Middlesbrough told to do one important thing to mount a serious promotion challenge

Former Middlesbrough defender Gary Pallister stated that Middlesbrough must tighten up defensively to mount a serious Championship promotion challenge. Speaking after manager Kim Hellberg's side defeated Norwich City 4-3 with a stoppage-time winner from Ashley Phillips, Pallister noted that the squad was too open after giving up a 3-1 halftime lead.

Pallister expects Middlesbrough to reach the playoffs but views West Ham and Wolves as the top automatic promotion contenders. Middlesbrough signed 12 players during the summer transfer window under chairman Steve Gibson, with Pallister identifying Will Lankshear and Aidan Morris as vital figures for the club.