Stick with Carrick, says Boro legend

MIDDLESBROUGH legend Gary Pallister wants to see the club back Michael Carrick this summer, but admits he will need a strong start to next season to avoid being under pressure.

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Though Carrick made clear his own desire to carry on next term after Boro missed out on a play-off place, it is unknown if owner Steve Gibson will back the head coach to have a fourth shot at Premier League promotion, or if he'll decide to go in a new direction.

It comes as Boro failed to finish in the top-six this season despite that being the target.

With this a second consecutive season without play-offs for the club, questions have been raised over Carrick’s future. But pointing to the difficult landscape of the Championship, Pallister is keen to see Carrick given the opportunity to carry on his project.