Middlesbrough FC will reap rewards of Aitor Karanka selection policy claims boss

Aitor Karanka believes his selection policy is paying dividends as the promotion race hots up.

Going into a crucial four-match programme against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Derby and Bournemouth, the Boro boss, who typically makes three or four changes in personnel from game to game, has pretty much a full-strength squad to choose from.

With Mustapha Carayol and Dani Ayala on the verge of first team returns, Rhys Williams and Damia Abella are Boro’s only long-term absentees and the latter could be back next month.

Karanka points to the problems several of his rival managers are contending with as justification for his policy of rotating his players.

He said: “If you look at Derby, they have Chris Martin and Darren Bent injured.

“Lewis Grabban is injured at Norwich. We don’t have players injured and I think it’s because we have been managing them all properly until now.

“The players who play more games - maybe 27, 28 - are in more danger. It’s important to reach the end of the season fresh.”

Karanka, who made a point of touching wood when he talked about having a fully fit squad to avoid jinxing his players, said most of his team changes have worked.

“I have to think what is best for the team,” he explained.

“There were people who criticised me before we played Blackpool but we beat them.

“After that game I was the best (manager). I made changes against Sheffield (Wednesday) and I was criticised again, we lost and it was my fault.

“That’s not a problem. I know my responsibility and I have to choose carefully what I think is my best XI to win every game. We are top of the table so we are doing some things well.”

Karanka has consistently maintained he has the best squad in the Championship because he was able to bring in his own players.

He has qualified that statement, though, but claiming that, on an individual basis, other clubs maybe have better players on bigger salaries in certain positions.

“Do I have the best squad?” he asked rhetorically. “For sure, it is my squad, I will always say that.

“But if you look at other teams, player by player, then many of them have better players because the numbers are there to look at.

“Whether it is the strikers at Watford, Derby, Norwich, Ipswich or Bournemouth, they have more goals than our players.

“But for me it is not a problem because I trust all of them 200%.

“I chose all of them carefully so it is the best squad, but if look player by player and salaries by salaries, then a lot of the squads have better players and better contracts.”

Win a Dream Wedding worth over £12,000

Your Wedding Day should be the most spectacular day of your life.

Win our exclusive competition and it will be.

The Gazette has teamed up with the magnificent Edwardian country house, Crathorne Hall to give one very lucky couple the wedding of their dreams.

Worth over £12,000, our fantastic wedding package covers every detail of your celebration. From a beautiful bridal gown, to bespoke wedding stationery, to lavish floral decorations and venue dressing – every element of your big day is included.

To be in with a chance of winning this incredible prize simply register by completing the form below.

Registration is open for the duration of the competition however to appear in the ‘Wedding Entrants Supplement’ you must register no later than 5pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. We will then print a special supplement in The Gazette on Tuesday, March 24, which will feature all of this year’s entrants.

Tokens will be printed in The Gazette every day from Thursday, March 26 until Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

For every 500 tokens a couple collects they will receive a Golden Envelope. This Golden Envelope will then be placed into a prize draw at 6.30pm on Monday, June 8, 2015 at Crathorne Hall. We will then select an envelope at random to win the Dream Wedding. All entrants, family and friends are welcome to attend the Grand Finale.

The more envelopes a couple has in the draw will increase their chances of winning this fantastic prize or alternatively a couple may strike it lucky with one envelope.

There is no limit to the number of envelopes you can have in the draw so collect as many tokens as possible to be in with an even bigger chance of winning. Simply send your tokens along with the completed entry form, which we will be printing in paper on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. Remember for every 500 tokens collected you will receive a Golden Envelope into the prize draw.

Recruit as many people as you can to help you collect tokens! Get your friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours to help you in your mission to win this ultimate Dream Wedding package.

With thanks to our Wedding Partners

Read more about all our partners below the prize details

Crathorne Hall, Sugarcraft of Middlesbrough, Impact Pyrotechnics, Catherines Chair Covers, Destiny Bridal, Magnum Entertainments, Lyndsey Morgan Makeup, Wish upon a String, Pavilion Music, White Heart Doves, Victorian Sweet Cart Company, Marianne of Cleadon, Rose Driver, Wedding Stationery, Pure Elegance, Bakers Tailoring, Georgina K and Gifts at the Swan.

Crathorne Hall - Prize Value £6,250

A Fairy Tale Wedding Package for 50 guests for Wedding Breakfast & 100 guests for the Evening Reception at Crathorne Hall which includes:

Red Carpet Arrival

Toast Master to ensure your day runs without a hitch

A glass of bucks fizz, mulled wine or bottle of beer for the reception drink

Choice of 2 canapes with reception drinks

Your choice of a three course wedding breakfast from the seasonal wedding menu, coffee and chocolates

Half a bottle of wine per person

Cake stand and knife

Linen, cutlery and crockery

Glass of sparkling wine to toast the bride and groom

Seasonal evening buffet of either bacon sandwiches, sausage sandwiches and potato wedges, or hamburgers, sausages and salads

The Bridal Suite on the evening of your wedding for the Bride & Groom

Two complimentary rooms on the night of the wedding, 1 deluxe double and 1 classic double.

Private Bar

Exclusive use of the Drawing Room and Edwardian Room

Michael Cartwright Photography - Prize Value £1100

To include wedding photographs from bridal preparations right up until you and your guests sit down for your wedding breakfast.

The package would include a beautiful 12x8, 30 page album complete with a presentation box, stylishly designed in the studio and holding around 150 of your favourite photographs. A complimentary Pre Wedding shoot in Yarm in the weeks before the wedding date.

Destiny Bridal - Prize Value £800

A voucher to the value of £800 to spend on any bridal gown in Destiny Bridal. The voucher is not transferable and there are no cash alternatives, refunds or exchanges. Not valid for use on any accessories or occasionwear.

Impact Pyrotechnics - Prize Value £800

£800 Firework display to clients choice of music. Impact are the North Easts leading supplier of musically choreographed wedding fireworks, Low noise fireworks displays & close proximity special effects.

Bakers Tailoring - Prize Value £600

1 Groom and 3 Groomsmen suit hire which will include jacket, trousers, shirt, waistcoat, shoes and choice of tie or cravat to compliment the color scheme as possible.

Marianne of Cleadon - Prize Value £500

A Gift Voucher to the value of £500. Can be used against all mother of the bride outfits including Shoes, Handbags and Hat Hire. The voucher is non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives, refunds or exchanges.

Rose Driver Wedding Stationery - Prize Value £450

Wedding Stationery to include wedding invitations for up to 50 guests and evening invitations for up to 100 guests, a table plan and place cards. They will be designed specifically for the individual couple to reflect their tastes, colour and theme.

Gifts at the Swan - Value £300

1 x Brides bouquet of seasonal flowers, 1 bridesmaid and flower girls bouquet of matching seasonal flowers, 5 buttonholes and 1 Ceremony Spray all to match the winning couples colour scheme.

Sugarcraft of Middlesbrough - Prize Value £300

A 3 tiered wedding cake, colours to suit theme of wedding, flavours can be chosen by the winning couple. Choose from set designs, however winning couple can choose or bring in their own designs. Cake details must be finalised 8-12 weeks prior to wedding where possible.

Catherines Chair Covers - Prize Value £230

100 chair covers with sash, delivery, collection and set up.

Any additional covers with sash will be charged at £1.90 per chair.

4 weeks notice is required to order sash colour.

Chair covers can be loose or lycra in white, ivory or black.

Magnum Entertainments - Prize Value £250

Magnum Entertainments will provide everything you would expect a great DJ to come with, including uplighting.

Lyndsey Morgan Make up - Prize £120

The bride will receive a bridal trial approximately 1 month before the chosen wedding date. On the day of the wedding they will receive the full bridal make up, including strip lashes if required. The products that are used are all premium; mainly Mac, Dior, Benefit, Chanel and Laura Mercier.

They are flash-photograph friendly and aim to provide the bride with flawless skin, bring out the colour of her eyes and enhance all her best features while still letting keeping her style and preferred look. I work with the bride during the trial to ensure we get everything perfect so the big day runs smoothly and the bride can sit back, relax and be pampered.

Wish upon a String - Prize Value £125

50 Favours to the value of £125 (£2.50 each). This will be a bespoke design that will be adjusted and designed specifically within the wedding theme.

Pavilion Music - Prize Value £400

The string quartet would like to offer the winning couple EITHER music for a wedding ceremony OR music for a drinks reception.

Timescale 2 hours maximum.

The Quartet plays both Classical and Contemporary and a guide playlist will be available for the winning couple to liaise with the quartet on music choices.

White Heart Doves - Prize Value £180

White Heart Doves will provide 2 doves in cages at the entrance to the venue for guests arriving and for photo opportunities. After the ceremony there will be 2 doves in a heart shaped basket for the happy couple to release.

Certain weather conditions will make it impossible for the doves to be released e.g. Thunderstorms. Heavy rain, Strong winds, Snow or Fog. Weather conditions will be assessed on the day and up to a release.

An experienced coordinator / handler will always be present, dressed accordingly and extremely discreet.

Victorian Sweet Cart Company - Prize Value £300

Victorian Sweet Cart Company will provide a large candy buffet supplied by. Parental supervision is required if children present. Includes delivery and setup and collection the following day.

Pure Elegance - Prize Value £150

A Bridal Consultation to take place at the Pure Elegance Salon. Pure Elegance will travel to the brides location on the day of the wedding to make the bride look beautiful for her big day.

Georgina K Beauty Therapist - Prize Value £65.00

The Bride will receive a full set of French acrylic nails and a full set of mink semi permanent lashes.

The Gazette reserves the right to reject entries that are unlawful, indecent, racist, inflammatory,defamatory or which we consider to be otherwise harmful to the goodwill and reputation of our brand. Entries must arrive at the Gazette Offices, Borough Road, Middlesbrough by Friday 15th May 2015 at 5.00pm. Entrants must be over the age of 18 and legally entitled to marry. All prize values are based on the suppliers’ rate card and based on peak rates where applicable. The prize is as stated and cannot be exchanged for other items. Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. Subject to availability, alternatives will be offered where possible. The wedding must be taken between October 2015 and October 2016. The prize applies to new bookings only. Please note the prize cannot be used for wedding renewals. Each winner must co-operate with the Gazette photographers and reporters as and when the Gazette deems appropriate. Unless otherwise stated tokens and/or competitions that are published in the newspaper apply only to the printed product and are permissible in newsprint only E-edition customers cannot print out tokens and use these instead. Only original newsprint tokens will be accepted. Standard Trinity Mirror plc rules apply: available at http://bit.ly/1BcLYyF Editors decision is final.

More about our Wedding Partners

Crathorne Hall

http://bit.ly/1BcLZ5C

Crathorne Hall was built in Yarm in 1906, overlooking the Leven Valley on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, Crathorne Hall Hotel in North Yorkshire is at once grand and stately, warm and welcoming. Owned by the Dugdale family until 1977, Crathorne Hall Hotel has played host to politicians, courted royalty and delighted socialites over the decades.

One of the best loved hotels in North Yorkshire, Crathorne Hall is set in 15 acres of private grounds and has been awarded the prestigious accolade of 4 Red Stars, being among the top 200 hotels in the UK and Ireland. The hotel currently offers 20 bedrooms in the main house until the summer of 2015 when an additional 17 bedrooms will be available.

Enjoy a perfect day at one of the most perfect wedding venues in North Yorkshire at Crathorne Hall or inspire your delegates at our conference venue in North Yorkshire. Crathorne Hall currently offers a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant in North Yorkshire.

Crathorne Hall Hotel is located close to the village of Yarm and in easy access of the Yorkshire, Teesside and County Durham.

To book viewing or for any further information please contact the wedding team on 01642 700398 or email enquires.crathorne@handpicked.co.uk

Michael Cartwright Photography

http://bit.ly/1zYgdEt

A wedding day is filled with beautiful moments, laughter, love, tears, joy. I shoot your wedding with this in mind, focusing on the moments that make your wedding day the most important and unique day of your life. The beauty is in the simplicity of this approach, simply beautiful pictures of you and your guests authentically enjoying a happy occasion.

Impact Pyrotechnics

http://bit.ly/1zYggQx

Impact are the north easts leading supplier of wedding firework displays, close proximity special effects, low noise fireworks and musical fireworks displays.

Destiny Bridal

http://bit.ly/1zYggQB

Beautiful shop offering outstanding customer service. We cater for all price ranges and all sizes, you will not be disappointed.

Bakers Tailoring

http://on.fb.me/1zYggQF

Bakers have always been renowned for quality, service and style. With our superb collection of mens suits, dinner suits, trousers, shirts & accessories you can be confident that you will look good whatever the occasion!!

Marianne of Cleadon

http://bit.ly/1zYgdEy

Marianne Fashions is a specialist fashion boutique conveniently situated in Cleadon Village, between Newcastle and Sunderland. We offer the finest selection of ladies designer fashion for mother of the bride or groom, special occasions, cruises, business wear, casual wear and much, much more.

Rose Driver Wedding Stationery

http://bit.ly/1zYgjf6

We understand the importance of communication and working well with our customers, offering each and every one a product and a "top table" service from beginning to end.

Our cards & stationery have those personal little hand-made touches which we believe the mass-produced items cannot match.

Gifts at the Swan

http://on.fb.me/1zYgh70

We cater for all occasions from birthdays, anniversaries, new baby, congratulations and thank you’s to I’m sorry or even “just to say…..” and not just with flowers. We also deliver handmade soaps, teddies, chocolates, balloons, handmade bath products and many more gifts.

Sugarcraft of Middlesbrough

http://bit.ly/1zYgjf8

Sugarcraft is a family run business now based in MIDDLESBROUGH and supply home-made celebration cakes made from the finest ingredients

Catherines Chair Covers

http://on.fb.me/1zYgh72

Suppliers of chair covers, sashes, runners, backdrops, swags, bay trees, centrepieces, balloons, linen, vintage crockery, bridal bouquets and button holes, favors, table skirts, napkins and more.

Magnum Entertainments

http://bit.ly/1zYgjfc

We are one of the only suppliers of stunning starlit dance floors, giant LED LOVE letters and our exclusive white starlit wedding disco’s. Don’t forget about our elegant LED mood / up-lighting to flood your venue with coloured lighting giving you a personal touch tailoring to your colour theme

Lyndsey Morgan Make up

http://bit.ly/1zYgjfg

Whether you are looking for a bridal makeup artist to ensure your look is designed to photograph well or someone who just isn’t sure of what, where and how, to use makeup to enhance your features. I can help you to understand your skin, your face shape and your individual features so that you can feel confident in selecting and applying your own makeup.

Wish upon a String

http://bit.ly/1zYgjfj

Wish Bracelets for the Dreamers, the Wishers and The Believers

Pavilion Music
http://bit.ly/1BcLZm9

Create the perfect ambience for your special occasion with beautiful music played by professional musicians. With our extensive repertoire and expertise, we can provide music of your choice for Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, Civil Partnerships, Concerts, Dinners and Corporate Events

White Heart Doves

http://bit.ly/1BcLZmd

Established over five years we are a professional, friendly and unique company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, offering the purest white doves for your special occasion.

Victorian Sweet Cart Company

http://bit.ly/1zYgjfo

The Victorian Sweet Cart Company is a family run business which strives to offer only the very best product alongside the very best service possible. We offer wedding sweet candy carts & other bespoke items for hire for all occasions at all locations.

Pure Elegance

http://on.fb.me/1BcLZCu

Based in Middlesbrough and specialise in bridal hair, our aim of the salon is to make you look and feel beautiful about yourself. It has been specifically designed with the bride in mind.

Georgina K Beauty Therapist

http://on.fb.me/1BcLZCx

Based in Middlesbrough with over 8 years of experience.

Car destroyed in garage fire in Acklam

A retired couple’s car was completely destroyed when a fire ripped through their garage.

Firefighters were called to Mosswood Crescent in Acklam at 4.38pm today after a blaze took hold in the attached garage of their home.

It is believed that an electrical fault in a tumble dryer, which was on at the time, caused the fire. This then spread to the Nissan Qashqai which was parked inside.

Alwyn Grant, who lives in the house with her retired firefighter husband Terry, said: “I heard some banging and thought it was next door or someone breaking in so I went to have a look.

Scene of a fire at Mosswood Crescent, Acklam where a fire in a detached garage destroyed a car. The owner of the house , a former fireman was taken to hospital after suffering from burns as he tried to fight the fire.

“When I went out I just saw flames shooting up out of the garage.

“I called for Terry and he then tried to tackle the fire, with him having being in the brigade, while I called 999.”

Two appliances from Middlesbrough Fire Station attended their home and extinguished the blaze.

As well as the car, the garage was partially destroyed, along with an array of garden tools and the tumble dryer stored in the building.

“Terry sustained some burns to his face so he was taken to James Cook,” added Alwyn. “But luckily he is okay and the burns are only minor.”

“I am still in shock but I would like to say that the fire brigade were absolutely brilliant,” she added. “We would like to thank them for what they did.”

Alan Pierson watch manager at Middlesbrough Fire Station said: “The man at the home, who retired from the fire brigade in 1977, tried to tackle the blaze himself but then we took over on our arrival.

“We believe that the tumble dryer in the garage was the cause of the fire.”

Redcar and Cleveland Councillors returned £1m EU development cash by choice

More than £1m of European development funding was paid back by choice, said Redcar and Cleveland councillors today.

As reported, the authority has refunded £1.03m of the £31m European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) cash it received for the Redcar Leisure and Community Heart project which opened in April 2014.

But claims by Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Tristan Learoyd, that the taxpayers would be hit with the bill for the refunded cash have been branded “senseless scaremongering”.

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “The council’s previous administration chose to return the £1.03m European funding which had restrictive conditions on letting.

“It did this to widen the scope for more businesses to set up in the Redcar and Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart.

“There was considerable interest from businesses planning to move into space available. They were not eligible to do so because of stringent ERDF rules.

“By returning the money the restrictions on the space were lifted.

“We shall now be seeing more businesses moving in and creating jobs in the borough. The income from these new lettings is much greater than if the ERDF funding was kept.

“We are determined to speed up filling the vacant space and are confident that this will be a better deal for local people.”

Cllr Sue Jeffrey

The leader of the council’s Labour group, Councillor Sue Jeffrey, said Cllr Learoyd’s claims the council had suffered a £1m loss by having to refund the Euro funding “is senseless scaremongering”.

“The reality is that European Development funding comes to any public body with strict rules attached,” she said.

“In the case of the Community Heart, the council was successful in attracting commercial tenants for parts of the building and these businesses were not eligible for grant aid.

“This was fully explained to Cllr Learoyd at a council meeting late last year. These statements are both irresponsible and ill-informed and do nothing to help us promote Redcar and the excellent work that is being done to regenerate the town.”

The Redcar Leisure and Community Heart boasts sports and leisure centre, swimming pools, civic facilities, business centre, and meeting and community spaces.

Eston man jailed after he throttled his girlfriend until she passed out

A raging boyfriend who throttled, punched and kicked his girlfriend breaking her ribs in a domestic attack is back behind bars today.

Tyrone Ackerman, 28, lost his temper completely in an argument with his partner at her home in Tollesby, Middlesbrough.

“He grabbed her around the neck with both hands,” prosecutor Shaun Dryden told Teesside Crown Court today.

“She says her neck was squeezed so tight she couldn’t breathe and she passed out.

“When she came to, the defendant was punching her around the head and body.

“He began kicking her on the bedroom floor. He pulled off a baby gate at the side of the room and left the building.”

She was taken to hospital with a bruised neck and left shoulder, holding her left side and having trouble breathing.

She had fractured ribs but was discharged with painkillers and no further medical intervention needed.

The couple had been in a relationship for about three months before the attack on July 30 last year.

When he was arrested Ackerman, of Clive Road, Eston, claimed she had been the aggressor and she pulled a knife on him.

He abandoned these allegations as he later admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of a Class C prescription drug which was found on him.

He had 40 previous offences including two robberies, affray and assault and had served long prison sentences.

He was on licence at the time from a 29-month jail term for house burglary imposed in March 2013.

He has been recalled to finish that sentence, which runs until August this year.

Rachel Dyson, defending, said a letter from Ackerman and two references from prison staff showed he was remorseful.

She said this was his first conviction for domestic violence and the victim had since sent him a card saying she wanted to visit him in prison.

Judge Tony Briggs told Ackerman: “This was a nasty and vicious attack.

“The unhappy fact is you put her on the ground, you kicked her and fractured her ribs.

“That cannot be overlooked. There has to be a custodial sentence.”

He jailed Ackerman for a year, which by law could not be added to the recall sentence he is already serving.

The judge added: “The sentence starts today. The likelihood is very little if anything will be added to your release date.

“Should there be any repetition of this, I’m afraid you’re going to be away for several years.”

Popular 5k race launched in Middlesbrough and will take place in May

Runners limbering up for the 2015 5k Riverside Run are officially under starter’s orders.

The popular road race has been officially launched - with The Cleveland Centre announced as the event’s new headline sponsor.

Now in its fifth year, the run is aimed at runners, walkers and charity fundraisers of all ages and abilities. It will take place from Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on Sunday, May 31.

That means there’s plenty of time for beginners and couch potatoes to get in shape and join elite athletes and club runners for the colourful family event.

Councillor Tracy Harvey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “Middlesbrough is proud to host some of the region’s best running events, and the Riverside Run is growing in popularity every year.

“The 5k is ideal for beginners, and is also a great opportunity for charity fundraisers to raise much needed cash for good causes.

“We’re looking forward to another great turn-out, so I’d urge anyone planning to take part to get their application in soon.”

Cleveland Centre Manager Graeme Skillen said: “As an organisation committed to supporting our local community, Cleveland Centre is delighted to be headline partner for this year’s Riverside Run.

“It is a highly popular and well respected event for runners of all abilities that promotes positive activity and community spirit, as well as helping to raise money for many worthwhile causes.”

The Cleveland Centre 5k Riverside Run will have an entry limit of 2,000 runners and entries to the event will close on Wednesday, May 20 or when the 2,000 runner limit is reached, whichever is sooner.

Application forms to take part will soon be available at venues across the town and entries can be submitted online.

For further information and training plans on Runmiddlesbrough events visit http://bit.ly/1NqZBiL

Who is the most clinical striker in the promotion pack and how do Boro's frontmen compare?

"If I get a chance in 90 minutes then I'll take it."

That's the confidence every manager and fan is looking for in a goal-grabbing centre-forward.

The man in question? None other than former Boro striker Yakubu, now back in the Championship and looking to fire Reading to FA Cup glory this weekend.

Enough about the Yak. While his goalscoring record has never been in doubt, it's the strike rate of Boro's current frontmen that we're bothered about now.

Goals win games and Aitor Karanka has never once doubted the quality of the three men tasked with firing Boro to promotion this season.

With that in mind, it's hard to ignore the fact that Boro's goals for column isn't as heavy as that of their rivals. Indeed, Boro have hit the net on fewer occasions than all of the teams in the top nine of the Championship this year.

Surprisingly, it's a stat that Karanka pointed out after all of his frontmen had got on the scoresheet against Millwall in midweek.

“If you look at the teams which are in a similar position to us, their strikers have scored 40-45 goals and we are 25."

Vossen, Kike and Bamford

He's not concerned. But should he be?

Daryl Murphy has smashed 21 goals for Ipswich this year, Odion Ighalo 17 for Watford and Cameron Jerome and Chris Martin have both hit the net on 16 occasions.

It comes as quite a surprise then to find that Gary Hooper is in fact the striker with the best conversion rate of all of the frontmen plying a trade for the top seven teams in the Championship.

The fact he's only had 14 shots on target this season compared to the 34 of Kike goes a long way to explaining that.

Granted, stats can often be misleading but a glance at the strike-rate of Watford's frontmen and it's clear to see why the Hornets are currently the joint-form team in the Championship right now.

Ighalo, Matej Vydra and Troy Deeney are in double figures and all boast respectable conversion rates. The latter pair also have five assists each to their name.

Watford: They've plundered 17 more goals than Boro this year but shipped 18 more. They're a point worse off than Karanka's table-toppers. The fine margins.

So how do Boro's strikers compare with the goal-grabbers for the sides chasing one of the three spots in the Premier League next year?

Kike has hit a goal every 261 minutes for Boro this season - a stat that sees him lagging behind his rivals - but fans of the Spanish striker, myself included, would point to his all-round contribution. Still, he needs to add more goals to his game.

Tuesday was a good start with Bamford and Vossen also getting in on the act. A rich vein of form for one, two or all of the frontmen now would go a long way to helping Boro keep a grip on top spot.

Here's how the strikers of the top seven teams in the Championship compare:

Boro

Karanka's opinion won't be altered, he's reiterated his belief on a number of occasions that Boro boast the best three strikers in the Championship.

So what do the stats say?

Kike got off to a flying start to the campaign and looked a good bet to continue his form in front of goal but a baron spell in the middle of the campaign means the striker's conversion rate is just 10%.

His goal every 261 minutes is higher than he'd like it to be and higher than Patrick Bamford's, who's hit the net every 175 minutes this season.

Bamford's 11 goals from 32 efforts on target gives him a 19% conversion rate while Jelle Vossen has chipped in with six goals in the league.

Best strike rate: Patrick Bamford - 11 goals from 32 shots on target. A goal every 176 minutes at a 19% conversion rate.

Derby County

Two defeats on the bounce and Chris Martin and Darren Bent on the sidelines - even Steve McClaren must be finding it hard to dig out the positives at the minute.

Martin's form has been crucial this season as the Rams look to go one better than last term. He's smashed 16 goals from 38 shots on target, a conversion rate of 24%.

The signing of Bent raised a few eyebrows in January but it's proved to be a masterstroke so far - the one-time £24m man has hit seven goals in 10 games in all competitions.

It's finding the goals without those two in the side that could prove problematic although Jeff Hendrick and Johnny Russell have both chipped in.

Best strike rate: Chris Martin - 16 goals from 38 shots on target. A goal every 163 minutes at a 24% conversion rate.

Watford

The reliable Championship powerhouse Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra looked like a potent partnership for the promotion-chasing Hornets before a ball was kicked.

Step forward Odion Ighalo to steal the show. The Nigerian striker who signed on loan from Udinese - of course - has smashed 17 goals so far this season. And he's been backed up in earnest by the other goal-grabbing pair who have 25 league goals between them.

The trio have hit more than 100 shots on target in total with Ighalo boasting an impressive strike rate of a goal every 88 minutes.

Vydra and Deeney - both with a conversion rate of 24% - have been clinical as well. Slavisa Jokanovic has done an excellent job at Watford but the role of his strikers shouldn't be underestimated.

Best strike rate: Odion Ighalo - 17 goals from 28 shots on target. A goal every 88 minutes at a 39% conversion rate.

Bournemouth

The Cherries lost Lewis Grabban in the summer but his replacement Callum Wilson has taken the Championship by storm.

Sharp, clever and with an eye for goal, if Bournemouth don't win promotion this season it surely won't be long before a Premier League club takes a punt on the 23-year-old.

Wilson has hit 15 goals in the league this year, topping Bournemouth's goal tally, and has a 19% conversion rate, getting on the scoresheet every 196 minutes.

But he isn't Eddie Howe's most clinical goal-grabber. That honour goes to Yann Kermorgant, according to Opta stats.

Best strike rate: Yann Kermorgant - 11 goals from 26 shots on target. A goal every 148 minutes at a 21% conversion rate.

Norwich City

Is he clinical or doesn't he hit the target enough? Gary Hooper's 45% conversion rate is impressive but he's only managed 14 shots on target for the Canaries this season.

In fact, both Cameron Jerome and Lewis Grabban have hit the net more for Alex Neil's promotion hopefuls.

Jerome signed on the dotted line from Stoke City in the summer and has proved to be a canny acquisition, hitting 16 goals. The much-travelled striker has had 35 shots on target this season, managing a goal every 131 minutes.

Lewis Grabban has managed 12 goals from 42 shots on target but the striker who has his five goals in his last five Championship games looks set to miss a crucial period of the season as he goes under the knife for an ankle operation.

Best strike rate: Gary Hooper - Nine goals from 14 shots on target. A goal every 122 minutes at a 45% conversion rate.

Brentford

Action Images Brentford's Andre Gray (R) in action against Middlesbrough's Kenneth Omeruo

As far as strikers go, it's been down to Andre Gray to get the goals to keep Brentford's surprise promotion dream alive.

The gifted frontman, signed from Luton last year, has 12 goals to his name in the league, the only Bees player to reach double figures.

Alex Pritchard, Ramallo Jota and Jonathan Douglas have chipped in but it's Gray who has played a pivotal role in ensuring Brentford keep pace with the play-off pack.

Best strike rate: Andre Gray - 12 goals from 32 shots on target. A goal every 220 minutes at a 22% conversion rate.

Ipswich Town

If Ipswich Town manage to secure promotion to the Premier League this year then Mick McCarthy owes Daryl Murphy a drink.

He's not the most gifted or orthodox frontman in the Championship but it's hard to pick fault with 21 league goals.

Chris Wood joined the Tractor Boys this week as McCarthy looks to get his side's promotion push back on track but it's Murphy, with the help of David McGoldrick, who's fired the goals to help Ipswich enjoy an impressive season.

McGoldrick has been sidelined recently but McCarthy believes he'll be back for the Boro clash this month. The 27-year-old has only hit the net every 308 minutes this year - hardly setting the world alight - but has proved to be a good foil for Murphy.

Best strike rate: Daryl Murphy - 21 goals from 52 shots on target. A goal every 137 minutes at a 21% conversion rate.

Ed Miliband deflects claims that Labour North is at war with itself during a visit to Redcar

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Ed Miliband has deflected claims his party is at war with itself in Redcar during a visit to Teesside.

The Labour leader was tackled on a range of issues as he held an open question and answer session at Redcar & Cleveland College today.

Ahead of his visit, a number of former Labour councillors recently deselected by the party held a protest.

The group, including former council leader George Dunning, called for an investigation into the party’s “flawed selection process”.

But when asked what he thought of the claims Mr Miliband said: “People don’t like it when they’re deselected and they stop being councillors and I understand the reasons for that.

“But frankly this is a decision taken - some of the deselections happened as a result of local party members deciding they wanted a change.

“People don’t like change sometimes but sometimes change has to happen.

“I’m incredibly proud of the councillors we have standing - steel workers, postmen, retired care workers - people from every walk of life.

“So I understand why people are upset about this but the Labour Party is focused on the public and the difference we’re going to make.”

Mr Miliband appeared at the Corporation Road college where he was quizzed by members of the public on a range of subjects including benefits, the minimum wage, the NHS and crime.

Answering a question from Cleveland Fire Brigade Union’s secretary Davy Howe regarding the brigade’s long-standing dispute with the Government about retirement and pensions, Mr Miliband said: “We want the same deal that’s been done elsewhere in places like Wales where a solution has been reached without costing any more money.

“We’ve got to find a solution and that is what we will do in Government.”

Speaking ahead of Mr Miliband’s visit Mr Dunning said: “I was deselected due to the influence of a group within the party who have never been voted for by the public.

“Everybody knows the selection process is flawed from start to finish.”

Speaking to The Gazette, when asked “Does Ed Miliband support bullying?”, Mr Miliband replied: “What I support is people being selected as councillors that local parties want to be councillors.

“No one has a right to be a councillor forever I’m afraid in the Labour Party.

“I think it’s absolutely right that we move on and focus on the public.”

The upheaval in the Redcar and Cleveland Labour group followed a similar process in the Middlesbrough party last year in which five councillors were deselected following interviews, and although Cllr Derek Loughborough won an appeal against the decision, he quit the party along with Cllrs Len Junier, Pervaz Khan, Sajaad Khan and John McPartland.

Doctor Browns in Middlesbrough will reopen as soon as new tenant is found

One of Middlesbrough’s live music hotspots and longest-established drinking venues has suddenly closed.

Doctor Browns is well known for its friendly atmosphere as well as showcasing live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

It is also a popular haunt for Boro fans for a pre-match pint.

However, alongside posters promoting upcoming gigs, there has also been a sign in the window this week which reads “closed due to unforseen circumstances”.

Pub company Enterprise Inns, which owns the Corporation Road venue, confirmed that the popular venue closed after the current publican decided to stop trading.

The national firm said it is also hoped that when a new tenant is found, the pub will reopen its doors to customers and resume service as normal.

Doctor Browns Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, closed

An Enterprise Inns spokesman said: “Unfortunately our venue Doctor Browns is currently closed due to the publican’s decision to cease trading.

“We are currently recruiting for a new publican to take this popular live music pub on and would like to reassure members of the local community that we aim to have it back open and trading as soon as possible.”

The venue has been formerly known as The Malt Shovel, Shippleys and Touchdown.

It was initially known as the Borough Hotel and opened in 1867.

North-east rock band, The Kill, were set to hold a gig at the venue on Friday. However, since discovering the closure, the band has taken to social media to inform fans of the changes.

A post on the band’s online Facebook page reads: ‘Hi everyone just heard Doc Browns has closed as of now but a new manager may be in place next week.’

Another post reads: ‘Hi everyone just a quick reminder that tonight’s show at Doc Browns in Middlesbrough is not going ahead as the venue is still shut!’

Anyone interested in finding out more information about this pub business opportunity should contact Enterprise Inns recruitment team on 0800 953 0072.

Campaign launched to celebrate Middlesbrough's changing face

A campaign celebrating Middlesbrough’s ongoing regeneration and growth has officially been launched.

Middlesbrough is Changing puts the spotlight on the huge array of cutting edge developments currently breathing new life into the town.

Young people from across Teesside, chosen to represent various strands of the town’s regeneration, met at Middlesbrough College today to mark the start of the high profile campaign.

Middlesbrough Council chief executive, Mike Robinson, said: “The transformation currently taking place across Middlesbrough is taking the town on to a whole new level, ensuring it can compete with other towns and cities up and down the country.

“Investment of half a billion pounds shows real confidence in the town’s future and its hard-won reputation for state of the art education facilities, business innovation and success, world renowned medical facilities and much more.”

The campaign is promoting major investments totalling £500 million which are equipping the town for the 21st century and helping to drive social and economic change.

Local and national businesses continue to show their faith in the area, including a £12.5 million investment in a new rail terminal and steel store by homegrown success story AV Dawson. Charles Clinkard is also on the verge of a £3 million investment in a purpose-built 40,000 square foot headquarters and distribution centre at Cannon Park.

Investments also include the 138-room Holiday Inn Centre Square development which will bring more visitors to the town and more money into the local economy.

Middlehaven, the historic heart of the town, is also flourishing with a £2.6 million Heritage Lottery Fund refurbishment of the Tees Transporter Bridge and the creation of a £1.6 million community park, part-financed by Able UK, both due for completion this year.

Middlesbrough is Changing will join up wth the successful lovemiddlesbrough brand to showcase the reinvigoration of the town and residents will be invited to play their part.

The coming months will see competitions for schools and social media campaigns, allowing people to connect with the changes in Middlesbrough and talk about what they mean to them.

Mike Robinson added: “We are creating thousands of new jobs, supporting new and growing businesses and creating new learning and leisure opportunities for the people of Middlesbrough and beyond.

“Young people are the future of our town. They symbolise the opportunities we are creating here and that’s why they are at the heart of Middlesbrough is Changing.”

Ed Miliband on The Gazette’s Teesside Manifesto: 'It’s the way politics needs to be done'

Ed Miliband has backed The Gazette’s Teesside Manifesto saying “It’s the way politics needs to be done”.

The Gazette launched its ambitious survey to find out what readers on Teesside care most about yesterday.

The survey includes 30 national and local questions on subjects ranging from the NHS to education, from immigration to crime.

Our readers’ answers will then be used to help The Gazette produce the first ever Manifesto for Teesside.

Once complete we will present the manifesto to politicians telling them this is what we want from them for our region.

Describing the Teesside Manifesto as a “great idea” the Labour leader said: “I’ll certainly have a look at the manifesto, and I’ll have a read of it and take some of the ideas back for my manifesto.

“I certainly support you doing that, I think it’s a great idea.

“I’m trying to do it in my own way by engaging with local people and I think Anna Turley our candidate in Redcar is doing a brilliant job in her way of engaging with people directly.

“It’s the way politics needs to be done because frankly politics isn’t just about Westminster, it’s about local people and what local people care about.”

Andrea Wilson and Paul Dawson marry at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, in Wedding of the Week

Bride and Groom: Andrea Wilson, 35, of Hemlington, and Paul Dawson, 36, of Billingham

Married at: Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield

When? Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 2.30pm

Where did you meet? Many years ago on a night out with friends

The proposal: At home on August 17, 2013

The wedding ring: We both have platinum diamond wedding bands from Beaverbrooks, Middlesbrough

What did the bride wear? Codie by Amanda Wyatt, a princess-style gown with sweetheart neckline and chapel train from Elizabeth George Bridal, Middlesbrough

Bridesmaids: Danielle Sweeney, 35, Becky McLean, 35, and Julie Wilson, 42

Ushers/page boys: Jason Fox, 41, John Cadwallender, 36, and Antony Charlton, 36

Best man: Mark Sparrown, 36, of Billingham

The reception: Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, for 116 guests

The honeymoon: Thanks to the generosity of the wedding guests, the pair had an amazing honeymoon in Orlando, Florida

Pictures by Ken Hills Photography

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Nightlife in pictures: Party people pictured in Middlesbrough and Stockton

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Photographers Barrington Dent and Eddy Maynard provide you with a snapshot of Teesside & Stockton nightlife.

This week features nights from two Middlesbrough venues and a Stockton venue.

We have scenes from a night at The Empire alongside others from Vault Hidden Bar & Pig Iron Pub.

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 .

From steam trains to the North Yorkshire Moors: See the camera work of Adrian Dennis

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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? Adrian Dennis

Where are you from? Middlesbrough

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am 33-year-old, steam locomotive fitter on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. I am also a massive Middlesbrough fan.

What do you like taking pictures of? I have a passion for photography that has taken me up to the West Highlands of Scotland but the majority of pictures taken are those around our part of the country, the North York Moors and the surrounding area including the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) where I work.

To be featured in Camera Club click on this link

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Teesside UKIP candidate records Abba parody to poke fun at David Cameron

A Teesside UKIP candidate has turned her hand to karaoke to poke fun at David Cameron and her seat rival.

Mandy Boylett, UKIP’s candidate for Stockton North, has recorded her own version of ABBA’s Chiquitita, which has been posted on YouTube.

The parody mocks the Prime Minister’s “love” for the EU and also sings about the current MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham.

“Alex Cunningham, you and I know how elections come and they go but this time you’re leaving. You’ll lose your safe Labour seat to the UKIP girl,” she sings.

Ms Boylett adds that Stockton North “is turning purple.”

But Mr Cunningham has said that she needs to be “serious about politics.”

“I have heard about the song but I won’t be wasting my time listening to it,” he said.

“I look forward to an opportunity to share a platform with Mandy Boylett where we can discuss policy - what really matters.

“She needs to be serious about politics rather than being silly.”

Ms Boylett declined to comment when contacted by The Gazette.

Lyrics

David Cameron, tell me what’s wrong?

Your MPs don’t really want you

In their eyes

You’re still in love with the EU

Oh that 1.7 billion

There is no way you won’t pay it

I can see that you think that we won’t notice

David Cameron, tell me the truth

Cos you can’t keep on deceiving

Your MPs

They will really keep on leaving

You were always sure of yourself

Now I see you’ve lost your direction

Saying, yes Angela, will lose you the election

Alex Cunningham, you and I know

How elections come and they go but this time you’re leaving

You’ll lose your safe Labour seat

To the UKIP girl

You will have no time for grieving

Alex Cunningham you’re gonna cry

Because Stockton North is turning purple around you

Over thirty years neglect will come to an end

And we’ll celebrate the purple

Thirty years will come to an end

And we’ll celebrate the purple

So the walls came tumbling down

Your campaign’s a blown out candle

All is gone and it seems too hard to handle

Alex Cunningham tell me the truth

There is no way you can deny it

With yet another smear to try to keep me quiet

Eric Paylor: Boro's bogey grounds are like buses - you wait for ages then three come along at once

Boro's bogey grounds are like buses – you wait for ages, and then three come along at once.

Hot on the heels of St Andrew’s and Hillsborough, Boro must prepare to try to smash another traditional hoodoo at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Saturday.

Are we concerned that Boro have won just once at Forest in the last 42 years?

A little bit, of course – but the performance has got to be better than the disappointing effort at Hillsborough.

In any case, thoughts of the City Ground won’t create any negatives for the current Boro squad.

In fact George Friend and Grant Leadbitter will fondly recall two consecutive battling draws at Forest, which weren’t bad results at the time.

So, for logical reasons, there’ll be no talk in the Boro dressing room of bogey grounds this week.

And, a good result on Saturday will ensure that the City Ground will hold no future fears, just like the old days.

There was a time when Boro used to win regularly in West Bridgford, especially in Brian Clough’s time. He scored a hat- trick at the City Ground in 1956.

Brian Clough

So, how fitting, that one the suggestions for a potential name for a proposed new stadium in Nottingham was the Brian Clough Stadium.

Nottingham was one of the English cities seeking to be involved in the 2018 World Cup. Plans were drawn up to replace the City Ground with a brand spanking new stadium.

Those plans went on the back-burner when Russia were awarded the World Cup instead, and have since been replaced by plans to rebuild the main stand at the City Ground if Forest are promoted to the Premier League.

I reckon the Brian Clough Stand would do nicely as a name, especially bearing in mind Cloughie’s hat-trick at the stadium.

Not that I would like to see the end of the current main stand at the City Ground.

In an era where most of England’s top clubs have either built new stadia or rebuilt their original ones, the main stand at the City Ground stands as a beacon to an era where football stadia appeared to have souls.

That’s despite the fact that this particular main stand goes back only to the late 1960s.

Forest’s original main stand burned down in 1965 and the current one is less than 50 years old. But it has an atmosphere and a personality of its own, and Forest is one of their grounds that I have always enjoyed visiting.

For the record, Clough’s treble came in November, 1956, when Boro stuffed Forest 4-0 in a Second Division clash.

Arthur Fitzsimons grabbed Boro’s other goal, though maybe we should give some credit to the Boro defence because the clean sheet was their first of the season.

Not that it was hampering their push for promotion. The win at Forest was Boro’s fifth in six games, the sixth game at Swansea having ended in a draw.

The Boro goalie that day was Brian’s erstwhile chum Peter Taylor. This was the time when they first forged their legendary friendship.

Even before Clough broke through into the Boro team, Taylor had declared publicly that Clough was the best centre-forward at the club and a great talent in the making.

There was quite an age difference between the pair, but the young Cloughie used to go around to Taylor’s house on an evening and spend hour after hour discussing football.

It was only natural when Clough started out on the managerial trail, that Taylor should be his choice as No 2.

Taylor had just become a first team regular at Boro himself in 1956, having followed Rolando Ugolini into the No 1 shirt.

Ironically Taylor was born in Nottingham and played for the club as a youth player, before eventually breaking into league football with Coventry City.

PA Wire

27-09-1978 of Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough (left) and assistant Peter Taylor sitting on the sidelines at Anfield.

There is a much repeated story how Coventry appointed a new manager and coach in 1955 in Jesse Carver and George Raynor, whose first decision was to decide that Taylor was surplus to requirements.

So they sold the keeper to Boro and thus changed the course of British football history, because that is how Taylor and Clough met up.

Bearing in mind that Taylor is a Nottingham lad, maybe the name of Forest’s new main stand should be the Peter Taylor Stand – after all, he kept a clean sheet there in 1956.

Ray Barnard, Dickie Robinson and Derek Stonehouse were other Boro defenders who contributed to the clean sheet, with able support from Ronnie Dicks and Bill Harris.

We have discussed Boro’s best ever player on a few occasions, and Harris is another player that many of Boro’s long serving fans would want to be considered.

In fact some erstwhile supporters have claimed that Harris was the best ball player they ever saw.

Welshman Harris was signed by Boro from Hull City in the summer of 1954 with a view to bolstering a Boro side which was well on its way to experiencing its first relegation in 26 years.

Harris soon proved himself a cultured performer in the Second Division and went on to win six Welsh international caps.

He was arguably the first name on the Boro teamsheet from the mid-1950s to the mid- 1960s and went on to make a mammoth 378 appearances for the club, scoring 72 goals.

Other members of Boro’s big win at the City Ground were inside forward Derek McLean and wingers Ronnie Burbeck and Lindy Delapenha.

Delapenha, who was the first Jamaican to play professional football in England, saw service with the RAF before going on to spend spells with Arsenal and Portsmouth, neither of which was particularly successful from a playing point of view.

It was at Boro that his career finally took off. Lindy became a virtual regular in the side throughout much of the 1950s, being effective in all the attacking roles.

He scored 93 goals in 270 appearances and was Boro’s leading scorer in three seasons, before the Clough scoring phenomenon took hold.

Delapenha had played at the City Ground earlier in the year in May, 1956, when Boro also scored four goals, winning 4-2.

On this occasions Alan Peacock scored two of the goals, while Billy Day added another and Forest also added an own goal.

Unfortunately neither of the big Boro wins at Forest made much difference at the end of the season.

Boro finished 14th in Division Two in 1955-56, though they fared much better in the following campaign when they were sixth – which in the modern era would have been good enough to earn them a place in the play-offs.

Forest’s 4-0 home defeat had no long-term effect because they won promotion that season, finishing second on 54 points – six more than Boro.

Clough scored 38 of Boro’s 83 league goals in 1956-57.

The team conceded 60 goals that season, which was the third stingiest achievement in Division Two.

That compares to Boro’s Premier League relegation season in 2008-9, when they conceded 57 goals and had one of the worst defensive defensive records in the top flight.

How times have changed.

Fortunately times have changed sufficiently for Boro to go to Forest on Saturday believing they are good enough to win the game, despite Forest’s vastly improved form under Dougie Freedman.

This is the same Freedman who scored Forest’s only goal when Boro last won at the City Ground, by a 2-1 margin in 1999.

I don’t wish Freedman any harm, especially as I would want the way clear for Forest to build the Brian Clough/Peter Taylor Stand in the not too distant future.

But hopefully the Forest boss will be on the receiving end again tomorrow.

Lisa Corfield 'overwhelmed' as £5k is raised in memory of husband killed in horrific Hemlington crash

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A Middlesbrough mum is “over the moon” that a walk held in memory of her husband has raised £5,000 for her seriously ill daughter’s hospital ward.

Lisa Corfield, from Hemlington, will split the money raised - £4,736 in sponsorship and rounded up to £5,000 by Lisa - between the intensive care unit and high dependency unit neuro at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Her 18-year-old daughter Alice suffered horrific injuries in a car crash in October that killed her dad Andrew, 39, at the junction of Fordyce Road and Cass House Road just seconds away from the family home.

On Saturday, January 17 more than 50 people met at the site of the crash before walking to Teesside Crematorium on Acklam Road, Middlesbrough - to give a final farewell to Andrew - and past the hospital where Alice is, before returning back to Hemlington.

They dressed in onesies or Postman Pat themed costumes as a nod to Andrew being the creator of spoof cartoon Boro Pat - a Teesside version of the children’s character.

“I’m over the moon,” said Lisa, also mum to Amy, 21, and Owen, 20. Lisa and Andrew also had another son Jack, who died when he was a baby.

“I’m overwhelmed because they did a collection for the family when it first happened and then they put their hands back in their pockets again for us.

“A lot of people have had people in HDU and ICU so it’s close to other people’s hearts not just mine.”

Lisa Corfield and, inset, husband Andrew and daughter Alice

Alice is still battling a C-diff (Clostridium difficile) infection - a type of bacterial infection affecting the digestive system which most commonly affects people who have been treated with antibiotics.

She is due to move next month to Walkergate Park Centre for Neurorehabilitation and Neuropsychiatry in Newcastle, which is for people with a disability caused by injury or disease affecting the brain, spinal cord or muscles.

Lisa, who wants to remain by her youngest daughter’s side, plans to stay in Newcastle in hotels close to the centre to avoid daily commutes.

The 39-year-old mum has also just found out she’s got a place in the Great North Run.

“I can’t believe it, Andrew couldn’t get in when he applied,” she said. “I’m going to have to start running.

“When I got the letter and saw it’s on Jack’s birthday and our wedding anniversary I knew I had to do it; it’s fate.”

“I want to say thank you for everyone who took part in the walk and donated money,” she added.

Lindsay Garcia, directorate manager for critical care at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The critical care team are sincerely grateful for the very kind donation received from the Corfield family. We are deeply humbled by the thanks received given the tragic circumstances surrounding Alice’s admission to us.

“We will ensure that the money received will be redirected to spend on our future patients to ensure there stay with us is made more comfortable.”

John Powls: Forest will prove a tricker task this time around but Boro need to stamp their authority on top spot

With the surprisingly sprightly Lions tamed it's on to trying a spot of Trees felling down by The Trent.

That could prove tricky - or not - depending on which Forest and Boro turn up at The City Ground tomorrow.

Many of the magnificent travelling parmo army will hope that Karanka gives them the best chance of seeing winning rather than wobbly from their side by going same again in his selection and set out.

Certainly, the return to 4-2-3-1 and of those generally recognised as first picks made it chalk and cheese between last Tuesday at the Riverside and Wednesday at Hillsborough.

The three goals by three strikers, three points and a clean sheet garnered against Millwall coupled with another Derby dip took Boro back to the top.

OK, there were still issues to address like some sleepy defending that gifted Ollie's side two goes at Dimi before the reds scored, both of which the keeper kept out.

Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman

Then there was the opening 20 of the second half when Lee Tomlin went walkabout and it looked for all the world as though Karanka's men were trying to get their visitors a goal by gifting the ball and giving ground.

But between those there were slick, defence-slicing front four forays aplenty when Boro put it all together and looked much more like their successful selves than any of the over rotated versions have.

They finished flowing moves with quality final balls, assists and takes to go two up through Bam-Bam and Kike.

And after 65 Boro's back seven got a grip again and throttled off the Lion's last hopes.

That allowed Gorgeous to keep gleefully gliding past gaggles of blue to generate more goes at goal.

Though Forde saved from the full back's own attempt after yet another left flank gallop and cut in, Vossen capped his return by neatly slotting home the rebound.

As 'We are top of the league, say...' rang round the Riverside one could reflect that it has seemed harder for any side to hold on to top spot that it has to chase and achieve it thus far.

It would be great to see a return to consistency have Boro belief break that mould, enjoy table topping and meet its challenges with the authority the position could confer, starting tomorrow.

Freedman's Forest will want to keep their faint hopes of a late run at the play offs alive by getting their recent run of wins restored just as Karanka's men will look to convince them their bubble's burst after they deflated down in The Valley in the week.

The long term injury to Assombalonga put no brake on February's feast of Forest goals that delivered five wins and a draw from six with the one pointer being the bizarre eight goal Bloomfield blizzard.

Though the goals have been shared around it seems to me that Henri Lansbury's return to influential midfield form and hitting the net has been at the heart of their revival and needs to be nullified by a switched on Clayts.

At a ground where Boro haven't often flourished, this Forest will be a trickier task to fell than the Pearce version were on Boxing Day but a back to their best Boro are capable of wielding the axe again.

C'mon Boro!!

Eaglescliffe fire investigation continues as staff return to work at chemical firm

Investigations are continuing into the cause of a blaze at a chemical firm.

The fire at Melbray Chemicals on Durham Lane Industrial Park, Eaglescliffe, saw hundreds of workers evacuated and roads closed as firefighters tackled the flames for two and a half hours.

The fire broke out just after 1pm yesterday in plastic storage containers containing chemicals which had been inspected just five minutes earlier.

There were no casualties involved and the main building was untouched but plumes of non-toxic smoke could be seen as far afield as Middlesbrough.

Staff were evacuated from surrounding businesses on the estate, including Tetley’s and Butterwick Hospice.

One of the managers at the site, Raymond Hannon, said employees returned to work this morning but were unable to use the yard where the fire took place.

He told the Gazette they were still unaware of the cause of the fire but added investigators from the fire service and the Environment Agency were continuing their inquiries.

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Owner of the firm Brian Hannon said the fire “was a complete mystery” to all the staff at the Eaglescliffe firm, which supplies chemicals worldwide to the oil industry.

It started in a stack of plastic storage drums containing chemicals.

“Somehow this fire started, but it’s a complete mystery to us because two of us were in the yard five minutes before and there was no evidence of any fire,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “We have been on site today with other agencies. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

“The site has been isolated off until the scene has been made completely safe and the investigation has been completed.”

The Health and Safety Executive’s hazardous installation division has also been informed of the fire.

Angela Wrightson: Teenagers accused of Hartlepool woman's murder weep in court

Two girls aged 13 and 14 wept as they appeared before a judge charged with murdering a 39-year-old woman in Hartlepool.

The teenagers are accused of killing Angela Wrightson, whose body was discovered at her home in Stephen Street in December.

A post-mortem examination found that she had suffered substantial injuries and died as a result of blood loss.

The girls, who are being kept in separate secure accommodation, were brought before Teesside Crown Court’s most senior judge, Recorder of Middlesbrough Simon Bourne-Arton QC.

He instructed all the barristers to take off their wigs for the hearing and the girls were not made to sit in the dock but were seated on the back row of the courtroom.

The girls wept during the 20-minute hearing, during which no pleas were entered.

The case was adjourned for a plea hearing on May 20, ahead of a trial date set for June 24 before Mr Justice Globe.

'No space for mistakes': What Boro's rivals are saying about the battle for promotion

The race for promotion to the Premier League takes centre stage again this weekend as the top eight jostle for position.

Bournemouth could go top of the table on goal difference this evening if they can get all three points at Fulham.

Tomorrow then sees Boro, Derby, Watford, Norwich, Brentford, Ipswich and Wolves all kick-off at 3pm, as the season approaches the grand finale.

But what are all of the top eight saying about the promotion race? We take a look.

Kike , Jelle Vossen and Patrick Bamford celebrate

1st - Boro (66 points) Tomorrow: Nottingham Forest (a)

Aitor Karanka:

“The next four games are massive for us,” Karanka said.

“But if you see the fixtures everybody has difficult fixtures, everybody has to play the teams at the top of the table, so we have to think about ourselves and the Nottingham game.

“After that we have one week to prepare for the other three games.

“We can win three games in a row (Forest, Ipswich and Derby) and arrive at Bournemouth top of the table with five or six points ahead of third position, or we could lose those three games and we can be two points off the play-off position.

“The players know my philosophy and mentality and we don’t win anything thinking about the games against Ipswich, Derby and Bournemouth now.”

Action Images Derby County's Darren Bent

2nd Derby County (65 points). Tomorrow: Birmingham (h)

Steve McClaren

“We put ourselves in a great position with the two home wins but we have lost two opportunities to go on from that,” he told the Derby Telegraph.

“Hopefully, we will get in a position to do it again – and do it.

“If we perform and play like we did at Brighton, eight times out of 10 we will win. We’ll probably draw one and lose one.

“From the first day we came in, we wanted to play a certain style of football. We played that way at Brighton and that will win us matches.”

Action Images Watford's Miguel Layun and Adlene Guedioura celebrate at the end of the match

3rd Watford (65 pts). Tomorrow (Wolves a)

Slavisa Jokanovic

“We have improved and we have done a good job to be where we are. Now, in this last part of the Championship, we don’t have any space to make mistakes,” he told the Watford Observer.

“Now is the moment to show the right mentality, for the players to believe in themselves and for everyone to push the boat in the same direction.

“In front of us are two months where we need to show how strong we can be. We must be stronger than we were in the past.

“If people believe that the teams at the top of the table are stronger than Watford then that is wrong.

“But if my team believe they are better than the tenth place team then we are wrong as well. So be careful and think about the small details."

Action Images Alex Pritchard

4th Bournemouth (63 points). Tonight: Fulham (a)

Eddie Howe:

“When you consider what is at stake for us and all the other teams fighting for those positions, going top at this stage would be nice but it wouldn’t mean anything more than that,” he told the Bournemouth Echo.

“The bigger picture for us is that with so few games to go, you don’t want to be left with any regrets and it is a case of trying to do everything you can to pick up points.

“It is almost like the league starts again because it is so tight and we have to try to get consecutive wins because they are so important at this stage.

“You are aware of the table but I don’t look at the fixtures and see what other teams are doing. It is all about our fixtures and making sure we try to maximise our performance and only affect what we can control.”

5th Norwich (62 points). Tomorrow: Millwall (a)

Alex Neil:

“You have to be able to mix your game up. You come across so many different teams in terms of the way they play, you have to be able to play when it’s on and mix it up and be physical when you play against certain teams.,” Neil told HITC.

“You have to have a good variety of players and players that can adapt to different games. Longevity as well, because you play a lot of games in a short space of time. I think we have played six now in two weeks, which is a lot of games.

“We have got players that have been there and done it before. Having been there doesn’t necessarily mean you will do it again.

“I always say that it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, it’s about what you do now. We have to make sure that we keep our standards as high as we can and go on to have a good end to the season.”

Action Images Alex Pritchard

6th Brentford (61 points). Tomorrow: Ipswich (a)

Mark Warburton

The average over the last five years for getting sixth spot has been 72 points. It has been as high and 75 and as low as 67. The players are aware of the statistics.,” he told London Evening Standard.

“There is no need to motivate this group of players. They deserve to be there — now go and finish the job.

“Ipswich are an experienced team and have good quality. We have gone to places like Cardiff and Leeds and done well, so we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Action Images Ipswich's Kevin Bru celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Daryl Murphy

7th Ipswich (60 points) Tomorrow: Brentford (h)

Mick McCarthy

“The top two remains our aim. If we don’t make it, then we’ll aim for the play-offs,” McCarthy told the club’s website.

“The Championship is a bonkers league. We know that. If I was a betting man, and I’m not - and I can’t bet on football anyway - I certainly wouldn’t be wasting my money on trying to predict results and what’s going to happen in this league.

“It’s relentless and there will be no let up between now and the end of the season.

“I have no doubts that automatic promotion and the play-off places will be going down to the last game of the season because there are some good teams up there. We’re in the mix and that’s great.”

Action Images Wolverhampton Wanderers Danny Bath (L) and Bakary Sako applaud their fans

8th Wolves (57 points). Tomorrow: Watford (h)

Kenny Jackett:

“At certain stages of the season – and we’re at one of those now, when there’s not so many points to play for – who you play, the sides above you, becomes more important,” he told the Express and Star.

“It’s important to get points against the sides around you, and also psychologically you can pull teams back.

“Playing sides above has more of a direct impact than in the first 12 games when you have 100 points to play for. You can see the contrast in people’s fortunes.

“One team’s gain is another one’s loss. In our case, it’s the sides above us we’re looking to claw them back.

“But you can’t lose sight of the fact Norwich lost at home to Wigan on Wednesday and you wouldn’t have called that - one result can change things.”