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Munich target Schwarzer ponders Middlesbrough future

8:37am Tuesday 22nd April 2008

comment Comments (37)   Have your say »


THE appeal of Champions League football looks certain to lure Mark Schwarzer away from Middlesbrough this summer after Bayern Munich renewed their interest in the goalkeeper.

Schwarzer remains determined to land a two-year contract to take him up to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, where he is determined to play in his second finals for Australia.

With an offer of a one-year deal on the table on Teesside, he has been talking to interested clubs since the turn of the year under the rules of freedom of contract.

But chief executive Keith Lamb insists that Middlesbrough have not received any indication that Schwarzer has made up his mind to leave.

Lamb said: "Mark Schwarzer and the club agreed some time ago that there would be no discussions with regard to his contract until the season is over.

That remains the case."

Schwarzer is not short of offers and, although settled in the region, it is clear the prospect of a dream move to a club competing in the Champions League at this stage of his career is attractive.

There are sources close to Schwarzer that suggest he has made up his mind to leave, having become frustrated at the way a two-year extension has failed to materialise.

And manager Gareth Southgate has been working on that eventuality, with Tottenham's Paul Robinson at the top of his list to replace the Aussie keeper.

He is also satisfied with the progress being made by younger keepers Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones.

Schwarzer, though, has been delighted to learn that some of the best clubs around Europe are included in a long line of interested parties looking to sign him.

Runaway German leaders Bayern Munich, former European champions Juventus and Champions League bound Fiorentina are among nine continental clubs hoping to recruit his services.

There are also understood to be three Premier League outfits hoping to convince him to turn down the offer at the Riverside Stadium, where he has spent the last 11 years.

Bayern have been looking to take Schwarzer to the Bundesliga for the last 12 months and, with the legendary Oliver Kahn due to retire at the end of the season, the need has become more pressing.

Given how Boro's experienced goalkeeper turns 36 in October, Bayern are also likely to be in the market for a younger keeper, while a move to Juventus would purely be as back up to Gianluigi Buffon.

Fiorentina, arguably the lesser regarded of the three leading the chase for his signature, also look destined to play in club football's premier competition. They sit fourth in Serie A, four points ahead of fifth-placed AC Milan with four matches remaining.

Schwarzer was ruled out of Saturday's defeat to Bolton with a back problem and there is a doubt that he will be fit to return for the trip to Sunderland this weekend.

But in Turnbull, who made numerous stops in the loss to the Trotters, Southgate feels that Middlesbrough have a promising talent that has the potential to become a top-flight keeper.


Your Say YourThe Northern Echo

davwind, twickenham says...
9:16am Tue 22 Apr 08

Let him go! 11 years is rare in football but he probably needs a fresh challenge and the BORO need fresh impetus between the sticks. I'm not sure whether TURNBULL is ready yet but I certainly wouldn't pay money for ROBINSON. That irish keeper at the WOLVES is supposed to be highly rated OSHAUNEESY(?) I think his name is. Not to sound like a vampire but fresh blood please.

Mark, Thornaby says...
10:21am Tue 22 Apr 08

I totally agree. Schwarzer has been a great servant but his time has been and gone. Too many silly errors now and he doesn't command his box like he used to. I think we could do worse than Robinson. He's in a rut at the minute but he'll come good again. He was the best keeper in the country not so long ago.

Malcolm Mcdonald, Gateshead says...
10:40am Tue 22 Apr 08

I hate to disapoint you davwind(although being a boro or should that bore fan you'll be used to it) but not everyone outside of Newcastle wants to see the Geordies lose. We don't think we're going to Europe, we're miles away from that level but I tell you this I bet we have a go next season & as for Owen, well I think you'd have him & I bet he scores more than all your forwards put together!! Yet again a small minded bigot who can't see out of the one eye in his forehead for all the smog has to have a whinge on because yet again he's had to watch his team cave in against one of the leagues also rans (although being a Boro fan you probably weren't there). No wonder your keeper can't wait to do a Viduka & get the hell out of there ASAP while you lot don't get a penny thanks to the expert dealings of the magnificent mr Lamb, what a star he is!!! Enjoy your relegation 6 pointer in the plastic Derby against the Labrador Lovers next week & if your really lucky you can have your real Derby against Leeds back next season!! Up the Boro!! Hahaha!!

Steve, Edinburgh says...
10:52am Tue 22 Apr 08

I think Mr McDonald needs a doctor. Could somebody help him?

supa sunland, says...
11:22am Tue 22 Apr 08

Mark in Thornaby, you're having a go at Schwarzer for making too many silly errors, and then say you could do worse than get Robinson, a keeper rivalled only in the calamity stakes by David James?! Clueless, just like the Boro themselves. Get yourself away Schwarzer, you've been part of this joke set-up for far too long. Come and join the magic carpet ride up the road!

Terry Tibbs, Used car lot says...
11:52am Tue 22 Apr 08

Just a reminder the both Boro fans that next months supporters club meeting has been moved to a larger venue due to the demand...... It will now be held in the phone box in South Bank!!! Double the size? That's why they call me Terry Tibbs!!

George Agdgdgwngo, Uganda says...
12:01pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Good morning sirs, I am hearing that Mr McDonald is needing a doctor to help him on this day. I can help him through this & offer big love to all less fortunate than himself in beautiful Boro. So if I can just have your sort code & bank account details I can wire the monies to you directly. Many good wishes to you all xxx

Horace Von Khute, Zimbabwe says...
12:17pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Hello my name is Horace Von khute from the internet fraud detection unit. I believe a Mark from Thornaby has been on here saying that Paul Robinson is a good goal keeper. I just want to warn all Echo readers that Mr Robinson has been commiting many frauds & crimes against goal keeping & is currently wanted on charges in at least 10 countries, so if anyone sees or hears from this man could you please call me on my direct line which is Zimbabwe 5363 & no that's not the Boro's avarege attendance!! Don't worry we will call you straight back & together we can stop this man. Thank you for your help

Steve mclaren, The Dole says...
12:34pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Can I just say that this website is magnificent!!! Anyone got a job for a Mike Baldwin look alike?? I can supply my own umbrella & cup of tea!!

Roben van der Koch, Holland says...
12:49pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Mr Khute, Mr Schwarzer could be accused of the same said crimes as Mr Robinson and Brough fans will be glad to see the back of him. I think Brough would be better off playing rush goalie and in skins because there's nothing better than seeing young fit men running around semi-naked on a Saturday afternoon!

Steve mclaren, The Dole says...
12:51pm Tue 22 Apr 08

I think this is magnificent, I think the players are magnificent, I'm magnificent!! I'm at a bit of a lose end these days so if anyone knows of a job going that would be great. I can supply my own umbrella & cup of tea!! I've have a lot of experiance of taking decent players & making them worse. I also enjoy letting the whole country down & taking jobs I'm not up to!! Reply to imhumpateverything.c
om

Bill Beswick, Surrey says...
1:22pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Steve, how many times have i told you to keep away from these forums? You'll never get a job again if you keep this up. Keeping taking the hair tablets son. BY the way I have a new brolly range - give me a bell!
PS Not sure whether that skins idea would catch on.

Michael Owen, A Stable says...
1:26pm Tue 22 Apr 08

I would like to argue with Steve Mclaren's comments but I am not allowed to say anything interesting in case my head explodes. Now where's Terry Mac to put me a bet on the 3.15?

Roy Keane, In the Dog House says...
1:52pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Here what the f*** is going on here, has that f****** McCarthy been on here the f****** t**t!! I think we'll get the tree points on Sunday & the Boro will end up turd bottom!!! I'm off to "walk" my dogs f****s!!

Terry Mac, St James Park says...
1:53pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Michael, so was that 50p each way on Flash of Colour? Should I was you car as well?

King Kev, Gods country says...
2:01pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Terry Mac, I'd love it if that horse won, love it!!! & I'll tell you something else, you can tell him if he's watching this I've kept quiet about this but when you say things like that about a man like Stuart Peace... Well he's gone down in my estimation & he's still got to go to Middlesborough & get sumit & I tell ya, I'd love if we beat them, love it!! Oh F*** wrong web-site!!

Mr S. Downing, The Purple Onion, Aye!! says...
2:25pm Tue 22 Apr 08

yo yo yo, MC Stewie here the Boro's number one super star DJ!! Respect to the Boro massives, aye! Big up ya sell all me possy, aye is her to tell me crew that come da big Mackem clash aye is gona completly do a number on that batty boy Mcshambles, aye!! He's just some kinda numpty man init?? Reeeespect man, big up ya sell!!

Mark Schwarzer, South Bank says...
2:54pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Yer alls a bunch of flamin' great galahs.

Mick McCarthy, Oireland says...
2:58pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Hello der. What's de big oidea about letting that eejit Keane on the website. I thought I'd seen the last of him when I asked him to eat that dog-burger in Korea and he got the hump. Anyway, just a quick tip for Saturday's game. Stick Kevin Kyle up front. He never let me down.

Father Jack, Oireland says...
3:07pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Fek! gurls! drink!

Roy Keane, In the Dog House says...
3:15pm Tue 22 Apr 08

McCarthy I've told ye before to f*** yersell you f***** cluless t***!! Jesus this is the turd time I've f****** told ya, so it is, to be sure, to be sure!! Now where's the chocolate body paint for Rover to like off... Rover come here you f****!!!

Big Mike Ashley, Blue Bamboo with the Mort says...
3:31pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Seperated at birth or what? The Echo's junior sports reporter Scott Wilson, Don King and Toon hot shot Oba Martins. Check out the hair cuts.

Malcolm Mcdonald, At the hairdresser getting a Wilson says...
3:52pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Er, er,er YES!! Yes! Bernie I've got a text here which says "Malcolm can you ask bucket heed if this thread now has more hits than Boro get fans for home games"? & that's from Anita Bush

geoff, Boro says...
4:44pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Malcolm McDonald is just about as logical and as humourless as the real thing. He/She complains about a Boro bigot and then turns into a Barcode bore with all those funny original lines. Oh how we laughed. Better than obscene chants about Mido I suppose.
To all those who can stop a pig in a passage, Schwarzwer is a great shot stopper but his positioning and in particular his distribution has always been suspect. Time to move on, but not to Robinson.

Horace Von Khute, Zimbabwe says...
4:47pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Just to let all Echo readers know that thanks to their co- operation we have managed to track down Paul Robinson, arrest him and charge him with a serious offence commited against football while in Russia last year. We have also arrested his partner Scott Carson who perpetrated an even more heinous crime in London!! Robinson will now be sent to a secure unit where he will spend the rest of his life in solatery.... The Riverside!!! Thank you for you help and remember keep vigilant

George Agdgdgwngo, Uganda says...
5:02pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Good afternoon Mr Geoff, you seem to be not happy with Mr McDonald & what he say about Boro. I think what we need to do is get Mr McDonald to pay you compensation & send the monies direct to your bank account. I see on my screen you are entitled to $64000 Uganden dollers, which translates to £4.87 or to someone from beautiful Boro a night out!!! So if I can just have your sort code & bank account details I can transfer you the monies directly to your account sirs. Thank you

Vidal Sassoon, The Salon says...
5:13pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Mr Wilson, Mr King and Mr Martins all have beautiful hair. Mr King and Mr Martins, however, does not appear to have split ends like Mr Wilson.
Oooohhh I would love to get my beefy hands on their hairstyles.

Camp David, The Blue Oyster Club says...
5:24pm Tue 22 Apr 08

OOOhhh who cuts your hair, the council? What's for team, mmm mince!!

Magnuss Magnusson, Mastermind says...
5:37pm Tue 22 Apr 08

geoff wrote:
Malcolm McDonald is just about as logical and as humourless as the real thing. He/She complains about a Boro bigot and then turns into a Barcode bore with all those funny original lines. Oh how we laughed. Better than obscene chants about Mido I suppose. To all those who can stop a pig in a passage, Schwarzwer is a great shot stopper but his positioning and in particular his distribution has always been suspect. Time to move on, but not to Robinson.
Mr Geoff ive started so ill finish and it's time you learned how to spell Schwarzer it is Schwarzer and not Schwarzwer.

davwind, twickenham says...
9:42am Wed 23 Apr 08

CC Malcolm Mac - Yawn Yawn yawn!!! " I bet we give it a go....." I bet you have another trophyless season watched by 50 000+ dreamers. The league doesn't lie and all three North East teams are poor this season. I think the "one eyed bigot" was a bit harsh but I suppose it was a bit much to expect a cogent argument! And don't you think the Mr.Lamb line is a bit strong from a club ran by Freddie "all geordie birds are dogs" Shepherd who sold out to the "plastic" geordie from Reading! Sit back and enjoy the ride,we certainly do. Newcastle United the sit-com!!

Malcolm Mcdonald, Laughing at the Boro.. Again!!! says...
10:55am Wed 23 Apr 08

That's three posts now Mr davwind, you've now wrote on here more times than you've been to see the Boro this season I would bet!! Look we've been garbage this year that's a fact but have had to put up with a bull heeded manager who didn't have a clue for most of the season, we know that. We'll end up about 12th after all that & WILL finish higher next year & yes we will give it a go. So what if we fail, we'll give it a good go & play entertaining football to full houses every week, not "eleven men behind the ball lets play for a point football"!! Your right about Freddie but we got rid, he's gone while your muppet is still there running your club down with his inept style. Who's going to leave on a free next?? We all know Ashley's not a Geordie but he's put his money where his mouth is & we are now one of the few clubs without a penny of debt so at least things are looking up. What have you got to look forward to eh? Half empty stadium even though they are giving your tickets away? Rubbish football? You talk of NUFC being a sitcom but you know what's really funny? Calling a guy who's scored 2 goals a goal machine!!! Grow up man & get real, your at your level now & even when we've been c*** for most of the season you still end up below us!! Pass the gas mask I'm off to the Boro!! Up the Boro!!

davwind, twickenham says...
3:31pm Wed 23 Apr 08

CC Super Mac! Again you start with logic and acurate comments but by the end it is just bad mouthing! This is easier than fishin' in a barrel! What is the big deal about leaving on a free? If you want to pay Viduka £80,000 a week your welcome to him. Did the decision backfire with the 20+ goal tally he achieved for you? I don't think so. How much do you think a 35 year old goalkeeper is going to demand? We've had the best out of him bring on the new. Do you really want to get into a debate on monies wasted on players over the years? I wouldn't go down that avenue if I was you! This has had more comments than the Boro has scored goals this season!!!!!!!

Malcolm Mcdonald, Laughing even more at the Boro says...
4:49pm Wed 23 Apr 08

I see a typical Boro "fan" I see you didn't disagree with the number of games you have attended this season, perhaps if you went more often then your club may have the revenue to go out & spend in the summer. £80k? Get your facts right before you spout off mate & as for wasting money I don't believe I ever said you had, I was just passing comment on your fans choice of banner for Mr Alves. Anyway if we do waste money this summer it doesn't matter coz we can afford it!! Also if our owner/chairman say's we'll spend big & buy exciting players then that's what we tend to do, not get your season ticket money (if there are any) in then buy tut & free transfers!! Oh & I don't think pointing out that despite being garbage we'll still finish ahead of the Boro bad mouthing, it's just fact. Sack the board!!!

davwind, twickenham says...
9:03am Thu 24 Apr 08

Let's just see what the future hold's shall we and what big names you can attract without European football. I think it is also recognised outside of the NE that Steve Gibson is not only the best Chairmen in the top flight but is one of our own, who incidentely doesn't run round trying to prove he's a Newcastle fan by wearing the strip in the directors box or standing with the fans. I agree that last comment was a little unfair as they probably don't make jackets in his size!


Steve Cram, Celebrity Fan, In the commentry box with big Bren!! says...
12:22pm Thu 24 Apr 08

Oh Davwind man get a grip will ya, Your heed will explode soon son. Anyway let's see what happens when Supa Sunderland go to town on your sorry bunch this weekend. 2-0 to the mighty Mackems me thinks!!
Everyone join in, 1, 2,3 "You've got Steve Cram celebrity fan, You've got Steve Cram celebrity fan, You've got Steve Cram celebrity fan..... Come on you know the words!!!

Malcolm Mcdonald, can't stop laughing at the Boro says...
12:25pm Thu 24 Apr 08

I'm off to count the
empty seats at the Riverside so it may be sometime before I'm back... Enjoy your relegation dog fight. Right where's my gas mask!!

Ant and Dec, Newcastle says...
1:53pm Thu 24 Apr 08

And what about this one Steve: 1,2,3 - It's five pound adults, kids go free, it's five pound adults, kids go free,it's five pound adults, kids go free, and Sunland's a massive club!

Comments are closed on this article.




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