Warnock keen to reshape Boro squad after being confirmed as boss

Neil Warnock is looking to reshape his Middlesbrough squad and admits the club needs ‘quite a large influx of players’afterhewasconfirmed as Boro boss for next season.

Warnockheldlengthytalks with Boro owner Steve Gibson lastThursdayaftersuccessfully steering the club to Championship safety. And with his future now confirmed, Warnockislookingtoputhisstamp on the Boro squad to ensure they don’t have another poor seasonandbecomeembroiled in a relegation battle again.

Reflecting on his meeting with Gibson, Warnock said: “Steve asked me for a true appraisalofeverythingandthat’s whatIdid.Hewasveryhelpful, hewantstoimprovethethings I want improving and take the club forward.

“He’s always supportive of his managers isn’t he.

"I probably should have workedforhim20yearsago,15, 10,five-butitishowitisandI’m goingtoenjoyit.Imusthaveretired about five times now, but there’salwayssomethingthat’s brought me back, a challenge, helpingsomebodyout,andthis is a similar situation.”

Reshaping the squad is now high on his ‘to-do list’ – once he’s enjoyed a short family break. Warnock added: “It won’t be easy, we need quite a large influx of players and I’ll be doing my best over the next fewweekstogettherightones.

“Neil Bausor is helping as well, we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet really in terms of improving the squad.

"There might have to be salesaswellbutyoudon’tknow what’s around the corner regarding that.

“It’s important that it’s a lot more structured squad than it has been and there are more options, especially defensive wise. We’re trying to change thesquadaround,andweneed a bit of luck because you need the new lads to settle quickly.

“Some do, some don’t, but some of the players I’m trying to sign have been there and done it all, I want one or two down that spine who can change the mentality.”

Warnocktookchargeofthe final eight games of the season over a busy four-week period, steering the club to safety with four wins away from home in the Championship.

The veteran manager replaced Jonathan Woodgate in the dugout at the Riverside.

He added: “I must admit I need a few days! It’s been nonstop really. It seems like about fouryears,letalonefourweeks. But it has been enjoyable, the people have welcomed me, the players have given me everything and I’ve had a great response from them."