Despite a busy summer transfer window last year, and plenty of optimism going into this current campaign, many Middlesbrough fans are now counting down the days until next season.
Michael Carrick‘s Middlesbrough side did so well to finish inside the top six last season.
They came out of the drop zone and right up into touching distance of the top two, and despite missing out on promotion, hopes remained high going into this season.
And hopes were still high despite a tough start to this season, which saw Boro loitering near the foot of the table, before once again surging up before the New Year.
But after a lacklustre end to the January transfer window, ending with the sale of Morgan Rogers which has since been topped off with the sale of Matt Crooks, there’s a glum mood amongst supporters.
Middlesbrough unlikely to sign free agents
Carrick has said on more than one occasion that the club are keeping their eyes on the free agent market after the closure of the January window.
But journalist Craig Johns believes that potential free agents signings are unlikely as things stand, with Boro more likely to wait until the summer before signing any new players.
A season of transition for Michael Carrick and Boro
This season looks set to peter out into an obscure mid-table finish.
It could be a whole lot worse, though it could be a lot better, especially considering that the likes of Preston, Sunderland, Coventry City, Hull City, and Norwich City in and around the top six, haven’t been all that consistent this season.
But it’s part and parcel of the Championship. Teams have to build and build and when the time is right, take their chance.
Middlesbrough can head towards the summer knowing that they have some good young players in their ranks, and a coach who continues to show that he’s got a lot of potential in the dugout.
And owner Steve Gibson may well be readying some big summer moves after the sale of Rogers, with Crooks’ departure also taking some strain off the wage bill.
Expect plenty more comings and goings at the Riverside in the summer, with no free agents signings looking likely before then.
Whilst Boro remain in play-off contention, the remainder of this season looks to be more about Carrick getting to grips with his players, and figuring out who is in his plans for next season and who isn’t.