Time to get Boro back on upward curve – Mowbray

Championship: New Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray has called on the club's supporters to be patient as he prepares for his first game in charge against Bristol City today.

Gordon Strachan departed the club 12 days ago after a disastrous start to the Championship season, with Mowbray stepping into the vacancy earlier this week.

Many pundits had tipped Boro as title-winners but they have picked up just three wins from their opening 13 fixtures and lie in the relegation zone.

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Mowbray is starting out in his first job since leaving Celtic earlier this year, and has promised fans that he will turn the team into a successful and attractive side to watch, given time.

"It's time for the club and supporters to work together to get us on an upward curve, so I'd ask the fans to be supportive and to be patient.

"Right now it's clear that we are not a free-flowing football team and we will have to get there bit by bit. Confidence is a big thing in football. So if things don't always go to plan, I'd ask the supporters to stick with it and keep backing us because their backing really can make a big difference in giving confidence to the team."

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb said ahead of today's game: "We have to acknowledge that things haven't gone as anyone would have wished. We need to bring the fans back and what's going to do that? Excitement, winning football matches and playing football the right way.

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"If you look at Tony's record, he satisfies all those criteria and (chairman) Steve Gibson and I believe he's the man best suited to take us in the direction we want to go."

Mowbray has already revealed his starting 11 to his new squad, and it seems as though two of his key players will miss out. Julio Arca and Gary O'Neil are doubtful, but could play some part if they can prove their fitness before the game. Barry Robson returns from suspension.

Seventh-placed Burnley head to leaders QPR, who will check on Heidar Helguson (shoulder). Midfielders Akos Buzsaky, Lee Cook (both knee) and Martin Rowlands (calf) are set to miss out again.

Burnley manager Brian Laws has no new injury concerns. Chris Iwelumo was rested in midweek and is set to come into the side with Martin Paterson making way. Chris McCann remains a long-term absentee.