Video: What does the summer hold for newly-promoted Middlesbrough?

Boro, after investing heavily in their quest to earn their lucrative share of the Premier League pie following the new TV deal, got over the line - just - as they claimed the £200m ticket back to the big time for the first occasion since 2008-09.

Following their heart-breaking play-off final loss at Wembley to Norwich City in May 2015, the Teessiders cast aside their disappointment by embarking on an eye-catching and lavish summer spending spree which saw the likes of ‘prodigal son’ Stewart Downing come home, while David Nugent and Cristhian Stuani also joined.

Expectation was thrust upon the shoulders of Boro and Derby and while the former were not spectacular for parts of the campaign, their consistency was something to admire.

A terrific run to the turn of the year saw Boro beat a number of their rivals including Brighton and Burnley and at the start of 2016, they looked a fair bet to turn the title race into a procession - with their they-shall-not-pass defence posting some awesome statistics.

But then came the post-Christmas wobble, something Boro fans have sampled their fair share of over the years, with an annoying tendency to fail to beat sides at the bottom of the table being particularly grating.

Things came to a head in early March when Boro were outbattled in a 1-0 loss at Rotherham United, prompting Aitor Karanka to question players’ character - the cue for a mini dressing room revolt which saw the Spaniard placed on gardening leave ahead of a game at struggling Charlton, which Boro also lost.

But Boro - inspired by loanee Gaston Ramirez - rebuilt bridges and Karanka stayed on with a key 1-0 win over Hull setting up a strong end of season run, which saw them embark on a ten-match unbeaten streak ending in a top-flight return following an ultra-tense 1-1 draw with Brighton as they went up on goal difference by just two goals.