Pulis: Downing won’t hold a grudge with his old boss Karanka NO AIT-RED IN STEW
TONY PULIS insists that there won’t be any bad blood between Stewart Downing and returning former boss Aitor Karanka.
Boro are chasing a play-off place with Downing – who fell out with Karanka – influential this season.
Downing was brought back to the Riverside in 2015 by chairman Steve Gibson for Karanka’s squad.
And earlier this season the midfielder revealed: “As soon as I walked through the door, it didn’t feel right. I just didn’t feel welcome.
“The manager (Karanka) has obviously given the go-ahead to sign me but the chairman wanted me back.”
Karanka took Boro to a playoff final, then promotion, but was sacked a year ago as Boro unsuccessfully fought the drop.
Nottingham Forest gaffer Karanka remains popular with most Boro fans and Pulis (below, with Downing) said: “I’m sure Aitor will get a good response from the supporters, and he deserves it.
“I’ve managed against him a couple of times, and from the time I’ve spent with him, he’s a decent fella.
“Hopefully, he’ll come in for a glass of wine afterwards.
“He’s a good manager. He did a fantastic job at this club, and I’m sure he’ll get a good welcome back.” Boro’s Daniel Ayala and Grant Leadbitter also fell out with Karanka, but Pulis added: “Things happen in life, and things happen in football, whether it’s individual relationships or group relationships. That happens, and people should move on.”
Karanka, who has a good relationship with Pulis, said: “I have very good memories and I know a lot of people there. It is a game I was looking forward to from the moment I arrived at Forest.
“I hope I get a warm reception, because I did my best for them. I had a very good relationship with the owners and with most of the players and the crowd.”
Karanka hinted he has a plan to shackle Boro livewire Adama Traore, who has been getting brutal treatment recently.
Karanka added: “While I know their weaknesses, I also know their strengths. They have very good players.
“They have players who were playing with me, but now who have Premier League experience. They are better players now than they were two or three years ago.
“And they also have the new signings this season, players like Muhamed Besic, Britt Assombalonga and Jonathan Howson. They have an amazing team.”