Carr side can Karank it up

MIDDLESBROUGH have had one season of the last 14 years in the Premier League.

The days of Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli, cup finals and exotic signings parachuted into the Teesside industrial landscape are a long time in the past. But they last in the memory. Almost two decades ago there was that Gareth Southgate-skipper era that Steve Mcclaren guided to the UEFA Cup final, and a league cup win in 2004. Ugo Ehiogu, Stewy Downing, Gaizka Mendieta and Massimo Maccarone.

Those magical campaigns, the remarkable comebacks and late winners, seem like yesterday to those of us who covered them. Heroes that still give a sheen to a club. There was always an assumption that one day a club with such potential would rise again.

The next five weeks will determine whether new coach Michael Carrick (left) can kickstart a new era.

It was 2016 when Boro last won promotion under Aitor Karanka. A miserable, dull, pragmatic relegation season in the top flight followed.

The side Carrick has led from third bottom to the play-offs have more about them. Packed with power up front, Chuba Akpom has 29 goals for the season.

Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer has nine in 14 starts and should consider a permanent move to Teesside in the summer. Likewise the energetic driving midfielder that is Aaron Ramsey, also a Villa kid.

Local lad Hayden Hackney, just 20, has played 30 games, anchored the midfield brilliantly and has a bright future. Isaiah Jones is a big talent and back on it.

Carrick has a useful mix of experience and youth and has moulded them into a powerful outfit who must believe in themselves and hold their nerve in the play-offs.

They are attractive to watch, reflected in Riverside Stadium attendances and atmosphere.