Source: Northern_Echo
Agnew sees a change under Strachan
MIDDLESBROUGH first team coach Steve Agnew has reassured supporters they can look forward to seeing the influence of a man he has dubbed one of the finest midfielders of his generation.[LNB] Agnew recalls facing Gordon Strachan in their playing days and admitted his new boss was a daunting opponent on the pitch.[LNB] Since Strachan's arrival on Teesside, Agnew has been happy to note he operates a more hands-on approach to coaching than his predecessor Gareth Southgate, and fully expects the new manager's ideals of playing stylish football will help make Boro the Championship's entertainers.[LNB] Everything we have done on the training pitch has epitomised the manager's ethos,[LNB] noted Agnew.[LNB] What the manager and (assistant boss) Gary Pendry have brought is experience from the English and Scottish Premier League.[LNB] And they have managed in the Champions League so the ideas and the coaching they have brought in has been very, very good.[LNB] Both Colin (Cooper) and I have enjoyed working with them.[LNB] I played against Gordon when I was at Barnsley and he was in the Leeds team that ended up winning the old second division what we now call the Championship.[LNB] He was one of the finest midfielders of his generation and he's taken his beliefs into his career as a manger.[LNB] He wants the game to be played like he played it, with bags of enthusiasm, the ability to pass and move and a winning mentality. The results have been disappointing but I can reassure supporters that things will come good on the pitch.[LNB] Boro dominated affairs in terms of possession and attempts on goal against Crystal Palace and Plymouth Argyle but weak finishing ensured that Strachan's Boro tenure begin with a whimper.[LNB] Agnew revealed that developing a ruthlessness in front of goal has become a priority on the training pitch.[LNB] From now until the Forest game we will be working on finishing,'' he revealed.[LNB] The players may find it repetitive but that is just tough, it has to be done until the chances go in.[LNB] Strachan's defensive options have been boosted by the return of Chris Riggott who continued his rehabilitation by playing 90 minutes of yesterday's reserve team 3-0 win over Lincoln City.[LNB] But Emanuel Pogatetz has been unable to return to full training and will soon be sporting a protective mask to prevent further damage to his fractured cheekbone.[LNB] Agnew said: He's been fitted for a face mask and once that's on and he gets the nod to join in games he'll be challenging for a return.[LNB] He's been jogging and everything's healed but he can't have any contact.[LNB] The good thing is that when he comes in he'll be physically fit but that is up to the medical people.[LNB] Poggie's mentality towards any injury is how quick can he get back so I'm sure it will be sooner rather than later.[LNB] The young players respond to having an experienced player and the likes of Emanuel and Chris coming back will give us the blend we need.[LNB] Marvin Emnes, Andrew Taylor and Mark Yeates scored in yesterday's win.[LNB]
