Source: Northern_Echo
Pogatetz on his way?
PANATHINAIKOS have maintained an interest in Emanuel Pogatetz and hope to land the Middlesbrough defender during the summer for nothing.[LNB] Pogatetz is out of contract at the end of the season and was targeted by the Greek league leaders during the January transfer window.[LNB] But with Boro boss Gordon Strachan reluctant to move the Austrian on at that stage for less than £1.5m, Panathinaikos accepted defeat in their pursuit.[LNB] However, their interest in Pogatetz has never waned after representatives of the two parties discussed the possibility of reaching a pre-contract agreement at the start of the year.[LNB] But with Middlesbrough's hopes of closing the sevenpoint gap to the play-offs fading with six matches remaining, Panathinaikos are optimistic of landing their man.[LNB] Strachan has accepted a summer of change is on the horizon, particularly with a number of contracts due to expire.[LNB] It emerged that Celtic's caretaker boss Neil Lennon wants to take Stephen Mc- Manus back to Parkhead at the end of his loan.[LNB] And with two years remaining on his deal in Glasgow, it will be difficult to convince McManus to stay south of the border if his beloved club come calling again.[LNB] Strachan, though, hopes the players he has at his disposal will lead a late surge for the play-offs, having shown more resilience in recent months.[LNB] One defeat from their last seven matches might not have propelled Middlesbrough back in to the top six, but there has been a growing belief in the stands that longterm fortunes will improve under the Scot.[LNB] And full-back Andrew Taylor, who revealed last week that he might have to consider his future, feels the Strachan way is taking hold.[LNB] He said: He now has a good understanding of all the lads. It was difficult when he started here, we didn't know him and he doesn't know us so you aren't quite sure where you stand.[LNB] Everyone was desperate to impress him but I was injured, it's the last thing you want. In a way I've been playing catch up since then. But anyone who knows me will say I never give up.[LNB] The gaffer's brought in a lot of players he already knew but I think the rest of us have been given a fair crack of the whip.[LNB] Only the manager knows if he favours someone over you. All I can do is give my best and hopefully it will be enough to impress him.[LNB]
