Middlesbrough more than happy to buck Premier League trend

11:25am Saturday 6th September 2008

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CLASHES this week between boardroom and bootroom at St James’ Park and Upton Park would suggest conflict is the natural state of affairs at all Premier League clubs.

But Middlesbrough continue to provide a rare example of an owner and manager working in harmony.

“At our football club we’ve tried to keep it as stable as possible. We’ve gone through a lot of changes in the last couple of seasons since we appointed Gareth and I think now we have a settled squad,”

said Boro chairman and owner Steve Gibson, who chooses not to meddle in team affairs.

“I don’t want to put too high an expectation and pressure on Gareth and the team but we’re pleased with the way it’s gone so far. Gareth’s got everything that’s needed to be a top coach and a manager.’’ He added: “I think the transfer window has advantages and disadvantages. I know this week (Michel) Platini has talked about closing the window in the winter I’d be all for that as it takes the uncertainty away.

“Every time a transfer window opens we have a problem with certain players. Stewart Downing in particular is consistently speculated about in the press and it’s quire unsettling,”

said Gibson, who resisted overtures from Liverpool and Spurs for England winger Downing – likely to figure in this evening’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

And while clubs are increasingly seeking out foreign investment to compete in an overheated transfer market, Gibson and Boro chief executive Keith Lamb, prefer to keep the club in local ownership.

“Ever since 1876, when Middlesbrough football club was born, I don’t think it has been under foreign ownership throughout its 132 years,” said Lamb.

“Steve Gibson has no intentions for the club to be anything other than a community asset for Middlesbrough.

And at the same time an asset for the people of the town,”

confirmed Lamb, who questions the motives of foreign investors who risk huge sums in the Premier League lottery.

“I don’t really see what the foreign owners will get out of this in the long-term. Football is all about tribalism and the fans love their teams.

“I don’t see how the investments of the corporation from Abu Dhabi or people living in Russia or the United States will get out of it.

“I know the game is global and fans all over the world like to keep in touch with Premier League football, but you don’t need foreign investment for this,” confirmed Lamb who feels that Boro’s model of local ownership engenders strong links with the local community.

“We have to win the hearts and support of the fans and we have to sign players who are committed to the cause and who want to play for Middlesbrough football club and who believe their ambitions can be satisfied by playing here.

“But as far as we are concerned this increasing foreign ownership within the Premier League will have no effect at Middlesbrough football club whatsoever,” he said.

■ Tickets for Middlesbrough’s Carling Cup clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, September 23 go on sale to season card holders only on Monday.

Tickets will go on sale to Boro Pride members on Friday, September 12 before remaining tickets go on general sale on Monday, September 15.

Tickets are priced £41 adults, £22 over-65s and £15 under-16s. For more details call 08444991234.