Stats signal Boro relegation battle

MIDDLESBROUGH must upset the odds if they are to mount a promotion challenge next season after new data predicted the club will be embroiled in a relegation scrap.

- By STUART JAMIESON Regional football editor

Boro are in the middle of their hunt for a new manager following the decision to part company with Michael Carrick earlier this month, but whoever takes the Riverside hotseat will be in no doubt over the size of the task ahead.

Middlesbrough will face competition from newly-relegated sides Ipswich Town, Southampton and Leicester City, while the likes of Sheffield United, Coventry and Bristol City are again expected to battle it out for a place in the promotion picture.

The coming season will also see new boys Wrexham and Birmingham City added to the mix after they were promoted from League One. Both are supported by wealthy backers, but it remains to be seen if they can translate that into success on the pitch in the second tier.