr Turnbull or Mr Jones steps up to the plate.

Yodasmog