The World Cup was at one time an ideal opportunity for Boro to scout world stars and make audacious bids for global names.
Tony Pulis is much more likely to stay closer to home as he shapes his squad this summer, with the manager no doubt keen on making a transfer breakthrough in the coming weeks.
Transfers and the World Cup both crop up in the latest Tripe Supper Boro podcast.
And the lads talk kits. What's your favourite Boro shirt of the last couple of decades? And which player does each kit remind you of?
Join Dominic Shaw, Philip Tallentire and Chris Garbutt for our latest helping of Tripe. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy