Scale of work clear but transfer progress is a sign of encouragement

WE'RE just over two weeks away from the start of the new season and it was clear at Bradford that there is still a lot of work to do at Middlesbrough to be ready for the campaign.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Rob Edwards continues to do his utmost with the players he has at his disposal after a frustratingly slow start to the summer transfer window. While there was plenty of encouragement in last Saturday's draw at Mansfield Town, Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Bradford City was a stark reminder of how much there is still to do.

While Edwards has more work to do as he continues to implement his plans and ideas on Teesside with just three friendlies remaining, it was clear at Valley Parade that he needs help too. That help would come in the form of some reinforcements, with more new signings so clearly needed. Yesterday's capture of defender Alfie Jones from Hull is just a start.

After Boro lost five loan players at the end of last season and allowed Anfernee Dijksteel and Jonny Howson to leave at the end of their contracts, the squad looks lacking in depth, and in certain areas too, quality. Sammy Silvera, Micah Hamilton and Alex Gilbert have returned from loans elsewhere and while all three have shown some bright flashes so far, it's fair to say that Boro should not be pinning top-six aspirations on any of the trio just yet.

It's been a strange start to the summer transfer window, with progress a lot slower than anyone would have liked.