
Even though MIDDLESBROUGH is weighing their alternatives before the January transfer window, Michael Carrick won’t be worried if the team doesn’t expand at the beginning of the next year.
The depth of Boro’s squad has been put to the test in recent weeks as several players have been sidelined due to illness or injury, but the Teessiders have come out of the ordeal unscathed and are now in the play-off spots ahead of their trip to Turf Moor to play Burnley tomorrow night.
Several possible targets have been scouted and discussed during a series of meetings that Carrick and the rest of Boro’s recruitment team have held regarding the January window.
The Teessiders may be able to add players to their roster next month, either permanently or temporarily, but they will be starting January strong, with no obvious holes in their roster that need to be filled immediately.
As a group, I believe we’re quite balanced and have a really good variety, as I’ve stated for a while,” Carrick said. Younger players and a decent mix of experience are present, along with positional diversity.
“I believe we’re doing well with that, and we’ve needed to be in order to get through some tough times this season.
We’re still talking about it and trying to get a sense of what the January transfer window would entail. In January, decisions must always be made, but for now, I’m content. In fact, I’m thrilled with our team and the way the boys are handling it.
As he ponders his options for January, Carrick will have to weigh up the likelihood of a potential new arrival being able to make a meaningful impact in the second half of the season. There are some positions in the squad where a new arrival would have to be of an extremely high standard just to have a chance of featuring.
However, the Boro boss claims a potential new signing’s character and ability to fit in with the rest of the squad will be every bit as important as their ability level, and will dominate much of his thinking as he ponders whether or not to alter the current dynamics within the dressing room halfway through the season.
The strength of Boro’s collective spirit has helped them overcome a shaky start to the campaign, and is likely to be a major factor as the Teessiders look to maintain their promotion push for the next five months.
Carrick is keen to avoid that at all costs, and bringing in new faces could have a bad impact. Boro’s background research on any prospective new hires will therefore be essential.
Carrick, whose team moved up to fifth place in the table after defeating Hull City at the Riverside last weekend, stated, “I think the dynamics of the group are vital.” It’s also crucial that everyone feels that their contributions to the group and the work they do have a genuine purpose.
“I do think you can have too many (players in a certain position in the squad). Whatever too many is, we’ll gauge that. But certainly, you can have too many options. You can have not enough as well, and that’s the trick to getting the balance right.
“But getting the dynamics right in the group and blending the different characters and personalities to make sure everyone is pulling in the right direction is hugely important and something I was used to, especially at (Manchester) United.#
“Being part of a group and sharing the load and getting a level of success through playing for each other and working for each other. That’s something of late that’s shone through for me here, and it’s something I’m really pleased about.”