Football Season Review

Middlesbrough came into the season having secured survival on the last day in 2019/20, meaning this season was all about steadying the ship and there aren't many better than Neil Warnock at doing that. Finishing 10th will certainly be seen as a success, having almost no investment over the summer and no squad depth to speak of. Warnock had to use academy players on numerous occasions to make up the squad on matchdays and often travelled without a full bench. There were questions to who would lead the side over what was always going to be a long and gruelling season, but McNair made the role his own. Leading the side every week and providing a calm head in times of need. The Irishman was the runaway player of the season. A versatile player who Warnock could put anywhere on the pitch and expect the job done. Scoring goals was Middlesbrough's biggest weakness throughout the season, but the clever addition of Duncan Watmore early on made all the difference. Neil Warnock has made it clear on numerous occasions this season that the owners must invest in multiple strikers if Boro want to have a realistic shot at promotion next season. If Warnock gets his targets this summer, Middlesbrough will be in and amongst the play-off race once again as the 72 year-old aims to provide a positive outlook for the 2021/22 season.

Player of the Season: Patrick McNair