ROBBO TOLD ME TO TAKE THE JOB
Boro legend gave Carrick thumbs-up
MICHAEL CARRICK has revealed that it was a chat with fellow Manchester United legend Bryan Robson which convinced him to become Middlesbrough boss.
Carrick first held talks with Boro owner Steve Gibson and officials almost three weeks ago and, from the outset, was interested in succeeding Chris Wilder, who had been fired days earlier.
But it was only after speaking to Robbo that he decided the Riverside was the place for him to launch his managerial career. Carrick began with a whimper in a 2-1 defeat at Preston yesterday.
Three decades ago, Robson himself left United for Teesside, leading Boro to two promotions and three cup finals.
Carrick has taken 11 months off since leaving the club he served with such distinction for 15 years and is now looking to follow in the footsteps of one of his heroes.
“I saw Robbo a couple of weeks ago and was chatting to him about this job,” said the 41-year-old.
“He told me to take it. Obviously, he has a great affinity with Middlesbrough, had some great times and has a huge respect for a lot of the people still working here.
“Robbo is an absolute legend, probably the best player Manchester United had over a long period of time, so when you get advice from someone like him, you do listen.
“I’m also close to Steve McClaren [who bossed Boro for five years], and he was being equally positive about this opportunity.”
Carrick is
renowned for his professionalism and attention to detail. Ahead of his autobiography being published four years ago, he would go over every word, something his ghost-writer had rarely experienced with previous footballers.
Carrick is unapologetic about this character trait. Indeed, it is an approach he will adopt at Boro.
“That’s just the way I am,” he added. “And, yes, I hope it comes through in my management. Once I decide to do something, I am all-in and will do everything in my power to make it right.
“That means taking responsibility for it rather than passing on to someone else. That’s me. You are who you are.
“We all have little traits and habits and, without exactly micro-managing, I want to know everything going on here and making sure it’s done in what I think is the proper way.”
Carrick has a huge task on his hands to emulate the Boro achievements of either Robson or McClaren, but knows some big jobs are even tougher than this one.
The Geordie’s first day in management coincided with Rishi Sunak’s first as PM.
With a smile, Carrick said: “I’d much rather be sitting here doing this. I think I may just have the slightly easier job.”