2009–10 Middlesbrough F.C. season

March 2015 September 2020 Middlesbrough F.C. 2009–10 Gareth Southgate (until 20 October) Gordon Strachan(from 26 October) Steve Gibson Riverside Championship 11th FA Cup Third round League Cup Second round Adam Johnson (11) Adam Johnson (12) 27,342 (vs Newcastle United) 12,474 (vs Manchester City) _mid0910h _mid0910h _mid0910h _rz0910t _3_stripes_red CC3333 CC3333 FFFFFF FF0000 FFFFFF _mid0910a _mid0910a _mid0910a _adidaswhite _3_stripes_white 00BBFF 00BBFF 00BBFF 00BBFF 00BBFF 2008–09 2010–11 During 2009–10, Middlesbrough F.C. are competing in the Football League Championship following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2008–09 season. They also competed in the League Cup and the FA Cup. Despite relegation and pressure from fans, chairman Steve Gibson backed Gareth Southgate to lead Middlesbrough back to the Premier League as manager.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8069344.stm Boro chief Gibson backs Southgate BBC Sport 26 May 2009 17 August 2009 However, on 20 October, both Southgate and football consultant, Alan Smith, were relieved of their duties with immediate effect.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1832420,00.html Gareth Relieved of Duties MFC.co.uk 20 October 2009 20 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091023032424/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C1~1832420%2C00.html 23 October 2009 dead With regular skipper Emanuel Pogatetz injured, Robert Huth was named captain at the start of the season.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5496432,00.html Southgate wants Huth stay Sky Sports 17 August 2009 17 August 2009 After Huth's departure, that honour fell to Gary O'Neil.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1783245,00.html Wheats Proud To Play Captain's Role MFC.co.uk 31 August 2009 31 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090903025349/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1783245,00.html 3 September 2009 dead Team kit and sponsors Middlesbrough entered into a new shirt supply agreement with Adidas for this season.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/03/31/errea-dropped-in-favour-of-global-brand-adidas-84229-23273590/ Errea dropped in favour of global brand Adidas Evening Gazette 31 March 2009 18 June 2009 The new home shirt and goalkeepers' kit was announced on 18 June 2009.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/06/18/boro-s-new-2009-10-kit-revelaed-84229-23910841/ Boro's new 2009–10 kit revealed Evening Gazette 18 June 2009 18 June 2009 The club's sponsorship agreement with satellite navigation firm Garmin continued into the new season. The new all-cyan away kit was not revealed until 13 August, the week after the season had kicked off.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/08/13/boro-unveil-new-look-adidas-away-strip-84229-24399655/ Boro unveil new-look adidas away strip Evening Gazette 13 August 2009 13 August 2009 Transfers Summer transfer window Out of contract defender-cum-midfielder Matthew Bates ended much transfer speculation, which linked him with moves to Premier League clubs, by re-signing with Middlesbrough in a new three-year deal.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5395365,00.html Bates pens Boro deal Sky Sports 22 June 2009 26 June 2009 Middlesbrough's first signing of the summer saw in-demand winger Mark Yeates arrive from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee, reported to be worth an initial £500,000, plus £250,000 dependent on appearances.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/06/26/boro-move-is-massive-for-mark-yeates-84229-23987982/ Boro move is 'massive' for Mark Yeates Evening Gazette 26 June 2009 26 June 2009 When Ross Turnbull left for Chelsea after seeing out his contract,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5412378,00.html Blues bring in Turnbull Sky Sports 2 July 2009 3 July 2009 manager Gareth Southgate admitted he had yet to decide whether to promote Academy graduate Jason Steele or whether to sign an experienced goalkeeper.http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/4440319.Southgate_backing_Steele_to_succeed/ Southgate backing Steele to succeed The Northern Echo 16 June 2009 26 June 2009 On 6 July, the signing of experienced Welsh international keeper Danny Coyne was announced. The 35-year-old came on a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers, with the management stating that Coyne would compete with Brad Jones for the number 1 spot.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/07/06/boro-snap-up-keeper-danny-coyne-84229-24084723/ Boro snap up keeper Danny Coyne Evening Gazette 6 July 2009 6 July 2009 After eight seasons at the club and over two-hundred Middlesbrough appearances, Academy graduate Stewart Downing joined Aston Villa for an initial £10 million, with a further £2 million dependent on appearances,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_5441739,00.html O'Neill hails Downing capture Sky Sports 19 July 2009 28 July 2009 despite the player being injured and several months away from full fitness. Downing had been expected to leave this summer, after handing in a transfer request during the January transfer window, but his injury had cast doubt on a move.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8151447.stm Downing joins Villa in £12m move BBC Sport 16 July 2009 17 July 2009 Mido reportedly sealed a season-long loan move to Egyptian side El Zamalek, for a fee of £450,000, with a further £1 million possible should they wish to make the move permanent at the end of the season.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5463719,00.html Mido makes Zamalek move 31 July 2009 2 August 2009 Sky Sports The move was confirmed and completed on 3 August.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/08/04/mido-goes-to-egyptian-side-zamalek-on-loan-84229-24311011/ Mido goes to Egyptian side Zamalek on loan Evening Gazette 4 August 2009 4 August 2009 With Mido's loan move sealed, Middlesbrough were able to complete the signing of striker Leroy Lita, who signed a three-year deal. Lita had been without a club since being released by Reading at the end of last season.http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/4526602.Lita_signs_for_Middlesbrough/ Lita Signs For Middlesbrough The Northern Echo 3 August 2009 4 August 2009 On 17 August, Nathan Porritt went on loan to Darlington for 28 days; he made his professional debut against Crewe Alexandra the following day.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5496536,00.html Darlo land Boro youngster Sky Sports 17 August 2009 17 August 2009 Nearing the end of the transfer window, the number of departures started to increase, with captain Robert Huth and Tuncay both moving to Stoke City. Huth's move was confirmed on 27 August, for a fee of £5 million, possibly rising to a Stoke-record £6 million.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/27/stoke-middlesbrough-tuncay-huth-transfer Robert Huth joins Stoke with Tuncay Sanli also in talks to follow him from Middlesbrough The Guardian 27 August 2009 28 August 2009 London Tuncay's move was confirmed the following day, with Stoke paying £5 million for the Turkish player.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5520306,00.html Potters clinch Tuncay swoop Sky Sports 28 August 2009 28 August 2009 Gareth Southgate said that, with Emanuel Pogatetz and Chris Riggott still on Boro's books, a replacement for Huth would be promoted from within, but another striker would need to be brought in to replace Tuncay.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1779750,00.html Boro Will Adapt If Duo Leave MFC.co.uk 27 August 2009 27 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090830041313/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1779750,00.html 30 August 2009 dead Afonso Alves move to Al-Sadd was completed on 4 September, as the transfer window in Qatar remained open longer than in England.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8238319.stm Boro striker Alves moves to Qatar BBC Sport 6 September 2009 15 September 2009 Keith Lamb later confirmed Middlesbrough received £7m for the move.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/09/12/lamb-sales-saved-boro-from-catastrophe-84229-24671973/ Lamb: Sales saved Boro from catastrophe Evening Gazette 12 September 2009 15 September 2009 Between transfer windows Being in the Championship, loan signings are permitted between the transfer windows. Middlesbrough's first such signing was defender Sean St Ledger from Preston North End on a three-month loan with a view to a permanent transfer in January.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8257190.stm St Ledger completes Boro move BBC Sport 15 September 2009 15 September 2009 A second loan signing, Hull City striker Caleb Folan, joined Middlesbrough on a three-month loan from 19 September.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1799742,00.html Caleb Promises Fans Passion MFC.co.uk 17 September 2009 17 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090922185406/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1799742,00.html 22 September 2009 dead Folan suffered an injury in training in October and only made one substitute appearance for the club, returning to Hull early at the beginning of December.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/jonno-could-return-for-boro-20091207_70638_1898267 Jonno Could Return For Boro MFC.co.uk 7 December 2009 7 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091213065221/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/jonno-could-return-for-boro-20091207_70638_1898267 13 December 2009 dead On 23 September, John Johnson was loaned out to Northampton Town for one month.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1806217,00.html John Joins Cobblers on Loan MFC.co.uk 23 September 2009 25 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090927072435/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1806217,00.html 27 September 2009 dead On 30 October they signed their third player on loan, Marcus Bent from Birmingham City on loan for two months.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/article/bent-joins-boro-on-two-month-loan-20091030_70638_1842253 Bent Joins Boro on Two-Month Loan Middlesbrough F.C. 30 October 2009 30 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091102065457/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/article/bent-joins-boro-on-two-month-loan-20091030_70638_1842253 2 November 2009 dead On 5 November Strachan brought in Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne on a two-month deal. On 17 November 2009 Gordon Strachan signed his third player, Stoke City's Dave Kitson.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_5699897,00.html Strachan snaps up Kitson Sky Sports 17 November 2009 17 November 2009 Summary In DatePlayerPrevious clubFeeRef 26 June 2009 Ireland Mark Yeates Colchester UnitedUndisclosed 6 July 2009 Wales Danny Coyne Unattached (Tranmere Rovers)Free 3 August 2009 England Leroy Lita Unattached (Reading) Free Loans in DatePlayerClub fromPeriodRef 15 September 2009 Ireland Sean St Ledger Preston North End 3 months 19 September 2009 Ireland Caleb Folan Hull City Until 7 December 2009 30 October 2009 England Marcus Bent Birmingham City 3 months 5 November 2009 England Isaiah Osbourne Aston Villa 2 months 17 November 2009 England Dave Kitson Stoke City 6 weeks Trials in DatePlayerClub fromPeriodRef January 2010 Netherlands Dominique Kivuvu NEC Nijmegen http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/boss-gives-injury-and-transfer-latest-20100121_70638_1939878 Boss Gives Injury And Transfer Latest MFC.co.uk 21 January 2010 21 January 2010 November 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes January 2010 England Nicky Weaver Dundee United Out For departures of players out of contract at the end of 2008–09 see 2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season. DatePlayerNew ClubFeeRef16 July 2009England Stewart DowningAston Villa£12 million27 August 2009Germany Robert HuthStoke City£5 millionHuth Note 1 Note 127 August 2009Turkey TuncayStoke City£5 million4 September 2009Brazil Afonso AlvesAl-Sadd£7 million1 February 2010England Adam JohnsonManchester City£7 million30 June 2010France Jérémie AliadièreReleasedOut of contracthttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8664874.stm Jeremie Aliadiere set for Middlesbrough exit – Strachan BBC Sport 6 May 2010 20 May 201030 June 2010England Chris RiggottReleasedOut of contracthttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8695312.stm Middlesbrough release defender Chris Riggott BBC Sport 20 May 2010 20 May 2010 Huth Note 1 Note 1 Huth's initial transfer fee is £5 million, possibly rising to £6 million. Loans Out DatePlayerClub toPeriodRef3 August 2009Egypt MidoEl ZamalekUntil end of seasonFee: £450,00017 August 2009England Nathan PorrittDarlingtonUntil 14 September 200923 September 2009England John JohnsonNorthampton TownUntil 23 October 2009 (Later extended to 1 January 2009)19 November 2009England Josh WalkerNorthampton TownUntil 1 January 20107 December 2009England Gary MartinNorthampton Town2 weeks (work experience)7 December 2009Ireland James CronesberryGrimsby Town2 weeks (work experience)21 December 2009England Ashley CorkerCheltenham Town1 week (work experience)France Didier Digard23 February 2010England Gary MartinÚjpest6 monthshttp://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100223/gary-is-hungary-for-loan-action-_70638_1974611 Gary Is Hungary For Loan Action 23 February 2010 23 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100227022236/http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100223/gary-is-hungary-for-loan-action-_70638_1974611 27 February 2010 dead Trials out DatePlayerClub atPeriodRef May 2010 Netherlands Marvin Emnes Fortuna Düsseldorf http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_6159054,00.html Germans eye Emnes Sky Sports 17 May 2010 20 May 2010 Squad The squad numbers for the 2009–10 season were announced on 27 July 2009. Brad Jones took over the number 1 shirt, while Matthew Bates moved to 4, pushing Gary O'Neil to 16. Most of the players with high squad numbers moved down the list to fill in the empty spaces. Mido was given the number 9 shirt before going out on loan, while Afonso Alves retained number 12 until he left.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/ClubNewsDetail/0,,1~1734958,00.html Your Number Is Up! MFC.co.uk 27 July 2009 27 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090819112521/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/ClubNewsDetail/0,,1~1734958,00.html 19 August 2009 dead Due to the numerous players who transferred in and out or who came on loan, many squad numbers were used by more than 1 player throughout the season. Appearances and goals Appearance and goalscoring records for all the players who are in the Middlesbrough F.C. first team squad during the 2009–10 season.http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100502/appearance-data-2009-10_89280_1748743 Appearance Data 2009–10 MFC.co.uk 2 May 2010 2 May 2010 3 December 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241203181919/https://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100502/appearance-data-2009-10_89280_1748743 dead Football LeagueChampionship FA Cup League Cup 1 Australia GK Brad Jones 23 0 0 0 0 0 2 England DF Justin Hoyte 30 1 1 0 1 0 3 England DF Andrew Taylor 12 0 0 0 1 0 4 England DF Matthew Bates 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 England DF Chris Riggott 6 0 1 0 0 0 6 Austria DF Emanuel Pogatetz 13 0 0 0 0 0 7 Republic of Ireland MF Mark Yeates 19 1 1 0 1 0 7 Australia FW Scott McDonald 13 4 0 0 0 0 8 France MF Didier Digard 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 England FW Leroy Lita 40 9 0 0 1 0 10 France FW Jérémie Aliadière 20 4 0 0 1 0 11 Netherlands MF Marvin Emnes 16 1 1 0 1 0 12 Brazil FW Afonso Alves 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 Republic of Ireland DF Sean St Ledger 15 2 0 0 0 0 12 New Zealand FW Chris Killen 17 3 0 0 0 0 14 Germany DF Robert Huth 4 0 0 0 1 0 14 Republic of Ireland FW Caleb Folan 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 Republic of Ireland MF Willo Flood 11 1 0 0 0 0 15 Egypt MF Mohamed Shawky 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 Republic of Ireland MF Jay O'Shea 2 0 0 0 0 0 16 England MF Gary O'Neil 35 4 1 0 0 0 17 Turkey FW Tuncay 3 2 0 0 0 0 17 Scotland MF Barry Robson 18 5 0 0 0 0 18 England MF Adam Johnson 26 11 1 0 1 1 18 Scotland FW Lee Miller 10 0 0 0 0 0 19 England FW Marcus Bent 7 0 1 0 0 0 19 Scotland DF Stephen McManus 16 1 0 0 0 0 20 Argentina MF Julio Arca 34 0 1 0 1 0 21 Wales GK Danny Coyne 24 0 1 0 1 0 22 England MF Josh Walker 1 0 0 0 0 0 23 England DF Jonathan Grounds 20 0 0 0 0 0 24 England DF Seb Hines 2 0 0 0 0 0 25 Australia MF Rhys Williams 32 2 1 0 1 0 26 England MF John Johnson 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 England DF Joe Bennett 12 0 0 0 1 0 28 England FW Jonathan Franks 23 3 1 0 1 0 29 England DF Tony McMahon 21 0 1 0 0 0 30 England GK Jason Steele 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 England DF David Wheater 42 1 1 0 1 0 32 England MF Nathan Porritt 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 England FW Dave Kitson 6 3 0 0 0 0 33 England DF Kyle Naughton 15 0 0 0 0 0 34 England MF Isaiah Osbourne 9 0 0 0 0 0 35 England FW Luke Williams 4 0 1 0 0 0 37 England MF Bruno Pilatos 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 Scotland MF Cameron Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 England DF Ben Gibson 0 0 0 0 0 0 |} Pre-season Summary Top scorersAustralia Rhys Williams 4England Adam Johnson 2 An early disruption to the new season's planning was the failure of Afonso Alves and Mido to return for the start of pre-season training. Alves returned a few days later, but it took Mido two extra weeks. He was heavily fined by the club and when he finally returned he had to catch up on missed fitness training and did not tour with the rest of the team when they visited Scotland.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11680_5447167,00.html Mido back with Boro Sky Sports 21 July 2009 25 July 2009 Middlesbrough's pre-season campaign consisted entirely of away fixtures. Their pre-season got off to a good start with a 3–0 win over Macclesfield Town, fielding different line-ups in both halves, with only goalkeeper Danny Coyne remaining on the field throughout. This was followed by a strong 5–0 win over Dumbarton, although Didier Digard sustained a hip flexor injury. Boro were without recognised strikers for their friendly against Carlisle United, but continued their winning run with a 2–0 win. A friendly against Darlington was planned for 29 July, but was cancelled at Darlington's request due to their long injury list. An alternative friendly against Oldham Athletic was swiftly arranged for the same night.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1731952,00.html Boro To Play Oldham in Friendly MFC.co.uk 24 July 2009 25 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090726054549/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1731952,00.html 26 July 2009 dead In that game, Middlesbrough came from a goal down to lead, 2–1, but let their lead slip and the game finished in a 2–2 draw. Their final game saw Middlesbrough again come from behind. Rhys Williams scored his fourth goal of pre-season to level the tie against Millwall. The game, which finished 1–1, was a benefit match for former Lions and Republic of Ireland striker Richard Sadlier.http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/sporttopstories/4524456.Lions_hold_Boro_at_The_Den Millwall 1–1 Middlesbrough This is Local London 1 August 2009 2 August 2009 Results #CCFFCC Win 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFCC Draw 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFCCCC Loss 1px solid #AAAAAA Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to mfc.co.uk. GameDateVenueOpponentResultF–AAttendanceBoro GoalscorersMan/Men of the Match118 July 2009A Macclesfield Town3–0 728 Arca 71' (pen.), Emnes 86', Franks 88' Yeates (1st half), Franks (2nd half)222 July 2009A Dumbarton5–0 O'Neil 6', Dunlop 42' (o.g.), Aliadière 45', A. Johnson 70', Williams 73'Not named325 July 2009A Carlisle United2–0 2,420A. Johnson 4', Williams 80'O'Neil429 July 2009AOldham Athletic2–21,139 Williams 58', Huth A. Johnson51 August 2009A Millwall 1–1 3,620 Williams 81' Huth Championship 2009–10 Football League Championship Results summary 9 8 6 25 21 7 6 10 34 29 Results by matchday table b Round Ground H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A Result D/W/W/W/L/W/W/L/D/L/W/L/W/D/L/L/D/D/W/L/L/L/W/L/L/D/W/D/D/W/W/L/L/W/L/D/D/D/W/D/D/W/W/L/D/L Position 1/4/2/1/3/2/2/3/4/4/3/4/4/4/7/10/11/10/6/10/11/14/10/11/13/12/10/9/10/8/8/8/9/8/10/10/11/10/8/9/8/8/8/8/8/11 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd blue1 red1 #CCFFCC Win 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFCC Draw 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFCCCC Loss 1px solid #AAAAAA Results #CCFFCC Win 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFCC Draw 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFCCCC Loss 1px solid #AAAAAA Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to mfc.co.uk. GameDateVenueOpponentResultF–AAttendanceBoro GoalscorersMan of the Match1 7 August 2009 H Sheffield United 0–0 23,541 Wheater2 15 August 2009 A Swansea City 3–0 16,201 A. Johnson 32', Emnes 52', Tuncay 82' O'Neil3 18 August 2009 A Scunthorpe United 2–0 8,274 A. Johnson (2) 28', 53' (pen.) Coyne4 22 August 2009 H Doncaster Rovers 2–0 22,041 Tuncay 17', Lita 71' Huth5 29 August 2009 A Bristol City 1–2 14,402 A. Johnson 80' (pen.)Arca6 12 September 2009 H Ipswich Town 3–1 19,742 O'Neil 17', Aliadière (2) 66', 85' Arca7 15 September 2009 A Sheffield Wednesday 3–1 21,722 Purse (o.g.) 19', Aliadière 49', A. Johnson 85' A. Johnson8 19 September 2009 H West Bromwich Albion 0–5 22,725 Williams9 26 September 2009 A Coventry City 2–2 16,771 St Ledger 40', Williams 45'+3 Jones10 29 September 2009 H Leicester City 0–1 18,577 Lita11 3 October 2009 A Reading 2–0 17,638 St Ledger 12', Lita 55' Lita12 18 October 2009 H Watford 0–1 18,957 O'Neil13 20 October 2009 H Derby County 2–0 17,459 A. Johnson (2) 22'(pen.), 59' Lita14 24 October 2009 A Preston North End 2–2 16,116 O'Neil 43', A. Johnson 67' O'Neil15 31 October 2009 H Plymouth 0–1 21,141 Williams16 7 November 2009 A Crystal Palace 0–1 15,321 Hoyte17 21 November 2009 H Nottingham Forest 1–1 22,710 Lita 5' Jones18 28 November 2009 A Peterborough United 2–2 10,772 Kitson 28', 58' Kitson19 5 December 2009 A QPR 5–1 13,949 Kitson 31', Lita (2) 50' (pen.), 60', O'Neil 75', Yeates 87' Lita20 8 December 2009 H Blackpool 0–3 18,089 Yeates21 13 December 2009 H Cardiff City 0–1 17,232 Yeates22 20 December 2009 A Newcastle United 0–2 49,644 Pogatetz23 26 December 2009 H Scunthorpe United 3–0 20,647 A. Johnson 11' (pen.), Williams 45', Aliadière 46' Williams24 28 December 2009 A Barnsley 1–2 18,001 Hoyte 23' Riggott25 16 January 2010 A Sheffield United 0–1 23,974 Not awarded26 23 January 2010 H Swansea City 1–1 16,847 Flood 58'Coyne27 26 January 2010 A Doncaster Rovers 4–1 10,794 A. Johnson (2) 30', 90'+1, Franks 45'+2, Lita 66' A. Johnson28 30 January 2010 H Bristol City 0-0 17,865 Wheater29 6 February 2010 A Ipswich Town 1–1 21,243 Wheater 62'McManus30 9 February 2010 H Barnsley 2–1 17,775 Killen 24', O'Neil 35'McDonald31 13 February 2010 H Peterborough United 1–0 18,412 Robson 7' Robson32 16 February 2010 A Blackpool 0–2 7,936 Wheater33 20 February 2010 A Nottingham Forest 0–1 25,498 McManus34 27 February 2010 H QPR 2–0 17,568 Robson (2) 39' (pen.), 45'+2 (pen.) Robson35 6 March 2010 A Cardiff City 0–1 19,803 O'Neil36 13 March 2010 H Newcastle United 2–2 27,342 Robson 36', McDonald 74' Robson37 16 March 2010 A Derby County 2–2 27,143 Robson 15', Lita 90' Robson38 20 March 2010 H Reading 1–1 17,082 Killen 47' Jones39 23 March 2010 H Preston North End 2–0 16,974 Killen 29', Franks 90' Jones40 27 March 2010 A Watford 1–1 14,038 Lita 55' McManus41 3 April 2010 H Crystal Palace 1–1 18,428 McDonald 15' Williams42 5 April 2010 A Plymouth 2–0 11,770 McManus 22', Franks 90'+4 Robson43 10 April 2010 H Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 19,932 McDonald 40' Wheater44 17 April 2010 A West Bromwich Albion 0–2 22,548 Jones45 24 April 2010 H Coventry City 1–1 20,771 McDonald 52' L. Williams46 2 May 2010 A Leicester City 0–2 30,223 Jones August Middlesbrough kicked off the English football season with a televised Friday night game at home to last season's play-off finalists Sheffield United. With Brad Jones injured, Danny Coyne was handed his debut, along with Mark Yeates, while pre-season top scorer Rhys Williams started the game in midfield. As was their problem last season, Middlesbrough struggled to create chances in front of goal. Yeates and Adam Johnson were lively on the wings but with a lack of physical presence up front, the home side were unable to score, even following the introduction of new boy Leroy Lita in the second half. The defence coped well to keep a clean sheet, as the game petered out to a 0–0 draw.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8185178.stm Middlesbrough 0–0 Sheff Utd BBC Sport 7 August 2009 7 August 2009 A long trip to Swansea City brought a first away victory in the league since November, and ended their club record run of twelve consecutive away defeats. With Didier Digard out injured for two to three weeks, Gary O'Neil—who delayed a hernia operation to play—lined up in midfield, while Lita was handed his first start up front. Adam Johnson scored Boro's first goal of the season when his cross-cum-shot slipped past Swansea goalkeeper Dorus de Vries. Marvin Emnes got Middlesbrough's second while substitute Tuncay, still expected to leave before the end of the month, headed home the third from a Johnson corner. The 3–0 win was their biggest away from home since August 2005.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8195062.stm Swansea 0–3 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 15 August 2009 17 August 2009 A second consecutive away win followed at Scunthorpe. Adam Johnson latched onto a fine ball from Gary O'Neil and lobbed it over the head of Scunthorpe goalkeeper Joe Murphy. Their second goal came in a frantic start to the second half. Rhys Williams was brought down in the box with just two minutes played, and the referee awarded a penalty. Murphy saved Johnson's spot kick, but Johnson got to the ball first and was subsequently brought down by the Scunthorpe keeper. A second penalty was awarded, and this time Johnson fired home. Scunthorpe had plenty of chances to mount a comeback but Danny Coyne pulled off a series of good saves to maintain his side's record as the only one yet to concede a goal in the Championship.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8195667.stm Scunthorpe 0–2 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 18 August 2009 18 August 2009 Middlesbrough's winning run continued with a 2–0 win over Doncaster Rovers. Marvin Emnes had to be taken off with a head injury following a collision with Doncaster goalkeeper Neil Sullivan. His replacement, Tuncay, put Boro ahead almost immediately after his introduction, while Leroy Lita got his first goal for the club in the second half. The win moved them top of the table, until Cardiff regained the spot the following day.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8202277.stm Middlesbrough 2–0 Doncaster BBC Sport 22 August 2009 23 August 2009 Boro suffered their first loss in the Championship, away to Bristol City, going down, 2–1. A Nicky Maynard stoppage time finish condemned Middlesbrough, having scored earlier in the game as well. This was the visitors' first game without Robert Huth and Tuncay, who had both moved to Stoke City.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8215138.stm Bristol City 2–1 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 29 August 2009 14 September 2009 September Following the international break, Middlesbrough played against Ipswich Town, winning, 3–1. Gary O'Neil scored his first for the season, which was followed up by substitute Jérémie Aliadière's brace in the second half. However, a penalty was conceded in stoppage time in Ipswich's favour, ending Boro's Riverside clean sheet streak this season.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8243972.stm Middlesbrough 3–1 Ipswich BBC Sport 12 September 2009 14 September 2009 Middlesbrough continued their great start to September, defeating Sheffield Wednesday, 3–1. A Darren Purse own goal equalised the game, followed by second half strikes from Jérémie Aliadière and Adam Johnson which led the side to victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8243972.stm Sheff Wed 1–3 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 15 September 2009 15 September 2009 Following Newcastle's loss to Blackpool, Middlesbrough leapfrogged Newcastle into 2nd, and are only one point behind WBA. Middlesbrough's biggest test of the season came the following week, against West Bromwich. After a bright start, Rhys Williams conceded a foul and former Boro trainee Chris Brunt scored his first of two, following a deflection off Julio Arca. Everything went downhill from hereon, with West Bromwich dominating proceedings. Their second came from a goalkeeping miskick, as Danny Coyne left his line to clear, but only to Brunt, who finished from 50 yards out into an empty goal. Boro, played poorly, offering one of their worst performances so far. This result dropped the Boro to third, below Newcastle United, and affected their goal difference greatly. After the game, Gareth Southgate admitted his team had been 'battered'.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8251605.stm Middlesbrough 0–5 West Brom BBC Sport 19 September 2009 20 September 2009 Middlesbrough started off brightly against Coventry City, taking a 2–0 lead into half time, with goals coming from St Ledger and Rhys Williams. However, two second half goals to Coventry, including one in the 5th minute of stoppage time from Leon Best condemned Boro to a disappointing draw.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8263521.stm Coventry 2–2 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 27 September 2009 27 September 2009 |} League Cup Middlesbrough were given a first round bye. They faced Nottingham Forest in the second round.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/08/13/boro-to-face-nottingham-forest-in-carling-cup-84229-24399656/ Boro To Face Nottingham Forest in Carling Cup Evening Gazette 13 August 2009 13 August 2009 Despite Middlesbrough taking the lead through Adam Johnson, they lost the game in extra time 2 – 1. This was Middlesbrough's first loss for the season.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8203626.stm Nottm Forest 2–1 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 25 August 2009 14 September 2009 RoundDateVenueOpponentResultF–AAttendanceBoro GoalscorersMan of the Match2 25 August 2009 ANottingham Forest 1–2 AET 8,838 A. Johnson 43' Wheater FA Cup Middlesbrough were given a first round bye. They faced Manchester City in the third round. With the only goal scored by Benjani Mwaruwari for City, Middlesbrough finally lost, 0–1. RoundDateVenueOpponentResultF–AAttendanceBoro GoalscorersMan of the Match3 3 January 2010 HManchester City 0–1September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes 12,474 O'Neil Staff Before the season began, a shakeup in the backroom team saw Malcolm Crosby leave his post as assistant manager, a role he had held for three years, since Gareth Southgate began as manager. He had joined Middlesbrough two years prior to that, as manager of the reserve side.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/8105067.stm Coach Crosby leaves Middlesbrough BBC Sport 17 June 2009 17 July 2009 Head of sports science Chris Barnes, sports psychologist Michael Caulfield, fitness coach Frank Nuttall and masseuse Dave French also left the club as part of a restructuring of the back room team.http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/07/16/downing-to-complete-aston-villa-transfer-84229-24167685/ Downing completes £12m Aston Villa transfer Evening Gazette 16 July 2009 17 July 2009 Gareth Southgate's former manager at Crystal Palace, Alan Smith, was brought in as a football consultant. Southgate and chairman Steve Gibson discussed the matter in detail before the appointment, which sees Smith take a behind-the-scenes role, rather than being involved on the training pitch or in the dressing room.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,1~1718310,00.html Alan Joins Boro Backroom MFC.co.uk 10 July 2009 18 July 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090712041959/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C1~1718310%2C00.html 12 July 2009 On 20 October, Gareth Southgate and Alan Smith were both relieved of their duties with immediate effect. On 3 May, the day after the final game of the season, Middlesbrough announced that first team coach Colin Cooper, goalkeeping coach Stephen Pears and reserve team coach Martin Scott had all been relieved of their duties, with Gordon Strachan planning changes for a promotion push next season.http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100503/coaching-trio-leave-boro_70638_2042185 Coaching Trio Leave Boro MFC.co.uk 3 May 2010 3 May 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100506125938/http://www.mfc.co.uk/articles/20100503/coaching-trio-leave-boro_70638_2042185 6 May 2010 Other events A special promotion on Half Season Cards was launched in early December, which offered fans who bought the tickets a chance to "win" a full refund, if Middlesbrough won their first four Championship games after Christmas. However, following feedback from a number of existing Season Card holders, who had paid their money up front long before the season began, the special offer was swiftly withdrawn.http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/boro-withdraw-season-card-promotion-20091207_70639_1898466 Boro Withdraw Season Card Promotion MFC.co.uk 7 December 2009 7 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091213095048/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/boro-withdraw-season-card-promotion-20091207_70639_1898466 13 December 2009 dead During half time of a Championship match against Nottingham Forest at the Riverside Stadium, which ended 1–1, Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May made a surprise appearance to promote their automotive exhibition at the MIMA. They originally walked onto the pitch wearing rival Newcastle United's shirts as a joke before quickly changing into Middlesbrough shirts to promote the exhibition.https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/4753249.boro-yet-hit-top-gear-strachan/ Boro Yet To Hit Top Gear Under Strachan thenorthenecho.co.uk 23 November 2009 13 July 2020 References Category:2009–10 Football League Championship by team 2009-10