Boss calling for patience as he looks to bring in reinforcements

FRIENDLY DEFEAT TO BRADFORD EXPOSED FRAILTIES

- By CRAIG JOHNS

ROB Edwards asked Middlesbrough supporters to be patient and promised hard work is ongoing on the transfer front, as he acknowledged the frustration around transfer business so far this summer.

With just two-and-a-half weeks to go until the new season, Boro are still yet to make a breakthrough in the summer transfer market.

And that’s despite Edwards’ squad looking thin after five loanees departed at the end of last season, followed by Anfernee Dijksteel and Jonny Howson being released.

While some players have returned from injury and others from loan spells elsewhere, the squad is lacking quality in depth - a point highlighted in Wednesday's 2-0 friendly defeat at Bradford City.

Boro are understood to be closing in on centre-back Alfie Jones after agreeing a fee with Hull City this week, but the Boro head coach appreciated why there'd be concern among supporters.