Wilder’s built Prem hopes

CHRIS WILDER has a conviction about him that will lead Middlesbrough back into the Premier League – eventually.

The Teessiders have been on a stirring FA Cup adventure, which has reignited the fan base’s passion and belief in the club’s future.

Taking the scalps of Manchester United and Spurs in the Cup has given a tantalising glimpse of what Boro can achieve in the next couple of seasons.

Their battle with Chelsea last night was resilient and feisty, played in front of a noisy crowd, which the Londoners, ridiculously, wanted shut out.

But it is the bread and butter of the league that concerns Boro most, even if the club have made some long-term memories for fans and players, like Jonny Howson said this week.

Wilder is in the foothills of his Boro revolution, taking over in November, but they’ve already climbed high. Before the Chelsea clash, he’d managed 23 games and got 14 wins and four draws.

From being in 14th place when Neil Warnock departed, they are now flickering in and out of the play-off zone in an increasingly tight race.

The run-in offers a chance to prove their credentials with games against rivals Bournemouth, Fulham and Huddersfield.

Wilder hopes the cup run has energised and enthused, but he said: “This will be a successful club in the next two to three years. Hopefully, it will be in the next two months.

“Part of my job is to observe who is going to be on the journey. It is a team game, but turns into an individual sport. They have this opportunity to show me they want to be here and be part of that successful future.”

By May this year – or next, after a bit of summer rebuilding – Wilder will solidify Boro into contenders again, just like he did at Sheffield United.