2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
In the game, Michigan did not attempt a free throw until the last 1 minute and 45 seconds of the second half. Against Ohio State, Michigan struggled against a 1–2–2 zone early in the game and fell behind by 11 before closing to a 29–25 halftime deficit. Michigan took a 44–40 lead with eight minutes remaining, and the score was tied at 47 before Ohio State ran off 10 points in a row.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
The game was a twentieth year celebration of the last Wolverine national championship with all but two members of the 1989 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament championship team in attendance as the team wore throwback uniforms. The consecutive losses caused the team to lose almost all of their support in the national rankings. On January 20, in a contest against Penn State that pitted the conferences two leading scorers (Harris and Talor Battle), Michigan shot 9 for 30 from the field in the first half including 2 for 16 on three-point shot attempts.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
They fell behind by as many as 23 points in the second half. The loss extended the losing streak to three games. Although Michigan rebounded with Beilein's 500th win in a January 24 victory over Northwestern in which they scored on their first five possessions and never looked back,  they lost all support among the voters in the polls.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Michigan ended January with a pair of losses to Ohio State and Purdue. The Ohio State game was notable for Novak's flagrant foul and ejection for elbowing P.J. Hill in the face. Harris accumulated a triple double of sorts with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 10 turnovers. Against Purdue, Harris was held to single digit scoring for the third time in four games. During the game he was ejected for elbowing Purdue captain Chris Kramer in the nose, which spurred Purdue to a 40–20 run.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Novak was ineligible due to an ejection in the prior game and Harris was ejected toward the beginning of the second half. On February 5, Harris was selected as a John R. Wooden Award 2008–09 Midseason Top 30 Candidate. After starting February play by snapping the two-game losing streak against Penn State on February 5, Michigan lost consecutive games to top ten opponents: Connecticut Huskies (#1) and Michigan State Spartans (#9). Harris posted a 28 points as Michigan rallied from a two-point halftime deficit to win by 20 against Penn State.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Although Michigan confused Connecticut with a 2–3 zone defense instead of its normal 1–3–1 zone, which forced 10 first-half turnovers, Connecticut was victorious. The 11th double double of the season by Hasheem Thabeet helped Connecticut overcome only its second halftime deficit. Michigan stayed in the game in part due to six three-pointers by Stu Douglass. The loss against Michigan State marked 7 losses in 9 games for Michigan and gave Michigan State a 7–0 road record. On February 15, Michigan raised its record to 3–0 in overtime games in a victory over the Northwestern Wildcats on the road.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Michigan took a 56–51 lead with 1 minute and 44 seconds left, but let it slip away. Michigan never trailed in the overtime. Then four days later, they posted their first consecutive win since a three-game streak from January 4 — 11 with a victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In the game, Novak posted a career-best 6 three-pointers.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Michigan suffered an 80–70 overtime loss at the hands of ten-place Big Ten foe, Iowa, on February 22. Michigan had led 56–52 with 1 minute and 13 seconds remaining in regulation before allowing four straight free throws by Matt Gatens. The game was notable because Harris did not play during the overtime. At the time of the benching, Harris was in a battle with fellow sophomores Talor Battle and Evan Turner for the Big Ten Scoring leadership. Beilein commented on the benching: "That's what we had to do to make our team better now and in the future.".


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
In the subsequent game against #16-ranked Purdue, Michigan won 87–78, raising its record to 3–4 against ranked opponents on the season. Harris was one of Michigan's leaders with 27 points and 8 rebounds, while Sims had a career-high 29 points. On March 1, Michigan lost to Wisconsin 60–55. After taking a 34–32 halftime lead, Michigan opened the second half shooting 1 for 12. Michigan closed the contest to a 52–50 game with 3 minutes and 55 seconds remaining. They stayed close as Wisconsin missed four of eight late free throws.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Prior to the final game of the season, the Wolverines adopted the slogan "Queme los barcos," which means "burn the ships" and which had been used by 16th-century Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez as a command to his troops to remind them that there was no turning back in their battle with the Aztec. The team traded in their traditional warmup jersey's for shirts with their adopted slogan. On March 7, they recovered from a 51–39 deficit to win their conference finale against Minnesota.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Big Ten Season
Laval Lucas-Perry scored a career-high 19 points, including three straight three-pointers after Minnesota opened up the 12-point lead. Of the three teams that were ranked at the end of February and that Michigan had played twice (Duke, Illinois and Purdue), Michigan split the two games against each opponent, winning against each at home.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Postseason
Michigan concluded its regular season with a 19–12 (9–9 Big Ten) record. This earned the team a tie for seventh place in the conference standings with Minnesota. Since Michigan swept the season series with a February 19, 74–62 win at home and a March 7, 67–64 win at Minnesota, Michigan was seeded seventh in the 2009 Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Tournament held at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana while Minnesota was seeded eighth. During Championship Week, the Wolverines defeated the number ten seeded Iowa Hawkeyes on March 12 by a 73–45 margin. Sims helped Michigan open a 22–9 lead by scoring 16 of his 27 points in the first 10 minutes. Then the team lost to the number two seeded Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13. Sims scored 15 and Harris was held to 9.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Postseason
Michigan continued to wear warmup shirts with the team slogan at the 2009 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. In the tournament, where Michigan earned the number 10 seed, the team defeated the Clemson Tigers 62–59 on March 19 in Kansas City. At one point, Michigan held a 16-point lead. After Harris gave Michigan a 58–43 lead with 5:51 remaining, Clemson had a 14–0 run to cut the deficit to 58–57 with 49 seconds left. Harris completed a three-point play on a driving layup with 37.4 second left.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Season, Postseason
During the game, Clemson's top shooter Terrence Oglesby was ejected for a flagrant foul. The Wolverines lost in the second-round game played on March 21, 2009 to the 2-seeded Oklahoma in a 73–63. During the game four of Michigan's five starters who were trying to defend against Blake Griffin spent much of the game in foul trouble with Harris and Lee fouling out and Novak and Sims finishing with four fouls. Although Michigan tried a variety of defenders and various approaches such as doubling him, sagging in the lane, bumping him, Griffin still posted 33 points and 17 rebounds.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Awards and honors
No Wolverines were drafted into the 2009 NBA Draft after the season. Before, during and after the season, individual players earned the following awards and honors:


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Awards and honors, Statistical leadership
Harris led the Big Ten in free throw percentage according to some sources who recognize a 2.5 free throws made per game minimum, but was considered second according to the conference website that uses a 2 FTM/game minimum. The NCAA recognizes a 2.5 attempts per game minimum. Thus, according to the Big Ten Gatens is the Conference Free Throw Champion and according to the NCAA Harris is the champion. Harris and Sims were both ranked among the leaders in the Conference in several statistics and divided the team leadership in most statistics.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Awards and honors, Statistical leadership
Harris led the Wolverines in points, minutes, assists, free throws made, free throw percentage and steals, while Sims led the team in field goal percentage, rebounds and blocked shots. Although Harris led the team in scoring for the season, Sims led the team in scoring in all its victories against ranked teams during the regular season and during the last five games before the NCAA tournament, while the team was on the bubble.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Awards and honors, Statistical leadership
However, Harris and Turner became the 4th and 5th players in conference history to finish in the top ten in the conference in average points, rebounds, and assists for a season since assists became a statistic in 1983–84, following Steve Smith, Jim Jackson, and Brian Evans. After, Harris was named team MVP, he requested that Sims be recognized as co-MVP. Sims was recognized as co-MVP.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team, Schedule
Bold text indicates game high; (nth time player led stat)


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey season
The 2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team is the Wolverines' 87th season. They represent the University of Michigan in the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season. The team is coached by Red Berenson and play their home games at Yost Ice Arena.


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey season, Regular season, Schedule and results
^ Denotes Great Lakes Invitational (neutral site: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan)


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey season, Player stats, Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes


2008–09 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey season, Player stats, Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time on ice; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals Against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save Percentage; GAA = Goals Against Average; G = Goals; A = Assists; PIM = Penalty minutes


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season
The 2008–09 Mid-American Conference season is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I conference. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) sponsors 23 sports (11 men's and 12 women's). The MAC is made up of 12 full-time members and five affiliate members.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Reese and Jacoby trophies
The Reese and Jacoby trophies are awarded to the top men's and women's athletic departments in the Mid-American Conference.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Reese and Jacoby trophies
Points are awarded based on each school's finish, with the overall total divided by the number of sports sponsored by each school. An institution may count either indoor track and field or outdoor track and field but not both.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Basketball (men's), Players of the week
The following are the MAC men's basketball players of the week. Number of awards won this season are in parenthesis.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Basketball (women's), Standings
* Receives E3 seed based on 2–0 head-to-head record vs. Miami.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Cross country (men's)
Eastern Michigan won its fourth consecutive MAC Championship in 2008. The All-MAC team consisted of Ryan Bloom (Buffalo), Josh Karanja (Eastern Michigan), Sammy Kiprotch (Central Michigan), Aiman Scullion (Kent State), Kevin Silver (Miami), Pat Sovacool (Miami) and Curtis Vollmar (Eastern Michigan).


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Cross country (men's)
Sovacool of Miami was the only runner to qualify for the NCAA Championship. He finished 65th overall.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Cross country (men's)
In the preseason poll voted by the MAC head coaches, Eastern Michigan was chosen to win the 2008 men's MAC Cross Country Championship. EMU had won the past three MAC Championships and had five All-MAC runners returning.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Football
Ball State started the 2008 football season 12–0, going undefeated in conference play and defeating Indiana and Navy in out of conference games. BSU was ranked as high as 12th in the Associated Press Poll and 13th in the Coaches' Poll. They were also ranked 12th at one point in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) rankings. However, Ball State was upset by Buffalo in the MAC Championship game, lost their bowl game vs. Tulsa and finished unranked in each of the polls.


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Football
In regular season non-conference games, the MAC defeated BCS opponents #25 Pittsburgh (Bowling Green won 27–17), Syracuse (Akron won 42–28), Indiana (Ball State won 42–20 and Central Michigan won 37–34), Illinois (Western Michigan won 23–17) and Michigan (Toledo won 13–10).


2008–09 Mid-American Conference season, Sports, Football
Despite having a successful non-conference record and gaining five bowl bids, the MAC finished the bowl season poorly. The MAC was the only conference to not win a bowl game and finished 0–5.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was Middlesbrough's eleventh consecutive season in the Premier League. They were relegated at the end of the season. They were knocked out of the League Cup in the third round and knocked out of the FA Cup in the quarter-finals (sixth round).


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season
Gareth Southgate continued as manager under chairman Steve Gibson. Before the season, Southgate was considering whether to continue with the traditional role of a club captain, but later decided that Emanuel Pogatetz would continue being captain following his performances in the final ten games of the previous season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Team kit and sponsors
Middlesbrough's kits were produced by Erreà for the fifteenth and final season, and sponsored by GPS manufacturer Garmin. Back at the start of 2008, the club ran a poll to decide whether the club should return to the white band of prior seasons. The votes came out in favour of the band, and it was then up to the fans to decide between three different designs. The winning shirt was announced on 7 May 2008 to be choice A – the white band with a curl. The away kit, announced on 17 July 2008, would see a return to the popular black and blue striped kit worn by Jack Charlton's side of the mid-1970s.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
Middlesbrough net spending over the 2008 summer transfer window was almost nil, as money spent bringing in new faces was matched by money brought in through player sales, though it had only been half a year since Afonso Alves' club-record signing during the previous season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
The first transfer for the season was thought to have been announced back in May, with Maidstone United's England youth international defender Chris Smalling signing a two-year contract. However, the player changed his mind, the contract was cancelled, and later the same month he decided to join Fulham instead as it was closer to his home.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
Mark Schwarzer's departure at the end of the previous season saw Gareth Southgate announce that Brad Jones and Ross Turnbull would fight it out for the first choice goalkeeper's shirt, and thus no goalkeepers were amongst the signings during the summer, much to the initial dismay of Boro supporters. Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje later revealed that Middlesbrough tried to sign him on loan during the summer, but that his club refused to allow him to move.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
The club's first signings of the summer were both announced on the same day in early July, with Dutch forward Marvin Emnes arriving in a deal worth €4 million (£3.2 million at the time) and French midfielder Didier Digard arriving from PSG for €5 million (£4 million).


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
Next up came a series of midfield departures. After six years on Teesside, Dutch midfielder and former club captain George Boateng left for newly promoted Hull City for a fee of £1 million, while academy graduate and England under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole signed for Wigan Athletic in a deal worth £3.5 million, rising to £4 million based on appearances. Boro's midfield options were further reduced when Hérold Goulon, signed two years earlier, left without playing a senior game for the club.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
Wellington Phoenix's New Zealand international left-back Tony Lochhead joined the club on a week-long trial at the end of July but the club eventually decided against offering him a contract.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summer transfer window
Finally, just a week before the season began and after only a year on Teesside, Luke Young moved to Aston Villa for a fee of £5.5 million rising to £6 million based on appearances. Fans were disappointed with the sale but, coupled with Young's wish to make the move, the club felt the offer was too good to turn down, having only paid £2.5 million for him a year earlier. A replacement was brought in when Middlesbrough completed the £3 million signing of Arsenal's Justin Hoyte before the first game of the season, but not in time for him to be eligible to play. The right-back signed a four-year contract.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
In mid-November, before the window opened, former youth goalkeeper David Knight returned to the club on a month-to-month contract as cover following an injury to third-choice keeper Jason Steele.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
Middlesbrough and MFK Košice came to an agreement that would see talented young players exchanged between the two clubs. It was verbally agreed that 17-year-old Peter Gál-Andrezly would join the Middlesbrough reserve side for the second half of the season. Two further players, Serbian Under-21 international Nemanja Matić and 18-year-old Juraj Hovančík, came to England on a trial period during December.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
During December, the club told reporters that there were no funds available for transfers, meaning they needed to sell before they could buy, although at the same time the club were not looking to move on any of their best players either. This became a key element of the January transfer window.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
The transfer window was once again dominated by reports linking Stewart Downing with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, but this time there was a basis for such reports. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp announced his interest in Downing towards the end of December. With the transfer window open, Spurs put in a bid for the player, reported to be around £6 million, which was described as "derisory" by Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb. An improved offer was submitted and immediately rejected.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
Middlesbrough told Tottenham that the player was not for sale and any further interest they had would not be entertained, while chairman Steve Gibson told the media that no senior player would be leaving the club in January. Shortly afterwards, Downing submitted a written transfer request. The request was considered before being rejected. Downing's father, Stewart Senior, revealed his son's reasons for submitting his transfer request, stating that "when he signed his new contract [in February 2008] he was assured that there would be significant investment in the squad", arguing this had not happened.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
Reiterating their position that they would not be letting any senior players leave the club during January, the club rejected a £4.5 million offer from Portsmouth to take Gary O'Neil back to his former club.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
With the club falling into the relegation zone and a number of players ruled out through injury and suspension, Middlesbrough eventually moved into the transfer market on 22 January, with their first move bringing in striker Marlon King on loan from Wigan Athletic until the end of the season. King had been on loan at Hull City but his time there was cut short after he fell out with their manager. A day later, Mido made a move in the opposite direction, also on a loan until the end of the season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson underwent a medical at Middlesbrough, after the two clubs agreed a £2 million fee. However, Wigan's bid for the player was also accepted and Watson decided to move there instead.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, January transfer window
Following a successful loan spell, Academy graduate Tom Craddock made a permanent move to Luton Town. The striker started only one game during his time on Teesside before completing his £80,000 move.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, End of season
Ross Turnbull left the club at the end of the season on a free transfer, to join Chelsea, after rejecting several contract offers, citing that he wanted to play regular first team football. The goalkeeper played less than 30 first team games for Middlesbrough and had been dropped earlier in the season in favour of teammate Brad Jones. David Knight also left at the end of the year, to join Darlington.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, End of season
Out of contract winger Graeme Owens left the club to join Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Transfers, Summary, Out
For departures of players out of contract at the end of 2007–08 see 2007–08 Middlesbrough F.C. season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Squad, Senior squad
Squad numbers for the 2008–09 season were announced on 23 July 2008. Changes saw Julio Arca move from 3 to 20, with Andrew Taylor moving from 33 to 3. Marvin Emnes took the number 11 shirt, vacated by Jérémie Aliadière's move to number 10. Didier Digard received the vacant number 8 shirt. Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones stayed at 21 and 22 respectively, leaving the number 1 shirt empty. Before they left, Luke Young, Lee Cattermole and Hérold Goulon were given numbers 2, 27 and 37 respectively. Justin Hoyte became the new number 2 upon his arrival, while Nathan Porritt was given number 33 before the away match at Portsmouth. Franks was given the number 37 shirt before the away match at Everton.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Squad, Senior squad, Appearances and goals
Appearance and goalscoring records for all the players who were in the Middlesbrough F.C. first team squad during the 2008–09 season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Squad, Senior squad, Discipline
Disciplinary records for 2008–09 league and cup matches. Only players with one or more cards are included.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
The first game saw Boro visit Bootham Crescent to play York City. The visitors fielded different outfield sides in both halves, with Brad Jones the only player to appear in both halves. Jonathan Franks put Middlesbrough ahead in the second half, before York scored two goals to take the lead. David Wheater scored a late equaliser to leave the score tied at 2–2.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
Next up came a trip to Portugal for the Algarve Challenge Cup. The mini-league format would see 3 points awarded for a win and 1 for a draw, with an extra point for every goal scored. Boro's first game was against Scottish champions Celtic. The first half finished goalless, and the manager again elected to make many changes, with only Ross Turnbull and Josh Walker remaining on the field. Jérémie Aliadière put Boro ahead late in the second half after the Celtic goalkeeper's clearance rebounded back off of the Boro forward. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink leveled the game during stoppage time to end the game at 1–1.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
It was a similar scenario in the next game, versus Vitória Guimarães. Nine changes at half time saw only Turnbull and Adam Johnson retain their places. Boro conceded another late goal to lose the game 0–1. Boro ended the competition with two points – one for a draw, and one for their solitary goal.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
Boro picked up their first pre-season win with victory over Carlisle United. French pair Jérémie Aliadière and Didier Digard scored Boro's goals. Aliadière scored within a minute of the second half starting, before Carlisle levelled almost instantly. Digard struck a great shot to win Boro the game.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
A trip to Scotland for a second year running saw a remarkable comeback versus Hibernian. Hibs took a two-goal lead thanks to Steven Fletcher's goals in either half. Afonso Alves, on as a substitute, put Boro back in the game with a goal within a minute of coming on. Wheater's header levelled the game before Alves got his second goal to win the game 3–2 for Boro. There was bad news however as Julio Arca was injured and ruled out for six weeks.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
A young Boro side cruised to a comfortable victory over Darlington in the next friendly. Adam Johnson opened the scoring by converting a penalty, with Marvin Emnes scoring his first goal for the club to leave the visitors two-up at the break. A Lewis Hardman own goal and a goal from Tony McMahon put Boro further in front, before Johnson scored his second of the game to complete a comfortable 5–0 victory.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season
Pre -season finished in fantastic fashion, albeit their final game didn't start off in the best way. Sparta Rotterdam opened the scoring after just two minutes, but then Boro took charge. Alves scored three minutes later to level the game. A further three minutes down the line, Aliadière put Boro in front. Josh Walker got the third on thirteen minutes, and Alves got his second two minutes later. Stewart Downing made it five for the visitors just after the half-hour mark, while Rhys Williams added another shortly after half-time. No further goals were forthcoming and the game finished 6–1.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Pre-season, Results
Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to .


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, August
Middlesbrough began their season with a victory for the first time in eight years with a 2–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Brad Jones was named as Gareth Southgate's new number 1, but there was no place in the starting line-up for any of the club's summer signings, with Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes on the bench, while Justin Hoyte, only signed on the day, was ineligible. An early chance for David Wheater was controversially ruled out for a foul, but he converted again in the second half for Boro's first goal of the season. Mido, on as a substitute, converted a cross/shot from fellow substitute Digard to put the home side two goals up, before Robert Huth conceded an own goal late in stoppage time.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, August
There was heartbreak for Middlesbrough at Anfield, as late goals from Liverpool saw them come from behind to win 2–1. Ross Turnbull started in goal after Brad Jones dislocated a finger during the warm-up, but the side were otherwise unchanged. It was goalless until Mido, again on as a substitute, put the visitors ahead after seventy minutes. Meanwhile, Justin Hoyte made his debut as a substitute for the injured Andrew Taylor. Boro looked set to record their first win at Anfield for thirty-two years until Jamie Carragher's shot deflected off Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes to go. Steven Gerrard's goal four minutes into stoppage time completed the comeback.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, August
Stoke City were Middlesbrough's next opponents when they came to the Riverside. The visitors frustrated the home side until Amdy Faye was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Mohamed Shawky; Afonso Alves converted the resulting direct free kick. Stewart Downing missed the chance to extend Boro's lead when his penalty kick struck the bar, before for the third time in three league games, Middlesbrough conceded an own goal, this time courtesy of Justin Hoyte. Five minutes from the end, the home side's lead was restored with Tuncay's first goal of the season. The 2–1 victory extended Boro's home record to five wins from the last five home games in all competitions. It also gave the club its best Premier League start in nine years.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, August
Gareth Southgate picked up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August, becoming only the second person after Stuart Pearce to pick up both the Player and Manager of the Month awards, and the first Middlesbrough manager to win the award since Terry Venables in January 2001.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, September
The international break left Middlesbrough without Tuncay and Shawky after both picked up injuries, while David Wheater could only make the bench after suffering from tonsillitis, so Digard, Riggott and Mido came in. Nathan Porritt was named as a substitute for the first time on an all-Academy bench. Portsmouth were the more dominant side throughout the match, however it was Boro who took the lead after Mido's fourth goal of the season. Jermain Defoe scored a brace for the home side in the second half to give them a 2–1 win. Digard picked up an injury and had to be taken off while Boro thought they should have had a penalty after Downing was brought down in the box.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, September
Middlesbrough were on top for much of the game at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, but ultimately came away with nothing from the 2–0 defeat. Mido was set to start, but was injured in the warm-up and was replaced by the initially-benched Alves. Downing and Alves created a host of good chances but none were converted. With sixteen minutes to go before the final whistle, Aliadière was brought down in the penalty area, but Downing sent his penalty kick flying over the bar for his second penalty miss of the season. The visitors were punished for their inability to score when Michael Chopra scored two goals in the final ten minutes.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, September
Gareth Southgate's 100th game in charge, which saw Stewart Downing named captain for the first time in Emanuel Pogatetz' absence was a frustrating one. They saw two chances cleared off the line by former Middlesbrough player James Morrison, a shot hit the bar, and a penalty shout turned down as they squandered plenty of chances to beat Tony Mowbray's West Bromwich Albion. Instead, they were left to pick up the pieces after a 1–0 defeat courtesy of Jonas Olsson.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, October
After going through September with four defeats from four games in all competitions, Middlesbrough picked up their first away win of 2008 against Wigan Athletic. Grounds and Riggott came into the side as Taylor and Huth were out injured, and the weakened defence earned Boro their first clean sheet of the season. Aliadière picked up his first Premier League goal of the season in the dying minutes – Boro's 600th in the Premier League – to snatch a 1–0 victory.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, October
Following another international break, Middlesbrough's next game was at home to Chelsea. Both sides were missing first-team players, but the quality of Chelsea's reserves showed as they outclassed Boro and ran out 5–0 victors. Hoyte was ruled out injured before the game and so Grounds covered at right-back, while Alves started the game on the bench. The home side were just a goal behind going into half-time, but four goals in twenty-two minutes after the break left Boro dejected, including an own goal from Wheater that was originally credited to Salomon Kalou. John Johnson came on to make his debut as a substitute for Grounds around the hour mark on a "horrendous day" for his club.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, October
Middlesbrough next travelled to Ewood Park, looking for their second away win in a row. The away side were boosted by the return of Pogatetz and Tuncay from suspension and injury respectively, although Mido picked up an injury on the morning of the game. Although Blackburn had plenty of chances, the first fell to Boro's Aliadière, who hit the bar early on, while Tuncay had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside. Afonso Alves smashed the ball past Paul Robinson on 74 minutes, while Marvin Emnes finally made his Premier League debut after 84. Once again though, Boro conceded a late goal as the home side levelled the game at 1–1 three minutes into injury time.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, October
Looking for a much improved performance after their last home game, the midweek game versus Manchester City provided the response that both fans and manager were looking for. City had plenty of possession and chances but Ross Turnbull kept his first home clean sheet of the season. Afonso Alves made it two goals in two games after converting a penalty – Boro's 6000th league goal. There was also a welcome surprise in stoppage time as Boro made it 2–0 with a late goal courtesy of Gary O'Neil – his first for the club.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, November
Middlesbrough came back from a goal down against West Ham United in their next game to draw the game at 1–1. West Ham dominated much of the game before tactical substitutions from manager Gareth Southgate improved the home side's performance and led to substitute Mido getting Boro's goal – his fifth of the season – late in the second half.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, November
An Aston Villa side looking to move into the Champions League spots on their home ground were Middlesbrough's next opponents. Boro gained two goals through defensive mistakes, with Tuncay converting them both, but they weren't the only chances they had, as Alves missed a sitter from three yards out. Villa levelled the game three minutes after Boro's first goal but the visitors won it 2–1 two minutes from the end of normal time.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, November
Both Everton and Middlesbrough went into the next match on the back of a four-game unbeaten run, and both sides came out of it with their unbeaten runs intact after a 1–1 draw at Goodison Park. Gary O'Neil got his second goal of the season after just eight minutes to put the visitors ahead, but Boro old-boy Yakubu brought Everton level midway through the second half.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, November
The club's unbeaten run came to a disappointing end after a poor home display against Bolton Wanderers. Middlesbrough found themselves two goals down after ten minutes, but had a number of chances to try to get back into the game. Pogatetz got a goal back for the home side after 77 minutes, but just 63 seconds later, Bolton scored their third to wrap up a 3–1 win. When Taylor was substituted during the game, he and a supporter got into an angry exchange of words, a situation for which Taylor later apologised.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, November
Next up came the Tyne-Tees derby match at home to Newcastle United. Both sides had chances to win the match but neither one took them, as the game ended in a 0–0 draw. The match was marred for the second year running by racist abusive chanting aimed at Boro striker Mido. Two men were later arrested after being identified by CCTV cameras. One man pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined, while another pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a hearing. Both Middlesbrough and The FA were disappointed by the decision not to issue a banning order, though the club did ban the individual from the ground.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
Nick Barmby marked his 500th career appearance against one of his former clubs as Middlesbrough visited Hull City for the first ever top-flight match between the two sides. Hull lined up with former Boro captain George Boateng in midfield after his departure during the summer. The previous four league meetings between the two sides had all ended in 0–0 draws, and it looked like the match was heading for another until Tuncay opened the scoring on 79 minutes.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
Boro's lead didn't last long however, as Bernard Mendy's shot hit the post and rebounded off of goalkeeper Ross Turnbull to go down as an own goal. It got worse for the visitors as just a few minutes later, Hull were awarded a soft penalty when Wheater tangled with Geovanni – a challenge which also saw the Middlesbrough defender receive a red card. TV replays showed that Geovanni was offside when the ball was played to him, but nothing was awarded by the assistant referee. Marlon King converted the penalty to give Hull a 2–1 victory.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
With Wheater suspended, and both Taylor and Hoyte out injured, Middlesbrough had to field a patched-up back four for their home game versus Arsenal, with Tony McMahon returning to the starting line-up after a long time out with injuries, alongside Huth and Riggott, both of whom were returning from injury. There was also a start for Adam Johnson on the right hand side of midfield, as Alves was dropped to the bench.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
Emmanuel Adebayor put Arsenal into the lead after quarter of an hour, but Aliadière got on the end of a wonderful cross from Tuncay to head home the equaliser twelve minutes later. The home side were then denied a penalty when Johnson was brought down in the box, but the referee didn't award anything. Both sides had further chances but the game ended 1–1.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
Middlesbrough produced their worst away performance of the season thus far against Fulham, as they slumped to a 3–0 defeat. Julio Arca was lucky not to be red-carded for a late over-the-top challenge on Andy Johnson, earning only a yellow card. Jimmy Bullard got the opening goal after Turnbull could only parry Bobby Zamora's shot. Next, for the third time in three games, a penalty decision went against Boro, as Tony McMahon was adjudged to have handled the ball after the ball struck his arm from close range. Turnbull guessed the right way but was unable to save Danny Murphy's penalty kick. Clint Dempsey got the third to round off Fulham's win.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
An improved performance was expected but didn't come on Boxing Day, when Everton visited the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough rarely troubled the visitors, but striker-less Everton could still only manage a 1–0 win.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, December
The performance finally improved but the result stayed the same when Middlesbrough went to Old Trafford, where Matthew Bates started a Middlesbrough game for the first time since the end of the 2005–06 season. Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson had spoken before the game, hoping to banish the rift that existed between the two clubs. Things probably weren't helped when Pogatetz, defending a corner, put his hands around the back of Cristiano Ronaldo's neck a corner and the United player went down, claiming a penalty. The spat continued when the players walked off the pitch for half time. Dimitar Berbatov's goal was the decisive moment in the game when he fired home to give his side a 1–0 victory, and left Middlesbrough hovering above the relegation zone on goal difference and without a win in eight games.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
When league football returned to the Riverside for the derby clash with Sunderland, a lot had happened in the interim. The club had recorded an overdue victory – against Barrow in the FA Cup (see FA Cup section), with Afonso Alves getting back amongst the goals, while the transfer window had seen Stewart Downing's transfer request rejected along with offers from Tottenham, while Portsmouth's moves for Gary O'Neil had all been rebuffed.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
Josh Walker made his full league debut, starting in central midfield – more than two years after his substitute appearance in the last game of 2005–06, and Downing played centrally, supporting Alves. Downing and Alves linked up well to put Boro ahead before half time. The central midfield partnership of Walker and Digard were both forced off with injuries picked up from opposition challenges, meaning Matthew Bates was pushed into an unfamiliar central midfield role. Sunderland pressed more and more in the second half, and got their equaliser courtesy of Kenwyne Jones.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
The visitors could have gone on to win the game but Adam Johnson made a backheeled clearance off the goal line, and McMahon won a last-ditch tackle on Djibril Cissé after he was put through on goal on the stroke of full-time. The 1–1 draw extended Boro's winless run to nine games.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
The winless run entered double figures when Middlesbrough went down 3–0 away to West Bromwich Albion. Injuries to Pogatetz and Walker meant a reshuffle in both defense and midfield, and after just four minutes Boro were behind. The defense appealed in vain for offside as Chris Brunt fired home a heavily deflected shot. Another deflection saw Robert Koren's strike roll past Ross Turnbull to put the home side two goals up early in the second half. It got worse for the visitors had Didier Digard sent off for appearing to jump into a challenge on Borja Valero.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
Koren got his second goal not long after to add to Boro's misery. West Brom's win over Boro, added to their win earlier in the season, meant they completed their first ever Premier League double. The Middlesbrough players reaction to Digard's sending off lead to The FA charging the club with failing to control their players. A handful of Boro players surrounded referee Mark Halsey to protest as he tried to push Digard off of the pitch, with Halsey dropping one of his cards as a result. Middlesbrough finally dropped into the relegation zone following Tottenham's victory over Portsmouth the following day.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
Middlesbrough went into their next game following a cup win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but that didn't signal a change in fortunes in the league. Set pieces were once again the side's undoing. Away at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, Middlesbrough started with new loan signing Marlon King as sole striker, with five men in midfield. Boro held out until 58 minutes into the game, when Salomon Kalou put his side ahead. He got his second on 81 minutes, condemning Middlesbrough to a 2–0 defeat.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, January
Gareth Southgate elected to make changes for the home tie versus relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers. Brad Jones returned for his first league start since the opening day of the season as Ross Turnbull was dropped to the bench, while the side featured five centre backs – Wheater, Huth, Riggott and Pogatetz at the back, while Matthew Bates once again operating in central midfield alongside the quickly-recovered Josh Walker. The set-up allowed Middlesbrough to gain their first clean sheet for two months, but limited themselves to a solitary shot on target over the course of the game. The 0–0 draw earned Boro a point but they fell to 19th in the table, with Blackburn joining them in the relegation zone in 18th, following Stoke's victory over Manchester City.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, February
A trip to the City of Manchester Stadium for Saturday's early kick-off was next on Middlesbrough's agenda. Manchester City's new signing Shay Given made a solid debut, denying Afonso Alves with four fine saves. Both sides had chances throughout the game but City were the only one to convert – Craig Bellamy's shot across goal went between Robert Huth's legs and beyond the reach of Brad Jones into the corner of the net.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, February
Boro's defense remained solid when Wigan came to the Riverside Stadium, but continued to struggle in attack. A line-up unchanged from the midweek FA Cup draw with West Ham was forced into a change midway through the first half. Summer departure Lee Cattermole's strong-but-fair challenge on Didier Digard forced the midfielder off with injuries to both legs that would likely rule him out for the remainder of the season. Neither side could muster enough chances for a goal and the game ended 0–0. Middlesbrough's dire run stretched to fourteen games without a win, with only one goal in nine games.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, February
A letter from the club's Safety Officer, Sue Watson, was handed out to supporters in block 53A. It was intended to ask supporters to refrain from constantly standing and to stop banging on the plastic sheeting on the back of the stand, but its bad wording caused much anger among fans who interpreted it as asking them to sit down and be quiet. The club was forced to apologise to the fans and clarify the confusion.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, February
A victory in their FA Cup fifth-round replay sent Middlesbrough into the home match with Liverpool with optimism that their disastrous run of form in the league would finally come to an end, and their hopes came true. Liverpool were riding high in second place, while Boro began the day in second bottom. A stroke of luck put the home side ahead as Xabi Alonso diverted the ball into his own net from a corner.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, February
Tuncay doubled the advantage in the second half, and they could have had more as the visitors left themselves open at the back as they tried to find a way back. Brad Jones kept a fourth consecutive home clean sheet and Boro moved out of the relegation zone with their 2–0 win, while Liverpool had now failed to win at the Riverside for seven seasons.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, March
Middlesbrough were brought back down to Earth with a big loss away to Tottenham Hotspur. The home side came into the game on the back of a Carling Cup final defeat, while Boro remained unchanged. The mood was set within the first fifteen minutes as Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko gave the home side an early two-goal lead, while Aaron Lennon made it three five minutes before half time. Tuncay twice had the ball in the back of the net but both times he was caught narrowly offside. Lennon got his second goal of the game late in the second half to condemn Boro to a heavy 4–0 defeat.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, March
Fellow relegation-battlers Portsmouth were next up as they visited the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough were caught napping at a corner on the half-hour mark and Peter Crouch put the visitors ahead. The second half saw Boro dominate the game but once more spurned plenty of chances. Things got worse as Matthew Bates was sent off after picking up a second yellow card when he was adjudged to have dived in the penalty area. Four minutes into injury time, Marlon King grabbed his first Middlesbrough goal as volleyed in from close range.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, March
Alves had a chance to hand Boro a win with the last kick of the game as he was through on goal but David James saved his shot and the game ended 1–1. Towards the end of the game, before the equaliser, some fans began to chant "we've only got one player", referring to Tuncay's efforts compared to his teammates. Southgate came out to say he was unhappy with the chant, calling it "disrespectful" and saying "we survive as a club and as a town by everyone pulling together."


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, March
Middlesbrough next visited Stoke City's Britannia Stadium in another important game. Like much of the season, the team once again failed to score. As expected, Rory Delap's throw-in's were Stoke's main offensive weapon. Although they dealt with most of them well, Ryan Shawcross headed one home on 84 minutes, giving them a vital 1–0 win over their relegation rivals. The loss left Middlesbrough four points from safety, with the battle against relegation taking its toll on the club's morale.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, April
April began as March had ended with a defeat, this time at the hands of Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil had cancelled out Bolton's opener to make the scores 1–1 but bad defending saw the home side score three more. The 4–1 defeat left Boro languishing in 19th place, five points from safety.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, April
The home tie against Hull was labelled as a "must-win" tie as they battled to avoid relegation. Middlesbrough got off to a perfect start as Tuncay opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Hull quickly hit back through Manucho. Boro regained the lead after Matthew Bates scored his first ever goal for the club, stabbing home from a corner. All three vital points were secured after a defensive slip by former Boro captain George Boateng let Marlon King in to make the score 3–1. Results later that day left Boro in 19th place but they were now only two points from safety.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, April
Another home tie followed a week later, and Boro did everything but score against a Fulham side featuring former Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer in goal. The keeper kept out several good efforts but his side's steady defence frustrated the home side and meant the game ended 0–0.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, April
Middlesbrough's dire away form continued at the Emirates Stadium as a Cesc Fàbregas double condemned them to a 2–0 defeat, a club record tenth straight away loss. Boro had reason to complain about the opening goal when an offside player was interfering with the goalkeeper's view, but the visitors failed to really test the opposition goal.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, May
Despite Middlesbrough's placing in the relegation zone, they went into the home tie against Manchester United unbeaten at home in 2009. Jérémie Aliadière had an early low shot saved by Ben Foster, but other than that failed to threaten a United side who rested several key players in preparation for their upcoming UEFA Champions League match. Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung scored the visitors' goals and left Boro still entrenched in the relegation battle.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, May
The "must-win" game at relegation rivals Newcastle's St James' Park was likely to determine both sides' chances of avoiding the drop. Tuncay's early shot rebounded off of the Newcastle keeper and then off Habib Beye, who put the ball into his own net for an own goal, giving the visitors the lead after just three minutes. Steven Taylor brought the scores level six minutes later as Boro conceded another poorly defended corner. The game was close, with both sides having several good opportunities, before substitute Obafemi Martins scored for Newcastle straight after coming on.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, May
Peter Løvenkrands settled the game as he put in his side's third goal. The 3–1 win was Alan Shearer's first as Newcastle manager and Middlesbrough's eleventh away defeat in a row. With Middlesbrough three points from safety, and a considerable inferior goal difference with just two games to go, relegation looked even more likely.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, May
A great escape looked on the cards when Middlesbrough went a goal up at home to Aston Villa in their penultimate game of the season, courtesy of an overhead kick from Tuncay. Boro were dealt a huge blow however, when Stewart Downing was brought down under a challenge from Stiliyan Petrov, and needed treatment. He was able to briefly continue before needing to be substituted. John Carew brought Villa level when Boro failed to get started again in the second half. The visitors looked most likely to score again as they continued to press forward, while Boro needed to get forward themselves in their relegation fight. The game eventually ended in a 1–1 draw, with Boro needing a miracle in the final game to avoid the drop.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, May
In order to stay in the top flight, Middlesbrough needed relegation rivals Newcastle and Hull City to lose, while they needed a five-goal swing to Hull in goal difference. Stewart Downing's injury kept him out of a Premier League game for the first time since November 2006, also throwing doubt on a possible summer transfer, and Tuncay captained the side. Boro had to go for it, but instead they fell behind. Gary O'Neil temporarily brought his side level, but they again conceded and lost 2–1.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, May
With Newcastle and Hull both losing, the opportunity to escape was there for Middlesbrough, but they had failed to take it. Their twelfth consecutive away defeat extended the club record, and equalled a Premier League one, and saw their eleven-year run in the top flight ended, with the club needing to prepare for the next season in the Football League Championship.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Premier League, Results
Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to .


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, League Cup
The draw for the second round of the League Cup saw Middlesbrough handed a historic game versus League One side Yeovil Town – the game being the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. It turned out to be a comfortable victory for the home side. Gareth Southgate fielded a slightly weakened side, though handed Marvin Emnes his debut, along with first starts for Justin Hoyte and Didier Digard. Mido made his record three goals in three games after he opened the scoring, before Digard got his first goal for the club.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, League Cup
Jérémie Aliadière added the third before Gavin Tomlin pulled one back for Yeovil. Emnes got a goal on his debut just after half-time, then Adam Johnson got the final goal to make it 5–1. Meanwhile, there was a full debut for Rhys Williams and a home debut for Josh Walker as they both came on as substitutes.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, League Cup
Middlesbrough were handed a tough away tie against Manchester United for the third round. Brad Jones started in goal in place of Ross Turnbull, while Robert Huth was rested. Cristiano Ronaldo was making his first start of the season for United, and marked it with the opening goal. Substitute Adam Johnson put Boro level, before Emanuel Pogatetz was sent off for a rash challenge on Rodrigo Possebon. Ryan Giggs and Nani made it a 3–1 win for the home side.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, League Cup, Results
Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to .


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
Middlesbrough were drawn at home to non-league Barrow in the third-round of the FA Cup. Middlesbrough went into the game without a win in eight league games. They named a strong line-up while giving Josh Walker his first Boro start as he lined up in the centre of midfield. The game saw Middlesbrough dominate in chances, but poor finishing meant they only won 2–1, with both of the home side's goals coming from Afonso Alves – his first goals for over two months – and both assisted by Stewart Downing.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
Middlesbrough's failures in front of goal meant they got a late scare as Barrow pulled a goal back after more bad defending at a set piece, but they failed to take a chance to level the game late on. A sour moment of the game saw Jérémie Aliadière injured and ruled out for two months.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
Boro still hadn't registered a league win by the time their fourth round tie came around, while their opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers sat top of the Football League Championship. Considering the two sides' recent form and with Middlesbrough playing away from home, many pundits were predicting a home win. It was more of a shock then that Middlesbrough were the side to advance through to the fifth round courtesy of a 2–1 victory. Boro winger Adam Johnson spurned several chances before Afonso Alves chipped the goalkeeper on the stroke of half-time. Wolves headed home an equaliser in the second half, but substitute Marvin Emnes fired in off the post seven minutes from time.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
Middlesbrough faced an away tie with West Ham United in the fifth round. Stewart Downing's first goal of the season put the visitors ahead midway through the first half, while Afonso Alves spurned several chances to extend their lead. Once again, a set piece was Middlesbrough's downfall, as Hérita Ilunga headed in the home side's equaliser after 83 minutes. The 1–1 draw meant a replay would be played at the Riverside Stadium.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
The replay was played in front of a small but very vocal Boro crowd who were fired up by an unfortunately worded letter from the club seemingly asking them to sit down and be quiet in their last home game. The fans didn't have to wait long for a goal as in the fifth minute Stewart Downing curled an unstoppable free-kick over the wall and into the top-right hand corner of the net. Tuncay doubled the lead with a volley as West Ham's defense failed to clear the ball. The visitors dominated the possession but could not convert it to goals, and with Middlesbrough threatening on the counterattack, they couldn't afford to neglect their defensive duties. In the end, the 2–0 was enough to see Middlesbrough through to the last eight for the fourth consecutive season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
Middlesbrough faced Everton in the sixth round. Boro were unchanged for a fourth successive game coming into the match and were the better side in the first half. David Wheater rose to head home a Matthew Bates cross on the stroke of half time to send them in at half time as the happier side. Everton's assistant manager, and former Middlesbrough coach, Steve Round gave an angry team-talk to his side at half time which fired his side into a much better second half performance.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup
It took only five minutes for Everton to get an equaliser – Marouane Fellaini heading home over a stranded Brad Jones. Six minutes later, Louis Saha scored Everton's second. Middlesbrough did little to threaten for the rest of the tie. The 2–1 defeat left Gareth Southgate lamenting his side's inability to see matches out.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, FA Cup, Results
Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to .


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Reserves
The Middlesbrough Reserves are competing in the 11-team 2008–09 Premier Reserve League Northern division, as well as the Central League Cup.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Reserves, Appearances and goals
Appearance and goalscoring records for all the players who played in Middlesbrough F.C. reserve team fixtures during the 2008–09 season.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Reserves, Premier Reserve League results
Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to .


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Reserves, Central League Cup results
Despite competing in the Premier Reserve League, Middlesbrough entered the Central League Cup (known as the Totesportcasino.com League Cup for sponsorship reasons) for extra games.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Reserves, Central League Cup results
Note: Results are given with Middlesbrough score listed first. Man of the Match is according to .


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Staff
Prior to the season, a shake-up in the medical department saw Scotsman Frank Nuttall, previously of Rangers and England, arrive as the new head of physical development, allowing Nick Allamby to leave his previous post of sports therapist and become a full-time conditioning coach.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Staff
First team coach Steve Harrison left the club in early July following seven years at the club. Steve Agnew stepped up from being Reserve team coach to replace Harrison, while Academy coach Martin Scott took over as new Reserve team coach.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Staff
Former midfielder Mark Proctor, who had also had prior spells as a Reserve and youth coach with the club, returned to Middlesbrough as under-18 coach during mid-September.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Other events, Compensation case
On 11 August 2008 it was announced that former Manchester United youngster Ben Collett, who five years earlier had a "career-ending" injury as a result of a tackle in a game versus Middlesbrough's reserves, had been awarded more than £4.5 million in compensation. The fee would be paid by Middlesbrough's insurers. An appeal against the ruling, heard in June, failed.


2008–09 Middlesbrough F.C. season, Other events, Debt reduction
Middlesbrough's debts, reported to be around £85–90 million, were cut by two-thirds over the summer following relegation. The reduction would leave the club in a healthier financial position and better placed for the Football League Championship, though Steve Gibson announced the debt reduction before relegation was confirmed and denied relegation was part of a cost-cutting plan.


2008–09 Midland Football Alliance
The 2008–09 Midland Football Alliance season was the 15th in the history of Midland Football Alliance, a football competition in England.


2008–09 Midland Football Alliance, Clubs
The league featured 19 clubs from the previous season, along with three new clubs:


2008–09 Midland Football Combination
The 2008–09 Midland Football Combination season was the 72nd in the history of Midland Football Combination, a football competition in England.


2008–09 Midland Football Combination, Premier Division
The Premier Division featured 18 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs, promoted from Division One:


2008–09 Millwall F.C. season
This article details Millwall's 2008–09 season in League One, Millwall's 83rd season in the Football League and 40th in the third tier.


2008–09 Millwall F.C. season, Events
This will be a list of the significant events to occur at the club during the 2008–09 season, presented in chronological order.


2008–09 Millwall F.C. season, Events
9 August 2009- season begins with a 4–3 loss at Oldham. 12 August 2009- Knocked out in the First Round of the League Cup at home to Northampton.


2008–09 Millwall F.C. season, Players, Squad information
Appearances (starts and substitute appearances) and goals include those in the League One (and playoffs), FA Cup, League Cup and Football League Trophy.


2008–09 Millwall F.C. season, Players, Squad stats, Disciplinary record
Source:Only competitive matches = Number of bookings;  = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card;  = Number of sending offs by a direct red card.


2008–09 Millwall F.C. season, Players, Players in and out, Out
EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2008–09 Milton Keynes Dons F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was the fifth season of competitive association football in the Football League played by Milton Keynes Dons Football Club, a professional football club based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England.


2008–09 Milton Keynes Dons F.C. season
Following their successful promotion from League Two in the previous 2007–08 season, the club returned to League One. On 2 July 2008, following the resignation of manager Paul Ince, the club appointed former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, his first managerial role in football.


2008–09 Milton Keynes Dons F.C. season
The season covers the period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.


2008–09 Milton Keynes Lightning season
During the 2008-09 season, Milton Keynes Lightning will participate in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League. It will be the 7th year of Ice Hockey played by MK Lightning.


2008–09 Milwaukee Bucks season
The 2008–09 Milwaukee Bucks season is the 41st season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA).


2008–09 Milwaukee Bucks season, Offseason
On Monday April 21, 2008, the Bucks introduced Scott Skiles as their new coach. Skiles becomes the 11th head coach in the history of the franchise. Skiles was a former coach with the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns coach. He agreed to a four-year deal to replace his close friend, Larry Krystkowiak. Skiles stated that he is not backing away from his reputation for demanding a lot from his players. Skiles, 44, has amassed an overall record of 281-251 (.528) as an NBA head coach.


2008–09 Milwaukee Bucks season, Offseason
He was hired as head coach of the Bulls on November 28, 2003, and inherited a team with a record of 4 wins and 12 losses. While in Chicago, Skiles led the Bulls to three postseason appearances. The Bulls won 49 games in 2006–07, their most since they went 62-20 in ’97-98. In the playoffs, the Bulls swept the defending NBA champion Miami Heat 4-0 in the first round of the 2007 NBA playoffs.


2008–09 Milwaukee Panthers men's basketball team, Recruits
The following is a list of commitments Milwaukee received for the 2008–09 season:


2008–09 Milwaukee Panthers men's basketball team, Player stats
Updated as of March 20, 2009.Showing only the Top 5 statistic leaders.


2008–09 Milwaukee Panthers men's basketball team, 2009 Horizon League Tournament
First round games at campus sites of higher seedsSecond round and semifinals will be hosted by Butler. Championship will be hosted by higher-numbered remaining seed


2008–09 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs women's ice hockey season
The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs women's ice hockey began their tenth NCAA season as the defending NCAA Champions for a fourth time in program history.


2008–09 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs women's ice hockey season, Player stats, Skaters
Note: GP= Games played; G= Goals; A= Assists; PTS = Points; PIM = Penalties in Minutes; GW = Game Winning Goals; PPL = Power Play Goals; SHG = Short Handed Goals


2008–09 Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team
The 2008–09 Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team represented the University of Minnesota in the college basketball season of 2008–2009. The team's head coach was Tubby Smith. This was Smith's second year as Minnesota's head coach. The Golden Gophers played their home games at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Big Ten Network included the team in a two-and-a-half-hour special that featured Midnight Madness events from several Big Ten campuses on October 17, 2008; the Minnesota event to kick off the season was called "Tubby's Tipoff". The Gophers started the season on a twelve-game winning streak for the first time since the 1948–49 season. The team became ranked on December 22, the first time the team had been ranked since the 2002–03 season.


2008–09 Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team
Recruit Royce White signed with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, but did not play due to shoplifting and trespassing charges. He transferred to Iowa State in July 2010.


2008–09 Minnesota Golden Gophers women's ice hockey season, Regular season
In an October 17 victory over Ohio State, she tallied two assists in the 8-1 win. She also notched two assists on November 21 against Minnesota State. On February 7, she scored a power-play goal against Wisconsin in a 4-2 win. She competed at the NCAA Skills Challenge with fellow Gopher men's senior Justin Bostrom.


2008–09 Minnesota Timberwolves season
The 2008–09 Minnesota Timberwolves season was the 20th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team  finished the season coached by Kevin McHale. After the season, McHale was dismissed though he would return as head coach for the Houston Rockets for the shortened 2011–12 season and would later guide the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals in 2015.


2008–09 Minnesota Timberwolves season
The Timberwolves drafted O. J. Mayo with the third pick in the first round of the 2008 draft. Soon, his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Kevin Love. The team also drafted Mario Chalmers, but his rights was soon traded to the Miami Heat, where he would win two championships.


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season
The 2008–09 Minnesota Wild season began October 11, 2008. It was the Wild's ninth season in the National Hockey League (NHL).


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Pre-season
At the conclusion of the Pre-season, the Wild finished with a 5-2 record.


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Regular season
The Wild were the most disciplined team in the League during the regular season, with just 291 power-play opportunities against. They also allowed the fewest power-play goals, with just 36.


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Regular season, Conference standings
bold – qualified for playoffs, y – division winner, p – Presidents' Trophy winnerCE – Central Division, NW – Northwest Division, PA – Pacific Division


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Schedule and results
Legend:  Win (2 points)  Loss (0 points)  Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Playoffs
The Minnesota Wild failed to qualify for the 2009 NHL Playoffs. after qualifying in 2006-07 and 2007–08


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Player statistics, Goaltenders
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Wild. Stats reflect time with Wild only. ‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Wild only.


2008–09 Minnesota Wild season, Draft picks
Minnesota's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa, Ontario.


2008–09 Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball team
The 2008–09 Mississippi State basketball team represented Mississippi State University in the 2008–09 college basketball season. Under head coach Rick Stansbury, the team played their home games at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville, Mississippi, and was a member of the Southeastern Conference.


2008–09 Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball team, Previous season
The 2007–08 Bulldogs finished the season 23–11 (12–4 in SEC play) and reached the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament, where they barely lost to eventual runner-up Memphis.


2008–09 Mississippi State Bulldogs basketball team, Before the season, Departures
Five players from the 2007–08 team did not return for this season.


2008–09 Missouri Tigers men's basketball team
The 2008–09 Missouri Tigers men's basketball team finished 31–7 and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Led by head coach Mike Anderson, Mizzou finished third in the Big 12 with a conference record of 12–4 and also won the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history.


2008–09 Missouri Tigers men's basketball team, Pre-Season
Following a .500 season in 2007–08 season, the Tigers revamped their offense with five freshmen and two transfers. The Tigers basketball team was not heralded with much in the way of high hopes coming into the 2008–09 season. Most preseason polls had Missouri finishing in the bottom-half of the Big 12 Conference, including Athlon Sports and the Big 12 coaches.


2008–09 Missouri Tigers men's basketball team, Pre-Season
As a way to get in some much needed extra practice, coach Mike Anderson accepted an invitation to play three exhibition games in Canada in late August. In the first game of the tour, Missouri defeated the Niagara All-Stars by a score of 120–80 on August 30, 2008. The game was played at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. On August 31, 2008, in the same venue, the Tigers defeated Brock University 117–68.


2008–09 Missouri Tigers men's basketball team, Pre-Season
This game gave the Missouri coaching staff and fans a nice look at the fresh faces, as Mizzou's seven newcomers combined for 66 of the Tiger's 117 points on the afternoon. The next morning, the Tigers closed out the Canadian trip by beating the Southern Ontario All-Stars by a final score of 109–92.


2008–09 Missouri Tigers men's basketball team, Pre-Season
The Tigers played two pre-season games in 2008. The first was against Lincoln (MO), winning the game 97–54. The second of their two pre-season games was against Missouri Southern, resulting in an 87–58 Tigers victory.


2008–09 Moldovan "A" Division
The  2008–09 Moldovan "A" Division season was the 18th since its establishment. A total of 17 teams contested the league.


2008–09 Moldovan "B" Division
The 2008–09 Moldovan "B" Division (Romanian: Divizia B) was the 18th season of Moldovan football's third-tier league. There are 26 teams in the competition, in two groups, 12 in the North and 14 in the South.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup
2008–09 Moldovan Cup was the eighteenth season of the Moldovan annual football tournament. The competition started on 24 September 2008 with the first round and ended with the final held in the spring of 2009. The defending champions were Sheriff.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup, Preliminary round
This round featured 24 teams from Moldovan lower leagues. The games were played on 31 August 2008.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup, First round
In this round entered winners from the preliminary round and 12 new teams, also from Moldovan lower leagues. The games were played on 24 September 2008.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup, Second round
This round featured winners from the previous round as well as 4 new teams. The games were played on 8 October 2008.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup, Third round
In this round entered winners from the previous round and the 8 remaining teams from the Moldovan National Division. The games were played on 22 October 2008.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup, Quarterfinals
The first legs were played on 5 November 2008. The second legs were played on 22–24 November 2008.


2008–09 Moldovan Cup, Semifinals
The first legs were played on 8 April 2009. The second legs were played on 29 April 2009.


2008–09 Moldovan National Division
The 2008–09 Moldovan National Division (Romanian: Divizia Națională) was the 18th season of top-tier football in Moldova. The season started on 2 July 2008 and ended on 17 May 2009.


2008–09 Moldovan National Division
Just prior to the start of the season, FC Politehnica Chișinău withdrew from the competition, causing the league to play with 11 teams this year. Further, CSCA-Steaua Chișinău merged with Rapid Ghidighici. The new club play under the name CSCA-Rapid Chișinău.


2008–09 Moldovan National Division, Promotion and relegation
Due to the withdrawal of FC Rapid Ghidighici in mid-November 2007, no teams were relegated to Moldovan "A" Division. Promoted to Moldova's top-tier football were FC Academia UTM Chișinău.


2008–09 Moldovan National Division, Results
The schedule consists of three rounds. During the first two rounds, each team played each other once home and away for a total of 20 matches. The pairings of the third round were then set according to the standings after the first two rounds, giving every team a third game against each opponent for a total of 30 games per team.


2008–09 Montenegrin Cup
The 2008–09 Montenegrin Cup was the third season of the Montenegrin knockout football tournament. The defending champions were FK Mogren. The competition featured 30 teams. It started on September 17, 2008 and ended on May 13, 2009.


2008–09 Montenegrin Cup, First round
Last year's finalists Mogren and Budućnost received a bye to the Second Round. The remaining 14 matches were played on September 17 and 18, 2008.


2008–09 Montenegrin Cup, Second round
The first legs were played on October 22 and the second legs were played on November 5, 2008.


2008–09 Montenegrin Cup, Quarterfinals
The first legs were played on November 26 and second on December 10, 2008.


2008–09 Montenegrin Cup, Semifinals
The first legs were played on April 15 and second on April 29, 2009.


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League
The 2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League was third season of the Montenegrin First League of Men's Handball, Montenegro's premier handball league.


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League, Participants
In the Montenegrin First League 2008/09 participated eight teams. For the first time, league didn't have two parts of competition. So, the clubs played 28 legs in the unique league.


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League, Participants
The following eight clubs participated in the Montenegrin First League 2007/08.


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League, Final table
During the season, all members played 28 games. At the end, Budućnost won their first national trophy, with five points more than Lovćen.


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League, Budućnost and Lovćen rivalry
Season will be remembered by the big rivalry between Lovćen Cetinje and Budućnost Podgorica. Their match in Podgorica, which decided about national champion, played in 26th Leg on May 17, 2009, was the most attended game in the history of Montenegrin First League (4,000 spectators). Budućnost won 28:26 (18:14) and hold the first title in the club history. Match ended with incidents in Sports center 'Morača', with the clash of supporters, but the players Goran Đukanović (Budućnost) and Igor Marković (Lovćen) too.


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League, Budućnost and Lovćen rivalry
Four days later, Lovćen and Budućnost played another important match - final of the Cup of Montenegro. In front of 2,000 spectators in Cetinje, Lovćen won 26:25 (13:12).


2008–09 Montenegrin First Handball League, Budućnost and Lovćen rivalry
During the season, match Berane - Lovćen, played in March, was dissolved too, after big incidents and fights on the ground.


2008–09 Montenegrin First League
The 2008–09 Montenegrin First League was the third season of the top-tier football in Montenegro. The season began on 9 August 2008 and ended on 30 May 2009. The defending champions are Budućnost Podgorica.


2008–09 Montenegrin First League, Teams, Promotion and relegation
FK Mladost Podgorica were directly relegated to the Montenegrin Second League after finishing 12th in last year's standings. Their place was taken by Second League champions Jezero Plav.


2008–09 Montenegrin First League, Teams, Promotion and relegation
10th placed Bokelj Kotor and 11th placed Sutjeska Nikšić had to compete in two-legged relegation play-offs. Bokelj were relegated by losing 1–0 on aggregate against the 3rd placed team from Second League, Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje. On the other hand, Sutjeska saved their place in Montenegrin top league by beating cross-town rivals Čelik Nikšić, who had finished in 2nd place in the Second League, also with 1–0 on aggregate.


2008–09 Montenegrin First League, Results
The schedule consists of three rounds. During the first two rounds, each team played each other once home and away for a total of 22 matches. The pairings of the third round will then be set according to the standings after the first two rounds, giving every team a third game against each opponent for a total of 33 games per team.


2008–09 Montenegrin First League, Results, Third round
Key numbers for pairing determination (number marks position after 22 games):


2008–09 Montenegrin First League, Relegation play-offs
The 10th placed team (against the 3rd placed team of the Second League) and the 11th placed team (against the 2nd placed team of the Second League) will both compete in two-legged relegation play-offs after the end of the season.


2008–09 Montenegrin First League, Relegation play-offs
Dečić remained a member of First League, while Mornar gained promotion to 2009–10 Montenegrin First League. OFK Titograd remained a member of Second League, while Jezero relegated to 2009–10 Montenegrin Second League.


2008–09 Montenegrin Second League
The 2008–09 Montenegrin Second League (Serbian: Druga Crnogorska Liga / Друга црногорска лига) was the third season since its establishment.


2008–09 Montenegrin Second League, League format
Twelve teams participate in this league. The top team directly qualifies for the Montenegrin First League while the second and third teams contest in a two matches playoff against the 11th and 12th team from the First League. The two bottom-placed teams are relegated to the Third League, to be replaced by the two winners of the Third League promotion play-off.


2008–09 Montenegrin Second League, Promotion play-offs
The 3rd-placed team (against the 10th-placed team of the First League) and the runners-up (against the 11th-placed team of the First League) will both compete in two-legged promotion play-offs after the end of the season.


2008–09 Montenegrin Second League, Promotion play-offs
Dečić remained a member of First League, while Mornar gained promotion to 2009–10 Montenegrin First League. OFK Titograd remained a member of Second League, while Jezero relegated to 2009–10 Montenegrin Second League.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season
The 2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season was their 100th season and 92nd in the National Hockey League (NHL). While it was widely believed that the 2008–09 season marked the team's centennial, this would not be until the following season with the Canadiens' 100th anniversary taking place on December 4, 2009.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft took place in Ottawa on June 20–21 and the free agency period began on July 1.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Off-season
Throughout much of the off-season, Canadiens' general manager Bob Gainey pursued a possible contract with unrestricted free agent Mats Sundin, formerly the captain of Montreal's historic rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The signing efforts started prior to July 1, 2008, and continued into August, as Gainey was still actively pursuing Sundin. This, despite the fact that Sundin's agent mentioned his player "wasn't close" to making a decision on his future, and was strongly considering retirement. The chase ended with the acquisition of forward Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Off-season
The Canadiens also acquired veteran forward Alex Tanguay from the Calgary Flames in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2007–2008 entry draft. Enforcer George Laraque and goaltender Marc Denis were signed to the team through free agency. Unrestricted free agents Michael Ryder, Mark Streit and Bryan Smolinski did not return to the team.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Preseason
The preseason schedule consisted of the team playing nine games in 13 days. The team claimed victory in six of these encounters. The initial game of the pre-season was played against the Boston Bruins in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Canadiens took part in the CBC's Kraft Hockeyville Series by playing a game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Sporting Centre Benoît Levesque in Roberval, Quebec.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Preseason
Some noteworthy performances at the Canadiens training camp were put forth by prospects Max Pacioretty, Yannick Weber and Ben Maxwell.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, Early Centennial year celebrations
The team has announced its intention to retire two uniform numbers during the 2008–09 season. As of March 2009, the only confirmed number is Patrick Roy's number 33, which was retired on November 22, 2008. In celebration of the Montreal Canadiens' centennial, the 2009 NHL All-Star Game was held in Montreal on January 25, 2009, and the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for June 2009, was awarded to the city.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, October
—Guy Carbonneau, after the Montreal Canadiens concluded their preseason schedule.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, October
On October 10, the Canadiens embarked on a trip for three consecutive road games where they opened the season against the Buffalo Sabres, at the HSBC Arena. Montreal lost the opening game of the season in shootout, but subsequently won 6–1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 11 and 5–3 against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 13. The team returned to Montreal after four days on the road and a 2–0–1 record. The Canadiens hosted the Boston Bruins for their 100th home opening game and won 4–3 in shootout, with Alex Tanguay scoring the winning goal.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, October
On October 18, Saku Koivu achieved his 422nd assist with the Montreal Canadiens and surpassed Maurice "the Rocket" Richard at number seven for all-time assists in franchise history. Two days later, he got his 600th NHL career point when the Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 3–1.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, October
According to a Forbes report published in late October 2008, the franchise ranks as the third most valuable in the NHL at US$334 million, making an 18% increase in the past season. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were respectively ranked first and second in the report. The Canadiens finished October with a 7–1–1 record in Minnesota and concluded the month with two consecutive road wins and a perfect overall road record.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, November
On November 1, against the New York Islanders, Andrei Markov became the second defenceman in franchise history, after Guy Lapointe, to get five points in his first five road games of the season. On November 10, the league announced that forward Tom Kostopoulos was suspended for three games after hitting Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn from behind. On November 11, Chris Higgins got his first NHL career hat-trick in a 4–0 win against the Ottawa Senators. On November 22, the jersey number 33 of legendary goaltender Patrick Roy was retired.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, November
On November 24, against the New York Islanders, Ryan O'Byrne scored on his own net during a delayed penalty call, where Carey Price was pulled off for an extra attacker. On November 29, Mike Komisarek—who was not playing due to injury—temporarily took a place behind the bench as an assistant coach, in replacement of Doug Jarvis, who was at his father's bedside. Rookie right winger Matt D'Agostini was recalled from Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Roman Hamrlik got his 400th NHL career assist in a 3–2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, December
On December 2, Saku Koivu achieved his 612th point with the Montreal Canadiens after recording two assists in a 5–4 win over the Atlanta Thrashers. He tied Mats Naslund at 11th for all-time points in franchise history. Koivu then surpassed Naslund on December 6 after recording an assist in a 2–1 overtime loss over the New Jersey Devils. Matt D'Agostini scored his first NHL career goal and point and Roman Hamrlik played his 100th game with the club.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, December
The Montreal Canadiens celebrated the 99th anniversary of the franchise on December 4 with a 6–2 win over the New York Rangers. Matt D'Agostini got his first NHL assist in a two-point performance. Georges Laraque got his first two points with his new team. D'Agostini had a successful debut with the team, recording six goals and two assists in his first 11 games. On December 13, Ben Maxwell played his first game in the NHL against the Washington Capitals after Saku Koivu was placed on the injured reserve list. On December 18, against the Philadelphia Flyers, Alexei Kovalev got his 900th NHL career point.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, December
After the Christmas break, the Canadiens were back in action on the road on December 27 and won 3–2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed their 3000th franchise victory, with a 5–2 win over the Florida Panthers at Sunrise on December 29, solidifying their place as the most successful team in NHL history. Andrei Kostitsyn and Maxim Lapierre scored their first career hat-tricks during this road trip.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, January
General Manager Bob Gainey presented his mid-season report on January 13. He stated that he was looking to improve the team's power play, which was 26th in the league, and he wanted to acquire a proven player capable of helping the power play. When asked by a reporter what was his best transaction since taking over as the team's general manager, he answered that the hiring of Guy Carbonneau as head coach was his best move.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, February
In order to help bolster their power play, Bob Gainey acquired Matthieu Schneider from the Atlanta Trashers for a combination of draft picks. This is Schneider's second tenure with the Canadiens, who began his career in Montreal after being drafted by the team in 1987.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, February
On February 17, Alexei Kovalev was asked by Managing Director Bob Gainey to go home and take a rest. He missed two games. There were rumors that he would be traded and the city was abuzz. Kovalev rejoined the team on February 21 and scored one goal and added two assists in a convincing 5–3 win over the Ottawa Senators. Kovalev received the first star of the game to the delight of the Montreal crowd.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, February
A reporter for the Montreal newspaper La Presse stated on the evening of February 19 that the February 20 edition of the paper would have an exposé that would make the Kovalev situation seem inconsequential. The paper reported that Roman Hamrlik and brothers Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn were involved with a person believed to be part of an organized crime ring in Montreal. Although the players have admitted that they know the person in question, no accusations nor proof has been provided indicating that the players were involved in any illegal activities. The article has since been written off as tabloid journalism and a major example on how the Montreal media negatively treat the Canadiens players.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, February
On February 26, Gainey traded Steve Begin to the Dallas Stars for Doug Janik, who was immediately sent to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Begin, who was often a healthy scratch during the season, would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, February
Saku Koivu scored his 624th point with the Canadiens with an assist in a February 27 game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He became the tenth all-time leading scorer in Canadiens history, surpassing Elmer Lach.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, February
The Canadiens claimed Glen Metropolit off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers on February 27. Metropolit was practicing with the Flyers earlier in the day when Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren informed him, "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that you're playing tonight. The bad news is that you're playing for the Canadiens." The Canadiens were in town playing the Flyers that same day and Metropolit simply moved his equipment to the visitor's dressing room.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, March
Approaching the NHL trade deadline, Bob Gainey traded for Mathieu Schneider and claimed Glen Metropolit. Gainey confirmed that he couldn't risk trading away his young prospects for any "rental players."


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, March
On March 9, Gainey announced that he was replacing Guy Carbonneau as head coach until the end of the season. Don Lever was named assistant-coach.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, March
Patrice Brisebois played his 1,000th NHL game on March 14 in a 3–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. During that same game, Martin Brodeur tied the all-time NHL record for career wins with 551, tying Canadiens great Patrick Roy, who was in attendance at that game. Brodeur was given the first star of the game and received a standing ovation from his home province crowd.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, March
Alex Tanguay scored a season-high five points (two goals and three assists) on March 24 in a 6–3 win against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Bell Centre.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, March
Alexei Kovalev scored his 100th goal as a member of the Canadiens (and 23rd goal of the season) in a 4–1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 31.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Regular season, April
The Canadiens finished the regular season having tied the Carolina Hurricanes for the most power play opportunities, with 374.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Standings, Conference standings
bold – qualified for playoffs, y – division winner, z – placed first in conference (and division)


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Standings, Conference standings
AT – Atlantic Division, NE – Northeast Division, SE – Southeast Division


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Schedule and results
Win (2 points)  Loss (0 points)  Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Playoffs
The Montreal Canadiens clinched a playoff spot following a 5–4 overtime loss against the Boston Bruins on April 9, 2008, their 81st game of the season.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Playoffs, Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: vs. (1) Boston Bruins
The Montreal Canadiens earned the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference by finishing with 93 points in the conference. With key players missing such as Andrei Markov, Mathieu Schneider, Alex Tanguay and Carey Price (who was struggling), they were swept in four games.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Player statistics, Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Player statistics, Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Player statistics, Goaltenders
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Canadiens. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only. ‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Canadiens only.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Awards and records, Team awards
On April 11, following the final home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team announced its award winners for the season.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Transactions
The Canadiens have been involved in the following transactions during the 2008–09 season.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Draft picks
Montreal's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa, Ontario.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Farm teams, Hamilton Bulldogs
The Hamilton Bulldogs remain Montreal's top affiliate in the American Hockey League in 2008–09.


2008–09 Montreal Canadiens season, Farm teams, Cincinnati Cyclones
Montreal continues their affiliation alongside the Nashville Predators for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL in 2008–09.


2008–09 Morgan State Bears men's basketball team
The 2008–09 Morgan State Bears men's basketball team represented Morgan State University in the 2008–09 college basketball season. This was head coach Todd Bozeman's third season at Morgan State. The Bears competed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and played their home games at Talmadge L. Hill Field House. They finished the season 23–12, 13–3 in MEAC play to win the regular season championship. They also won the 2009 MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament to receive the conferences automatic bid to the 2009 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. They received the No. 15 seed in the South Region where they lost to No. 2 seed and AP #7 Oklahoma in the first round.


2008–09 Moroccan Throne Cup
The 2008–09 season of the Moroccan Throne Cup was the 53rd edition of the competition. It began on 22 November 2008.


2008–09 Moroccan Throne Cup
The cup was won by FAR de Rabat, who beat Fath Union Sport in the final.


2008–09 Moroccan Throne Cup, 5th Round
This round saw the entry of teams from the GNF 2. The draw was made on Wednesday 25 February 2009.


2008–09 Moroccan Throne Cup, Last 32
This round saw the entrance of clubs from Botola. The draw was made on Thursday 26 March 2009.