Chairman’s hunger for Boro success
MIDDLESBROUGH stand- in boss Steve Agnew has backed chairman Steve Gibson’s vow to “smash’’ the Championship.
Bullish Gibson reacted to his club’s relegation by underlining his determination to storm straight back into the Premier League.
And Agnew, who failed to keep Boro in the top flight after head coach Aitor Karanka was axed in March, is in no doubt Gibson means business.
Agnew believes Gibson’s passion for his hometown club is vital as Boro look to throw off the bitter disappointment of going down only a year after promotion.
Agnew said: “It’s massively important because he ’s Middlesbrough through and through.
“He’s motivated, determined and hungry, and when he shows those qualities success follows.’’
Boro centre-back Ben Gibson – the chairman’s nephew – added his approval to his uncle’s pledge.
He said: “I think it was brilliant. It’s been a rubbish season and that’s what we needed to hear.’’
Agnew almost certainly takes charge of Boro for the final time today when they face Liverpool at Anfield.
Karanka’s former assistant is likely to revert to a coaching role when a new manager is appointed this summer.
Boro have struggled to compete this season and Agnew has been struck by the increased quality in the Premier League.
He said: “With the speed, all over the pitch, the game has got quicker with a higher level of technical ability and that combination produces a top-quality footballer.
“There are more of those types of players in every squad.
“When you look at the team sheets every week, maybe there used to be seven or eight, now there are 12 or 15 players.
“That makes it more difficult. Plus, they have 25-man squads and there’s probably more quality in them.’’
And Agnew reckons there has been a knock-on effect in the Championship. He said:“It sifts down, It makes for a highly competitive division.’’