To be honest I don't think the club wanted to sell Chapman - My understanding is he wanted to leave and join Blackburn last summer - He was out of contract this summer. You'll see Boro giving lots of young lads debuts this season.

Pulis sold Chapman?

Not at all as above he would of played 46 games for us last season - Woodgate made it clear in his press conference he is looking towards using the academy bringing young players into the side and this is a fresh reset for Boro. A lad with bundles of potential - struggled with injuries but every time I saw glimpses of him in the league cup last season he has the ability. He must feel a bit hard done to that he never got a shot under Pulis but then again what attacking wide wingers do? I expect Chapman needs to knuckle down work hard and stay fit to reach his potential - he's probably a bit gutted he left Boro when he did in hindsight as im sure Woodgate would of given him an opportunity to show what he can do for us this season - I hope it works out for him at Blackburn. We let another kid go similar to him - tricky attacking winger called Jordan Jones he left to Kilmarnock a couple of years ago and just got a big move to Rangers.

He would of played 46 games for us last season had the contract situation not arose, was arguably one of our better players in a team that finished 7th on the final day - would of been higher if not for Pulis' negativity. He's achieved miles more than the other two in his career IMO and is a class above those in terms of ability. You're not getting a player who cant put himself about the pitch or put a shift in - he's as fit as a butchers dog.

Well he's struggled under Pulis, for me his best position now would be RW where he can come inside and use that wand of a left foot or behind the striker in the middle.

Like any local lad they never get the same time as some Jonny Foreigner with a fancy name who cost £10 million. I think on his return some Boro fans expected the flying winger who gave us so many memorable moments back. Downing was instrumental in our Carling Cup victory and run to the Uefa Cup final in 2006 - some fans forget he was also instrumental in our promotion back to the big time. DESPITE playing under a much more negative manager than Mowbray. I think its a real coup for Blackburn and very low risk. Woodgate is married to Downings sister. What happened with him? Seemed to be well liked by your support when you got promoted? Always rated the kid at Boro - 110% is what you got from him and wore his heart on his sleeve, I remember him scoring and crying straight after in the corner V cardiff, limited in terms of going forward but a solid championship battler - I suppose if your pushing for top 6 you want a bit more quality....

I've read some of the opinions on here regarding the signing of 35 year old Stewart Downing, shocked to be honest that very few Rovers fans don't see this as an excellent signing for you. Arguably our greatest ever academy player he is not the flying winger he once was, you won't see him bombing past a player and whipping it into the box. You will see him keep the ball move possession on and shift the ball, whip balls into Danny Graham who I think will be buzzing someone of Downing's quality has signed. I and many other Boro fans would of liked to see Downing stay until he retired. He came back to his home town team from West Ham to get us back into the premier league - he succeeded. Always given a hard time by sections of the Boro support his very close and personal relationship with Woodgate and the fans opinions on that said relationship may have swayed Woodgate to let him move on. Boro's loss is Rovers gain - He will bring experience, calmness in possession and importantly a strong voice in the dressing room - he will help players like Chapman, Armstrong and even Dack. Good luck Stewwy - he will get a cracking reception from the Boro fans in August. As will Mogga, Smallwood and Graham. Good luck for the season chaps hope you are in and about the top 6 this season or even better runners up behind the Boro.

Nowhere near the 18. I expect him to force a move come January. Not in Pulis' plans. Has the ability but not sure he has the attitude. Been unlucky with injuries the lad. Let's see if he features in the League Cup Quarter Final coming up. Be nice to see how academy graduates Richie Smallwood & Danny Graham get on.

Morning Lads, Boro fan here. Looking forward to welcoming back my hero to The Riverside tomorrow, Mogga as he is affectionately known on Teesside will get a cracking reception. A legend of a man and Boro through & through. I've seen him several times at the Riverside the last couple of years watching the Boro at every oppurtunity. Hopeful for a 1-0 win for the Boro but i fear if Blackburn go 1 ahead they could go on to win by 2 or 3. Dack looks outstanding. Trains will be on strike again tomorrow so most of you will be coming by bus as above - Yarm is your best bet for a good sup before the match. However Middlesbrough town centre is home to a number of lovely little micro pub bars around Baker St, other areas such as Southfield Rd you will get served as away fans. Avoid near the ground as The Navigation is Home Fans Only. Have a good day on Teesside, Bring yer big coat. Up The Boro