Carrick: I'll be carrying on ... it is the only way I know

MICHAEL Carrick vowed to carry on as Middlesbrough boss and categorically said he expects to be in charge next season, as he spoke of his hurt at missing out on a play-off spot.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Boro lost 2-0 at Coventry City on the final day of the season, meaning they failed in their bid to make the play-offs and dropped to tenth in the final league table, with their second lowest points tally in the last ten years.

It's been a season that has ultimately frustrated in great measure despite taking the battle all the way to the final game. With a squad with so much investment, and a Championship that was expected to be - and proved to be - weaker, there was so much promise that has ultimately been dashed.

And with this their lowest finish under Carrick and with many emotions and frustrations at the manner of Boro’s shortcomings, the head coach's future at the club, despite only signing a new three-year contract last summer, will come under the microscope.

He survived calls for his head back in February, but owner Steve Gibson is likely to have another decision to make this summer.

Carrick said: "Yeah [I expect to be in charge next season]. I’m carrying on. I think we've got a good squad, and my focus is on carrying on. I'll be speaking to the boys moving forward, to get ready for what will hopefully be a good season. I think we've got a good squad, good stability within the group.