Middlesbrough's dream of returning to the Premier League can finally come true this season under new head coach Rob Edwards, according to ex-Boro star Kris Boyd.
Boro have had a perfect start to their league campaign, winning all three matches so far, and will host bottom side Sheffield United at the Riverside on Saturday before the international break.
Former Rangers and Scotland star Boyd, who scored six goals in 29 appearances in Boro shirt in the 2010-11 campaign, is thrilled to see his former side start so well, and feels there is no reason why they can't continue their excellent early-season form.
“It’s been a brilliant start for Middlesbrough, three wins from three, it doesn’t get any better than that - especially when you consider the stuttering start some of the clubs everyone expected to do well have had," he told Best New Bingo Sites.
"I’m sure Middlesbrough will still be disappointed with how last season finished, not even making the playoffs in the end, but they will be extremely happy with the start to this season.
“I think things became a little bit stale with Michael Carrick in charge, so the club did the right thing moving on. Rob Edwards couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to the season apart from the disappointing loss to Doncaster in the League Cup. They have a few big games coming up, starting with Sheffield United this weekend, who are looking to get their season back on track after a poor start.
“But everyone around the club will be feeling great about how this season could go.”
The arrival of new head coach Rob Edwards has invigorated the squad, and Boyd feels Boro have a safe pair of hands at the wheel - pointing to his experience in taking Luton to the top flight as a key factor.
Former Boro striker Kris Boyd
Former Boro striker Kris Boyd (Image: Action Images)
“I think the appointment of Rob Edwards has been a good one," he added. "The club know exactly what they are getting with him, and he will play some nice football and win games, which is exactly what they need.
“He guided Luton to the Premier League, so there is no reason why he can’t do the same with Middlesbrough. It’s safe to say he’ll have the crowd on side now, he’ll be looking to keep winning and generate a brilliant atmosphere at the Riverside week in, week out. The city will soon be buzzing with excitement if the results continue, which is brilliant for the club.
“I think after the start of this season, both fans and people involved with the football club will be dreaming of the Premier League. The club has the infrastructure and everything in place for Middlesbrough to be a Premier League club, but the players and manager just need to achieve it on the pitch.
“They are definitely ahead of a lot of the other clubs who will be battling for promotion come the end of the season. But there is a long way to go, so the players will be staying grounded. There have been plenty of seasons like this for Middlesbrough before that have been positive but fizzled out in the end, so they will just keep grinding out results. The aim will be the playoffs, but if they win the next three or four games, automatic promotion becomes a real possibility.
“They have a few big games coming up, but why not allow fans to dream of the Premier League? A huge club like Middlesbrough should always be there or thereabouts in the Premier League, so I hope they go up this season.”