Middlesbrough have certainly enjoyed an improvement in fortunes since their most recent change of manager.
That came back in October 2022, when Michael Carrick replaced Chris Wilder at the Riverside Stadium.
The appointment marked Carrick’s first step into senior first-team management. He also took over a team just outside the Championship relegation zone.
However, the former Manchester United man was still able to guide ‘Boro to the Championship play-offs last season. They were however, beaten by Coventry City in the semi finals.
This season, Middlesbrough currently sit 10th in the second-tier standings. They also made it to the League Cuo semi finals, where they were ultimately beaten by Chelsea.
Now it seems as though Carrick has earnt himself one rather high profile admirer for his work at The Riverside Stadium.
Gareth Southgate gives Michael Carrick verdict
Having spent over eight years with the club as a player and manager, Gareth Southgate is of course, no stranger to Middlesbrough.
The now England manager also seems to still be keeping an eye on the club, even now.
As a result, he does appeared impressed by what Carrick has done during his time in the North East.
Giving his verdict on Carrick’s work as Middlesbrough manager, Southgate was quoted by The Teeside Gazette as saying:
“Firstly, I think Middlesbrough have got a very good manager. It reminds me of when I took over because you’re still learning and you don’t know everything at that stage.
“He’s had the team playing some brilliant football though, and last season was an incredible season – probably better than you could have hoped for. This season they’ve shown at times, the run in the cup especially, that they can play well.
“They’ve had it difficult with injuries and losing some key players at the end of last season. But there is no doubt in my mind that Michael is going to be, and already is, a very good manager.”
Middlesbrough and Carrick are next in action after the international break on Friday 29th March. That sees them travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton.
Michael Carrick is doing an excellent job at Middlesbrough
It is hard to imagine there will be many people arguing with this assessment of Carrick’s job from Southgate.
Given his lack of experience in management, and the position Middlesbrough were in when he took over, this seemed like an incredibly tough challenge for him.
However, he rose to that task in perfect style, not only seving ‘Boro from relegation last season, but also getting them close to promotion.
That is no doubt more than many expected of him, and he has backed that up again this season, by once again ensuring they are still currently in contention for a play-off place.
Add in that excellent run to the final four of the League Cup, and this has been yet another strong campaign for Carrick at Middlesbrough.
One concern from that though, is the possibility this success could start to attract interest from elsewhere in the 42-year-old.
With that in mind, Middlesbrough may well want to get a new contract sorted for Carrick sooner rather than later.