Finn Azaz M Middlesborough b.2000

[JR89]

Should definitely be involved next month against NZ at a minimum. Kenny has **** all to play for and might as well cap a few more players.

Kasey McAteer is fit again but has only played 7mins since returning and Leicester only have one game between now and the internationals. Even with the lack of minutes Kenny you'd feel will cap him if his paperwork is sorted.

[SkStu]

Another goal for Finn Azaz. Trademark shot to the far corner. Fourth of the season.

[JR89]

Will hopefully get a chance under the new manager. Won't get anything out of Ferguson at international level if our midfield is full of workhorses with no creativity.

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[SkStu]

Will hopefully get a chance under the new manager. Won't get anything out of Ferguson at international level if our midfield is full of workhorses with no creativity.

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I’ve watched a bit of him this season and he is fantastic to watch in full flight. A strong, mobile, athlete with a good dose of creativity and flair. It would be nice to see him and Moran in the squad to bring the creativity in. Both offer something a little different in a team but both very creative and can find the net. McGrath probably the closest to either of them in our current squad but he really doesn’t bring much and I’m surprised Kenny never called up Azaz.

[JR89]

I’ve watched a bit of him this season and he is fantastic to watch in full flight. A strong, mobile, athlete with a good dose of creativity and flair. It would be nice to see him and Moran in the squad to bring the creativity in. Both offer something a little different in a team but both very creative and can find the net. McGrath probably the closest to either of them in our current squad but he really doesn’t bring much and I’m surprised Kenny never called up Azaz.

If he hadn't been injured this time last year I would like to think we'd have seen him in the squad for Norway and Malta. Though Gibraltar last month and NZ this month he really should have made his debut.

[JR89]

Two goals and a match winning assist today vs Rotherham.

[Jolly Red Giant]

Two goals and a match winning assist today vs Rotherham.
He is having a good season at Plymouth

[pineapple stu]

First Irish Championship scorer of the new year (James Collins scored in the first minute for Derby in League One).

Seventh of the season - easy to forget he's jumped up a division this season (and last season too). Has to be in the squad for March you'd have thought?

[SkStu]

Lovely goal for Plymouth (my pick to watch today). Ball is half cleared from a corner and he hits it first time from outside the box on the volley. Think that’s 7 for the season.

As I’m typing this, he just got an assist. Took the ball in his own half and carried it to the attacking third, cut inside and played to Whittaker who still had a lot to do and finished really well.

[Eirambler]

Azaz, Szmodics and Connolly have now scored over 30 goals between them in the Championship this season and are our three top scorers in the division. At the same time, for all the new caps that have been given out they have a total of one international cap between them in the last two years and two of them haven't been capped at all. Things haven't been done correctly but hopefully this will change for all three players in the spring.

[pineapple stu]

In fairness, Connolly's career was going down the toilet most of the past two years, Szmodics has declined call-ups the last couple of windows, and Azaz hadn't played higher than L1 before this season (and that only for last season). I don't think you can say it wasn't correct that they've only one cap between them in the past two years (that for Connolly when he started turning things around at club level)

[Eirambler]

Given some of the others that have been called up Azaz seems a fairly glaring omission to me. Especially when Moran was pulled out of the Under 21s for no good reason. I think more of an effort could have been made with Szmodics, but we clearly don't know the full story there. Connolly can have the least complaints of the three, but it just struck me today that the three top scorers are all players that have been sidelined in favour of others like Callum Robinson, Troy Parrott and Jamie McGrath, who have done little of late to justify those decisions.

[pineapple stu]

It's probably asking a lot of a guy just promoted to the Championship for the first time to make an impact against France and Holland (twice) in fairness. It's a fair point that Moran was called up (as were Afolabi and Armstrong), but Azaz has five of his seven goals since November, so arguably before that there was no guarantee he'd take to the new level quite so quickly. I don't think any can be said to have been "sidelined" to be fair. But it'd be great if we could replace the likes of Robinson, McGrath, Hogan, Keane, Obafemi and even Parrott/Idah. (Maybe a bit harsh on Parrott actually given he seems to have found a bit of form)

The likes of Ferguson, a revitalised Connolly, Azaz, Ogbene, Johnston and Szmodics would certainly give us better forward option than we've had in a number of years.

[JR89]

That's a top class finish from Azaz.

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[third policeman]

That's a top class finish from Azaz.

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Very classy. The only disappointing thing really about Azaz is that he doesn’t seem to be in Villa’s plans.

[Eirambler]

Very classy. The only disappointing thing really about Azaz is that he doesn’t seem to be in Villa’s plans.

Until such time as we have cap-tied him (so this coming autumn at the earliest) that may be no bad thing.

[tetsujin1979]

Linked with a move to Middlesbrough today

[Eirambler]

Surprised that Villa have let his contract run down like that. Not sure if he turned down a new deal there or they just don't rate him too highly. Thought he could have maybe broken through there in time, or gone to a higher ranked club than Boro. But not a bad move from an Irish perspective all the same. If he gets a run of games there he's a cert for the next Ireland squad I would think. Would have made far more sense to cap him in November than Moran but hopefully that error will be rectified soon.

[Demesne Lad]

Linked with a move to Middlesbrough today

"Middlesbrough are closing in on a £2.5 million transfer of Finn Azaz from Aston Villa, which would end his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.....Bristol City, Southampton and French club Toulouse have also reportedly been interested in Azaz, but Boro have agreed a transfer fee and now personal terms have to be finalised."

On-loan Plymouth Argyle midfielder Finn Azaz poised for Middlesbrough transfer - Plymouth Live (plymouthherald.co.uk) (https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/loan-plymouth-argyle-midfielder-finn-9008549)

[Stuttgart88]

I'm a bit underwhelmed by that. I was going to say earlier that I think Celtic should look at him this window. I know it's an unpopular destination here for young Irish players but Azaz has now got a foothold into his career and has the potential to be a Matt O'Riley type signing - lower league, quick impact, instant transfer uplift. I'd have thought £2-2.5 million is quite cheap. That's only a notch up from LOI type of transfer fees.

[tetsujin1979]

it's low alright, but if his contract is up soon, that's going to affect his value

[Eirambler]

That would have been a very Celtic type of signing alright. I'm glad they haven't gone for him though. Middlesbrough is a decent step up for him for now. A bit like Knight at Bristol City, if he does well enough there he'll get a shot at a higher level in time.

[JR89]

Surprised that Villa have let his contract run down like that. Not sure if he turned down a new deal there or they just don't rate him too highly. Thought he could have maybe broken through there in time, or gone to a higher ranked club than Boro. But not a bad move from an Irish perspective all the same. If he gets a run of games there he's a cert for the next Ireland squad I would think. Would have made far more sense to cap him in November than Moran but hopefully that error will be rectified soon.

Somewhat sure he's only been signing one year deals with Villa lately before being sent on loan.

[CSAD]

I mean at least this confirms his Irishness by taking the safe sideways move instead of a move like Southampton where he would get a chance to challenge himself…

[liamoo11]

I mean at least this confirms his Irishness by taking the safe sideways move instead of a move like Southampton where he would get a chance to challenge himself…

Maybe he is getting better money from Middlesbrough

[seanfhear]

Maybe he is getting better money from Middlesbrough
Maybe he likes more of an Irish style of weather.

[joey B]

I’d disagree slightly that Boro are a sideways move from Plymouth,obviously they don’t have the financial muscle of Southampton but are 6 points outside the playoffs with 20 games left and will hopefully be in the mix ,they’re definitely a bigger club than Plymouth though…..

[tetsujin1979]

It really is a tragedy that he didn't move to a team that has shown no interest in signing him

[CSAD]

It really is a tragedy that he didn't move to a team that has shown no interest in signing him

He was linked to Southampton aswell dork ;)

[Eminence Grise]

Such a pity that instead of firing back against a witty put down with more of the same you give us even more unnecessary proof that you're just not up to that level of expression.

[culloty82]

Not to mention, to add to what was stated above, last season Carrick took over a Middlesbrough side mired in the relegation zone and steered them into the play-offs, so absolutely no reason why he shouldn't repeat the trick this time around.

[SkStu]

I'm not a huge fan of Boro for some unknown reason and, based on who else was mentioned as sniffing around, would have thought a move to Southampton or Bristol City would be more appealing to Finn as they are both closer to PAFC and not grim north. Still though, its a permanent move and to a decent, fairly high profile club. After that goal at the weekend, he's left PAFC with something special to remember him by!

https://pasoti.co.uk/threads/finn-azaz-recalled-by-villa-confirmed.126133/
53 pages, the crying really starts around page 12

[tetsujin1979]

Good friend of mine from when I did my degree in UL is a Boro fan, so I've always watched out for their results

[joey B]

From reading the tweet machine some EFL writers seem to think Azaz is a steal for what Boro are paying for him….

[JR89]

From reading the tweet machine some EFL writers seem to think Azaz is a steal for what Boro are paying for him….

Boro had to pay £1m to Brentford as compensation for Alex Gilbert so £2m for Azaz is a steal. Fact they are the only team to bid for him I wouldn't read much into Southampton or Bristol supposedly being interested.

Though surprised Bristol didn't put more effort into signing him as they're crying out for technical number 10.

[Paddy Garcia]

I still recall watching match of the day when Boro, in the top flight, fielded 7 or 8 Irish players. A few years ago mind.

[Diggs246]

I believe its a beautiful city!

[Demesne Lad]

I believe its a beautiful city!



As far as I know, Middlesbrough is not a city, despite several applications to become one. It has one Grade 1 listed building.


Historically, air pollution was high - the equivalent of smoking 93 cigs a year, according to the British Heart Foundation four years ago.

Middlesbrough's air pollution worst in the north east and equivalent to smoking 90 cigarettes a year | ITV News Tyne Tees (https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2019-12-05/middlesbrough-s-air-pollution-worst-in-the-north-east-and-equivalent-to-smoking-90-cigarettes-a-year)




More recently, the Middlesbrough Council claim that their data "tells us that Middlesbrough's air quality is often better than other towns and cities in Britain, and continues to meet national air quality standards."


Young Azaz should be alright if he lives in Yarm, or Darlington.

[John83]

Historically, air pollution was high - the equivalent of smoking 93 cigs a year, according to the British Heart Foundation four years ago.

Middlesbrough's air pollution worst in the north east and equivalent to smoking 90 cigarettes a year | ITV News Tyne Tees (https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2019-12-05/middlesbrough-s-air-pollution-worst-in-the-north-east-and-equivalent-to-smoking-90-cigarettes-a-year)




More recently, the Middlesbrough Council claim that their data "tells us that Middlesbrough's air quality is often better than other towns and cities in Britain, and continues to meet national air quality standards."
Historical data here https://aqicn.org/city/united-kingdom/middlesbrough/ says it has some intermittant air quality issues, but it looks noticably better than the various locations in London I tried on the same website.

[John83]

"[Carrick says Azaz] could make his debut for Middlesbrough in the FA Cup this weekend against Aston Villa, following his €3m move from Villa."

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/sports/football/he-s-had-a-terrific-season-michael-carrick-backs-irish-ace-finn-azaz-for-middlesbrough-debut-after-3m-move/ar-AA1msLQ2

[pineapple stu]

As far as I know, Middlesbrough is not a city, despite several applications to become one. It has one Grade 1 listed building.


Historically, air pollution was high - the equivalent of smoking 93 cigs a year, according to the British Heart Foundation four years ago.

Middlesbrough's air pollution worst in the north east and equivalent to smoking 90 cigarettes a year | ITV News Tyne Tees (https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2019-12-05/middlesbrough-s-air-pollution-worst-in-the-north-east-and-equivalent-to-smoking-90-cigarettes-a-year)

More recently, the Middlesbrough Council claim that their data "tells us that Middlesbrough's air quality is often better than other towns and cities in Britain, and continues to meet national air quality standards."


Young Azaz should be alright if he lives in Yarm, or Darlington.

Ties in with an unofficial club/town nickname, the Smoggies (Smoggie)

Harry Pearson is from Middlesbrough; he writes some very good humorous football columns (plus books like The Far Corner on local football in that area). He's...aware of the town's shortcomings in his writing, shall we say.

[tetsujin1979]

So is John Nicholson, who writes for football365. He had a stroke in November but is recovering well

And the best TV rant ever is about Middlesbrough
X55A-2C7IOY

[pineapple stu]

Tis a good rant, but it's no "Your boys took one hell of a beating" or "I would love it if we beat them - love it"

[Demesne Lad]

Villa likely to insert a 'buy back' clause in any deal with 'Boro.

Aston Villa to insert buy-back clause in Finn Azaz Middlesbrough transfer (astonvillanews.co.uk) (https://www.astonvillanews.co.uk/2024/01/05/aston-villa-to-insert-buy-back-clause-in-finn-azaz-middlesbrough-transfer-as-villa-park-exit-edges-closer/)

[Trequartista20]

Agree it's a good move for the lad.

Ought to be given a serious chance to stake his claim by the next manager.

[third policeman]

Is he cup-tied or injured or just not picked? Not in the squad for either FA Cup or League Cup semi tonight?

[tetsujin1979]

Played for Plymouth in the league cup, so he's cup tied. Apparently was an agreement that he wouldn't play against Villa in the FA cup after leaving then for Boro last week

[Demesne Lad]

Straight into the starting XI for 'Boro, away to Millwall.

[Demesne Lad]

Another side of Azaz. Bodes well for his future, however his football career goes.

Former Plymouth Argyle star Finn Azaz was St Luke's Hospice volunteer - Plymouth Live (plymouthherald.co.uk) (https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/finn-azaz-st-lukes-hospice-9036313)

[SkStu]

Got his first goal for Boro and his 8th of the season, 7 assists. Absolute belter.

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