Middlesbrough. Onwards and upwards.

MIDDLESBROUGH UNITED 25-11-05

This week has been the most significant of the season so far by a long way. When we look back, we will say that this is the week that we really started to properly move forward as a club for the first time this season.

It's all down to the manager as well. Not for steering us through to the UEFA Cup knockout stages last night in Alkmaar but for ending the speculation and uncertainty that has recently dogged us and signing his new contract.

We've all had our say about Steve McClaren this season especially on this website but it's time to get positive now because like it or not, Steve McClaren is our manager for most of the rest of the decade at least, and he should be supported.

"I don't know what all the doom and gloom is about?" stated Mr Gibson not so long ago. Uncertainty breeds insecurity and the contract negotiations were so ridiculously drawn out and shrouded in potentially controversial rumour that there can be no doubt they more than contributed to the negative waves that have emanated from The Riverside this last three months.

So now that the matter is finally settled it is time to move forward and get right behind the man that our illustrious chairman believes is the guy for the job. And even if you are not Steve McClaren's biggest ever fan, Mr Gibson's judgement should be backed anyday.

The contract signing will make a huge difference to team spirit and morale. I've said this before but I honestly believe that Steve Mc's seeming unwillingness to commit to the side that he built has affected team morale and is responsible for the inconsistency that we have shown this season. How can the players be motivated when they think the boss is looking for a bigger job?

Well there are no excuses now. Steve has stated that he is dedicated to Middlesbrough and wants to stay here to build on what he has so far achieved. Now that the words have finally been backed up with action we should see a marked improvement in performances and an end to the under-achievement that we have experienced at certain points in this campaign.

The chairman called Steve McClaren a manager who delivers this week. Despite everything that has been said in these pages about Steve McClaren, I am going along with Mr Gibson's view because the manager has already delivered an air of positivity back to these offices.

And we believe that next time the contract needs renewing it will happen within days rather than months as there won't be a need for solicitors to spend an eternity haggling over the small print.

Middlesbrough. Onwards and upwards.

Steve

BACK TO STEVE G INDEX

BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX

Sitemap || Search Site || Terms and Privacy || Set as Homepage || Bookmark Site