For most Middlesbrough supporters, missing out on a play-off spot this season signifies failure.
Despite bringing the battle to the final game of the campaign, frustrations are exacerbated by a disappointing tenth-place finish. Not happy with the outcome, the club’s administration is already conducting a detailed analysis of the campaign to identify areas where it needs to improve.
It feels particularly essential in the present Championship context, with parachute payments handing a limited number of teams each year a huge financial advantage over the rest of the field. In that regard, Gazette columnist Eric Paylor last week unwillingly confessed he felt Boro’s season showed exactly what they are now: a conventional Championship team.
With that in mind, could Boro expect to finish in the top six each season? What are the reasonable expectations for the club in the Championship next season? That’s the question we posed to our fan panel this week, which included YouTube analyst Phil Spencer, Boro Breakdown co-host Dana Malt, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy, and Twe12th Man member John Cutler.
Phil Spencer
Middlesbrough must be aiming for a place in the play-offs. However, this will be more difficult than it was this season. Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton will undoubtedly compete for automatic promotion, with strong squads and even stronger funds.
Sheffield United might potentially be in the running for parachute payments if they miss out on the play-offs, and if the Wembley final goes the other way, Sunderland will be in a strong position. Wrexham and Birmingham City are the two teams that have the potential to disrupt the existing ecosystem. Both have recently been promoted from League One, but they have incredible wealth at this level and huge ambitions to quickly progress through the Championship on their way to Premier League.
Financially, I expect those two teams to be in the chasing pack for the top six next season; however, it all depends on how the two teams adjust to this level on the field. It suggests that Middlesbrough will find it difficult to secure the top three or four slots, with fourth, fifth, and sixth positions likely to be available.
However, in addition to Boro, Wrexham, and Birmingham, the usual suspects such as Coventry, Millwall, West Brom, and a few more will also be battling for those spots. I believe that the Championship will be incredibly entertaining and contested next season, making it difficult to finish in the top six.
That Nevertheless, that has to be the goal for Middlesbrough, who may come to regret not seizing more opportunities this season when the top-six race was far less intense.
Chris Cassidy
While Middlesbrough is in the Championship, whether or not, I expect them to contend for the top six, and that will not change next season. It may not have any effect on the field, but that expectation will always exist while the club’s season ticket prices are among the highest in the division.
Like any other football fan, I modify my expectations according on the manager, playing team, and league level, but with Boro expected to have a top six or seven budget again next season, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be competitive.
Unfortunately, I believe the Championship will be even stronger next season. As a result, unlike at this point last season, I don’t see Boro finishing in the top six. My excitement last year was partly due to the continuity leading into the summer, but this year feels extremely different.
The failure of the January window appears to have eroded fans’ trust in the recruitment methodology, and the uncertainty surrounding Michael Carrick isn’t helping. Many Boro fans are eager for clarification on the conclusions of the club’s thorough investigation, so setting expectations for next season feels tough until more information on the club’s plan to address last season’s shortcomings becomes available.
Dana Malt
We may expect another season that teeters between meeting and falling short of expectations. That’s just what Boro does. The glory days of Premier League football, Carling Cup victories, and European highs are over. Instead, they’ve been replaced by flirting play-off campaigns in the second tier, which have all disappointed fans.
I’d like to be positive, but any optimism I had about recruits, the manager, or the playing style has been dashed after a poor season. However, expectations are heavily influenced by the transfer business. Boro’s playing roster, in my opinion, requires a lot of improvement before it can be consistent enough to reach the play-offs.
We’ve seen far too many injuries and players who aren’t quite at the level. If Kieran Scott and co. can address the most pressing concerns on the pitch, I’d raise my expectations. I wouldn’t blame any Middlesbrough supporter for believing in a top-six finish, but it’s not something I’m willing to put my trust in until I see major progress in the summer transfer window.
John Cutler
Playoffs should be the bare minimum you can expect. Let us not forget that we have some good players at this football team. This year was a disappointment, but I believe with a few additions, we may come close next season. The management position is still up in the air, therefore a strong start is critical to our chances. A dismal start will result in a management change, assuming Michael Carrick survives the current review.
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