Warnock reveals what Boro are missing; calls on senior players

Jo Harrison
Neil Warnock: New deal sorted

Neil Warnock has revealed that his first impressions of his recently inherited Middlesbrough squad is that it lacks leadership.

Boro made the decision to sack Jonathan Woodgate as manager after they crashed to a 3-0 defeat against Swansea in their first game after Championship football resumed. They turned to the experienced Neil Warnock and the initial signs were positive as Boro recorded a crucial 2-0 win over relegation rivals Stoke City in his first game in charge.

Warnock praised his players for the win, but had this to say about the his squad:

“Are there any natural leaders here? Not that I have seen so far.

“We all like one or two nasty people, don’t we? Well, I do.

“It is important. I think Jonny (Howson) and George (Friend) would tell you they are good pros, but whether they are those dominant leaders we are talking about, I am not so sure.

“But they have got to be. Whether they like it or not, they have to be the vocal part because they are the experienced pros in the team.”