Gareth Southgate came out of last season with an enhanced reputation after guiding Middlesbrough to a comfortable mid-table finish. Southgate has also successfully developed some of the club’s promising youngsters such as David Wheater and has added to the team with the likes of Alfonso Alves joining during the mid-season last year. Hence, Middlesbrough fans will be confident of a good season this time around.

Southgate has been quietly adding to his squad during the summer and may have acquired players who can help the team to move on to the next level. Little known youngster Marvin Emnes has joined for £3.2 Million from Sparta Rotterdam and midfielder Didier Digard has signed from Ligue One team Paris Saint Germain. Southgate argues that although neither are established names they have the potential to make an impact this season. The club have also completed the signing of Arsenal full back Justin Hoyte for around £3 Million.

Southgate has also allowed a number of players to leave the Riverside over the last few months. Long serving goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer rejected a new contract to sign for Fulham and Fabio Rochemback has returned to Portugal to sign for Sporting Lisbon. Korean Lee Dong-Gook has also been released along with Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta.

Veteran midfielder George Boatang has also left the Riverside to sign for Hull City. Southgate has allowed defender Luke Young to move to Aston Villa for £5.5 Million and youngster Lee Cattermole has moved to Wigan Athletic for around £3.5 Million.

Middlesbrough supporters will be feeling fairly optimistic about the new season and trust the activities of Southgate, who after initially looking a little out of his depth has begun to develop into a promising young manager.

The likes of Turkish forward Tuncay Sanli and Brazilian Alfonso Alves should be better players this year after taking time to adapt to the Premier League. Alves in particular can become a major player and the supporters will hope there is more to come after his cameo against Manchester United towards to end of last season. Southgate has managed to hold on to winger Stuart Downing and will be hoping that he can add the goals from midfield.

There are concerns though. Southgate will want to address the team’s bizarre habit of performing well against the top four teams but their inability to get results against the teams in the lower half of the Premier League. There will also be concerns at the size of the squad. The first eleven look capable, but an injury crisis could see them struggle.

Nonetheless, it is hard to see Boro battling against relegation this season and they should be able to repeat last year’s 13^th place finish.