Double Boro contract boost is as important as any summer signing – as two tables show

Dominic Shaw argues that Middlesbrough securing new long-term contracts for head of football Kieran Scott and head of recruitment Chris Jones is as crucial as any player signing. Under their leadership, Kim Hellberg's side tops the Championship table after losing just once in their first 12 games, bouncing back strongly following last season's play-off final defeat.

A recent CIES Football Observatory report highlighted that Boro's signings over the past five years appreciated in value by over £145m, leading all Championship clubs. Shaw praises Scott and Jones for consistently recruiting, developing, and profiting from talent, while also successfully appointing Hellberg following Rob Edwards' departure.