Russian opposition leader Nemtsov shot dead in Moscow

Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov has been shot dead in Moscow.

Nemtsov, 55, an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, had been due to take part on Sunday in the first big opposition protest in months in the capital.

Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed the death, saying it had opened a criminal probe.

“According to preliminary information, an unidentified person shot at Boris Nemtsov no fewer than seven-eight times from a car as he was walking along the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge,” investigators said in a statement.

The committee, which reports directly to Putin, said that “experienced” investigators had been put on the case.

Police cars blocked the street where he was shot. An ambulance was also nearby.

Nemtsov launched his political career as the governor of Nizhny Novgorod region in central Russia and became a vice prime minister in the late 1990s under the presidency of Boris Yeltsin.

After leaving parliament in 2003, he helped establish and led several opposition parties and groups.

The murder “bears the hallmarks of a contract killing,” Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Another interior ministry spokesperson, Yelena Alekseyeva, told reporters at the scene that Nemtsov was walking with a woman when he was shot.

The woman, who is from Ukraine, was now being questioned, she added.

Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev has taken charge of the criminal probe, she said.

Mikhail Kasyanov, a former prime minister turned opposition leader, told reporters after viewing the scene:

“This is payback for the fact that Boris consistently for many, many years fought for Russia to be a free democratic country.”

Obama praise

In a statement in response to the shooting, US President Barack Obama said: The United States condemns the brutal murder of Boris Nemtsov, and we call upon the Russian government to conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his murder and ensure that those responsible for this vicious killing are brought to justice.

“Nemtsov was a tireless advocate for his country, seeking for his fellow Russian citizens the rights to which all people are entitled.

“I admired Nemtsov’s courageous dedication to the struggle against corruption in Russia and appreciated his willingness to share his candid views with me when we met in Moscow in 2009.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Boris Efimovich’s family, and to the Russian people, who have lost one of the most dedicated and eloquent defenders of their rights.”

Source: Al Jazeera

Adomah should have been in Ghana squad, but snub was benefit for Boro - Karanka

Boro have benefited from Albert Adomah’s African Cup of Nations snub.

That’s the verdict of Aitor Karanka, who believes his winger should have been included in Ghana’s squad for last month’s competition.

“I think he deserved to go because he’s a very good player,” said the Boro boss.

“For me, it was good he didn’t go, but he did deserve to go. I think it has spurred him on. I think it was good for him because it meant he was very committed here. He is a very important player for us, not just on the pitch but in the changing room as well.”

In Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Bolton, Adomah scored his first Boro goal since the 2-1 win at Brighton in October. Despite the lack of goals, Karanka has been pleased with how last season’s top scorer is performing.

“He’s a good character,” he said. “He’s always joking but working hard. He’s a winner and his personality is good. After scoring against Bolton he is going to be more confident.

“In the last games, including the Man City game, he didn’t have a lot of chances but he created.

“He could have lost his confidence a bit, but now he has scored he will be a very important player for us in the next two months.”

Aitor Karanka not concerned about Boro team's lack of goals

Aitor Karanka is “not concerned” by his team’s apparent lack of goals.

Boro have the best defensive record in the Championship so far this season but are only eighth on the ‘goals scored’ chart.

That’s left the club with an impressive plus-28 ‘goal difference’, which is the third best in the division.

However, there’s a train of thought among a section of the fanbase that Boro’s relative lack of goals could scupper their promotion prospects.

When asked about the issues, Karanka said: “My concern would be if we were seventh or 10th in the table, but when you are second in the table and the balance between the goals that you are scoring and the goals that you are conceding is good, then I’m not concerned.

“We are second in the table and the balance is good. All the players are committed with their defensive actions and we have quality up front to score goals.

“I would like to have 10 or 15 more goals and six more points,” he added, tongue in cheek, “but the balance is good and the confidence in the squad is good.”

So is it fair to say Karanka’s philosophy is to build a watertight defence and then add a creative element at the other end of the pitch?

“Yes,” he answered, “because in Spain we say, ‘to build a house you must start with the floor’.

“I like to start without conceding goals and then when we have quality up front to score we are going to win a lot of games.

“It’s very important for me that we don’t concede goals.”

That’s not to say Karanka isn’t frustrated that his strikers aren’t converting their chances but he doesn’t want to change his tactics and throw caution to the wind.

He also believes the fact that Boro are creating so many goalscoring opportunities is a positive sign in itself.

“I don’t think we need to take any more risks,” he said. “I would be concerned if we were finishing games and we hadn’t created chances. Against Bolton we created four or five clear chances. We finished the game with many chances. Against Leeds I lost count of the chances we had.

“I don’t think it’s a concern that we finished the game and only scored one goal, because we won the game, but if we had created four or five every single game and weren’t winning it would be a concern.”

The Boro boss admits pressure may be one of the reasons his strikers are not converting more goalscoring chances.

“Sometimes it’s the pressure,” he said. “For example in the last game we could have had two or three shots from outside the box, but the players decided to pass the ball instead of shoot. Sometimes it’s the moment and it is their responsibility, but I’m not concerned about the number of goals.”

Ghannouchi: Only when Palestine is liberated will Muslims be free

Tunisia’s Islamic scholar and head of the Ennahda movement Rashid Al-Ghannouchi applauded the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at the First International Scientific Conference of the Faculty of Rabat University in Gaza yesterday, Al-Ghannouchi said the Islamic nation will not be well unless Palestine is liberated.

“Only when Palestine is liberated, the nation will be okay. Despite all the pain, we must adhere to our strong beliefs,” he said.

“We must liberate our nation from the causes of vulnerability and adhere to our faith and be united, only then we can be free.”

60 year old man stabbed in attempted robbery in Thornaby

A man was stabbed during an attempted robbery in Thornaby today.

Police and armed police were called to Metcalfe Kime & Co on Allensway near Asda at about 4pm following an attempted robbery at the insurance services business in Langham House.

Two men made off from the premises on foot and an extensive search of the area by police officers, armed police, police dogs and the force’s helicopter was conducted.

A 60-year-old man was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with a stab wound to his abdomen - which police confirmed is not life-threatening - as well as a possible leg and wrist injury.

Three men, aged 23, 22 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and are currently in police custody.

A motorbike without a registration plate was abandoned at the scene. The black motorbike had broken brake and indicator lights and could be seen laid on the tarmac outside the building within the police cordon.

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Police officers remained at the two separate scenes of the arrests on Stirling Way, as well as outside Langham House on Allensway, this evening.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said he saw the first man being arrested.

“He was down on the floor and the police put him in the van,” he said.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed two vehicles - an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle - were sent to Allensway at 4pm after “reports of bleeding wounds”.

She added: “One person was conveyed by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital.”

Police want anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone who may have seen this motorbike or may have any other information which may assist the enquiry, to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Battle of the backlines: The Championship's best two defences go head-to-head at Hillsborough

Middlesbrough 2-3 Sheffield Wednesday. The most surprising result of the Championship campaign so far?

Not the fact that Boro lost. That was exactly what they deserved on an afternoon when Aitor Karanka's side were below par and second best.

But looking back, what was more surprising was that one side leaked three goals and another two.

A quick glance at the for and against column of both clubs in the Championship table certainly points towards anything but a five-goal thriller.

Indeed, Wednesday remain the only team to hit more than two goals in a game against Boro this season.

Since the disappointing defeat at a sun-kissed Riverside in August, Boro have gone on to establish the best defensive record in the Championship by some way. Their refusal to leak goals has undoubtedly been the cornerstone from which the bid for the title has been launched.

But at Hillsborough, Boro's attackers will get a slight taste of what life is like for opposing forwards trying to break down the sternest of defences.

For Sheffield Wednesday boast a solid backline of their own. The 32 goals leaked this year is second best to Boro in the Championship.

It's that defensive record that's allowed the Owls to enjoy a worry-free campaign of mid-table medicrity.

Going forward they've only managed to plunder 28 goals, the same as the bottom two clubs Blackpool and Wigan, yet three of those strikes were against rock solid Boro. It's a funny old game.

Despite Boro's admirable record of keeping their opponents out, they'd only notched one clean sheet in five before the visit of Bolton this week.

Dimi, back between the sticks, recorded his 14th shut-out out of the season against the Trotters. Ironically, the same number of clean sheets as Wednesday keeper Kieren Westwood has notched.

And although Westwood missed the midweek win over Millwall due to suspension, he'll be back between the sticks against Boro tomorrow.

The former Sunderland stopper has kept the opponents out in almost 44% of his appearances so far this season while Dimi, no doubt brimming with delight after penning his contract extension earlier in the week, has kept a clean sheet in more than half of the games he's played in this year.

With both sides difficult to break down it's no real surprise to see the odds of a stalemate as short as 13/2 ahead of tomorrow's clash.

Had Tomas Mejias not dropped a clanger and Dean Whitehead not stuck out an arm in last season's fixture, that's how it would have finished.

Chances of Dimi making a howler of his own are slim and Boro aren't in the middle of a drastic goal drought that they were suffering this time last year.

The stats and figures point towards a tight, closely-fought affair at a ground where Boro don't have a great record.

Not buying into it and believe the form guide will get chucked out of the window in a goal-filled cracker?

Sheffield Wednesday 2-3 Middlesbrough....40/1.

Boy's payout from Middlesbrough Council after he suffered head injuries as a baby when highchair was tipped by disabled child

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A boy has won a six-figure sum from Middlesbrough Council after he suffered serious head injuries as a baby when he was tipped from a high chair by a disabled child.

The council admitted it had failed to control the autistic child who tipped over a highchair holding 12-month-old Jack Cooper.

Jack was thrown head first onto the floor while still strapped into the chair at a cafe in Morrisons at Teesside Park in March 2005.

Jack, who turned 11 last week, was left deaf after suffering serious head injuries and will need some level of care and treatment, as well as specialist equipment, for the rest of his life.

Middlesbrough Council was responsible for the management of Beverley School, in Saltersgill Avenue, a school for children with autistic spectrum disorders at which the child was a pupil.

And yesterday at Middlesbrough District Registry Court, at Teesside Combined Court Centre, a judge approved an undisclosed six-figure sum settlement from Middlesbrough Council.

Following the hearing, Jack’s mum, Deborah Patience, 45, said she felt “relieved” the issue had come to a conclusion - ten years on from the incident.

She said: “It has been a struggle and Jack has had to be seen by countless specialists across the country and we had to wait until he was a certain age to understand the impact of the head injury.

This money is for his future care. It will become available to him when he is 18 but he can access it before then if need be.

Jack Cooper with mum Debbie in 2008

“No money can change what happen. And he is not the same baby as before. But he is doing OK and is carrying on with his life the best he can. The settlement is a massive relief for us as it means he can get some specialist help with equipment and also some therapies to help him in future.”

Mrs Patience said she still shudders when she thinks of the fateful moment the incident happened.

She said: “I will never forget it. One of the hardest moments was when Jack was seven and I had to tell him what had happened to him. I was advised to do so, and it was one of the hardest things I have had to do. He was asking me so many questions afterwards. He was saying ‘Mummy is that why I can’t hear? It was heartbreaking.”

Jack, a keen Boro fan, is now happily studying at school and enjoys training with football for Ingleby Barwick junior football team TIBS and also enjoys swimming.

Mrs Patience added: “I am very proud of him, he just gets on with everything.

“A lot of people thought I should have just left things and not bothered about getting him his compensation due to the stress and anxiety it has caused, but this is for his future. I want to know that if something happened to me, his care would be paid for.

“I want to thank all of the people who stood by me and supported me with this.”

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: “We are pleased that the matter has

now been brought to a conclusion and would like to wish both the boy and his family. The very best for the future.”

Rebecca Maddock, an expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Jack, said: “This was an unusual incident in which Jack suffered very serious and life-changing injuries when he was just a year old.

“The school overseen by the council could have supervised the autistic child better which may have prevented Jack from being tipped from his chair.

“Jack will be likely to need help for the rest of his life and the settlement is based on expert medical evidence about his potential future needs. Hopefully it will give the family peace of mind that he will now receive the help he needs to realise his full potential.”

Man who touched vulnerable 13-year-old girl he met on over-18s website given suspended prison sentence

A man who touched a vulnerable 13-year-old girl he had met on an over-18s website has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Charles Manners was in contact with the girl over the internet and met her in Middlesbrough the same day thinking she was 16, Teesside Crown Court heard.

She thought he was 18 or 19 when in fact he was about a decade older, said prosecutor Christine Egerton today.

She told him she was only 13 after she got into his car, but he went on to touch her and told her to touch him as they went for a drive.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told no one of the encounter at the time, back in August 2012.

She later said she decided to meet Manners because she was bored and was scared when she was with him. They were in contact on the internet months later.

The matter eventually came to light as a result of police inquiries to the website.

Manners was arrested and police found 57 indecent images on his laptop and a hard drive, most in the least severe category in law.

Officers found he had searched for filenames and had downloaded “matters which were indicative of searches of child abuse images”, added Miss Egerton.

In police interview, Manners initially denied meeting up with the girl.

But officers found computer logs and spoke to the girl, who picked Manners out at an identification procedure.

Manners, 31, of Malvern Road, Billingham, admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child and two of making indecent photographs of a child.

He also admitted one charge of possessing prohibited images of a child - two illegal “cartoons” deemed to be grossly offensive, disgusting or obscene.

He had no relevant previous convictions and had never been to prison.

Oliver Thorne, defending, said the website where Manners met the girl was for over-18s and her profile said she was 18.

He said there was no targeting or grooming and, after the meeting, it was the girl who contacted him and he declined to meet.

He told how she had arranged to meet someone else who backed out when she told him her true age.

“It’s clear from the chat logs this was a deeply vulnerable girl who was being exploited by a number of people,” added Mr Thorne.

“There is no way that this defendant could possibly have known that at the time.

“This is a man with an interest he shouldn’t have.

“He’s doing something which is not desperately savoury. He’s meeting somebody he thinks is 16.”

He said Manners should have stopped the liaison when he learned her age, he showed remorse and insight and spared the girl having to give evidence.

He argued prison would be “destructive for very little gain” for a family man and breadwinner with a £35,000-per-year job, and it would be more beneficial to punish him in the community.

Judge Peter Armstrong told Manners: “Whatever her experience, she’s still a child.

“And normally where someone of your age has sexual contact with a child of that age, inevitably there would be an immediate custodial sentence.

“Although she was a vulnerable victim, you weren’t to know that at the time.

“You believed she was 16. You clearly have an unhealthy interest in young girls, in children.

“You should have realised what the situation was and not gone ahead with it.

“Children, whatever their experiences or attitudes, need to be protected from themselves.”

He said a short jail term would have “excessive” knock-on effects, costing Manners his job and home and giving him no treatment.

He gave Manners a four-month prison sentence suspended for two years with supervision and a sex offender treatment programme.

“That will be of long-term benefit to the community,” the judge added.

Manners was given a sexual offences prevention order governing his contact with girls under 16 and his internet use, and will be on the sex offenders’ register, both for five years.

He will also be banned from working with children.

AIMIM to support Muslims ‘harassed’ by Adityanath’s HYV

In a bid to counter the alleged threat by BJP MP Yogi Adityanath’s outfit Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) after which 150 Muslim families reportedly left Madhopur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s party All-India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced it will reach the village on Thursday to support the Muslims.

District administration, in order to diffuse the tension over land ownership, has decided to separate the passage for Hindus and Muslims in the village. A team of officials also visited the village and prepared a report about the situation to be sent to senior officials.

Meanwhile, HYV has given a call for holding a Hindu mahapanchayat on March 2 if their worker Digvijay Kishore Shahi is not given possession of the disputed land

“Our delegation will reach Madhopur tomorrow. We will meet the Muslim families. They have been tortured by HYV. We will also meet the district administration demanding action against HYV leaders,” Shaukat Ali, state convenor, AIMIM, told The Indian Express. He said that reports by the AIMIM team will be sent to Owaisi for deciding future course of action. “We cannot tolerate harassment of Muslims by HYV in the region anymore,” he said.

On the other hand, the district administration claimed that no Muslim families, except those named in the FIR lodged by the Hindus, have ran away. Locals, however, claimed most of the Muslim houses are still locked and only 15 persons have returned so far.

“I had gone to the village today. Ten males, three females and two boys had come to the village to take stock of the situation. By evening, the women and the boys had left again,” Mohammad Anwar Siddiqui, a social worker in Kushinagar told The Indian Express. He also claimed that administration had asked him to avoid visiting village.

For More:http://bit.ly/1DhZRIP

AIMIM to support Muslims ‘harassed’ by Adityanath’s HYV

In a bid to counter the alleged threat by BJP MP Yogi Adityanath’s outfit Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) after which 150 Muslim families reportedly left Madhopur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s party All-India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced it will reach the village on Thursday to support the Muslims.

District administration, in order to diffuse the tension over land ownership, has decided to separate the passage for Hindus and Muslims in the village. A team of officials also visited the village and prepared a report about the situation to be sent to senior officials.

Meanwhile, HYV has given a call for holding a Hindu mahapanchayat on March 2 if their worker Digvijay Kishore Shahi is not given possession of the disputed land

“Our delegation will reach Madhopur tomorrow. We will meet the Muslim families. They have been tortured by HYV. We will also meet the district administration demanding action against HYV leaders,” Shaukat Ali, state convenor, AIMIM, told The Indian Express. He said that reports by the AIMIM team will be sent to Owaisi for deciding future course of action. “We cannot tolerate harassment of Muslims by HYV in the region anymore,” he said.

On the other hand, the district administration claimed that no Muslim families, except those named in the FIR lodged by the Hindus, have ran away. Locals, however, claimed most of the Muslim houses are still locked and only 15 persons have returned so far.

“I had gone to the village today. Ten males, three females and two boys had come to the village to take stock of the situation. By evening, the women and the boys had left again,” Mohammad Anwar Siddiqui, a social worker in Kushinagar told The Indian Express. He also claimed that administration had asked him to avoid visiting village.

For More:http://bit.ly/1DhZRIP

Live: Armed police attend incident in Thornaby town centre

Armed police have been called in following reports of an incident in Thornaby Town Centre.

Unconfirmed reports from the scene are that a shop was targeted in a robbery.

Police have been searching the nearby area of Stainsby Grange and Tedder Avenue.

Wedding of the week: Renewal of vows for Carol and Ronnie Duncan after 25 years of marriage

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Bride and Groom:  Carol Duncan, 55, of Middlesbrough, and Ronnie Duncan, 57, of Port Glasgow

Married at:  Middlesbrough Register Office

When?  1.15pm, August 9, 2014

Where did you meet? Middlesbrough

The proposal:  Renewal of vows after 25 years of marriage.

The wedding ring:  Rededication of original wedding rings.

What did the bride wear?  A 50’s style dress from Kiss Dresses.

Bridesmaids:  Donna Coleman, 47, and Katrina Geddes, 45.

Ushers/page boys:  Cole Duncan, seven and Ollie Duncan, five.

Best man:  Scott Duncan, 34, of Redcar.

The reception:  Blue Bell Hotel, Acklam, for 40 guests.

The honeymoon:  York.

Pictures by Jon Dea Photography

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Budding photographer and sportsman: See the camera work of Jamie Tyerman

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Every day The Gazette features the very best of pictures sent to us from readers around Teesside.

We’ve been so impressed we launched Camera Club, a regular feature in which we profile different photographers, find out a bit more about them and share a selection of their latest shots.

To have your pictures featured visit http://bit.ly/1ITUzYX

Name:   Jamie Tyerman.

Where are you from?  Stockton.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:  I am 18 years old and currently I am studying photography at Cleveland College of Art and Design. Being a keen sportsman, my hobbies are hockey and cricket and also being out and about taking pictures of any sporting events on Teesside.

What do you like taking pictures of?   I like taking pictures of any sport event I can get to.

To be featured in Camera Club click on this link

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Jordan Dowson: Man, 20, appears in court in connection with crash that killed young footballer

A man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a talented young footballer in a crash.

Josh Graham Butters, 20, made an appearance at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The charge relates to a three-car smash in which 19-year-old Jordan Dowson was killed on the A174 Brotton bypass on February 7 last year.

Jordan, from Guisborough, was travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash, which happened at 5pm, also involved a grey Audi estate and a white Volkswagen Scirocco.

Katie Lunn

Police closed the Brotton bypass after the fatal crash

Following his death, those who knew Jordan described him as “an amazing person” and a “fantastic footballer”.

A statement from Jordan’s family said the teenager was “a dearly loved son, stepson, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and great-grandson.”

“He was always with a smile on his face, probably best remembered by his laugh,” the statement added.

Jordan played for Guisborough Globe FC in the Teesside Football League Division Two. Speaking at the time, team manager Brian Combellack said he couldn’t believe what had happened and was “absolutely devastated” by Jordan’s death.

He said: “He was a tremendous asset to the team, he gave everything.

“He was up and coming, he would have gone a bit further.

“He was a really nice lad. He always had a smile on his face.”

Four other people who were also involved in the crash were treated for injuries.

An 18-year-old woman was taken to hospital along with the driver of the Corsa, a 19-year-old man. Both were treated and later discharged.

A man driving the Audi and a woman driving the Scirocco also received minor injuries.

Butters, of Atholl Grove, Redcar, was bailed to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, March 13.

Teesside Labour politicians say Chancellor George Osborne's plans 'lack substance'

How did the Chancellor’s plans go down with the Labour politicians on Teesside, who have also been setting out their agenda?

Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, said: “I am delighted the Chancellor has finally discovered where Teesside is with a second visit in two months but I think we can take his promises with a large pinch of salt.

“Government investment and support for industry and business has been a fraction of what it was prior to the 2010 election – and we’ve seen tens of millions of pounds switched from the North-east economy to elsewhere. I haven’t heard any commitment from George Osborne to correct that.

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“We saw real growth in the North-east and Teesside prior to 2010 with private sector employment growing by 9.2% between 2003 to 2008.

“Since then, with the exception of a few major developments like the power stations, Nifco and the Hitachi development, we have seen an expansion of low paid, part time and zero contract jobs – hardly the things any power house is made of.

“If the Chancellor puts his money where his mouth in his budget in three weeks’ time, we’ll see his statement as something more than just words.”

Louise Baldock, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Stockton South, accused the Chancellor of regurgitating Labour’s priorities for the region “which also included further funding for transport links”, development of regional ports and airports to encourage better international connectivity and a regional tourism strategy to bring back more visitors.

“Fifty thousand jobs sounds marvellous, but seems like imaginary figures plucked out of the air,” she said. “There’s no substance to it. It’s a bit rich he arrives a few weeks before the general election with sweeteners.”

John Powls: 'Karanka was right to slam the performance against Bolton but he should select the same starting XI at Hillsborough'

"I prefer to analyse the game when I arrive home - I don't know if some of my players think they are untouchable but it is disappointing the way some played."

Full marks if you identified the vintage of the Karanka quote above as following the visit of tomorrow’s Owls opponents to The Riverside last August when they took all three points rather than last Tuesday evening’s version after a Boro win!

The head coach won’t want a third go at those themes tomorrow teatime.

But Special K was spot on when he labelled the Tuesday win over Bolton as one of his Boro’s worst displays but most important wins.

At this crucial stage of the campaign, never mind the quality, feel the three points is the right order of priorities – if you can’t get both.

Last Saturday’s Leeds loss and the other midweek Championship top eight results underlined that, though Bournemouth blinked again.

I think Karanka’s "I didn’t recognise some players" comment reflects the frustrations of an uneven sequence of recent games, not just last Tuesday.

He identified that individual personality and confidence has been missing and may have been affected by the different pressures of trying to stay in the top two rather than chasing them down.

Though Gorgeous denies it, I believe his boss has put his finger on the right cause and effect and can put things right while Boro are still in the automatic spot they have earned.

But I’d say that the issues go beyond individuals to the units and the team.

Dealing with them effectively means more than cutting out the individual errors that have recently cost the proud clean sheet record until Tuesday’s shut out.

Dimi’s return from suspension was a big part of the improvement making his new contract even more welcome.

Action Images

Dimi Konstantopoulos celebrates a Boro goal

Boro’s back line held out despite the last 15 dropping too deep defending of pressure that narrow margin nervy Boro brought on themselves.

Bolton nil was second in importance only to the win.

Unsurprisingly, Karanka also went after the errors at the other end of the park with even Bam-Bam catching the banjo - bovine bum bug on Tuesday.

Uncle Albert picked a great time to get back on the goal trail and the assist from Tomlin was a rare moment of defence splitting quality in appreciation and delivery.

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The Ghana winger’s post-match comments about his different role and impact on his scoring record were illuminating.

But I think there’s also been grit in the gears of the usually reliable engine room.

Leadbelter hasn’t been getting the support from Clayts in recent games that made that partnership the division's best for weeks and Forshaw isn’t yet showing enough to take over.

But I’m sure Karanka will do the needful and the 4,000-strong travelling parmo army will see the impact at Hillsborough.

Though it’s only an extra day or so over recent between games intervals, the time at R&R Rockliffe can be relief, reinvigoration and routines re-inforced.

That can best be turned into a result by going same again in selection and set out – in the continued absence of Dani Ayala the Tuesday starters are the first picks and need another chance to show it.

Boro at their best width in the attacking midfield three will be key with Hillsborough’s flanks the only grassed part of the field but Muzzy may not be on the bench because of it.

The Owls won at Millwall in midweek with serial Boro botherer Nuhiu on the scoresheet again.

But they haven’t three pointed at home since the turn of the year, with three draws and one defeat, often struggling to score but not conceding many.

It would be good to see revitalised reds tomorrow and have the long-suffering Wednesdayites suffer some more.

C’mon Boro!

Dimi Konstantopoulos: 'It was just a matter of time until I signed a new deal with Boro'

Super stopper Dimi Konstantopoulos said it was “just a matter of time” until he signed a new deal with the club.

And having penned a one-year extension to his contract yesterday, the 36-year-old is now focused on capping off a memorable season by winning promotion with Boro.

The keeper’s deal was due to expire in the summer but Aitor Karanka always stressed he was keen to tie down the stopper for at least one more season.

After putting pen to paper on the deal, Kontantopoulos said: “Obviously the gaffer is happy and I’m happy.

“We knew from the start of the discussions that it was just a matter of time until we got it done.

“Now we just have to carry on what we’re doing.”

Konstantopoulos was back between the sticks for Boro on Tuesday night, having served a one-game suspension against Leeds, and kept his 14th clean sheet of the campaign as Boro got back to winning ways against Bolton.

The experienced keeper has established himself as No.1 under Aitor Karanka ever since Tomas Mejias suffered an injury almost exactly a year ago on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday.

Dimi Konstantopoulos celebrates the win over Brentford

“Things went well for me when the new gaffer came in,” he told the club’s website.

“Aitor had a proper look at me and liked me.

“I was given my chance and since then things have got better and better and I hope that continues.

“The Premier League is the target. I think everything’s set and ready for this club to return there - we’re trying our hardest and have been doing well so far.

“We know nothing’s done yet and we have some games to go. We have to approach each one as a very difficult game and try to get three points from each one.”

Boro go to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow looking to keep a firm grip on a top two spot in the Championship and determined to keep pace with Derby at the league’s summit.

Konstantopoulos added: “It’s up to us to carry on doing what we’re doing and not looking at the other results because if we can keep winning and picking up points, it doesn’t matter what the other teams are doing because it’s completely up to us.”

Police confirm three vehicles were involved in collision which saw car burst into flames

Three vehicles were involved in a collision which saw a car burst into flames on a busy Teesside Road.

Emergency services were called to the scene near Lazenby at the A174 Greystones roundabout.

The driver of a blue Ford Focus managed to escape from the vehicle with minor injuries seconds before it burst into flames.

Police have confirmed a black Ford Focus and a black Mercedes E220 were also involved in the smash.

It is unclear how the blue Ford Focus came to set alight.

The driver of the Mercedes was taken to hospital where he was treated for shock.

It is believed a man and women travelling in the black Ford Focus did not attended hospital.

A witness video uploaded on social media shortly after the incident showed the drama unfold.

The road was closed to allow for recovery for the three cars, causing traffic delays across the area.

The circumstances of the collision will be investigated.

Any witnesses to the collision or to the driving before the collision are being sought by police.

Anyone with information can call 101 and contact PC Mark Pearson quoting incident CVP-15-032439.

Nightlife in pictures: Did we see you out on the town in Middlesbrough?

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Photographers Nicola Thompson and Matthew Skelton provide you with a snapshot of Teesside nightlife.

This week features nights from two Middlesbrough venues.

We have scenes from a night at The Empire alongside Atik.

Take a look and see if you are one of the many captured on a night out.

Find dozens more nightlife pictures on our About Town page .

Attack attack attack or defend for their lives? What do Boro need to do to win promotion?

Boro may be the lowest scorers out of the Championship’s current top seven, but they do have the best defensive record by quite a distance.

But does history tell us that it’s the team with the best firepower or the best defence that earns automatic promotion to the Premier League?

In this feature Jonathon Taylor looks back at the last 10 Championship seasons and works out which statistic has proven to be the most important.

Best Attack

“Goals win matches, so the team that scores the most will get promoted”.

That’s the common perception among some football fans - but the statistics don’t really support that view.

Only six of the Championship’s top scorers have earned automatic promotion in the last 10 seasons

Southampton were the last team to fire their way into the Premier League as the division’s top scorers in 2011/12, scoring 85 goals in their 46 matches.

But that was only enough for the Saints to finish second in the table, with Reading taking the Championship crown- despite scoring 16 goals fewer.

Action Images

Southampton's Danny Fox celebrates automatic promotion

For the last two seasons, it hasn’t mattered which team has scored the most number of goals.

In 2012/13 Watford scored 85 goals and finished third, but lost in the play-offs. Then last season it was Steve McClaren’s Derby who were top scorers with 84 goals, again finishing third in the table but beaten by QPR in the play-off final.

So does the top scorers tag matter?

Well looking back at the last decade, it helps if you can blow your Championship opponents out of the water in front of goal - but it’s not essential.

In the last 10 seasons, top scorers Norwich (2010/11), Newcastle (2009/10), Wolves (2008/09), West Brom (2007/08) and Reading (2005/06) all went on to win the league.

Both Southampton (2011/12) and Norwich (2010/11) finished second in the table and were subsequently promoted as the division’s most potent attacking force.

So what tally do Boro need to aim for, if the goals scored column is important?

Well the most number of goals scored by any team in the last 10 seasons was 99, achieved by champions Reading in 2005/06.

Following that, Newcastle scored 90 goals in 2009/10 and West Brom scored 88 in 2007/08.

The lowest number of goals that a title-winning side has scored is 69

That was Reading in 2011/12, while second-placed Birmingham netted only 54 times in 2008/09 but still achieved promotion.

The average number of goals scored by the last 10 Championship winners is 80, with second place teams averaging 73.5 goals.

Trinity Mirror Southern

Reading celebrate promotion

Boro have scored 50 goals from their 33 games so far this season, finding the net at an average of 1.5 goals per match.

So if that trend continues, Boro would end the season on 70 goals. No team has won the Championship in the last decade having scored fewer than that tally, but four clubs have clinched automatic promotion with fewer goals.

Carl O'Hara

What does all of that mean? Well Aitor Karanka’s side remain well on course for promotion with their current record in front of goal, but history suggests they need to slightly increase their scoring rate to end the season as champions.

Best Defence

“If you don’t concede goals then you always have a chance of winning promotion”.

That’s the other view from football fans who advocate a more defensive discipline.

But does history support that view?

Well the answer is... not always. Six of the Championship’s tightest defences have earned automatic promotion in the last 10 seasons.

Burnley were the last team to stifle their opponents and win promotion as the division’s best rearguard, conceding 37 goals in their 46 matches last season.

But Sean Dyche’s team only finished second behind Leicester, who finished nine points above the Clarets despite having conceded six goals more.

In 2012/13 it didn’t matter who conceded the fewest goals

Cardiff won the Championship crown having conceded 45 goals, while Hull City were the runners-up after shipping 52.

The best defence during that season was Brighton (43) - but lost in the play-offs after finishing fourth.

But not conceding goals surely does boost your chances of finishing in the top two come the end of the season.

Joining Burnley in the list of promoted sides boasting the division’s best defence is Reading (41 goals in 2011/12), QPR (32 goals in 2010/11), Newcastle (35 goals in 2009/10), Birmingham (37 goals in 2008/09) and Wigan (35 goals in 2004/05).

The most number of goals conceded by a team that has won automatic promotion in the last decade was second-placed Norwich in 2010/11, with the Canaries shipping 58 goals in their 46 matches.

Reading are the team to have conceded the fewest Championship goals and finished in the top two. The Royals were only breached 32 times in 2005/06 - but that wasn’t the best record in the division that season.

Preston North End conceded only 30 in the same year - but were beaten in the play-offs having finished fourth.

The average number of goals conceded by the last 10 Championship winners is 42

Second-placed teams are breached 46 times, on average.

So far this season, Boro have conceded 22 goals from their 33 matches - an average of 0.6 goals per game.

Carl O'Hara

So if that trend continues, Boro would end the season having conceded 31 goals - the second best tally from any side in the last 10 years.

Only one team (Preston 2005/06) in the last decade has failed to finish in the top two having conceded 31 goals or fewer.

So what does that mean? If Boro’s defence continue to be so watertight, then automatic promotion is almost a certainty for Karanka’s side.

So where are Boro now?

Looking at the last 10 Championship seasons, it’s no surprise Boro are currently in the automatic promotion places.

Boro may have scored fewer goals than any of the other top seven teams as yet, but that is counteracted by the Teessiders’ far superior defensive record.

In truth, teams that win automatic promotion to the Premier League strike up a good balance between goals scored and goals conceded.

In the last 10 seasons, the team that boasts the best goal difference has been promoted on nine occasions.

It was only in 2008/09 when Reading had the Championship’s best goal difference (+32) but did not go up, losing out in the play-offs after finishing fourth.

Daniel Ayala in action for Boro at Reading

On every other occasion, the team with the best goal difference has tasted success.

To add, the team with the best goal difference has ended the season as champions in eight of the last 10 seasons.

As things stand, Boro (+28) have the third best goal difference behind Derby (+33) and Bournemouth (+30).

With 13 games left to go, this Championship promotion race is going right down to the wire.

Man suffers broken jaw after being punched outside Redcar high street takeaway

A man suffered a broken jaw following an assault in Redcar.

The 27-year-old victim was outside Chicken Hut in the high street at about 4.30am on Sunday, February 8, when he was punched once, resulting in him falling to the floor.

He later attended hospital where the break to his jaw was confirmed.

The suspect is described as a white man of medium build, with short dark hair and tattoos on one arm.

He was wearing a black CROOKS t-shirt and he walked off with another man after the incident, however he was inside the Chicken Hut for a while before the assault and police know a number of people spoke with him.

It is also believed that two men stayed with the victim for a while afterwards and they, as well as anyone with information on the suspect’s identity or other information about the incident, are asked to contact PC Nicky Meakin on the non emergency number 101.

Alternatively please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Businesses in Middlesbrough to benefit from Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme

Businesses in Middlesbrough an now join up to a Government-funded scheme that can help them get better connected to the internet.

Chancellor George Osborne announced today that Middlesbrough is able to benefit from £40m made available to support more cities that want to get involved in the scheme.

“Available from April 1, it will help local businesses to access faster, better broadband,” he said.

The Government initially committed £150m for the SuperConnected Cities programme, which is managed by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), a unit within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

But in December, the Chancellor announced the Government will make up to £40m available from April to March 2016 to support more cities administer The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme.

Each local scheme is designed to meet local needs while helping local businesses to grow and develop.

Broadband Connection Vouchers are available to Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Businesses can get a connection voucher of up to £3,000 for faster, better broadband through the scheme.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/1LQtvt8.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage to Normanby school property after overnight break in.

Thieves have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after striking at a primary school in the early hours.

The caretaker at Normanby Primary School found burglars had smashed windows to get inside two offices at the school, on Flatts Lane, in Normanby, Middlesbrough, at 4am today.

The police were also alerted by the school’s security alarm and are have launched an investigation into the incident.

The school now faces a bill of “several thousands of pounds” to repair windows and metal frames which were bent by the burglars during the break-in.

Camera equipment stored in a locked unit in the office was also stolen.

Headteacher Carl Faulkner said the staff and pupils at the school had coped “exceptionally well” to the disruption caused by the crooks.

He said: “Two of our main officers have been broken into and it has caused several thousands of pounds worth of damage.

“Large windows have been smashed, Locks have been broken and there is significant damage to the framework.

“We can’t say for certain what exactly has been stolen but we do know our camera equipment which is often used by our pupils was among items taken.

Mr Faulkner said a temporary office space has been set up in another part of the school, to allow the day to run as normal.

He said: “We have relocated staff so the school can operate as normal.

“I would like to thank staff, parents and pupils who have coped extremely well with the disruption caused.”

Any witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area at around the time of the burglary are asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.

Drink driver tried to fool pursuing police following crash - by moving into back seat

A drink driver failed to fool pursuing police when he swapped seats after he smashed through a fence and landed up in a field.

George Elcoate, 30, from Middlesbrough, was double the drink limit and he had been driving his Saab with the passenger door hanging open.

He reached 70mph in a 30 zone followed by a police car with blue lights and siren sounding before he clipped a roundabout on the Trunk Road near Grangetown fire station and crashed into the field.

A rescuing office found that the black Saab Cabriolet was locked,a woman passenger screaming hysterically in the front, and Elcoate was on the back seat shouting that the driver had run off.

Other police units arrived and he was eventually removed from the car protesting “Don’t arrest me”.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh told Teesside Crown Court today that Elcoate had been shouting to the woman “He’s run off, hasn’t he, he’s run off”.

When he was arrested he said “You can’t arrest me, he’s run off”.

He failed a breath test with a reading of 87 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, and in interview he said that he could not remember much, he had been to a party earlier that night October 23.

When he was shown a video recording of his driving filmed from the unmarked police car he agreed that it had been dangerous.

Mrs Haigh said he admitted: “I’m lucky I crashed into the fence and did not run anyone over.

“I’m glad I got stopped.”

Andrew Turton, defending, said that Elcoate agreed that he was stupid to get into the car because of the amount of alcohol he had drunk.

Mr Turton added: “He has abstained from alcohol since December and he is seeking the help for his problems that he should have done earlier.

“He understands the risk of driving in this manner, and he may well not drive again himself. “

Judge Tony Briggs told Elcoate: “Those who drive motor vehicles when they are potentially unfit to do so through drink put others at risk.

“Happily no one was injured but had you not come off the road at that particular point no doubt others would have been put at risk. “

Elcoate, of Runswick Road, Middlesbrough, was given a nine months jail sentence suspended for two years with supervision for 18 months, disqualified for two years and until he passes an extended driving test, and ordered to pay £100 surcharge after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and excess alcohol.

Teenager narrowly avoids being locked up after admitting aiming fireworks at firefighter

A teenager was told he narrowly escaped being locked up after he admitted targeting a fire brigade officer with fireworks while he tried to do his job.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was with another person creating a rubbish heap bonfire just off Broadwell Road in Easterside, Middlesbrough, on the afternoon of Bonfire Night last year when the incident happened.

Fire crews called to the scene said the pair were seen to be in possession of “flare-style fireworks”, prosecutor Joanne Hesse told Teesside Youth Court.

She said: “An officer got out in order to assess the fire and he states that fireworks were lit and fired in his direction.”

She said that though the firefighter was not hurt by the fireworks, if they had hit him “there would have been potential to cause serious injuries.”

She said the officer asked the youths to put the fire out, and described the young man as “coming up to him toe-to-toe in an aggressive manner” and verbally abusing him. She said: “He stated that the group had no regard for his safety.”

The college student appeared at the court today to be sentenced for the offence of obstructing or hindering an emergency worker, plus one of affray from the same day, relating to the verbal abuse directed at the same firefighter.

The teenager, who was accompanied to the court by his mum, “fully admitted being in possession of fireworks, he admitted firing them towards the officer and being verbally abusive to the officer,” Ms Hesse added.

He was in breach of a conditional discharge at the time of the offence, which he had been given on October 8 for causing a dangerous occurrence on or over a road.

He had also previously been subject to a referral order for a non-dwelling burglary, but was not in breach of that at the time of this offence.

Kelleigh Lodge, defending the teenager, said he had “pleaded guilty to these offences at the first opportunity”. She said: “He was going through a rough time at that stage - his mum was very unwell and had been in and out of hospital.”

She said he “didn’t mean to be aggressive towards the fireman”, but had intended to ask if they could keep the fire lit.

She added: “He’s genuinely sorry about his behaviour.”

Chairman of the Bench, Mr Keith Gorton told the teenager: “We’ve been told you are very sorry about what happened and we’re glad to hear that.

“We have to say that we gave consideration to a custodial sentence today. These are very serious offences. They are not just affecting people doing their job, they are people who we rely on to keep us all safe.”

But he said he felt the teenager should continue to do well at college, and that he needed help to address his “recklessness” and to help him think about the consequences of his actions in the future.

He gave the boy a six-month Youth Rehabilitation Order with supervision and some reparation activitiies. He also ordered him to pay £100 costs.

A second teenager, 19-year-old Joshua Jake Smith, of Eccleston Walk, Middlesbrough, also appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court in connection with the incident. His case was adjourned and he is to appear again on Wednesday, March 4.

Steve McClaren believes EIGHT sides are battling it out in Championship promotion race

Derby County boss Steve McClaren believes Boro are one of EIGHT teams vying for Championship promotion this season.

The Rams currently lead the way at the summit, two points ahead of Aitor Karanka’s Boro ahead of this weekend’s matches.

Both Derby and Boro face tricky away fixtures tomorrow against Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, and any slip-up could see the chasing pack gain valuable ground.

Only two points separate third-placed Ipswich with Brentford in seventh, while Wolves are marching towards the top six and are five points off Watford.

McClaren believes any of the current top eight are capable of winning promotion.

“There are seven strong teams at the top and Wolves just behind, so eight good teams and any of them can put a run together,” McClaren told the Derby Telegraph.

“We have to keep our composure, that is key.

“This league is tough. Look at Middlesbrough. If you go to Manchester City and win, as they did in the FA Cup, you’re not a bad side.

“So the quality in this division is good. I think it has improved on last season.

“That is credit to the likes of ourselves and the others up there for the style of football being played.

“Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford and Brentford play great football. It is entertaining and there are a lot of good players on show.”

Boro head to Hillsborough tomorrow without striker Jelle Vossen, who is still missing with the head injury picked up against Leeds last weekend.

Defender Dani Ayala remains on the treatment table after sustaining a thigh injury at Blackpool, while right-back Damia Abella is nearing a first-team return after five months out with a cruciate.

But Mustapha Carayol could make his Boro comeback from the bench, after he was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Bolton.

Stuart Gray: 'The onus is on us to attack Boro, we'll give them a good game'

Stuart Gray believes the onus is on Sheffield Wednesday to attack Boro tomorrow and is calling for a repeat of his side's display at the Riverside earlier in the season.

The Wednesday manager is aware of the danger Boro pose on the break but wants the Owls to build on the win over Millwall in midweek - their first in eight Championship games.

"At the Riverside, everybody turned up," said Gray, looking back on Wednesday's 3-2 win on Teesside in August.

"We put a shift in, closed them down, nullified them from playing, and we have to do that again on Saturday.

"They're in good form, but we want to build on that result the other night at Millwall. We now want to start putting performances on at our place as well.

"We are looking forward to the match, and will give them a good game. There will be a good crowd, good atmosphere and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about, some goalmouth action.

"They have pace in the team and will hit you on the counter-attack, the onus is on us to attack them."

Sheffield Wednesday manager Stuart Gray

Wednesday's poor run of recent form has halted any aspirations for a play-off push with the Owls now languishing 16 points behind sixth place Watford.

But Stuart Gray is hoping Leicester winger Anthony Knockaert can provide a much-needed spark as he looks to sign the Foxes flanker on loan until the end of the season.

The gifted Frenchman was one of Leicester's best players last season but has struggled for game time in the Premier League.

He looked set to join Boro's promotion rivals Ipswich Town on loan earlier this week but pulled the plug at the last minute.

Anthony Knockaert

Gray has made no secret of the fact he's an admirer of the wideman, but any deal isn't expected to be completed before tomorrow's game.

"I have always liked the boy," Gray told the Sheffield Star.

"Anthony scored a great goal against us last season at their place.

"He's proven he can get goals in the Championship. We are always interested in good players."