Middlesbrough have continued where they left off in the summer with regard to early transfer business. The signings of Finn Azaz and Luke Ayling have joined up with the squad, adding to the 12 players that were signed in the summer.
It was a well documented, slow start to the season as Michael Carrick‘s side struggled to muster a win in their first seven games, but they have clawed their way back to within a point of the play-offs since, and also have the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to.
But entering into the business end of a January transfer window, plenty of unanswered questions remain.
Has the new recruitment model under Boro’s Head of Football, Kieran Scott been as successful as Steve Gibson would have hoped? Will Boro be able to hold on to their most valuable players? Does Michael Carrick need a striker to maintain aspirations of promotion?
Boro News spoke exclusively to HITC Football‘s Graeme Bailey to get the lowdown on some of those crucial topics.
Boro’s recruitment reviewed
Graeme was asked about the club’s recruitment so far this season, and whilst he complimented some of the arrivals, (namely the late summer signings of O’Brien and Sam Greenwood) he feels that the strategy and approach has not been quite right. “I’m not a huge fan of the recruitment plan if I am being honest.” said Bailey.
“Middlesbrough, outside of the juggernauts, have the best academy in English football. Doing what they are doing now is clogging up the system. I think Boro have had a poor summer window.
“I think we signed a lot of players who aren’t ready. For instance, is Sami Silvera better than Fin Cartwright? from what I am being told, probably not.”
Keeper conundrum
Further developing that notion of academy players being suppressed by the arrival of young players from other clubs, he added, “It is purely based on the angle that Middlesbrough have the best academy in the north east by a country mile.
“The club is built on getting players through. For example, Tom Glover is playing and he is a shot-stopper, and he is doing okay. But the club has Sol Brynn doing well at Leyton Orient and Zach Hemming is doing a great job as well. One of those should be the number two at Boro.”
Pointing to the example of Hayden Hackney, Bailey explains how the club should be embracing the young talent already on the books at the club. “Coming through, people did not think Hayden Hackney was the player he is now.
“He went on loan to Scunthorpe, not a League One club or a Championship club. He came through and took his chance. The recruitment is getting in the way of the homegrown talent and that is not what the club is about.”
Hackney on his way?
On the subject of Hayden Hackney, we asked about his future, given that a host of top clubs are reportedly keen on the popular midfielder who is accredited locally with the moniker ‘The Redcar Iniesta’. “He will be sold in the summer unless the club go up.” conceded Bailey.
He continued, “They are set to make a lot of money from the sale and historically, the club sanction the departure of one of their talents each year, as they did with Marcus Tavernier, Djed Spence and Chuba Akpom.”
Returning to the subject of Boro’s current squad, we asked if-now that Marcus Forss has returned-he anticipates any more arrivals in attacking areas, more specifically, in the number nine mould. “It is an interesting one, I really like Marcus Forss and I think he should get a run in the team, but Boro clearly want a striker.” said Bailey.
“They made a bid for Brandon Vazquez who was at Cincinnati at the time. I’m told that the club thought they had him. Monterray came in and got him, lots of money in Mexico, he has Mexican heritage, so it made sense.”
Youngster could be club’s greatest
Graeme Bailey was keen to emphasise one point no matter what happens in the window, and that is that the club should stick with the long term development of Josh Coburn. “Boro have to stick with Josh Coburn”, was the message from Bailey.
“Stick with him and he will be the greatest striker the club has ever brought through the system without a shadow of a doubt. I like Josh Coburn a lot.”
Deviating slightly away from the player perspective of the transfer merry-go-round, we asked about the continuous links that surround the future Michael Carrick, particularly after the high profile matches against Aston Villa and Chelsea. “I think ultimately, Boro are a stepping stone for Carrick. He needs to prove himself as well, he would be a gamble for some of the teams mentioned. West Ham be a bit of a stretch given the competitions they are looking to get into. But Crystal Palace, I am sure his name would be mentioned for that gig when it becomes available.
“What Michael Carrick is doing with this squad now, is arguably more impressive than the job last season.”
The next few weeks will undoubtedly play a huge part in how Middlesbrough navigate the rest of the season. In the words of Michael Carrick, it is still all to play for, and the outcome of these key questions posed, will determine whether the campaign is deemed a success or not.