Tony Pulis identifies issue Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick need to fix | OneFootball

Tony Pulis believes Michael Carrick's Boro side need a stronger core after missing out on the play-offs

Former Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis believes Boro should opt to strengthen their spine in the upcoming transfer window.

Michael Carrick’s side flirted with the play-offs throughout the entire year but were ultimately resigned to 10th in the Championship table after 46 games – a disappointing eventuality considering the club’s ambitious January transfer window, which saw them bring in the likes of Morgan Whittaker, Samuel Iling-Junior and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Rumours have swirled recently surrounding Carrick’s future at the helm of the Boro side, due to the club’s disappointing end to the year – only winning one of their last five games which saw them miss out on the top six by four points.

When speaking to OLBG, Pulis commented on Boro’s ownership and the transfer strategy he suggests in the upcoming summer window.

“Very strong core” – Pulis identifies area of improvement for Middlesbrough

“I think Middlesbrough have thrown away so many leads in games they’ve been winning over the season,” stated Pulis to OLBG. “It'd be interesting to see how many points they've actually dropped from a winning position. So that's something Michael Carrick will have to look at.

“Then being a little bit critical, maybe that strength down the middle of the pitch, that real solid strength to see you through the games.

“For Middlesbrough, keeping hold of leads would be the thing. Down the middle of the pitch, the backbone of the team. When you're in winning positions, to stay in winning positions, you need a very, very strong core.”

Pulis commends Boro’s local ownership

Middlesbrough’s owner, Steve Gibson, has been involved with Boro since becoming the club’s youngest ever director at 26 years of age.

A fan of the side his entire life, Gibson helped save the club from liquidation by forming a consortium in 1986.

After saving Boro, Gibson bought Scottish & Newcastle plc’s shares in the club in 1993 and succeeded Colin Henderson as the club’s chairman in 1994, owning roughly 90% of the club.

Since then, he has overseen successes such as the Teessiers winning their first and only trophy in 2004, beating Bolton Wanderers to lift the League Cup, as well as reaching the UEFA Cup final in 2006.

Pulis believes Gibson’s ownership of the club should be commended and hopes supporters don’t take it for granted.

“I’ve got great respect for Steve Gibson,” declared Pulis. “He's a smashing man.

“Sometimes they (owners) don't get appreciated the way they should be. And I'll tell you now, having done the rounds myself, it's really, really great working with people who come from the area and understand the support.

“Football is very, very tribal and it's one of the greatest strengths in this country, that's why we've got great leagues because whether you're at Northampton or whatever, the supporters support their football club and they'll travel up and down the country to watch them every Saturday.

“Having your own owners who come from that area and understand that area and understand the principles within that area is just amazing and like I say, today especially, people take things for granted so much.”