Michael Carrick was appointed as Middlesbrough boss in October 2022 with the club 21st in the Championship table.
Despite his lack of managerial experience, the former Manchester United player made an immediate effect and brought much-needed energy and excitement to Boro.
By January, Middlesbrough were fifth in the table and well-positioned to compete for promotion to the Premier League.
However, in order to maintain their competitiveness until the end of the season, Carrick went to the transfer market in quest of some additional talent.
Chuba Akpom had been blazing on all pistons and having a fantastic personal campaign, but Boro’s next signing elevated their attack to new heights.
Cameron Archer loan signing was a Michael Carrick masterstroke at Middlesbrough
Cameron Archer arrived at the Riverside with great Championship pedigree, having impressed on loan with Preston North End the previous year.
The attacker scored seven goals in 20 appearances for PNE, including a memorable derby day victory over Blackpool.
Despite his outstanding performances at Deepdale, Archer chose to join Carrick the following January, which proved to be a great option.
His first goal came in a 3-1 win at Cardiff, and he scored twice more the following game as Boro overcame Sheffield United by the same scoreline.
Archer went on to score braces against Preston North End and Norwich City, and he rapidly established himself as an important part of Carrick’s system.
His best achievement came against the Canaries, when he provided two assists in addition to his brace to steal the show in a 5-1 thrashing.
“He had a spark about him,” Carrick said of Archer to Teesside Live following the triumph. “I sensed it in training the last few days.” I suspected he had something about him.
“His smile was back, and he had a real spark. It was great for him to achieve his ambitions. Obviously, he lives off his goals, but I thought his complete performance, including his link play and assists, was excellent. It shows what he is capable of.”
By the end of the season, the then-21-year-old had 11 goals and six assists in 22 Championship games, an incredible return that contributed significantly to Boro’s fourth-place finish.
| Cameron Archer’s 2022-23 Championship stats, as per Transfermarkt.com | ||
|---|---|---|
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 22 | 11 | 6 |
Middlesbrough were eventually defeated by Coventry City in the play-off semi-finals, and Archer’s efforts were in vain.
However, his performances did not go unnoticed, as he was able to win a move to Premier League side Sheffield United in the summer.
Archer failed to hit the same heights after Middlesbrough exit
Following his time at the Riverside, Archer has not been given a similar platform to showcase his abilities.
His next two moves were to teams that finished at the bottom of the Premier League, which prevented his expressive, goal-scoring instincts from taking center stage.
Following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, Archer will have to change clubs for the third time in three years if he wants to play in the top division next season.
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