Three more post fond farewells
ARCHER, RAMSEY AND STEFFEN REFLECT ON TIME AT RIVERSIDE
CAMERON Archer, Aaron Ramsey and Zack Steffen are the latest Middlesbrough loanees to say their goodbyes to supporters as their spells at the Riverside come to an end.
The trio were all important players for Michael Carrick’s side in the second half of the season, helping Boro finish fourth in the Championship to make the play-offs. But having tasted defeat over two legs to Coventry City in the semi-finals, Boro’s season came to a disappointing end.
After one final team meeting last Thursday to say their goodbyes to one another, the players were sent away on their summer holidays, with the exit the last time the loanees would be at Rockliffe as their deals at the club expired.
And in the week since, many players have taken to their social media to post goodbyes or reflect on the season, with Archer, Ramsey and Steffen the latest.
Archer wrote: “A hard way to finish an incredible journey. Unfortunately, we couldn’t deliver what we all fought so hard for. Just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the support, I’ve loved playing for you all. Up the Boro!”
It followed his Aston Villa team-mate Ramsey, who 24 hours earlier had posted on his Instagram saying: “Absolutely devastated we couldn’t go all the way and get this club back to where it belongs! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone @theboroofficial. Teammates, staff, fans. It’s been a pleasure to wear this shirt! What a club!”
The pair will now return to Villa Park this summer, though their futures are less than certain. Unai Emery was asked last week, and he said he would sit down with club officials at the end of their season to analyse and plan for their futures. Archer in particular showed signs that he could be ready to step up and play in the Premier League, but reports in the Midlands suggest Villa’s Spanish boss is keen to sign a senior striker this summer.
If that proves the case then Archer might once again find himself needing to go out on loan for game time. Ramsey, meanwhile, impressed in his 11 appearances but struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, which started at Norwich City in the first half of the season.
If the decision is made that either or both shall go out on loan again then Boro will no doubt have interest in resigning both, with coach Aaron Danks’ connections at Villa Park likely to help again. However, that remains uncertain for now, and even if they do decide to loan them out, it could be that they opt for Premier League clubs over Boro in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Manchester City loanee Steffen also used his Instagram account to say his farewells. The goalkeeper was an integral part of Carrick’s game plan thanks to his abilities with the ball at his feet, and generally impressed over the course of his season on Teesside.
The American has already expressed his desire to leave the Etihad this summer, though it’s likely that such a move would be out of Boro’s reach due to the finances involved in such a deal. Steffen enjoyed his time at the Riverside though, and created memories he’ll remember forever.
Steffen, pictured left, wrote: “It’s been a pleasure to be with such a great club for the past season.
“We created some amazing memories and bonds that I’ll always keep with me. Our last game was a special night, regardless of the result! Love to all the fans, y’all had the place jumping all season long. #UTB.”