FIRST team coach Terry Venables arrived at the Boro's training ground this week with a positive message: "Let's work together and get it right."

He is due at training today as the build-up reaches a peak ahead of Saturday's vital Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light.

A derby is never an easy baptism but Venables said: "I have been to Sunderland and have every respect for Peter Reid and the job he has done there - but what better place to go and get a result to lift everyone?"

Colin Cooper is aware of the danger posed by Kevin Philips.

"He scores lots of goals, season in, season out, and has proved he can do it at the highest level," Cooper said.

He added that the players were looking forward to Venables helping them out of a critical situation.

"We must avoid relegation and need to get out of trouble as quickly as possible," he said.

Bryan Robson is happy to have Venables around. He said: "Terry and I really enjoyed working together for England and now we have to do it for Boro.

"He will be involved in training and let me look at the wider picture as to why things have gone wrong."

Robson is also looking forward to Sunderland. He said: "Peter Reid is a good friend of mine. He is always there if I need any help and he knows I can be relied on for advice if he needs it - but for 90 minutes on Saturday, all that will be forgotten as we need to get a positive result."

By Alistair Brownle