White Feather would jump at Boro return
FABRIZIO RAVANELLI may be long odds against to land the Middlesbrough manager’s job, but he isn’t bothered.
After all, as the man they called the White Feather points out, the Teesside club proved shocks can, and do, happen when landing him as a player 21 years ago.
The Italian, 33/1 for the post, was a newly-minted Champions League winner with Juventus in 1996 when he was unveiled as Boro’s £7 million new buy.
He lasted just one season before heading off, first to Olympique Marseille then later to Dundee, but what a season it was.
His 31 goals over a campaign which took in two cup finals and, ultimately relegation, ensured his cult-hero status in the North Yorkshire town.
And, in turn, he established his strong relationship with the supporters. Something, he says, that makes him yearn to return to the Riverside in a coaching capacity.
“At the time I was one of the best strikers in Europe and, of course, had just helped my club Juventus achieve our beautiful goal of winning the Champions League,” said Ravanelli.
“As a result I was in the position of being able to choose from many great clubs to join.
“But the project Middlesbrough had, the environment that existed at the club and the fans conquered me.
“For this reason I was happy to go there – without hesitation.
“It worked too. I made history by scoring more than 30 goals in a single season and helping to lead the team to two Finals.
“Now, if they are to call me, it will be a real joy, a dream come true for me.”
It would also, he insists, be a shrewd football decision on Middlesbrough’s part.
“I am sure that together we would be able to do great things,” he said.
“I have studied so much football in recent years and learned so many new training techniques.
“I am definitely ready to go back in and coach. If I do so my sacrifices would pay off.
“I have a very good relationship with the leadership, although at the time I had no contact with them.
“The fans are wonderful, and I adore them. And also they do well because I love them.
“And, of course, the facilities are fantastic there so everything really is in place.”
As the bookmakers have noted, though, Ravanelli does have competition for the post.
Steve Agnew, the man is caretaker charge of the club just now, is 2/1 ON favourite to be offered the post on a permanent basis.
Among others in the running are local heroes Paul Ince at 4/1, Bryan Robson 12/1 and Nigel Pearson 20/1 with former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri another long shot at 25/1.