#Middlesborough

[lopsidedtreetrunks]

This is where the racists are planning on "protesting" rioting this evening. If you live in or around these areas, please stay safe indoors.

[unplaces]

43 Manor St, Middlesborough.

[the-almighty-gob-john-langley]

The Almighty Gob. John Langley Bristol.

"I Predict A Riot" - The Kaiser Chiefs Got That Right!

I fear the worst is yet to come.

So, there was I, enjoying a nice, peaceful break, away from Bristol in the Lancashire suburbs, and it all kicked off while I was living a quiet life.

Question - How did the police allow two opposing marches through the city on the same day? Not just the same day, but as one finished the other, more or less began.

If I'd have been in charge it would have been a two, or perhaps, at the very least a three-hour break in between one ending and the next beginning to at least give the cops time to head back to their station for a pee, a cuppa and a bacon sarnie before heading out again. But that's just me considering the troops, and quite rightly too.

Of course, Bristol wasn't the only location around the nation to be targeted. However, as I live in the city this is where I will focus my attention. So, what were these marches all about? Well, two entirely separate strands aren't to be conflated - although, by all accounts some already have. The initial incident happened in Southport, where young children met their untimely demise at the hands of an alleged migrant, who wasn't at all. Fact. Blunt, but true. Yes, a migrant, so social media idiots would have us all believe.

That is, of course, unless he made the perilous journey across the River Severn from Wales to England in a dinghy, and landed without documentation, which is generally par for the course nowadays.

Next, this incident caused a series of protests around the country that are in no way related to the Southport attack. More like an excuse for anarchists who were waiting for that one spark to light the tinder for mass public disorder to unfold in a plethora of towns and cities accommodating migrants.

In a country where we have the right to protest peacefully, it may not be liked at times where traffic is deliberately held up, and people aren't able to get to work, make vital hospital appointments, or, have other inconveniences imposed upon them.

Nonetheless, the right to protest is sacrosanct. That is, until, those with more pernicious intentions abuse that right. As in the case of current protests. Portsmouth, Rotherham, Sheffield, Stoke, Southampton, Tamworth, Walthamstow, Sunderland, Southend, Aldershot, Canterbury, Bedford, Birmingham, Bolton, Bristol, and Brentford, are just a handful of places targeted on a far bigger list. Everyone has been tantalised into calling those who are nothing more than anarchists 'far right' - whatever that means in the world of populist labelling culture, because it makes lazy thinking an easier option, rather than seeing idiots for who they really are when visited upon those towns I've mentioned above, and others around our nation for the purpose of civil, or, more appropriately 'uncivil' disobedience.

It feels like this current anarchic trend has been brewing for some time, and perhaps, by no coincidence, this has happened on the cusp of a new Labour government being elected. Why? Good question. If this is the case, then it's surely nothing more than a test of how weak, or how mighty this government is in relation to migration.

By all accounts, the former Conservative government, who we all miss so dearly would, perhaps, have expected to effectively deal with small boat crossings failed miserably, and in doing so made the situation far worse by failing to deal with a growing asylum backlog that sees the UK spending £8 million a day to house asylum seekers in hotels, which the government's website reveals as being between 800,000 and 1.2 million undocumented people now in the UK. Basically, a free-for-all all meleee of unknowns with good, or even with not so good intentions for being here. Of which, time will tell.

I'll be honest, it's taken a few days to complete this particular blog post as I've been monitoring allegedly 'far right' supposed, potential activities, and, in my research discovered some useful intelligence detailing all the various sites for targeting over the past weekend, of which there were about fifty in total. Including one right here on my doorstep in central Bristol. All having a direct connection with immigration, and were either lawyers or hubs.

According to the Bristol Post, somewhere in the region of 2.000 people turned up to oppose any thugs cunningly disguised as far-right arrivals who didn't arrive at all, and the entire event resulted in a whole lot to do about nothing, big non-event, with all the adult nappy wearing kidults without even a pub to retreat to as they had all been boarded up for the day. Shame, huh?

My neighbours, as with most of the people who turned up for the non-event, were all panicking like headless chickens at the thought of our normally quiet location being overrun with potentially violent, window-smashing thugs with tattoos plastered all over their bodies and faces, shouting all manner of offensive slurs. As it happened, watching the police horses pass was the most interesting thing about the entire evening before I went to bed out of sheer boredom. I later learned there were some minor incidents elsewhere in the city, but that was it.

Somehow I knew it would all come to a big fat nothing, but, no one I spoke with in my apartment block would listen. Oh no, it was panic stations all around with windows being boarded up like we were entering into a full-on war with Russia. It's probably due to the fact that I've lived through both the Brixton and Toxteth riots, and if you've seen one you've seen them all. So, I'm non-plussed, and, besides which, unlike what seems to be an overwhelming fetish for emotional incontinence nowadays, I am more of a practical and logic-driven person. I don't even panic when I have stuff going on that others would panic about. That's just not me.

So, my rational brain told me in advance that such a nationally well-organised series of protests simply wasn't going to happen. At least not here in Bristol anyway. To advertise a series of supposed 'far right’ protests around the country in advance, and in full knowledge that there would be resistance didn't make any sense at all. So it was either the dumbest plan, if ever there was one, or, it was organised as a test to gauge what resistance there was likely to be, and plan further action where there's little, if any, to counter it.

Call me a cynic, if you will, but I don't think we've seen the last of the thugs - which, after all, is what they are. Or, put another way, even terrorists, maybe? They certainly don't represent the majority of those whose politics lean to the right, of this I'm certain. This will be proven when further criminal damage, or worse, such as arson attacks are visited upon the same law centres and migrant hubs at times when, hopefully, no one is there. I fear the worst is yet to come!

© 2024 John Langley

[therealefl]

Former Portsmouth Midfielder Linked With Premier League Job

Former Portsmouth midfielder Gary O’Neil has been linked with the manager’s position at Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers, as reported by The Daily Mirror. The former Portsmouth midfielder was discussed by higher-ups at the Molineux for three hours as the club braces themselves for the likely departure of Julen Lopetegui after just one year in charge. The Express & Star reports that the…

[ianchisnall]

A good call from the Archbishop of York in Parliament

I have had the privilege to connect with Stephen Cottrell in the past before he became the Archbishop of York so he is someone I very much appreciate. He was involved in a debate that took place last week in the House of Lords that was a focus on Universal Credit. His response for the debate directed to the Government Minister, James Younger was as follows: My Lords, it is encouraging to see…

[jarrodsbowen]

pause. sheffield got promoted

[marsixm]

bro i love being autistic im like rainman for identifying where english people are from based on their accent

[0nthebalcony]

David Bomberg 1890–1957 (Attributed to)

Figure Study

1957

Oil on board

H 66.5 x W 54 cm

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA)

© the estate of David Bomberg. All rights reserved, DACS 2022. Photo credit: Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, mima

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Middlesborough U21s 3-2 Manchester United U21s

Another defeat for United in PL2, this time away to Boro in a close affair that saw the Red Devils rue their inability to hold possession and throw away a two-goal lead.

United took the lead mid first half with some good play from McNeill, Wheatley and Missin then finishing the move, and then forced an own goal just before half time to double the lead. A poor back pass from Curley put Boro in and left keeper Elyh Harrison with no chance at keeping a clean sheet.

The second half further exposed United's flaws, with the unorthodox defensive lineup - featuring veteran Tom Huddlestone - completely out of sync and out of position. This put Boro in and allowed Sonny Finch to bag his second and even up the tie.

A counter from Middlesborough's Ajay Matthews handed the home side the win, with a slight deflection off the United defender to just tickle it over Harrison's head and outstretched hands, but a top finish altogether. Some might argue that United deserved a point, but missed chances up front, poor organisation at the back... it inevitably gets punished.

Middlesborough were just 1 point ahead of United at kick off, and had played one game more, so the away trip was a good chance for United to pull themselves out of this bloated middle pack of teams including Wolves, Reading, Sunderland, Norwich, and Palace.

In fairness to United's kids, plenty of prospects are out on loan, and there's always home advantage, plus Ashton Missin - usually RW - was at RB, Harry Amass - usually LB - was LW, and Charlie McNeill found himself back in the side after his loan spell at Stevenage was cut short due to a lack of game time.

Disruption, changes, and routine all affect cohesion, and while most of these kids came through the ranks together, the slight margins are what see games like this go sour.

[sl0wdiver]

Middlesbrough...all my hopes and dreams were with you...

[s-ound-wave]

Was trying to figure out why my mum's hometown's fc wasn't rver mentioned in ted lasso and then looked it up and found out they were booted out of the premier year like the year after the premier league was founded

[architectureofdoom]

Locals and children play on Redcar beach in the shadow of the Corus Steelworks in Middlesborough, England.

[chelseachilly]

my captain

pairing: reader x ben chilwell summary: literally just fluff celebrating ben leading the team out again and chels winning the semi final 😌 warnings: none word count: 1.7k

author's note: hope you enjoy, literally wrote this in like 30 mins so forgive any typos hahah

-

In all the years you’ve known and loved Ben Chilwell, it’s never gotten any easier seeing him struggle with injuries. 

It still hurts every time you watch him limp off the pitch, seeing both the physical and emotional pain behind his eyes. But it fills you with unimaginable pride the way he always works relentlessly to return to playing for his club. He never gives up, even when a lot of people would - he hardly even complains, though you’re always there when he needs to vent. 

Truthfully, you’re glad to listen to him and drive him to physio appointments and do everything in your power to make him feel better, because there isn’t really much else you can do. It’s an unfortunate reality of football that there are always going to be injuries, and some players suffer more than others.

These trials and tribulations only make it that much sweeter when you finally get to see your man back to doing what he loves. 

They also make you feel exceptionally proud when your boyfriend comes home from training and tells you that he’s back in the starting lineup for the semi-final against Middlesborough tomorrow, back to captaining the team. 

After you celebrate - which consists of lots of sweet kisses and watching one of Ben’s favourite films, since you can’t properly celebrate the night before a match - you spend the night cuddling and wake up wrapped in Ben’s arms with him pressing kisses to the back of your neck.

“Good morning, baby,” you murmur, reaching back to comb your fingers through his hair. You kind of love how long he’s let it grow out since he’s been in recovery, especially in the morning when it’s all messy and fluffy. “Happy game day.”

“Morning, love,” Ben says, gently guiding you to roll

over and face him. 

You love seeing that familiar twinkle back in his eyes, knowing that he gets to play the game he loves today. 

“You ready for tonight?”

“Mhm,” he mumbles with a kiss to your lips. “I have a good feeling about it.”

“So do I,” you whisper between kisses, shifting closer to him and smiling as his hand slides down your hip and pulls your leg over his. “You’re gonna kill it.”

Ben grins and pulls you even closer, gently nudging your nose with his before diving in for another kiss, then another; then another. You sink into the blissful wake-up he’s giving you, soft moans leaving your lips as his hands roam your body.

Unfortunately, it can’t go much further - both because of his game later, and because you’ve already had a bit of a lie in and you know it’s time to get ready for the day. 

“What time do you have to be at the Bridge?” you ask him as you reluctantly part and rest your chin on his bare chest. 

You’ve gotten used to going to his games together while he’s been out, but now that he’s back to playing and needing to be there early for warmups, you’re going with Alex, Tom, and some of your other friends. 

“Not til five, but I have a haircut scheduled in a couple hours,” he tells you, making you frown slightly. 

“I like your longer hair,” you pout, continuing to run your hand through it. “It’s cute.”

“Sorry, babe, gotta look fresh for my first game back in the starting lineup,” Ben apologizes with another kiss to your pouted lips. “I won’t go too much shorter, promise. Just a trim.”

“You better not,” you murmur against his lips before pulling away, much to his chagrin. “Let’s go make some breakfast, you need fuel for later.”

After you’ve made some smoothies, as well as eggs and turkey bacon for Ben, you enjoy a nice, leisurely breakfast together before facing the day. 

You know you probably won’t have time to see Ben before the game by the time you arrive at the stadium, so you kiss him for luck before he goes. Once he’s got his shoes and jacket on, you wrap your arms around his neck and press your lips to his.

“Good luck tonight, Benji,” you say softly, brushing your thumb over his cheek. “Can’t wait to watch you remind everyone how good you are.”

Ben’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes, and though you know how eager he was to be back, you also know he’s nervous about letting the team and the fans down when they have a chance at a trophy.

“You’re amazing, Ben,” you remind him. “And if you need a reminder of how incredible you are, just look up at your box and you’ll see your biggest fan cheering her arse off for you.”

His grin widens at that, and he squeezes your waist gently. 

“I love you,” he says quietly. “I’ll see you after the game, yeah?”

You nod with a smile. “I love you too.”

Ben pecks your lips one more time and takes one last good look at you, still wearing only his t-shirt and your underwear, before he heads out the door. 

You spend the rest of your day doing some chores around the house until it’s time for you to get ready, doing your hair and makeup before changing into Ben’s jersey and some jeans. You’ve always adored wearing his name on your back, but never more than on nights like tonight. 

Alex comes over a bit before you have to leave, and the two of hang out for a while before catching an Uber to the stadium.

Stamford Bridge is full of life tonight in a way you haven’t really seen in over a year now, and you hope that it’s a good thing - a sign that things are finally starting to turn around for Chelsea. You meet Tom, Harvey, and a few other friends in the hospitality box and catch up over some drinks. 

You all take your seats before the game starts, and your heart swells with pride as you watch Ben lead the team out onto the pitch for the first time in months. 

“Come on, babe,” you whisper under your breath as the whistle blows and play begins.

To your massive delight, what follows is Ben having one of the best games you’ve seen in his career. His passing accuracy is nearly perfect, he nearly scores in the first 15 minutes and sets up the first goal of the match only a few minutes later. You can tell how delighted he is to be back out there as Chelsea scores goal after goal, his pure joy obvious as he celebrates with his teammates. 

In addition to his skill and experience, you can see the impact his leadership is making on this young squad. Nothing makes you prouder than how much time and effort he puts into supporting and encouraging the younger players, and you know how much he loves doing it.

When he’s subbed off in the 65th minute, you’re relieved that he isn’t pushing his limits too soon after coming back, and even more relieved that he’s walking off with a smile on his face instead of pain behind his eyes. 

As he’s clapping the fans on his way to the bench, he blows a kiss up at where he knows you’re sitting. Even though you know he probably can’t see you, you blow one right back. 

The rest of the game passes and Chelsea emerge victorious with six goals to show for it, a very welcome turnaround from the first leg of the semi final. You’re buzzing with excitement to see him, so you and the rest of the group head down to the players lounge shortly after the whistle blows to wait for him.

It takes a bit longer than you’d like for him to do interviews and get changed, but when you finally see him emerge, freshly showered and wearing in his Chelsea joggers and matching hoodie, you run straight toward him.

Ben smiles as soon as he sees you and opens his arms to catch you as you throw yours around his neck and bury your face in his neck.

“Hi, gorgeous,” he murmurs into your hair. “Did you enjoy the game?”

“Of course I did, you were bloody brilliant,” you tell him in no uncertain terms. “And on your first start back? You’re amazing, Ben Chilwell.” 

Ben pulls back, beaming at you with slightly flushed cheeks.

“It’s all cause of you, you know,” he says quietly, thumbs stroking your waist. “I wouldn’t have the strength to keep going every time without you. Every game, every time I wear the armband, every time I score a goal, it’s all for you.”

You don’t necessarily agree with him, since you think he’s one of the strongest people you know and you wouldn’t dare take credit for any of his success, but his words are so sweet that you can’t possibly dispute them.

“I’m so happy you’re back, baby,” you tell him softly, running your fingers through his hair that you’re grateful he didn’t get cut much shorter. “Oh, and that absolutely should’ve been a penalty in the first half. And giving Misha a yellow for complaining? I don’t know what that ref was thinking.”

Ben chuckles, obviously not overly fussed about it since they won comfortably in the end, but loving your passion for the game as always.

“I love you so damn much,” he grins, not giving you the chance to reply before grabbing your face and kissing you lovingly. 

You kiss him back with just as much affection, sinking into his warmth.

“Love you too, captain,” you smile after pulling away, squeezing his bicep where the armband rested earlier. “Now, let’s go home. I bet you need a rest after that.”

Ben nods gratefully, obviously exhausted from the most minutes he’s played since September, and wraps his arm around your shoulders so you can make your way over to bid your friends goodbye. His hand lightly grazes his last name on your back as you speak with them, never getting tired of seeing you wear it.

It’s nearly midnight by the time you get home and get ready for bed, curling up under your comfy duvet and reaching out for Ben immediately. 

As your arms and legs tangle and your head finds its place on his chest, you murmur how proud you are of him one more time before drifting off into a blissful sleep.

-

a/n: please let me know what you thought, your feedback makes my day!! 😊

[therealefl]

Forest Green Rovers Beat Out Championship Competition For New Signing

Forest Green Rovers are set to complete the signing of former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Luke Daniels, according to sources for TEAMtalk. Daniels has reportedly turned down multiple offers from Championship clubs as a backup keeper to sign for recently relegated Rovers, where he will become their new first-choice goalkeeper as they prepare for life back in the fourth division. Who is Luke…

[worsethankonstantinlevin]

Anti-fascist counter demos in the UK on Wednesday the 7th and Friday the 9th of August

There are going to be a new round of anti-immigrant fascist riots in the UK on Wednesday the 7th of August and Friday the 9th. If you are able to get to one of the counter-demos, and it is safe for you to do so (and I'm including safe for your mental health; please don't push yourself too far), it's really important to go. Not only to physically stop the fascists from burning down immigration lawyers' practices or attacking Muslims in the street, but to stand up and be counted. This is a terrifying time to be an immigrant or a person of colour in the UK, and seeing the fascists outnumbered and humiliated by decent people can go some way to making it less bad.

Stay safe:

come early, well before the fascists assemble

Wear a mask, not only to avoid police surveillance but to avoid being doxxed by the fascists

Don't carry identifying information, such as credit cards, in case the police arrest you

Write the number for a protest lawyer on your arm so you won't lose it

Bring water

Bring suncream

Bring a friend if you can

Wear comfortable shoes

Stand Up to Racism has thhe best list of organised counter-demos. I wouldn't advise turning up to oppose a fascist march if you're not sure whether a counter demo has been called, but here's a list of places the far right has singled out to target on Wednesday at 8pm, so you know broadly whether your city is on the list:

ALDERSHOT

Immigration Advisors Ltd, Victoria Road, GU11 1TH

CANTERBURY

UK Immigration Clinic, Canterbury Innovation Centre, CT2 7FG

CHATHAM

Immigration Status UK, Maidstone Road, ME5 9FD

CHELMSFORD

UK Immigration Information Centre, Violet Close, CM1 6XG

BEDFORD

Immigration INN, Ford End Road, MK40 4JT

BIRMINGHAM

Refugee and migrant centre, Frederick Street, B1 3HN

BLACKBURN

Rafiq Immigration Services, Whalley Road, BB5 1AA

BLACKPOOL

Immigration Solicitors, Enterprise Centre, Lytham Road, FY1 1EW

BOLTON

Deane & Bolton Immigration lawyers, Chorley new road, BL1 4QR

BRENTFORD

UK Immigration Help, Great West End, TW8 9HH

BRIGHTON

Raj Rayan Immigration, Queens Road, BN1 3XF

BRISTOL

Gya Williams Immigration, West Street, BS2 0BL

CHEADLE

Intime Immigration Services, Brooks Drive, SK8 3TD

DERBY

Immigration advisory Service, Normanton Road, DE23 6US HARROW

Yes UK Immigration, Pinner Road, HA1 4HN

HASTINGS

Black Rock Immigration, Cambridge Gardens, TN34 1EN

HULL

Conroy Baker Immigration Lawyer, Norwich House, Savile Street, HU1 3ES

KENT

Kent Immigration and advice, Castle Hill Road, CT16 1QG

LINCOLN

Immigration Lawyer Services, Carlton Mews, LN2 4FJ

LIVERPOOL

Merseyside Refugee Centre, Overbury Street, L7 3HJ

MIDDLESBOROUGH

Immigration advice centre, Linthorpe Road, TS1 4AT

NEWCASTLE United Immigration Services - Westgate Road, NE4 9PQ

NORTH FINCHLEY

Immigration and Nationality Services, Percy Road, N128BU

NORTHAMPTON

Zenith Immigration Lawyers, Talbot Road, NN1 4JB

NOTTINGHAM East Midlands Immigration Services - Stonesbury Vale NG2 7UR

OLDHAM

Expert Immigration - Ellen Street 0L9 6QR

OXFORD

Asylum Welcome, Magdelen Road, OX4 1RE

PETERBOROUGH

Smart Immigration Services, Lincoln Road, PE1 2PN

PORTSMOUTH

UK Border Agency, Kettering Terrace, PO2 8QN

PRESTON

Adriana Immigration Services, Church Street PR1 3BS

ROTHERHAM

Parker Rhodes Immigration Lawyer, The Point S60 1BP

SHEFFIELD

White Rose Visas, Wilkinson Street, S10 2GJ

STOKE

ZR Visas, Metcalfe Road, ST6 7AZ

SOUTHAMPTON

Y-Axis Immigration Consultants, Grosvenor Square, SO15 2BG

SOUTHEND

MNS Immigration Solicitors, Ditton Court Road, SS0 7HG

SUNDERLAND

North of England Refugee Service, High Street East, SR1 2AX

TAMWORTH

Lawrencia & Co immigration solicitors, Amber Business Village, B77 4RP

WALTHAMSTOW

Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau, Hoe Street, E17 3AP

WIGAN

Support for Wigan Arrivals Project, Penson Street WN1 2LP