The chairman's commitment remains unswerving and he is determined to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past
Steve Gibson is leading a root-and-branch inquest into Middlesbrough's relegation from the Barclays Premier League, with the chairman determined that lessons should be learnt from a difficult season at the Riverside Stadium. Gibson's commitment to the club remains unswerving, but no individual will escape scrutiny in the aftermath of a testing few months.
Gareth Southgate will be among those expected to provide answers, but the manager is expected to remain in his role in the Coca-Cola Championship. Southgate has no intention of resigning and retains a close relationship with Gibson, but both men are adamant that the causes of their demotion must not be brushed aside.
Having cut their wage bill and reduced the average age of their squad, Middlesbrough have struggled to score goals and lacked the experience to cope with the rigours of the top division. In hindsight, the reasons for their decline appear obvious, but Gibson will insist that every issue is addressed to his satisfaction.
His position is not in doubt, however. The club's benefactor has, over two decades, led them away from liquidation, built a new stadium and training ground and brought Middlesbrough their only trophy of note - the Carling Cup in 2004 - and speculation that he is considering his future is misplaced. “He's not going anywhere,” a senior figure at the club said.
By the end of the financial year, Middlesbrough's debt - which is routinely about £85 million - will have fallen well below £30 million and could be wiped out depending on the income accrued from player sales. However, that target may now not be reached after Stewart Downing's surgery on a foot injury. “It looks as if Stewart could be with us until January because of the operation,” Southgate said.
Tuncay Sanli, the Turkey forward, will definitely leave this summer. “Tuncay is an international player who is captain of his country,” Southgate said. “He's a special person and he's been a pleasure to work with. But it's going to be very difficult to keep him. He needs a stage on which to perform because he's that type of character.”
David Wheater, the promising centre half and a boyhood supporter of Middlesbrough, stated that he “would be happy to stay” at the club and assist in the process of regeneration, although the decision may be removed from his hands.
“There are a lot of young lads who haven't been through this before and I haven't, so it's very upsetting, particularly as it's my local team,” he said. “It is hard. But we're a young team and one for the future. We haven't been good this season, but next season we'll hopefully push on and go straight back up.”
Bouncebackability rating
A lack of experience has cost Middlesbrough, but after a gruelling season, their tyros will probably feel like grizzled veterans. Beneath the first-team level, they have some hugely promising, locally reared youngsters, many of whom have spent time on loan at Coca-Cola Championship clubs. The future looks bright.
George Caulkin's marks out of five for Middlesbrough's immediate return to the Barclays Premier League: 3
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