SMILES LIKE TEES SPIRIT
Monk: We’ve found unity that was missing last term
Middlesbrough v Burton, 7.45pm GARRY MONK is convinced Boro have rediscovered the spirit for a Championship promotion campaign.
The new boss has had a mixed start to his reign at the Riverside with a defeat at Wolves followed by victory over Sheffield United.
And Middlesbrough will be strong favourites to take three points off Nigel Clough’s Burton tonight.
Monk has questioned whether Boro’s squad had sufficient unity last season.
He reckons that was a quality lacking as they were relegated with a whimper under Aitor Karanka.
Monk has pledged his entire squad will be used extensively in this campaign and ordered them to look after each other.
He said: “Changing rooms that are willing each other on, they are the most successful changing rooms I have ever been in. You need that desire to play and look after each other.
“It’s not just about the 11, it’s about everyone. It’s that unity. Maybe that was lacking a little bit last year, that togetherness.
“We had a great vibe in the crowd on Saturday and that filtered through to the players, there was a good energy and intensity. We were on the front foot. We just need to do that for longer periods.
“It’s impossible to play a Championship season with just 11 players – a team has never done it. Every one of those players will be used, it’s a squad game.
“But we need that balance in the squad. You can see the signs are we’re improving, but the Championship doesn’t allow you to rest.”
Clough admits Burton face a ‘mental battle’ to be ready tonight.
Favourites to go down before a ball was kicked this season, the Brewers are propping up the Championship table two games in after a 4-1 drubbing at Hull.
“We’ll try to freshen it up a little with one or two, but it’ll mainly be the same players out there,” said Clough. “They have to get their head around the mental side of things and get themselves ready for a battle at Middlesbrough.”