Agnew: I can complete ‘biggest achievement’ of Boro survival

Steve Agnew believes keeping Middlesbrough in the Premier League would be the biggest achievement of his life and the caretaker boss is confident he is capable of doing just that.

After Aitor Karanka left the club earlier this week, Agnew was put in temporary charge – his second time in the role after a short spell following Gordon Strachan’s departure in 2010.

The 51-year-old faces one hell of a task, with Boro rooted in the bottom three and having scored a paltry 19 goals in 27 Premier League games under Karanka.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

But the former Barnsley, Leicester and Sunderland midfielder has belief in his ability to engineer a great escape from the Teessiders, and maybe earn an extended stay as manager.

“If it’s an audition, then that’s fine. This time, I feel ready and capable,” said Agnew. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s the biggest challenge of my career.

“I have a clear view of exactly what’s needed and that’s what I aim to deliver. I do believe we will stay in the Premier League.

“It would be the biggest single achievement of my life – I’m capable of delivering it, the players are capable of delivering it.

“Our players will give everything to the cause. They are desperate to keep the club in the Premier League and they’ll give every ounce of what they’ve got.”