Boro Mania

Dave Kitson of Stoke City has become the second striker to join Middlesbrough on loan since the appointment of Gordon Strachan. It is hoped that Kitson will provide additional competition for places up front, following the recent arrival of Marcus Bent on loan, and will be reunited at the Riverside with his former Reading strike partner Leroy Lita.

Beginning his career with Cambridge United, the 29 year old made a name for himself with Reading, scoring 54 league goals in 111 starts before his big money move to Stoke.

Although he is Stoke’s three-goal top scorer this season, he has not been first choice striker with the Premier League side and will be hoping to play regular first team football with Boro.

Gordon Strachan commented:

I’m delighted Dave is coming in to bolster the squad’s numbers and give us more options.

I’ve been a fan of Dave’s for a few years now. He is a good striker and another player for us to call on

Kitson scored against Boro as Reading came from two goals behind to win their first ever Premier League game 3-2, although his memories of that game will propbably dwell on the bad tackle from Chris Riggott which ruled him out until January.

After losing his place at Stoke, Kitson returned to Reading on loan during the second half of last season, scoring twice in nine games as Steve Coppell’s side lost out in the play-offs.

It is obvious that since his arrival Strachan has identified our forwards as a major weakness, adding Bent and Kitson to our stable of strikers.

How do you feel these additions will effect our recent form?