So, will pressure make a diamond?

MICHAEL Carrick will undoubtedly emerge a better coach as a result of Middlesbrough's current through internal review.

- ERICPAYLOR

That’s because all aspects of the role Carrick currently undertakes will be discussed at top level in great detail - and will lead to a reaction.

Carrick will be left in no doubt where improvements must be made. He'll be told he must get more out of the team and must bring in more fluidity and playing patterns.

His attempts to meet new challenges are certain to boost his over-all skills - which can only be a good thing for Carrick himself and the club.

Whether Boro finish in the top six next season is still another matter. It depends on a lot of things, from the club’s summer recruitment to the team’s ability to compete on an uneven playing field against the moneybags parachute payment clubs.

The Boro review will hopefully help to create a new togetherness within the club, with chairman Steve Gibson keen to see that any changes that are needed are properly instigated.