Wheater vows to stay this season

30 December 2010 09:52
DAVID WHEATER admits he is flattered by Premier League interest in him but he intends to stick around at Middlesbrough until the end of the season.[LNB] Boro have been contacted by a number of top-flight clubs in the last ten days to make known their interest in signing him when the transfer window opens in January.[LNB] There were also numerous teams represented at Preston North End on Tuesday when Wheater scored the third goal in a 3-1 win to keep Tony Mowbray's men out of the relegation zone.[LNB] Wolves, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Sunderland are believed to be among those thinking about making a cut-price bid for the centreback, although Everton hope to land him for nothing in the summer.[LNB] Mowbray has repeatedly acknowledged that Wheater will have to be sold if a suitable offer arrives at a time when the player has been unable to agree terms on a new contract.[LNB] However, the 23-year-old claims he will not allow the situation to affect his performances for the club he has graduated through the ranks from during the last ten years.[LNB] I love Middlesbrough. I would never say anything else, said Wheater.[LNB] I am from this area. If someone else not from the area had the rumours flying around then maybe it might get to them, but I am happy at Middlesbrough so it's a different situation.[LNB] You do, obviously, want to play in the Premier League and it is flattering to hear that all of these Premier League teams want you.[LNB] But I am a Middlesbrough player until the end of the season, that is when my contract runs to, all I have to do is concentrate on Middlesbrough.'' After the rare away win at Deepdale, Mowbray was quick to pay tribute to Wheater by saying he was a credit to his himself, his family and his friends for the way he has gone about his job.[LNB] And the Redcar-born defender, who turns 24 on Valentine's Day, said: It's not difficult for me, definitely not. I don't think of anything else when I am out on the pitch.[LNB] When you are out there you don't think of anything other than playing. You forget about your families, everyone, when you are out there playing.[LNB] Whatever happens, happens, but when I am out there I just concentrate on the game.[LNB] Boro remain firmly embroiled in a fight to climb away from relegation trouble after a win at Preston that leaves them a point adrift of fifth from bottom, Sheffield United, and a point above third bottom Scunthorpe.[LNB] But it was nice for Wheater to end 2010 on a high after two years of misery at the Riverside Stadium, when change and three managers have followed relegation.[LNB] Wheater said: I have had a countless number of partners, two managers since Gareth Southgate left. Hopefully as a team we can climb up the league.[LNB] I don't reflect. I just look forward. If we look back we are looking at bad things really.[LNB] We have to look to the future and to brighter days.[LNB] Ever since we were relegated, we lost Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson the season after, top players have left.[LNB] We should be running away with the Championship so we need to pick it up.[LNB] With the new manager the lads are happier with the training, his methods, we are playing a more attacking style, all the lads like him.[LNB] If he can make a few signings in January it will be his team and then I think we will do well.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo