Gibson says Boro must back Agnew
Ben Gibson admits he will miss former manager Aitor Karanka but has urged the Middlesbrough squad to get behind new boss Steve Agnew.
Karanka left Boro after four years in charge last week and his assistant head coach Agnew has now taken over as caretaker manager.
Gibson established himself at the heart of the defence under the Spaniard and earned his first call-up into the senior England squad this week.
But with Boro in the midst of a scrap for Premier League survival – they currently lie 19th, five points from safety – the centre-back knows his side must quickly back the new man.
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
“Aitor came in when I was just starting to get into the first-team squad,” said Gibson. “I learned a lot and played a lot of football under him.
“He definitely had a positive impact on me and on a lot of the others lads’ careers so I have to thank him for that.
“But Steve Agnew’s the man in charge now and we have to pull together to get out of this relegation scrap.
“It was a tough week but that’s football. We all know that there are changes and we have to get behind Steve Agnew.
“I’ve known him for a long time – he’s a fantastic coach and a great person. Steve’s a fighter and a good, honest man.
“He’s played a big part in my development over the years and the lads are looking forward to working with him in this new role he’s got.”
