this season for the club

TERM OF UNDERACHIEVEMENT

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final six games. Opposition managers continually spoke about knowing what to expect from Boro and, in setting up to frustrate, they succeeded more often than not.

The weakening of the squad in the January transfer window takes us into the context and perspective that Carrick and Lampard speak of.

It's true that the winter window proved an unsuccessful one for Boro. They lost Emmanuel Latte Lath after Atlanta United’s club-record bid. Hard to turn down for a club in Boro’s position, it was nevertheless impactful.

On top of that, they continued to struggle with injuries throughout the campaign too. Riley McGree remains a key player when fit but struggled to kick a ball for much of the campaign. Rav van den Berg won Player of the Year last term but found his second year on Teesside hampered by persistent problems.