Middlesbrough recently bid farewell to a popular figure, in the form of Matt Crooks.
The midfielder made the move to The Riverside Stadium in the summer of 2021, signing from Rotherham United.
Crooks then went on to make 115 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 23 goals in that time.
However, his time with Middlesbrough came to an end earlier this month. The 30-year-old departed Michael Carrick’s side to head to the MLS, joining Real Salt Lake.
Following his exit from the club, Crooks has been reflecting on his time in the North East of England, speaking about on The Boro Breakdown podcast.
Now it seems as though some of what he said about this Middlesbrough, has caused surprise even among regular followers of the team.
Matt Crooks’ ‘astounding’ Middlesbrough revelation
While speaking on the podcast, Crooks found himself reflecting on some of the stand-out moments from his time with ‘Boro.
One of those was Josh Coburn’s winner in the FA Cup victory over Tottenham, back in March 2022.
While speaking about the frustrations the striker is now experiencing with injury, Crooks claimed that Coburn is the third-fastest player in the Middlesbrough squad.
According to the 30-year-old, only Isaiah Jones and Alex Bangura are faster than Coburn, among the club’s current squad.
That is not something that seemingly everyone who follows the club was expecting. Taking to X to react to that interview, TalkSport journalist and Middlesbrough fan Phil Spencer said:
“The most astounding part of Matt Crooks on Boro Breakdown was the revelation that Josh Coburn is actually Middlesbrough’s third-fastest player behind Izzy Jones and Alex Bangura. I had to rewind to make sure I heard it right!”
Due to injuries, Coburn has missed ‘Boro’s last five league games.
Josh Coburn return will be a boost
It will be a big lift for Middlesbrough when they have Coburn fit and available again.
The striker has been a bright spark for ‘Boro in the past few years, since breaking into the first-team.
He has chipped in with some vital goals, that have helped Middlesbrough to some big results.
As things stand, they are still not completely clear of the relegation battle just yet. Results elsewhere mean they are just six points clear, albeit with a game in hand.
Getting Coburn back and making that impact could lead to some vital contributions that help them stay clear of the bottom three.
Indeed, if this pace of the striker’s catches opposition teams out in the same way it has done with some viewers, it could be a rather useful secret weapon for Middlesbrough.
With that in mind, having him back as soon as possible will surely be important for Carrick and co.