Michael Carrick was full of praise and had a message for Middlesbrough fans who have once again sold out their away allocation for the next two away games.
In his pre-match press conference-aired on the club website-ahead of the Carabao cup clash with Exeter, he referenced, as he has done all season, the fantastic support from the travelling army of supporters who will follow their side down to Devon, not once but twice in the space of five days.
Boro head down for the Carabao Cup tie against Exeter this evening before a trip back to the county for the league game with Plymouth Argyle.
“I mean, I keep talking about it, but this week of all weeks, to sell out both games is incredible.” Said the boro boss.
“What can I say, we are thankful, we’re giving everything to make the journey worthwhile for those that are going there and back, it’s a long one, and for those that are staying down there; I hope they have a nice week.”
Cup tonic
It has been an ongoing feature of the time Carrick has spent at Middlesbrough, the attendances have been very healthy, particularly the away following. He has always embraced that culture and ensured his team are aware of the sacrifice from fans, with players always showing their appreciation post-match, whatever the outcome.
The Carabao Cup has allowed Boro to showcase that support this season as every round so far has been away from home. Firstly at Huddersfield, then Bolton and in the last round Bradford. Those early round away matches also acted almost as a chance to escape the pressures brought about by the poor league form at the time and helped fringe players stake a claim to be involved more regularly.
Carrick admitted, “It was important (the cup games) it gave us the chance to keep everybody involved as well, play a part and keep them ready for the next group of games.
“Of course, winning games is a perfect tonic for anything really; confidence, feel-good, progression in competitions league or cup. So far it has been good to us, we have been away in every round and we’re travelling again, but yeah, we’re in it and we look forward to it.”
If Middlesbrough were to win against Exeter, who knocked Luton Town out in the previous round, they would be in the last 8 of the league cup, a competition which is close to their heart after winning the trophy in 2004 under the guidance of Steve McLaren.