Boss looks to build on success of Jones deal
MICHAEL Carrick says talks are ongoing with a number of players with regard to new Middlesbrough contracts as the club look to continue their building for the future after securing a new Isaiah Jones contract this week.
Heading into the final year of his contract this summer, Jones committed to Boro by signing a new threeyear deal that sees him rewarded for his form this season after showing real strength of character to bounce back from his difficult year on and off the pitch last term.
Boro have numerous other players in uncertain positions, however, with Jonny Howson, Paddy Mcnair and Jamie Jones out of contract this summer and Riley Mcgree in a similar position to Jones – heading into the final 12 months of his contract.
Matt Clarke also has one year remaining, but there is an extension clause attached to that, while Tommy Smith and Anfernee Dijksteel’s contracts are likely to be less pressing at this stage.
Asked what is next for Boro after securing Jones’ deal, Carrick said: “There are a number of players. Until anything is done contract-wise, talks remain ongoing with different players but, certainly for me, until there is anything to confirm then commenting further is not really the right thing to do. Certainly, we want to work to be stronger. There are some important players that we want to have here for a lot longer. And that’s for us to get that balance right.
“Ideally, of course, you’d want things to be done very quickly. It’s not always possible. There are things that need to fall into place. But for sure, it’s great to get Izzy’s sorted because stability is important. That’s the key moving forward really.”
Another big contract decision that Boro will face this summer concerns Luke Ayling, as outlined in the story below. Currently on loan from Leeds United and therefore ineligible to play in tomorrow night’s game, he will be available on a free this summer and having impressed so far at the Riverside, could earn a permanent contract.
As for Jones, Carrick is delighted to secure the winger to a longer-term deal. Having a real impact for Boro this season when fit, Jones has gone some way towards getting himself
We’re delighted that it’s sorted out and Izzy is here for a lot longer. We’ll continue working hard with him
Michael Carrick
back towards the player that exploded onto the scene in the 2021-22 season.
On the new deal and his future hope, Carrick said: “It was good to get that finalised and I’m really pleased.
“Izzy has had a good time over the season and is improving all the time.
“There is still work to do and a lot more to come from him. I think there are definite possibilities for him to get better.
“He’s got a lot of experience for his age and that’s something we can build on. That’s a beauty with a lot of the players we have. We feel that there are big gains to be made as a team and individually. We’re delighted that it’s sorted out and Izzy is here for a lot longer. We’ll continue working hard with him to help him and bring out the best in him so he can hopefully fulfil his potential.
“A career, and life in general, is full of ups and downs and you’ve got to ride the waves.
“We’re here to support the players when they need a bit of support and we’re here to prod them and poke them in the right direction to get the best performance out of them.”