Middlesbrough utility man Matthew Bates has signed a three-year contract extension to end speculation over his future.

Middlesbrough defender David Wheater wants to stay at the club and get them back in the Premier League, but he fears being sold to balance the books.

Alan Shearer blasted referee Howard Webb after he disallowed a goal from Mark Viduka as Newcastle plunged back into the relegation zone.

Newcastle United 3 Middlesbrough 1

Newcastle 3 Middlesbrough 1

Middlesbrough 0 Fulham 0

Alex Ferguson hailed boy wonder Federico Macheda after the 17-year-old’s late goal sent Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday.

A quick straw poll of footballing opinion would doubtless reveal split opinions of Marlon King: those that dislike him and those that dislike him even more.

MIDDLESBROUGH are reaching the point of no return.

Bolton 4 Middlesbrough 1

Middlesbrough will be without suspended midfielder Matthew Bates for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Stoke.

Middlesbrough 1 Portsmouth 1

Middlesbrough defender Justin Hoyte is doubtful for tomorrow’s crucial Barclays Premier League clash against Portsmouth at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough 1 Sunderland 1

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is facing up to a defensive crisis as he prepares for Arsenal’s visit to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow.

Middlesbrough defender David Wheater will celebrate signing his new three-and-a-half-year contract by returning from suspension for tomorrow’s Riverside Stadium clash with Reading.

Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere will miss his side’s FA Cup fifth-round replay against Sheffield United tomorrow night after failing in his appeal against the red card he received at Liverpool.

Norwich have signed Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates on loan until April 28.

Jeremie Aliadiere is in contention to start for Middlesbrough in Saturday’s visit to Manchester United.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is hopeful Egyptian striker Mido will return for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea after missing the last three games with a groin strain.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate insists his mis-firing stars have no fear as they target a treble of home wins over Chelsea which could bring their stuttering season back to life.

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to be involved in Sunday’s Premiership clash with former club Newcastle despite returning to training after knee surgery.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will make a late decision on England defender Jonathan Woodgate ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup third round trip to Hull.

Abel Xavier has recovered from his hamstring injury and is set to return to the Middlesbrough squad for tomorrow’s visit to his old club Everton.

Injury-prone Malcolm Christie is battling to overcome a groin strain picked up in training this week ahead of tomorrow’s clash with leaders Manchester United at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough have just a month to win Premier League approval for their appointment of Gareth Southgate as manager.

Jonathan Woodgate will make his debut for home-town club Middlesbrough against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.

STEVE McCLAREN admits it would be a “dream come true” to end his reign as Middlesbrough boss by winning the UEFA Cup.

Had the most vociferous of his critics got their way, Steve McClaren may well have been watching the UEFA Cup final on television.

Manchester United 0 Middlesbrough 0

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren insists his players “are ready to rise to the challenge” and make history at the club.

Portsmouth 1 Middlesbrough 0

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could return to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Coventry with deputy Brad Jones struggling.

Middlesbrough 2 Wigan 3

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has warned his side they may have to scrap their way out of trouble after launching their fightback in the FA Cup.

Middlesbrough 5 Nuneaton Borough 2

Arsenal 7 Middlesbrough 0

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has avoided a potential showdown with defender Ugo Ehiogu after belatedly sanctioning his move back to West Brom.

West Brom manager Bryan Robson has identified Middlesbrough central defender Ugo Ehiogu as a potential transfer target during the January window.

Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 1

Fernando Morientes struck twice in five minutes to ensure Liverpool’s seventh successive Premier League victory.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren will rely on teenage defender Matthew Bates once again for the UEFA Cup tie against Dnipro at the Riverside Stadium.

Steve McClaren is short on left-wing options as Middlesbrough visit Barclays Premiership bottom side Everton tomorrow.

Middlesbrough 2 Xanthi 0