Middlesbrough v Shrewsbury Town - Agents need to accept new financial reality, says Neil Warnock

Neil Warnock says agents have not yet woken up to the post-Covid economic realities but he is unconcerned because some of his Middlesbrough players have surprised him with their football since returning from a short summer break.

The 71-year-old jokes some of it has been so good, it will ruin his reputation!

Centre-back Grant Hall will be Boro’s only new signing at home to Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup tonight.

“It’s been very difficult recruitment-wise,” admitted former Leeds United and Huddersfield Town chief Warnock.

“I don’t think agents have realised yet the players aren’t going to be on the gravy train any more.

“I went after a player three weeks ago. They wanted £1.5m. I said I value him at £400,000. This week they said they’d take £500,000. I said it’s too late now.

“I had a striker I quite liked at the start of the window. He wanted 35 grand a week. I’ve been offered him this week for 15.

“People are not in the real world at the minute.

“But I’m 71, I’ve got a good team, a good club, I’m relaxed.”

The squad he steered away from relegation last season has raised its game massively since, he believes.

“I think they’ve stepped up four or five gears,” said Warnock. “If they’re not careful it’s going to get me a bad reputation because they’re playing some good stuff. I’m sure we’ll kick it out of them.”

Warnock will, play his best available side tonight but George Saville and Paddy McNair are on international duty and Hayden Coulson ill – not with Covid-19.

Last six games: Middlesbrough LWLWLW, Shrewsbury Town LLWLWL.

Referee: Michael Salisbury (Lancashire).

Last time: Middlesbrough 1 Shrewsbury Town 0, FA Cup, January 7, 2012.

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