IF YOU asked Boro supporters in August if they’d be happy with a play-off place after finishing fifth, a distance behind the automatically promoted clubs then the responses would not have been very positive.
After a season of inconsistency and a managerial change along the way the mood is now very optimistic.
Tony Pulis has organised and re-motivated a squad that had previously looked to be very unlikely to feature in the push for the anticipated return to the Premier League.
Perhaps not everyone’s choice to replace Garry Monk, he has answered the doubters and rather than the chopping and changing on a weekly basis like his predecessor and tried desperately to find a consistent winning formula.
Pulis has also managed to trim the squad and everyone seems to know their role and function within the team.
Indeed the vibes coming out of The Riverside are very positive and nobody seems to have a bad word to say about the experienced manager.
Players appear reborn and revitalised under Pulis, while the team look a better unit playing clearly the manager’s instructions and there have been notable and outstanding individuals.
Ryan Shotton, who played under TP at Stoke, has made the right back berth his own while Daniel Ayala, often out of favour under Monk, is not only a vital part of the back four but is weighing in with a number of goals.
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The Spanish defender has become the focal point of attacking set-pieces and the long throw-ins that has become the norm since the turn of the year, scoring seven goals.
And Patrick Bamford has proved that he can recreate the form he showed during his first spell at the club during his first spell when on loan from Chelsea.
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But without doubt the effect the new manger has had on Adama Traore is the main reason Boro have finished the season on the front foot.
Pulis has turned his undoubted potential into performances that at times make him almost unplayable.
Most opponents regularly have to resort to fouling him to halt his electrifying runs and mazy dribbles.
Villa know all about him and may regret the decision to let him leave.
All in all there is plenty to be confident about heading into what will be a crunch few days.
Villa will be tough opponents and have bags of experience but often the team that hits the play-offs in good form can take the final promotion place.
The feeling on Teesside is that Boro have every chance to do just that.
Do you agree or disagree with Jeff? Let him know your thoughts about the Championship play-offs and Boro’s chances of going up by tweeting him @WinterJeff .
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