Fly Me To The Moon column: Middlesbrough are a very well run club but you fear for many others in the EFL

Almost before the gates opened to last week's test games they slammed shut again. This time COVID restrictions look to have locked those turnstiles far more forcibly.

Suddenly EFL football is facing up to the severe financial strictures of several months without an audience. While the clubs and authorities count the possible total cost in millions of pounds for fans it is a bitter disappointment as we are forced back into streaming exile once more.

There seemed more than a glimmer of hope from those successful pilot events. All carried out in a controlled environment they felt reassuringly secure and safe.

Yet, as controlled as it all necessarily was there was an atmosphere. Boro's new signing Chuba Akpom was surprised at the volume as he was warmly welcomed by his new supporters. He was made to feel like he was home.

Now we are back in our homes again just when we thought we would be looking forward to a giant step forward this coming weekend. There was to be a third full Riverside to watch Boro's game against Barnsley. It would have been the real start to the season but now we must wait again.

It is a cruel setback and looks like being a long winter locked behind our streams in our individual homes.

Middlesbrough are a very well run club and have been very prudent over recent seasons in cutting back on losses. You fear for many others in the EFL, they might not enjoy the backing of a Steve Gibson or have a starting point far closer to the breadline.

There has been a rumour circulating of up 20 clubs facing administration before Christmas. Therefore the quest for Rick Parry and the EFL to find outside sources of funding could be life or death for the Football League itself. The clubs desperately need a helping hand from the Government but also a hand down from the Premier big boys.

As the transfer window counts down the mega clubs keep on splashing the mega bucks with impunity. But there is another clock counting down for the EFL clubs now locked behind closed doors. Even a small percentage of those astronomical fees and outrageous agents shares could be the saving grace for football and community as we know it.

Back to the Boro and how great to see a new striker scoring on his debut. Chuba Akpom impressed everyone with his words on signing. The former Arsenal man has been snatched from Greece and swapped the Champions League for the Championship, looking forward to establishing himself at his new club and to put down roots, house hunting in the area.

After talking the talk he walked the walk with that headed goal away at QPR. He follows an esteemed line of Boro forwards to score on their first team bow.

Fabrizio Ravanelli stands out with the hat trick against Liverpool. That was one of the most extraordinary games and performances over the 25 year history of the Riverside.

If Chuba can come anywhere near to emulating the White Feather then he will help to make this exile from the stadium more bearable.

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