Former Middlesbrough boss says Tony Mowbray must bring squad together
Former Middlesbrough manager Bruce Rioch has claimed that the most important task facing new boss Tony Mowbray is to bring a sense of harmony to the squad.
Mowbray has joined a club that, although tipped as one of the main contenders to gain promotion from the Football League Championship, have failed to win in any of their last six matches. They are currently mired in the relegation zone, having picked up
just 11 points from 13 games.
With a crunch match against bottom-of-the-table Bristol City looming on Saturday, 30 October, Mowbray will have to work quickly to bring his squad together, according to Rioch.
The 62-year-old managed Boro while Mowbray was captain of the club in the 1980 and, with the new boss’ help, guided the club from the Third Division to the top flight with successive promotions after they were liquidated in 1986.
Rioch told the BBC that Mowbray’s passion for the club meant that he was ideally suited for the position.
He said that: "If fans see that the team are fighting and playing for one another, support comes along. All the successful teams in history were teams that were together.
"Whether you're in the side or out of the side, you've got to pull for the team. Everything is about the team, about trying to get results and being as one, and I think that is what he'll be looking for straightaway.
'Ideal job for Mowbray'
"Once I saw the departure of Gordon Strachan and the job become vacant, knowing 'Mogga' was available, I thought this was the ideal job for him.
"Going back sometimes is not a good thing, but he's had such a break from the club over the last 20 years, and of course he was there as a player not as a manager previously.
"He's coming back in a fresh position and I think it'll be great for him, because he loves the club. We know he's passionate about football generally but he's also extremely passionate about Middlesbrough.”
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