THE BOOT ZOOM
Covid-hit Warnock will manage Boro from his house using new tech
NEIL WARNOCK will manage Middlesbrough today – by using Zoom and his mobile phone.
The 71-year-old is isolating away from his squad and coaching staff, after testing positive for coronavirus this week, but will watch a live feed.
Assistant Kevin Blackwell says Warnock is actually “feeling fine”, fighting off the virus at home as his side host Bournemouth.
One unnamed Boro player has also tested positive, but the rest of the staff are so far OK.
Warnock will be watching the game from home and liaising with coaches Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson before, during and after.
Blackwell said: “Neil is fine. That’s the frustrating thing. We just wish him all the best and to get back as quickly as possible.
“If it was normal flu, he’d be back tomorrow, but we obviously follow all protocols. We’ve got the club doctors here. They’ve been very stringent and we’ll follow everything we have to do.
“The beauty of modern technology is we can speak to Neil live, as the game is going on. We’ll be using that to our advantage.
“Neil has been well enough to be involved with nearly everything we’ve done this week. While he hasn’t been on the training ground, myself and Ronnie tend to do the bulk of that anyway, so it hasn’t affected things. We’re pleased with the preparation.
“The lads have been really sharp and they’ve responded to everything we’ve asked of them.”
Warnock has been chasing a new striker all summer and Blackwell has confirmed Boro’s interest in Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom.
He said: “It’s no doubt that we
are looking at players and Chuba is one of those players that we’ve looked at.
“The club have set their targets high and we are looking for quality players.”
Cherries winger Arnaut Danjuma says Jason Tindall’s men are on course for a goal-fest this season.
Danjuma struggled in the Premier League last term and the £13million Dutchman failed to find the net. He is already off the mark this time around and, with Dominic Solanke and Junior Stanislas also part of a front three, he’s confident of success.
He said: “I think it really shows we can play good football with us three in front. It’s no secret that Dominic Solanke is a top-class player.
“He had a tough time like me last year. But he’s got the qualities and quality is permanent.
“The way the gaffer wants to play suits him as well. I’m confident he can accelerate as well now with the way we want to play.
“I think Junior Stanislas is a class player as well and he’s showed it already more than me and Dom in the previous years.”
..BUT HE WON’T BE ABLE TO DO THIS