DON’T JUMP SHIP BEN

Gibson is key to Boro hopes of bouncing straight back to Prem says new boss

GARRY MONK wants to keep Ben Gibson at Boro – despite interest from Liverpool. The new Riverside boss will hold talks with the England defender to insist he wants all his best players to be part of a promotion push. Monk was unveiled by Middlesbrough and admitted the pressure is on to bounce back into the Premier League. He said: “Ben is one of a number of players here who are integral to the squad, integral to making that step back. “Ben is obviously a big focal point for the team. “I’ve watched him over the last couple of seasons, and I’m well aware of what he can do. It’s important you’re able to keep a core together and give yourself the best possible opportunity of reaching the club’s ambition, which is to go back to the Premier League. “Ben is a big part of that. Discussions will happen with players. It’s my job to sit with them and show them the way forward. “It’s important we keep our best players, and the club are in agreement with that.” Monk added: “The objective is getting up at the first attempt. I’ve signed for three years but I’d like to think we can get up at the first attempt and build from there.” He walked out of Leeds last month after just missing out on the play-offs. He took the title “manager” rather than head coach at Boro and has been tasked with “smashing” the Championship by chairman Steve Gibson. “So no pressure,” he joked. Monk left Elland Road without triggering a contract extension and said: “New people came in and there was a new structure. “I talked to the new ownership about what the new process would be and I thought it would carry on but for whatever reason it didn’t work out. “It didn’t suit me and so I had to take a decision. “Leeds are a great club, I loved it and I wish them all well. “But I’m at Middlesbrough now and that is my only concern and focus.”