HAVING had the opportunity of a "fascinating" sit-down with Michael Carrick last season and gaining an understanding of how he works, Sol Bamba isn't at all surprised that the former Manchester United midfielder took Middlesbrough to within touching distance of the Premier League.

And although they came up just short last term, Bamba believes his former club will bounce back stronger next season "and wouldn't be surprised" if they went up automatically.

Bamba was part of the Cardiff City coaching staff under Sabri Lamouchi in the second half of last season and saw Boro up-close when Carrick's side beat the Bluebirds 3-1 in Wales in February.

Afterwards Bamba - who has ambitions to go on and become a manager in the future - took the opportunity to pick the brains of Carrick and Boro coach Jonathan Woodgate, and was hugely impressed by what he heard.

Not that he was at all surprised. Bamba is still in close contact with plenty of his former Boro teammates who are still at the club and had only heard good things since Carrick's arrival last November.

"I'm in contact with the players because I'm on a learning curve so I'm asking questions to the players," said Bamba, speaking exclusively to the Northern Echo's You Are My Boro YouTube channel and podcast.

"When we (Cardiff) played them, I went to the office and saw Carrick and Woodgate and had a good chat and tried to get an understanding of the training and games and how they go about it. It was fascinating.

"What I love is how down to earth both are. They both had unbelievable careers but they don't pretend they know everything and the way they translate things to the players is unbelievable. I'm not surprised with the success they've had. They're hard working, committed and know how to pass on the message to the players. And because of the career they've had, the players are responding to it.

"The future is definitely bright. We all know Steve Gibson is one of the best owners around. Carrick needs time but he'll get it. They need to recruit well but I wouldn't be surprised if they go up automatic next year. I don't want to put them under pressure but the're definitely one of my favourites to be in the top six minimum."

Bamba has incredibly fond memories of his short but hugely enjoyable time on Teesside so was delighted to see Boro's improvement under Carrick last season. And he was particularly pleased to see his friend Chuba Akpom enjoy such a remarkable campaign.

Akpom was signed by Neil Warnock but things didn't work out and he went out on loan to PAOK in the 2021/22 season. He looked destined for the exit door last summer but, with Boro unable to land the striker targets they were chasing, was given a surprise lifeline under Chris Wilder. But it was after Carrick's arrival that Akpom truly kicked on, going on to win the Championship's Golden Boot and Player of the Year award.

Bamba was at Boro when things weren't going to plan for Akpom and remembers sitting down and having an honest chat with the striker when he was out of favour and pondering the next step in his career.

"I was there when Chuba was struggling and we had a chat and I told him he needed to play," said Bamba.

"He was out of favour at the time and I said to him, wherever you go, you have to play because that is what will give you confidence. That's when he went to Greece and did very well.

"You have to be honest, the way Warnock wanted him to play, it wasn't working and he was the first to say at that time he wasn't up to speed. You can argue that was the style of play the gaffer wanted to play. Maybe. He (Warnock) would probably say he couldn't get a tune out of him. Chuba would be the first to admit he wasn't at it at that time.

"You have to give huge credit to Chuba and Michael for coming back and being the top scorer in the league. Mentally he has always been strong and has always had a smile on his face and worked hard and believed in his ability. Credit to him for coming back as strong as he did."