MICHAEL Carrick has opened up on the joy of working for "fantastic" Steve Gibson, in the week the Middlesbrough owner once again demonstrated his unflinching support for the club.

Gibson, who remains determined to lead Boro back into the Premier League, converted almost £107m worth of debt into shares - a sound business method and cleaning up of the balance sheet but yet another example of the Teessider's relentless backing of his hometown club.

Carrick has spent 13 months working for Gibson since his appointment as head coach and says he feels "the utmost level of support" from Boro's owner - who backs the boss without interfering.

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Despite only joining Boro in November last year, Carrick is already the eighth longest serving head coach in the Championship and while the former Manchester United midfielder sparked a huge improvement and brilliant charge into the play-offs last season, he endured a difficult start to the current campaign when his side were winless after seven games.

While some owners would have panicked during such a spell, there was calm at every level inside Rockliffe, and Carrick appreciates the support he's received from Gibson during the good times and the difficult days.

“Steve has been fantastic," said the Boro boss.

"A big thing is I know what is expected of me, but there is always support from him and a patience from him all the time. He lets me get on with my role without interfering but is always there, and I totally feel the upmost level of support from him.

"That’s the biggest thing I could say really. It goes without saying how much he’s done for this football club over the years, and also the area. For me personally, he’s been fantastic. "