Middlesbrough's Marvin Johnson signs new contract after 'improving on a weekly basis'

Marvin Johnson has been improving “on a weekly basis” since working with Neil Warnock, and the veteran managers believes there is more to come after the versatile 29-year-old signed a new one-year contract at Middlesbrough.

If Warnock has been impressed by Johnson, who started all eight games he was in charge of last season, the feeling has been mutual, making it an easy decision to commit for longer.

Johnson has signed until next summer “at least” according to his club, suggesting there is an option for longer.

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“I’m delighted Marvin has signed a new contract,” said Warnock.

IMPROVEMENT: Neil Warnock with Marvin Johnson (right), who has signed a new one-year contractIMPROVEMENT: Neil Warnock with Marvin Johnson (right), who has signed a new one-year contract
IMPROVEMENT: Neil Warnock with Marvin Johnson (right), who has signed a new one-year contract

“Since I came here he has improved on a weekly basis and I’m delighted to keep him here.

“He was excellent for us during the end of last season, I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen, and I think I can improve him even more during my time here.”

For Johnson, whose initial contract expired in June before he extended it to the end of the season, it was a relief to clear up where he will be playing next season.

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“I've been trying to get it done for the last week or so, I just wanted to get it over the line and get ready to get back in with the boys," said Johnson, mainly used at left-back in the run-in.

“He (Warnock) didn't really have to say anything. He showed everything in the eight games he came in, that was more than enough for me, the faith and the confidence he showed me there so it was quite an easy decision to be honest with you.

“Even when I first arrived here, you can see the facilities and the backing from the fans, you can see everything. That speaks for itself, I don't think you need anyone to tell you that.

“I love playing here, I've loved it from the moment I got here. Whether I've had a good time or a bad time I've still enjoyed it and kept my head down."

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Johnson joined from Oxford United in 2017, but the season just gone has been his most important at the Riverside, making 29 Championship starts and nine appearances from the bench.

He spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, making a limited contribution to the Blades' promotion campaign.

Johnson was one of two out-of-contract players Middlesbrough tried to keep at the end of last season. They are still to hear back from George Friend.

Boro, who have signed free agent centre-back Grant Hall, will head to Cornwall on August 24 for a pre-season training camp, with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Plymouth Argyle the following day.

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