Warnock sends SOS to veteran schemer Clayton
BATTLE AT THE BOTTOM: BARNSLEY, BORO AND HULL ALL HOPING TO AVOID TRAPDOOR
NEIL WARNOCK will try to persuade midfielder Adam Clayton to make a farewell Middlesbrough appearance in tonight’s potentially crucial final game of the Championship season at Sheffield Wednesday.
Clayton, whose contract expires after tonight’s game, was not involved in Saturday’s defeat at Cardiff City, but manager Warnock will try to convince him to play at Hillsborough.
His experience could be important with fellow former Leeds United player Jonny Howson suspended, and the Boro boss telling his side they still need a point ensure they do not get dragged into the uncertainties which could dog other sides who may or may not be relegated this evening.
“I will speak to Adam,” promised Warnock in his pre-match press conference. “At the moment he isn’t available but I’m going to speak to him.”
Howson received a second yellow card in the 89th minute at Cardiff, and is therefore suspended from a squad reporting no new injury concerns.
“He’s been Mr Reliable since I’ve been here,” said Warnock. “As he came past me on Saturday I said how disappointed I was with him because it was reckless and there was no need for it but now I’ve got to decide who’s going to play in there and how we’re going to play. I’m sure Kevin (Blackwell), Ron (Jepson, his coaches) and I will come up with a solution.
“He (Howson) has been a real plus for us since I got here but he’s let everybody down not being available for the last game. It’s done and dusted now and we’ll have to get on without him.”
The unusual circumstances of this season has made the task more difficult, with the coronavirus extending the campaign beyond the likes of Clayton’s contract. Some signed short-term extensions, others – such as Daniel Ayala – were released before the restart and, this week, Ravel Morrison left too.
But Warnock, who was full of praise for the attitudes of George Friend and Marvin Johnson who could be making final appearances tonight, was keen to keep things in context.
“It’s difficult for every manager in the league, the problems you’ve got with these players out of contract, but really it’s a small thing when you think about saving lives during Covid,” he argued. “We’re very lucky to have the finance to do the testing all over the country (that has allowed the season to be completed).
“It’s been a pleasure to have lads like George and Marvin giving everything they can during the games. I’ve never seen Marvin play better than the last few weeks. Whether he’s playing to make sure he gets another club I don’t know but he’s definitely
done his cause no harm and George has contributed on and off the field, he’s been exemplary.
“I don’t think anybody can prove anything else now. Steve (Gibson, the chairman) and Neil (Bausor, chief executive) are aware of what we think regarding the squad, what it needs and how we can help.
“Steve and I will get together after the game, possibly on Thursday, and have a chat. Whatever happens I think I can offer quite a lot of advice behind the scenes.”
Confusing matters for Middlesbrough, Hull City, Barnsley and others is the fact Wigan Athletic are appealing a 12-point deduction for going into administration which will only apply at the end of the season if it affects whether or not they escape relegation. If it stands, Middlesbrough’s Championship status for next season is assured.
Sheffield Wednesday are awaiting the verdict from a misconduct charge which could carry a points deduction of up to 21 points. They are eight points above the relegation zone.
Warnock does not want to have to rely on lawyers to stay up.
“We’ve always said we need another point,” he commented. “It is a bit chaotic, the situation regarding Wigan and possibly Sheffield
Wednesday. I think we should know what we’re up against really but it doesn’t appear that will happen before the game.
“At the level we’re talking about I think it’s wrong it’s not decided already one way or the other so the clubs concerned and the rest of the league can get on with it but you’ve just got to make sure it doesn’t matter and it’s decided on the field of play.”
Also uncertain is whether Warnock will be back for next season.
“I don’t need any assurances about anything. (Tomorrow’s) meeting I’m sure will go ahead and I’ll be asked questions where hopefully I can give them answers about what I feel about the club from being inside it for a few weeks,” he said. “It would be nice to be doing it at the other end of the table.
“The meeting was planned quite a while ago because I’m going to get a break straight after, hopefully, and have a few days without my telephone on.
“Who knows what’s around the corner? Bloody hell, I’m 71, you don’t know if it’s going to be my last game full stop!”
Last six games: Sheffield Wednesday LWDLLL; Middlesbrough LWLWLL.
Referee: J Gillett (Australia).
Last time: Sheff Wednesday 1 Middlesbrough 2, October 19, 2018, Championship.