Mowbray is thinking ahead building Boro

Tony Mowbray has launched a staunch defence of his management style amid a frustrating start to the season for his Middlesbrough side.

Boro have won just once all season, with six of their nine matches resulting in draws, and four of those occurring at home.

They sit 19th in the Championship ahead of the visit of Yeovil Town, a club they have never met in League football.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In each of the last two seasons Mowbray’s side have come flying out of the traps before fading in the second half of the season.

Despite the poor start this term, Mowbray insists he is at the club for the long haul.

“Whenever I go into a football club, I go in to build long-term,” he said. “For me it’s the only way to do it. Some managers don’t choose that approach – they just build a team to win.

“At every club I manage, I go in to build a team and an environment that can grow and develop.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’d like to think the evidence is there. Hibs, for a few years after we left, won trophies, sold a lot of players for good money and built a training ground they’d never had. West Brom are still playing with some style.

“Instant success is what everybody wants and I know the fans want to win – we all want to win.

“We’re in a League where everyone is hardworking, organised and honest and nobody gives you any results.

“Long after I’ve gone, I’ll still be a Boro fan. While I’m here, I feel a responsibility, not just to build a team so that my team can be a winning team this year but have no chance next year, but to try and build a team with some longevity.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The negative results have had an effect on gates with Tuesday night’s attendance of 12,793 the lowest at the Riverside for a League game for 15 years.

“Of course I care what the fans think,” said Mowbray. “But they are just a snapshot of a group of people who write letters or speak on radio shows. It’s the 15,000 and, beyond the matchday crowd, the 50,000 to 100,000 Boro fans out there who care about the club who really matter.

“I understand the supporters, I understand the town and I understand their frustration.

“The crowd the other night were fantastic and I would ask them to keep doing what they have been doing.”