Source: Northern_Echo
Gibson vows Boro will hit the heights
CHAIRMAN Steve Gibson has promised Middlesbrough supporters the good times will return to the Riverside again.[LNB] The Boro supremo believes the Teessiders can punch above their weight once again and relive the glory days, which brought the Carling Cup to the Riverside as well as memorable trips to the FA Cup and UEFA Cup finals.[LNB] Despite Middlesbrough's relegation last season, the club has been one of the most successful Premier League clubs of the last 13 years. Only Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool can claim to have recorded more success than the Teessiders in terms of domestic and European final appearances.[LNB] And Gibson insists the club can bounce back from demotion to the second tier and revisit those days.[LNB] Everyone was disappointed when we lost our long-held place in the Premier League, said Gibson. Following relegation the most important thing was to ensure the club was financially stable.[LNB] Unfortunately, that meant having to take a big step backwards by selling several of our best players, the latest one being Adam Johnson.[LNB] We didn't want to sell Adam and we made it clear to him that we wanted him to stay. In fact only the day before he left for Manchester City I made him an unbelievable offer to stay.[LNB] Unfortunately his heart was set on joining Manchester City.[LNB] While Adam left the club we were very pleased to bring in several new faces during the January transfer window. What is particularly pleasing is that those players want to be at Middlesbrough, their enthusiasm is infectious and they are ambitious.[LNB] And Gibson reckons by installing Gordon Strachan as his new boss Middlesbrough can go on realise these ambitions.[LNB] Ever since he was appointed manager, Gordon Strachan has been committed to introducing a real team and work ethic into the squad and I know great strides have been made on that front,'' he revealed.[LNB] There is a real camaraderie about the squad and that can only be beneficial.[LNB] Early results under Gordon didn't accurately reflect the great work that was going on behind the scenes. The club has taken great strides back in the right direction and we are confident that progress will be reflected on the pitch.[LNB] We know we have got to make things a little bit brighter and a little bit more exciting for the supporters.[LNB] We are all disappointed to be so far adrift of the top two at this stage of the season and we now we need to put together a winning run to ensure we qualify for the play-offs.[LNB] But promotion remains our aim and we believe we can do it. The past year and perhaps even the past three have been a difficult time.[LNB] Now we feel we have stopped the rot and our worst days are behind us.[LNB] Brighter times are ahead and I am looking forward to the next 12 months with real enthusiasm.[LNB] The last 12 months have been tough for everyone who cares about Middlesbrough Football Club, there has been no mass hysteria from the club's supporters but I know they will feel hugely disappointed with results.'' Gibson admitted: It is tough for me too. I am a Middlesbrough lad. I was born in the town and my business is based here and I hope and believe the fans understand that I am trying to do my best for the town and the area.[LNB] Teesside can't give me 40,000 or 50,000 crowds every Saturday but what it can give me and does give me is talented young footballers.[LNB] That continues to be the case through our excellent academy.[LNB] Since our move to the Riverside in 1994 we have constantly punched above our weight as a football club.[LNB] In fact this past 12 months or so has probably been the first time in the last 15 years when we have failed to do that.[LNB] But we think we can punch above our weight once again and that is what we will be striving to do in the months and years ahead.[LNB]
