Stick or twist? The case for and against Carrick

BIG DECISION TO BE MADE ON BORO BOSS

- By CRAIG JOHNS

OWNER Steve Gibson faces a big decision now on Michael Carrick’s future, after Middlesbrough's season came to a disappointing end.

Despite the investment into the squad last summer, Boro fell short in their ambitions to finish in the top six. They took the battle to the final day, but in the end, finished tenth in the final table, with their second-lowest points tally in the Championship of the last decade.

Having backed Carrick when under pressure back in February, the head coach's position is now under question again, with this his third failed opportunity at promotion without success. This is the second season in which they've failed to even make the play-offs.

Carrick unequivocally vowed to carry on next season. He insisted he expected to be in charge next term, having signed a three-year deal last summer. He believes, using the experience and the hurt of this season, Boro can come back better next term. But now, Gibson has a decision to make on whether to stick or twist. We analyse the Boro dilemma on Carrick’s future.

The case against Carrick

While there is some context, ultimately, this season has ended in failure. As one of the biggest spenders in the division outside the clubs with parachute payments, and with one of the highest wage budgets, Carrick was expected to lead the club in a promotion challenge this term. A tenth-placed finish represents massive underachievement, and in the modern game, results matter.

Not working in Carrick’s favour is the rather unenjoyable element of watching Boro so often this season. In some respects, he was unlucky. He lost the main sources of pace in his attack as the club were unable to turn down Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath offer, while Ben Doak then suffered what proved a season-ending injury. January replacements proved inadequate - though in most cases they were Carrick’s picks.