I know the boss likes me...I get the feeling he thinks I am OK WOODGATE’S APPROVAL A BRITT OF ALL RIGHT FOR HIS BORO STRIKER

For the first time in two years, the Middlesbrough striker knows he is wanted, valued and has, in Jonathan Woodgate, a manager who believes in him.

“I know he likes me,” said Assombalonga, smiling broadly. “You just get that feeling. Even before Woody took charge, I got the impression he thinks I’m OK. He was always encouraging me and telling me I was going to score a lot of goals.”

It was not always the case for Boro’s £15million record buy, who will be one of the first names selected for tonight’s Championship opener at Luton.

Despite becoming the first striker at the Riverside since Yakubu in 2004 to score 15 or more goals in two successive seasons, he ended last term – when Boro just missed out on the play-offs – wondering what the future held for him.

He did not dislike Tony Pulis and the pair never fell out but he wondered if the then-Boro MANAGER: Graeme Jones

BEST SIGNING OF SUMMER: Simon Sluga, keeper (HNK Rijeka)

After consecutive promotions, consolidation is the likeliest outcome. But the Hatters are likely to miss James Justin and Jack Stacey, whose defections could leave them short of defensive mobility. manager rated him. He said: “It’s tough when you’re scoring goals, not knowing if you’ll be in the team for the next game.

“I used to wonder if the manager liked me as a footballer. There were plenty times when I thought he didn’t.

“I think he saw me as an impact player who could come off the bench and nick a goal in the last 20 minutes.”

Woodgate’s promotion was welcomed by Boro particularly when he said there would be a more expansive style.

“That was music to my ears,” said Assombalonga, 26, who has been having one-on-one sessions with Woodgate’s No 2, ex-strike star Robbie Keane.

“It’s what every forward wants to hear. He’s giving me more freedom to make things happen and that’s exciting.” It is MANAGER: Jonathan Woodgate

BEST SIGNING OF SUMMER: Marc Bola, defender (Blackpool)

Woodgate will be on a steep learning curve. The rookie manager has pledged kids will get a chance, and his side will attack with passing football. It is a change of style from Tony Pulis. Mid-table likely. not just Woodgate’s philosophy that Assombalonga appreciates.

“The gaffer is one of the happiest people I’ve met,” he said. “His confidence and enthusiasm rubs off on everyone.”

Assombalonga had an eventful summer, scoring his first-ever goal for Congo against Zimbabwe in the African Nations Cup in Egypt.

In the dressing room later he was shown a video of his father Fedor, who was watching in the crowd, crying his eyes out.

“It meant so much to him on so many levels. It was June 30, Congo Independence Day and my goal clinched qualification to the knockout stages,” he said.

“Maybe if we have a good season and I score the goal which clinches promotion for Boro, he’ll be crying again.” MANAGER: Neil Harris

BEST SIGNING OF SUMMER: Connor Mahoney, winger (Bournemouth)

More of the same at The Den. Although no side will want to go there in the cups, league fare is unlikely to yield more than spasms of promise. But Harris has plenty of goodwill in the bank. MANAGER: Jose Gomes

BEST SIGNING OF SUMMER: Charlie Adam, midfielder (free agent)

Survival is once more the name of the game for the Royals, who have stayed up by the skin of their teeth in the last two seasons. Adam’s experience will be crucial if they are going to do it again. MANAGER: Lee Bullen (caretaker)

BEST SIGNING OF SUMMER: Julian Borner, defender (from Arminia Bielefeld)

Hopes were high the Owls could start the way they finished their last campaign under Steve Bruce, but the manager’s departure has tempered that optimism. Much will depend on his replacement. MANAGER: Nathan Jones

BEST SIGNING OF SUMMER: Nick Powell, midfielder (Wigan)

Jones is set for his first full season and it has been a busy summer overhauling his squad. They might have to endure a slow start but should find themselves in the mix for promotion.