‘Well In The Mix’ – Former Middlesbrough Player Pinpoints Reason For Strong Early Start
Former Middlesbrough man Ray Parlour has expressed his delight that the club kept faith with Michael Carrick after his tough start to the Championship campaign last season.
With seven points from four, Carrick’s side are around the top seven in the Championship again and looking good value to keep that push going into September. This is a stark contrast to last season, when Boro had just a single point from their opening four matches.
The club showed faith in the former Manchester United man, and that has seemingly been repaid in full. They mounted a serious promotion challenge after that bad start last time out, and have got off to a satisfactory beginning in 2024/25, something Parlour believes is down to them sticking with the manager.
“I agree with giving Michael Carrick time to turn things around at Boro after missing the playoffs last season,” said Parlour, who spent three injury-hit seasons with Boro after leaving Arsenal.
“Carrick is a good coach and I don’t see too many others that have his background and credentials in Football. Boro do need to pick up some wins now to get themselves in them mix for a promotion push. But also, the football on the pitch needs to be good as well as if results don’t come now, but the football is good, you can see the results coming.
“With so many games, it’s so important to pick up wins regularly to stay in the mix and now fall away. If you want too much to do after Xmas, then it can be a struggle. So I think Carrick can learn from last season and ensure Boro are well in the mix.”
Parlour, speaking to OTT courtesy of NetBet Sports Betting, added that he feels a player who almost departed the club on Friday will be a big figure heading into the autumn months.
“Emmanuel Latte Lath will be a key player for Boro to get them goals,” finished Parlour. “Hope he can score plenty.”
Boro now have a week off for the international break, before a trip to Preston. After that, there’s a huge game against another side from the north east looking for promotion, Sunderland.
Site Opinion
Middlesbrough have always stuck by managers, and chairman Steve Gibson does not get enough credit for the way he manages the club. He’s a man who has always had ambition for the Teesside outfit, and that is still evident in keeping hold of Latte Lath.
Sticking with Carrick was brave as well, and it underlines Gibson’s commitment to consistency, as well as his belief in his choice as head coach. The former West Ham man has proven himself to be a good manager of people, and if they keep up their current form, a play-off push could well be beckoning.
