Tony Mowbray hoping for David Wheater stay
New Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray says he hopes the club can persuade defender David Wheater to sign a new contract.
Wheater's current deal with the club is due to expire at the end of the season, which would allow the player to leave the club for free. Mowbray says getting him to stay on will be one of his main targets.
"I hope he will be an important part [of the club's future].
The contractual situation is what it is with David and it's not something I've looked at. But I have spoken to him and told him how much I appreciate his talent," said
Mowbray.
Wheater has a number of different playing attributes, which make him one of the best defenders in the Championship. The club should be willing to give him at least his
market value to persuaded him to don the red for next season.
A quality player
Wheater cuts the image of an old school English defender. He is big, tough and physically strong, which allows him to compete with opposition strikers with a similar physical
make up.
His heading ability is by far and away the best in the football club. Wheater is crucial at the back when heading the ball away from danger. He is also very effective in
the attack of the team when goes up for all free kicks and corners where the ball is played into the box.
Middlesbrough needs to be in the right position to make sure that everything Wheater asks for in a new contract is possible. This seems the only likely way Mowbray will
get him to stay at the club.
"I like what I see and hopefully we can resolve the situation as soon
as possible. He's a big asset for the club and we need to try and protect that asset, but if we do have to let him go we must make sure we get some value," added Mowbray.
Betting advice
Have a bet on Wheater getting on the score sheet every so often in a Middlesbrough shirt. Also account for a low goals conceded tally when he's in the team.
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