In came 5 players. Franck Queudrue made his loan deal permanent, with Boro paying Lens around £2.5 million for his services. The second player to make his way to Teesside was the Italian 'gladiator', Massimo Maccarone for a club record £8.2 million. The shaven headed striker looked good in the U21 championship and Boro fans are hoping he will sustain that form into the new season.
Then came the 'big' signing, The Little Fella returning for a third stint at his spiritual home. The whole of Teesside was a buzz, so it was such a huge blow to see him get injured. Also on the way into the Riverside, George Boateng and Geremi to add steel to the new look midfield.
Everyone on Teesside now expects a good season, and more surprisingly the press and pundits expect us to do well. This is a Boro team which on paper can secure a top 10 finish. The defence is as good as any in the league. The midfield now has a mix of steel and flair and we now have a striker who can potentially notch 15-20 goals.
And so to tomorrow at St.Mary's. A tough start to the campaign but also a very winnable game. Southampton have only made one major signing in the summer, and possibly there star man, Marian Pahars is ruled out with injury. Boro on the other hand have a full strength squad to choose from, excluding Juninho.
mfc1986.co.uk prediction : 2-1 to Boro