Steele backs Mowbray to be even bigger Boro legend

Nov 20 2011 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

TONY MOWBRAY can underline his status as a Middlesbrough legend by leading the club back into the Premier League.

That’s the view of homegrown goalkeeping talent Jason Steele, who has seen Mowbray transform Boro from relegation candidates to promotion hopefuls in the space of a year.

Ex-Boro defender Mowbray took over 13 months ago with the club languishing in 20th place in the Championship – their lowest league position for 20 years – following Gordon Strachan’s resignation.

Boro’s fortunes immediately changed, with the club taking 51 points from 33 games under the former West Brom and Celtic manager to finish in mid-table – form which would have seen them challenge for a play-off spot had they started the campaign that way.

And in Mowbray’s first full season in charge, Boro have made a flying start and went into yesterday’s game against Blackpool in third place.

“The gaffer played something like 350 games for the club and is an absolute Middlesbrough legend, so it’s a big thing for me to play here under him,” said Bishop Auckland-born Steele.

“He gave the club a big lift when he arrived last year, and our form for the rest of the season was excellent – I think the figures show we’d have ended up only just missing out on the play-offs if we had got that kind of points return all season.

“We’ve carried it on this season and I think our start has probably exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“We’d like to think that if we can keep this form up, we’ll be in with a shout.