Problem areas that Boro must address to push for promotion

MIDDLESBROUGH chiefs have said they will take their time to conduct a thorough review of the season and the direction needed to move forward positively, rather than make any knee-jerk reactions this summer.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

The meetings to discuss where the season went wrong for Boro, and crucially, what needs changing to ensure they're better placed next term, will ultimately determine whether Michael Carrick remains in charge next season or not.

As things stand, the feeling is that the club's preference is for him to stay, but he will ultimately need to be on board with whatever plans the hierarchy have in mind to change for the future.

With nothing set to be off the table, and honest and frank discussions expected, it was made clear that the review was not about finding a scapegoat for the season's failures in missing out on the play-offs. Instead, this is about finding the solutions.

With that in mind, we take a look at five key issues which are likely to dominate the review.

Style of play/Plan B

When Carrick's style of play works, it really works. Boro finished the season as the fourth highest scorers in the Championship, and particularly in the first half of the season after overcoming a stuttering start, they looked to be really picking up.

But one of the biggest criticisms that could be aimed Carrick's way is that there were little changes in that style throughout the season, even after January when changes in the attacking line-up meant Boro lost the majority of their pace and didn't ever quite look as convincing in playing the way he wanted.