Wing delivers positive message as Boro target more additions

The new Middlesbrough head coach is waiting for updates on the pursuit of new recruits from the club’s transfer team, and there could even be confirmation of at least one new face within the next 24 hours.

And Wing, knowing the search is on to bring in a couple of new players before Thursday’s 5pm deadline, believes that any new arrivals will be pleased with the set-up that Woodgate has put in place – and it’s a great place to play.

“It’s been class working under him,” said Wing. “Everyone has a smile on their face, everyone is enjoying their football.

“There is just a totally different vibe around the place, I got on with the gaffer last year, he helped me a lot. The new boss just tells me to do, what I’m good at, which is what you want to hear.”

And Newton Aycliffe’s Wing certainly did that on Friday night when he struck the sweetest of third goals for Middlesbrough from distance, having also turned in an impressive personal display too in the middle of the pitch.

“I’ve been told when I pick up the ball and get into good positions to just let it go, just have a shot, so I did and luckily it went in. It paid off,” said Wing.

“The gaffer has told us to get forward and get shots in. If we can keep creating as many chances as that we can be a threat to any team in this division, definitely.

“I think we’ll be up there this year. That was just a test of what we are all about and I’m looking forward to the season.

“We want to play exciting football and get at teams. It is a more exciting style, it gets the fans off their seats. The fans were fantastic.”

Wing admits this is a big year for him personally, having established himself as one of the first-choice midfielders following his successful breakthrough year – and he thinks other young guns can follow his lead.

Hayden Coulson made an impressive Championship debut at Luton. Wing said: “He’s probably been the best player in pre-season and he showed on Friday he’s quick, he gets forward, he is always thinking forward he’s one for the future. He is sharp, he won the penalty. He’s a great little player.”

Woodgate thinks Middlesbrough are still in desperate need of reinforcements after just one enthralling game under him, even though he confirmed there are likely to be departures this week.

Time is running out before the transfer window closes, but Middlesbrough are believed to have made a third offer for Charlton’s £2m-rated full-back Anfernee Dijksteel, while free agent Alan Hutton has also been discussed.

But Woodgate is also wanting improvements in other areas, including an attacking midfielder. He has not added an extra striker to his ranks so far either, although as things stand, he does have plenty of options in that area.

“I don’t want to put a number on it, but I want a few in,” said Woodgate. “I think we’re really thin. The Championship is relentless, as you’ve seen from that game on Friday.

“God knows how far both teams ran that night. You need to keep it fresh. Hopefully, we get a few in. Whatever position, we need different positions that will help the team going forward.”

Middlesbrough are expected to offload players if the right offers come along this week, but Woodgate wasn’t in the mood to suggest who is available.

“Not at the minute, maybe, we’ll have to see, it depends what comes in and if it’s the right deal for me and the football club,” said Woodgate.

But he did confirm that there will be younger players leaving on loan if he feels that it could take them time to break into his own side.

“I don’t want to put any names on it yet but a few of the lads will go on loan,” said Woodgate. “They need to do that, they need to grow as people, they need to sample what it’s like in this league or League One or League Two.

“Under-23 football at times is nothing like what you’ve seen out there, nothing like it. It’s important our younger players go out and learn their trade and they’ll only come back better for this football club.”