Football Season Guide

Middlesbrough were left frustrated as they were beaten finalists in the play-offs to Norwich last term. Their magnificent season was based on a solid defence and boss Aitor Karanka will hope to build from the back again. Boro certainly have plenty of money. They have re-signed Stewart Downing for £5 million on a mega contract and more are to follow with talk of a £14 million move for Jordan Rhodes. It is large sums of money for this level but as things stand without Rhodes they are short in the attacking areas and may need some late activity before the close of the transfer window. The departures of Patrick Bamford and Jesse Vossen are bad news for Boro and much of their success last season depended on the former's vibrancy in attack and willingness to chase lost causes.