Rhys Williams believes the future is bright for Middlesbrough.
Tony Mowbray’s side lost two of their opening three fixtures in the Championship this season, but are now unbeaten in the same number following the 2-2 draw at Wigan Athletic. And had it not been for a late equaliser by Jordi Gomez for the home side, Boro would now be staring at a top-six place at this early stage of the campaign.
Williams is certainly optimistic about the way the squad is progressing at the Riverside Stadium, especially with additions such as Albert Adomah, Frazer Richardson, Dean Whitehead and Jozsef Varga. And he believes having a stronger squad will ultimately challenge those in the starting XI to keep on top of their game.
“I think we are close to being very good,” he told the Northern Echo. “The gaffer has brought in some real quality and experience, which was needed. I think this year there is competition behind us, which is keeping us going and is better for the starting XI.”
Mowbray, meanwhile, still hopes to add to his squad before the window shuts. It is no secret that his top target is Ross McCormack, but having already failed with an offer for the Scotland international, he accepts Leeds United are reluctant to sell.
“I’m loathe to mention individuals, but McCormack is a player we have enquired about,” he told the Gazette. “I think it is three in three he has scored now for them and he is a fans’ favourite. It might be difficult for them to sell him, but we can only ask the question.
“I still think we need three or four more players. It’s proving more difficult than we might have hoped but we aren’t the only team in English football not being able to put that jigsaw puzzle together. The conundrum for us is not rushing in.”
