"Never take that for granted” - Steve Gibson claim made amid Middlesbrough supporter division | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough look set for another year in the Championship as they currently trail the play-off places by seven points as we approach the final eight games of the season.

Despite the frustration that would come if Boro fell short this season, there’s no doubt that the club have made significant progress since Michael Carrick was appointed.

The former Manchester United coach inherited a Boro side that were underachieving last season, and they managed to finish in the top six due to a combination of smart recruitment in January and Carrick’s coaching ability.

Of course, the next step is winning promotion, and Gibson will have faith that Carrick can deliver that, as Boro gear up for what is likely to be an eighth year outside the Premier League.

Steve Gibson’s time at Middlesbrough

So long outside the top flight has caused some to question Gibson, although it’s fair to say he has a lot of credit in the bank with the majority of the supporters, who appreciate everything he has done for the club.

The boyhood fan initially got involved at Boro in the 80s, and he helped save them from liquidation before becoming outright owner and bringing plenty of success in the 90s, and a memorable cup win in 2004 and a remarkable European adventure that followed.

Nevertheless, recent years have been more difficult, and you can understand why fans are desperate for Boro to be back at the highest level.

Plus, some of Gibson’s decision-making has been questionable, in terms of the appointments made, particularly with the managerial decisions in the years that followed their relegation in 2017.

Yet, speaking to FLW, Boro fan pundit Dana revealed that she was generally happy with the work Gibson has done, and just how much he has spent over the years.

“I’d give Steve Gibson a 7/10 for the job that he’s doing. He pumps a lot of money into Middlesbrough to keep it stable, and, for me personally, that is what I want from a football owner.

“We’ve seen far too many clubs in the EFL drop out of it entirely, and some even cease to exist because of financial mismanagement at the top. At least I can go to sleep at night knowing I’ve got a football club to wake up to. There are football supporters around the country that don’t have that same luxury - Reading for example.

“I know there is frustration towards Gibson, and it’s understandable, because of the season ticket increase, but, at the very least, he gives us that safety and stability, as he keeps the club afloat, and I will never take that for granted.”

Middlesbrough are heading in the right direction

You can understand some fan frustration at Gibson and the hierarchy, particularly with the season ticket rise, but everyone knows he has the club in his blood.

Mistakes have been made in recent years, but the club now seems to have a strategy in place, and in Carrick they have a talented young coach.

They are likely to fall short this season in their pursuit of the play-offs, but it’s been a difficult campaign for a number of reasons, with injuries not helping.

The summer window will be important though, and with the right additions, Boro will expect to be in the mix for promotion next season, but Carrick and the side haven’t given up on this season just yet.