‘Middlesbrough must buy smart,’ says number two Jordan

Middlesbrough assistant manager Joe Jordan believes that his club’s chances of bouncing straight back up to the Premier League rest heavily on what transfer business they can pull off this summer.

Former Bristol City chief Jordan arrived at the Riverside shortly after Aitor Karanka left as manager in March and his future at the club remains unclear as chairman Steve Gibson considers new men to replace caretaker boss Steve Agnew.

Relegated Boro can expect a busy summer of wheeling and dealing as they look to mould a squad capable of returning to the top flight at the first time of asking and Jordan, who hopes to be fully involved in that process, is certain his club must make the right moves.

“There’s a lot of clubs in there that will think they’ve got a great opportunity but again, a lot will depend on the buying and selling, and the teams they have from the kick-off,” said the Boro number two.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I wouldn’t say it’s an open league – I’d say it’s a very difficult league. There are a lot of big clubs there and I don’t think this year will be any easier.

“I think it’ll be difficult with what’s happened with the teams coming up [from] below (Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers and Millwall). It’ll be very, very competitive.

“I couldn’t give you a fair assessment [of who will seal promotion].

“ You’d have to assess that once you’ve seen all the clubs in that division – and that includes Middlesbrough – and find out what squads they have, and you’ve seen which teams have made changes, for better or worse.”