It is a welcome return to the Premier League for Middlesbrough so we had a chat with The Chronicle content editor Sophie Barley to find out more about the newly promoted side.
Q. Every fan has their story about how they became a fan and their first game so why Boro and what was your first memory watching them?
I was about twelve. I am from Thirsk, a little town in North Yorkshire about thirty miles from Boro. As a little girl I never supported a specific team. Loved football but no specific team. When I was twelve my dad took me to the Riverside and I just fell in love with the place. That was it and I have been Boro ever since.
Q. What are your hopes and dreams for the new season?
To prove we deserve to be in the Premier League and that we can handle it. Think that is all I want to prove.
Q. Did the club do enough business in the transfer window?
Yes, I thought it was a good one. We could have done with another attacking midfielder or a striker and I am not overly pleased about the fact we have four keepers in the squad but yes, all in all it was good.
Q. Spaniard Aitor Karanka joined the club in 2013 around the time Palace we linked with him. There have been a few ups and down since he was appointed but is he a popular figure at the Riverside?
That is so strange thinking he could have gone to Palace. A Boro without AK does not sound quite right. I genuinely think we owe so much to him. He just fits. He was just what we needed. He is very popular and seems to genuinely love Middlesbrough. I love that.
Q. It is a welcome return to the Premier League for Boro after being relegated on the final day of the 2008/09 season but it was a successful period leading up to that with a League Cup win and a European campaign. Do fans recall those few years fondly with the likes of Steve McLaren, Bryan Robson and Gareth Southgate at the helm?
Yes, I would say so. I loved that era, some of my favourite Boro players were in the team back then.
Q. There are plenty of owners up and down the country that get a lot of bad press but Boro really do have a man in charge that has the best interests of the club at heart. Are you thankful that is the case and what do fans think of Steve Gibson?
Steve Gibson is in his own class when it comes to chairmen. He absolutely adores his club. The town. The fans. Even the manager and players. As fans, we know that whatever decision he makes he is doing it for the good of the club and that is a very special thing. Seeing his tears when we were promoted and fans singing his name was just something else. He knows how much he is appreciated.
Q. What is your opinion on Palace both as a club and how they have fared the last few seasons?
They have done good since being back in the Premier League and it is a club that is liked. We will be seen on paper as being quite well matched so this should be a good battle. I am not a huge Alan Pardew fan though.
Q. Name a player from each side that the opposition need to be concerned about.
You need to watch out for our Alvaro Negredo. I am literally obsessed with him at the moment. I think he is taking some time to settle but he has got some serious form. Oh and you will need to keep an eye on Gaston Ramirez too. Christian Benteke is the one to watch for us. Some signing that.
Q. Your prediction?
I think Boro will edge it 1-0, Negredo with the goal.
