Gary Pallister Exclusive Interview with NewBettingSites.uk

Exclusive interview with Gary Pallister: Robert Lewandowski could repeat Zlatan’s achievements at Old Trafford, Manchester United still have the pulling power to sign Morgan Rogers, Harry Maguire should be in the World Cup squad, Harry Kane will win the Ballon d’Or, there is no sympathy for Southampton’s manager after spygate

Speaking exclusively with NewBettingSites.uk, former Manchester United and Middlesbrough defender and England international Gary Pallister has given his thoughts on the upcoming Premier League season, World Cup window and more.

Pallister, who was a four-time title winner at Manchester United and made 22 appearances for his country between 1988 and 1996, spoke about the prospect of a busy summer at Old Trafford.

The former defender has also discussed Thomas Tuchel’s England squad selection for the 2026 World Cup and the record-breaking form of Harry Kane along with plenty more.

Do you see Michael Carrick getting the full season at Manchester United in 2026/27, given the pressure that comes with that job?

GP: “I think a lot of people at Manchester United are really happy that Michael Carrick has got the job. I think he produced, especially in his first season at Middlesbrough, probably some of the best football I've ever seen from a Boro team, albeit in the Championship. He played a really exciting brand of football.

“He had a goalscorer in Chuba Akpom and some really good players, albeit loan players. That team was dismantled the following year and they just missed out on the play-offs. But that's where I think Steve Gibson set the bar, that they need to be in the play-offs at the end of every year, and ultimately it cost Michael his job. But what a chance he was given after that. And I think you look at United and the closest we've come to having a stereotypical United team was under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“And it kind of feels a bit like what happened with Ole. Michael's come in and he's got good results. I wouldn't say we've had more than two or three really good performances, it's been a bit scrappy. but I think he's brought a resilience into the team. I think he knows what United fans want. He went straight back to the 4-4-2, brought Kobbie in, and just gave the team a bit more belief.

“They were more settled and Carrick played people in the right positions that lots of fans had been crying out for. I think in the end Ruben Amorim just lost his way and, honestly, almost welcomed the sack. So I'm pleased for Michael and I hope we can back him in the transfer window. He's already made a start with Ederson. There's talk about [Sandro] Tonali, there's talk about [Elliot] Anderson.

“I think they maybe need another centre-forward. [Benjamin] Sesko did alright last year, but I think he's still got a bit to learn as he's still a young kid. I think someone with a bit more maturity than Sesko would be ideal for the centre-forward slot to fight with him for the position.”

Is centre-forward where you identify as United’s weak spot? And if so, who would be your ideal transfer to improve them?

“It’s not easy to look for a proper centre-forward that’s available these days. Robert Lewandowski could come in and do what Zlatan Ibrahimovic did for the club.

"He's a physical presence with great knowledge of European football and is still scoring goals. Could you bring him in for a season while Sesko is still developing? I think Sesko is a far better prospect than [Rasmus] Hojlund ever was, but he's still a young kid learning the game. I think a centre-forward with a little bit more know-how and experience would be ideal.

“At centre-half, I'm not sure what's going on with [Matthijs] De Ligt, I heard he'd had a back operation and has been out for seven months, so it’s been a struggle for him. [Harry] Maguire has done okay, and [Lisandro] Martinez has had his injury issues, so that’s a position they might look at.

“But I think midfield and up front are the key positions. I quite like Tonali, who has been touted for United, he’s the kind of player I'd like to see. He has a nasty edge to his game, great passing range, can score goals, and has good energy."

How well do you think Tonali would work alongside Kobbie Mainoo?

GP: “Kobbie’s done well, but I wouldn’t say he's torn up trees. It's a weird one with Kobbie because when he got left out of the team, it was probably deservedly so. But you see this often with young players, after a breakthrough season and a standout tournament with England at the Euros, he struggled to find his rhythm at the start of the following campaign.

“You see that happen time and time again because people become more aware of your style of play and what you can and can't do. I didn't have a problem with him being taken out of the team at the time, but the way he was handled afterward, being told he couldn't play alongside Bruno Fernandes, was wrong. That's not offering a player the incentive to come back stronger.

“You're not going to take Bruno Fernandes' place. He’s been the standout player at Manchester United for six years. So what kind of message does that send to Kobbie Mainoo? I don't know. It was a real struggle for him under Ruben Amorim, and he was going nowhere.

“Basically, he knew he wasn't going to get game time, except perhaps in the EFL Cup or similar matches. But listen, these are good players who know how to adapt and play alongside each other. Kobbie is a wonderful player with the ball at his feet, he can create space, score goals, and play a killer pass. Still, the main man is Bruno, who has proven his quality time and time again. Ultimately, it’s about everyone else adapting to him, rather than the other way around.”

Is there a chance that Bruno Fernandes leaves Manchester United if they fail to win the title or Champions League next season?

GP: “Bruno Fernandes is at an age where I'm sure the question was put to him last year, and I thought his answer was fantastic. He stated, 'I love Manchester United, I've got things to do here,' and if he feels the team is moving towards achieving his goals, I believe he will stay.

“He’ll want to see positive signs and investment in the club, but he has been a breath of fresh air in how he conducts himself. While people often focus on his gesticulations or moaning at referees, if you look past that, he has been a fantastic player for this club. It's refreshing to hear him speak about the fans, the club's identity, and what wearing the shirt means to him. He’s been wonderful to watch, and I don’t believe United could win the Premier League without him. What a player he’s been for the club.”

How realistic is it that Manchester United can mount a title challenge next season, especially with Pep Guardiola leaving City and the change at both Liverpool and Chelsea?

GP: “The managerial upheaval elsewhere has really opened the door for Manchester United. [Pep] Guardiola leaving is massive, he’s undoubtedly one of the best managers ever. The brand of football he implemented at City and his relentless drive to push his players were incredible. That focus is evident every time you hear him in an interview, he’s not interested in the media, he just wants to work with his team.

“At the start of the season, Liverpool looked set to run away with the league following their previous performance and the new arrivals, it was hard to see who could stop them. Their subsequent fall from grace was completely unexpected, and it ultimately cost Arne Slot his job. Now, Andoni Iraola has come in after doing a wonderful job at Bournemouth, but it’s not certain how that transition will play out.

“As for Chelsea, they are now under Xabi Alonso. Can he turn things around there? He had a troubled time at Real Madrid with all of their superstars. He couldn't stamp his authority on it. I think he would be allowed to do that, I would imagine, at Chelsea. So if he can sort that nuthouse out, he could go well.

“I think a lot of clubs will be eyeing a title challenge, but Arsenal will remain favourites having already got over the line once. They can play without as much pressure, as we found out in ‘93. Once you win the title once and that pressure's off, you can play with a lot more freedom. I would expect Arsenal to be a bit more pleasing on the eye next year, and try and stick it to the people who've been calling them boring and too pragmatic. I expect them to raise the bar again a little bit next year.

“But I think the Premier League title race is the most open it has been for a long time. If anyone can get off to a good start then they will have a chance, and why not United?”

Morgan Rogers is a player that has been linked heavily with a move to Arsenal, but do you think that Manchester United should be looking at hijacking the move? Do they still have the pulling power to do so?

GP: “I think Manchester United will always have pulling power. I understand the hesitation if they aren't playing Champions League football, especially given the recent turmoil at the club with the managerial changes, the ownership and the discussions regarding a new stadium. With many people losing their jobs, it's easy to see why players might perceive a sense of instability.

“Players looking at the current situation might see a club in turmoil. The leadership is clearly trying to restore stability and the return to the Champions League is massive. Playing for one of the world's biggest clubs remains a massive draw.

“I think any player really will look at that, playing in front of 75,000 people every week, why wouldn't you want to do that? Why wouldn't you want to be the difference in helping Manchester United win an FA Cup, Premier League or a Champions League? I think that excitement for players to still want to go to Manchester United is still there because they are massive.

“What a place to go and play football. The pull of Manchester United, I don't think will ever die.”

Is Morgan Rogers somebody Manchester United should be going after then?

GP: “Morgan Rogers is the kind of player that would excite fans at Manchester United, he would get people off the seats. That ultimately is what Manchester United has been about throughout the decades. Albeit we have lost our way, we went through this system with Reuben Amorim.

“You look at it and the club knew Amorim was going to play that style of football but they still went ahead with getting him in. He was a young, untried manager. In hindsight, it was probably a mistake.

“You have to understand what Manchester United means and what the club is to its fans,

all over the world. It's a brand of football. It's an entertainment business, Manchester United. It has been for decades, ever since Matt Busby walked through the doors there.

“We must stay true to the club's identity and deliver what the fans demand: exciting, attacking football. That has always been the Manchester United brand. I believe Michael [Carrick] will establish that environment, provided he can bring in the players necessary to execute that style of play.”

Looking at the World Cup, there seems to be a little less hype in the lead up to it than normal. How much of that do you think is down to Thomas Tuchel’s divisive squad selection?

GP: “I don’t think the strange atmosphere is down to Tuchel’s squad selection. You look at the stuff away from football, like Donald Trump sticking his oar in – I don’t think that’s helped with the build-up.

“Thomas Tuchel has raised a lot of eyebrows with his squad. I would have done things differently, I think a lot of people would. But over the last few months, he's made it clear that players need to park their egos. It’s not about reputation, it’s about what you're doing on the football pitch.

“He's got that message across, which I don't think is a bad thing. However, at the end of the tournament, if we aren't reasonably successful, the debates about Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden not being included will carry much more weight. There were some surprises, but he ultimately lives or dies by his choices, so we'll see.”

What would you have done differently in picking the England squad?

GP: “I thought Harry Maguire deserved his place in the England squad. I think he's had a really good season for United, he's never let England down at that level and he's got experience at tournaments. He was probably one of the standout players for the season for United. Whether Tuchel has looked at an age thing there, that call left me a bit quizzical.

“Could he have taken one off Foden or Palmer to bring something a little bit different? Possibly, but you can't argue with the fact that towards the end of the season Foden had a really tough time. Palmer didn't really hit the heights that he did in the early part of season and struggled the second part of the season.

“It takes me back to what Gareth Southgate used to do, he spoke about players being in form. He didn’t pick them just based on their reputation or the club they played for, he picked players who were in form and playing well.

“Ivan Toney is an intriguing inclusion, he’s not playing at an elite level. I keep hearing talk about the Saudi Arabian league, but I’m not buying into that. It felt like a strange choice, even though he scored goals over there.”

If England fail to reach the semi-final, would Tuchel be under pressure? Do you think England should go for Guardiola should they underperform at the World Cup?

GP: “Guardiola has said he'd like to go in international football, I believe. But it depends how we perform.You can perform well and be unlucky and go out. If we perform badly and stink the place out and don't qualify. Tuchel’s got a contract now for another two years after this.

“The FA clearly have enough confidence in Tuchel to commit to those two years. However, if the team underperforms, especially after some of the questionable squad decisions that have raised eyebrows, he will certainly be under pressure. As a manager, you have to accept the criticism when things don't go to plan.

“If we underperform, Tuchel’s position will inevitably be under threat. With managers like Pep Guardiola expressing an interest in international football, it would be tempting for top nations to pursue him, given his status as the standout manager of the last 12 to 13 years. It would be difficult to overlook such an opportunity.”

How likely is it that England underperform at the World Cup as a direct result of the heat in the USA?

GP: “The heat is incredibly tough. I remember playing for England in the States back in '93. We had a match in an indoor stadium in Detroit, and the humidity combined with the lack of oxygen was unlike anything I've ever experienced. A single sprint left me feeling as exhausted as if I’d just run a marathon.

“It’s hard to convey just how tough the conditions are. I know we’re currently trying to acclimatise, but teams based in this region have a distinct advantage because they’re accustomed to it week in, week out. We’re still adjusting, and because we’re not used to it, it inevitably leads to a slower style of play.

“We could maybe adapt to that, but I think it gives the countries out there more of an edge.”

Lots of people are suggesting that England’s hopes rest on Harry Kane. How likely is it that if England perform well that he wins the Golden Boot and potentially the Ballon d’Or?

GP: “I think Harry Kane’s got a great chance of winning the Ballon d'Or. If you can't win the Ballon d'Or with 67 goals, then I don't know what you need to do.

“It's weird, isn't it? You look back at the last major championship and everybody was saying Harry Kane was finished. He didn't have a really good tournament. I don't know whether he was carrying an injury or he wasn't as fit as he'd like to be. But he's back scoring goals for England, he's smashing them in at club level in the Champions League and Bundesliga, probably in the form of his life. He is so important to that England team.

“Away from that, Ollie Watkins finished the season really well, but Harry Kane is the man. If we want to reach that Holy Grail, we’ll need Harry at his absolute best, scoring the goals we know he’s capable of. He’s been a truly wonderful player, his scoring record for England is incredible, and his club form has been outstanding.

“Beyond that, his all-around game is excellent. He's a very clever player who truly understands the centre-forward role. He’s adept at dropping deep to pick up the ball and distribute play. While he might not rely solely on physical power, his intelligence allows him to knock defenders off balance, lean into them, and create that extra yard of space for himself. Is he the most in-form striker at the World Cup? Probably. As usual, it’s going to be a lot on Harry’s shoulders.”

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are surely playing their last World Cups, but can you see them having as big an influence on the tournament as expected or will it end in agony for both?

GP: “I think Lionel Messi is arguably the best player I've ever seen. He is a few years younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, and while I don't think he can have the same level of influence as in his prime, he can still impact games and score goals at this level.

“Ronaldo’s situation is similar to his time at Manchester United, he is an out-and-out finisher who operates primarily between the goalposts now. He won’t chase balls down the channels or look to beat players on the dribble, but he keeps himself in unbelievable physical condition and can still score goals. However, I’m not sure his team can create enough chances to dominate and win a World Cup. Ultimately, I believe Messi has a better chance of being influential than Ronaldo.”

Who are you backing to win the World Cup, and who are your dark horses?

GP: “I think Spain are favourites, aren't they? If England can hit it off and get Harry Kane firing and Morgan Rogers playing at his very best, there’s a selection conundrum straight away. Obviously, I don't think you can play Rogers and Jude Bellingham in the same team, and I think we’ll start with Rogers and leave Bellingham out.

“You worry a little bit about the defensive side of things, Reece James, has he got enough games under his belt? Will he last a full tournament? He's got issues. Who's playing alongside Marc Guehi? Jon Stones only played one full 90 minutes all year.

“Left back, who's going to start there? I'm surprised Tuchel didn't take Luke Shaw again with tournament experience. He's had a pretty good season, played a lot of games. That's always been something that's been a worry for him. But yeah, think going forward, I think we've got enough to worry teams.

“I'd probably say Spain favourites with maybe England's second-favourites.”

And your dark horse?

GP: People keep telling me Norway, when you've got a centre forward like Erling Haaland, then you've got a sniff, haven’t you? Goals win games and you've probably got the best centre-forward, or best finisher in the world.”

Back on domestic football, Michael Carrick has done well since coming into Manchester United having previously been sacked at Middlesbrough. Do you think they regret getting rid of him?

GP: “I was a little bit surprised that Middlesbrough sacked Carrick when they did after finishing just outside the play-offs. But I guess that's the remit for Middlesbrough. They need to be up there challenging for a play-off place. The team wasn't as good the second year of his tenure because we'd lost I don’t know how many players.

“It wasn't as good in the second season, but I do think there's a little piece of me that was surprised. Listen, it worked out well for Michael. He got the chance to go to Manchester United and now he's got the job for two years. So if you ask Michael where he'd rather be, I'm sure it would be Manchester United because he's got a great affinity with him.

“He was a great player there, he's been in the role before as caretaker. He's got a chance to have the top job and hast an understanding of what Manchester United is about and the brand of football that Manchester United fans want to see. I'm just pleased that Michael's been given the shot really.”

How impressed were you with the way current Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg conducted himself during the spygate controversy?

GP: Spygate was obviously very difficult for Hellberg, and obviously very difficult for him to talk about as well when the hearing was going on. But he kept his dignity and I thought he kept the real cap on his emotions.

“He had a lot of dignity when he was put in front of the cameras. For the players it must have been so difficult. I don’t think anyone expected the EFL to kick Southampton out of the play-offs. I didn't think that they had it in them to do that.

“For a lot of people it was too harsh, but when you admit to blatant cheating like that where do you draw a line? From what I understand, Hellberg has been really popular in the dressing room and has all the players playing for him.

“He goes again next year, he can bring in hopefully more players and keep that style of football. There's nothing wrong with the brand of football. it's just that end product.”

How likely is it that you think Southampton are now going to become the villains of the Championship, with teams raising their game against them next season given what has happened?

GP: “Tonda Eckert’s going to be the villain of the Championship next season. You can't get away from that. I’ve seen the video where he attempts to justify his actions, claiming that such practices are common in football worldwide. That may be the case, but he was certainly aware of what happened to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds. There would have been plenty of people around him, including his staff, and the interns he sent out, who knew that what they were doing was wrong.

“You are going out there and deliberately cheating. So I don't have an awful lot of sympathy with Eckert. My sympathy lies with the fans. I would feel cheated as a fan if my club or manager was doing that. I think you've let them down.

“He's holding his hand up and all that kind of carry on now, but they tried to deny in the hearing that they'd done wrong until it was put in front of them that they'd cheated at the other games. How many other games did they do this at? We'll never know probably.

“Did it go right up to the top level or was it just him and his coaching staff? But certainly he's got to carry the can for that. If he was to take stick for that, then he has brought it upon himself. I don't have a great deal of sympathy for him. As I said, my sympathy lies with the fans. To get through a play-off game and go and be going to Wembley with a chance of getting to the Premier League, to then have that snatched away, you would feel let down by the club.”

“Going to a Wembley fan with a chance of getting the Premier League and all the riches that has, to have that snatched away from them, yeah, my sympathy 100 % lies with the people who will feel it down by the club.”

Hull beat Middlesbrough in the play-off final and there has been talk that they aren’t ready for the top flight, and could even break Derby’s record low point tally. Is that a view shared by you?

GP: “I'd be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about Hull next season. I looked at them as being the sixth-best team in the play-offs. I think they pushed themselves beyond where maybe even they thought they were capable of.

“But it’s about resilience, isn’t it? They showed real determination. There were a couple of times during the season when they looked as though they might fall away, but they fought back. That was helped by other teams slipping up, Middlesbrough and Southampton both stumbled towards the end after having great runs.

“They just have to dig in next season. It’s going to be tough, but teams like Sunderland have proven promoted teams can compete, I think they were everyone’s favourites to go down. Finishing sixth in the Championship and getting through the play-offs was a great achievement. They invested the money they received from the Premier League, I believe up to £200m.

“They went out and bought the players to do that. So the options there for Hull to do that would be a huge gamble. But if you want to stay in the Premier League and get another £200m the year after, is it worth the gamble? I don't know what the financial situation is of Hull City. But they’re dogged and will make it tough for teams.

“They had a centre-forward who was a free transfer at the start of this season, who scored the winner in the play-offs to get them to the Premier League. What a story. It’s hard to know how many of these players will actually feature in the top flight, but the gap between this current squad and the Premier League is massive. Their recruitment will need to be spot-on if they want to create any waves in the Premier League next year.”

What are your early predictions for the Premier League next season?

GP: “I’d tip Hull and Coventry to go down, though it depends on their investment. We saw Burnley dominate the Championship only to struggle in the Premier League, and Ipswich faced a similar outcome. It’s difficult to predict whether promoted sides will be like Sunderland and reinvest enough to survive.

“As for the title, I think Arsenal will retain it. Having won the league this year, they have shed that immense pressure. I’ve been in dressing rooms where we were favourites and failed, like in 1992, but once you’ve crossed that line, you can play with more freedom. Arsenal now have the experience and confidence to build on that success, and I expect them to be even more formidable next year.

“I think you'll see Arsenal be a better footballing team next year and because of the fact they've won it this year, they've got a team that's got the nous now, they would probably be my favourites to win it next year.”

Who do you see making the Premier League’s top four behind the winners next season?

GP: I expect Chelsea to be better next season. We saw Manchester City bring in some good players towards the end of the season, and they were starting to find their feet, looking like the City of old. However, losing Pep is massive for them. I don't think you've got anybody who can fill Pep Guardiola's shoes. It’s going to be interesting, you know?

“With Erling Haaland, there’s talk of a Real Madrid official claiming they’ll bring him to the Bernabéu. It’s quite a bold statement to make about a player who isn’t yours, that kind of speculation can cast a shadow over City. As for Liverpool, it’ll be interesting to see how they react after such a disappointing campaign.

“Can I really see anybody out outside the usual suspects? No Bournemouth and Brightons, I can't see them being pushing to get in the top four or five. I just think it's just the usual suspects.”

What are your early predictions for the Championship next season?

GP: “West Ham have got to be favourites. Obviously there's speculation, but Jarrod Bowen doesn't deserve to be playing in the Championship. If they keep the mainstays of that Premier League team, then I think they will go up as champions.

“And you would have to say Burnley are probably second favourites, because we've already seen what they can do.

“I’m sure Wrexham will have another go. I just wonder whether the top two is too much to ask. I can see them making the play-offs, but I’m not sure they’ll challenge for the top two, I think other clubs in the division are just too strong. It’s been a great story, and that feel-good factor might carry them a long way, but it will be a tough ask.”

How worried will Wrexham be about New Zealand international Liberato Cacace having a good World Cup and attracting attention from higher up?

GP: It’s an age-old worry with players at major tournaments. Players that perform well at major championships all of a sudden become on the radar of the bigger teams. So if Cacace was to stand out, New Zealand have some shock results and he plays well, then I'm sure there are people with deep pockets that would look at him.

“I think many of the Wrexham players are truly enjoying this journey. There’s a fantastic feel-good factor around the club. Coming from years of languishing in the lower depths of the English league to now having high-profile owners and global attention is quite a turnaround. I’ve visited Wrexham a few times and caught a couple of games, Mickey Thomas, who I know well works there on match days and speaks often about the palpable positivity. While other clubs would certainly need to offer a significant fee to lure Cacace away, I believe he’s thoroughly enjoying his time at Wrexham.”

How much of a fan are you of the ownership of Wrexham, and would you like to see more clubs adopt something similar?

GP: “The ownership at Wrexham have been a breath of fresh air because they are so visible. Unlike many owners who remain behind the scenes, they are clearly emotionally and financially invested in the club’s success. They have done a fantastic job of getting the supporters on board, and while the documentary series certainly helped, achieving three consecutive promotions has been a massive factor.

“Wrexham haven’t yet been slowed down by the harsher realities of football. For comparison, Salford City experienced a rapid rise before stalling in their quest to reach the Championship. Wrexham currently have incredible momentum and are making a significant impact on the local community, extending far beyond just rebuilding their historic football club.

“They are bringing immense positivity to the town and its people. Their approach serves as a blueprint for anyone looking to acquire a football club; they have handled the process in such a positive and engaging manner that they have managed to get everyone on their side.”

Having watched Boro as they fell short, what should their priority be in the transfer window ahead of next season?

Gary Pallister: “I think what let Middlesbrough down last season was the top end of the pitch. They couldn't mix it up, and they lacked a centre-forward who was a real handful, a true goalscorer. I don't think Kely Sene or David Strelec were the answer. That said, we played some great football. Looking at the Championship as a whole, you’d have to say Boro played the best football, but without any real end product.

“I think they missed the trick probably in the winter transfer window to bring some kind of target man goalscorer. We lacked finishing prowess and the ability to convert when we got down the sides of teams, which we did quite frequently. We needed someone in there who could compete for balls, put their central defenders under pressure, and cause havoc. We didn't have that, which was frustrating because I think we were the best footballing team in the Championship.

“It's probably going to be harder this year to get out of this league with the teams that have been relegated. West Ham will be firm favourites, and Burnley tend to bounce back, so it’s going to be tough. We're also looking at the Hayden Hackney situation. If he were to leave, we'd need to find someone to play alongside Aidy Morris.

“Hackney had a terrific season and was the Championship Player of the Season. If he left, it would be a big loss, and we would need to fill that gap.”

How much should Middlesbrough be demanding for Hayden Hackney if he is to leave?

GP: “They agreed a £20 million fee for him last year, but obviously, a year on, and having been named Championship Player of the Season, you’d expect his value to have risen. You’re probably looking at a starting point between £25 million and £30 million.

“It would be another big loss for the club. Losing important players like Emmanuel Latte Lath and Chuba Akpom over the last couple of years has probavly been instrumental in the club failing to get out of the play-offs or not qualifying. Losing a player of Hayden’s quality is tough because it’s hard to replace him like-for-like. They aren’t going to spend that kind of money on a single midfielder, so they’ll need to make smart signings in the summer.

“I think you have to expect Hayden to leave. This was likely his last shot at trying to get promoted with his hometown club. While I hope I’m wrong, I understand his desire to better himself. I’ve been in the same boat myself when I was at Middlesbrough, wanting to test myself in the Premier League. Unfortunately, I fully expect him to be leaving.”

Which Premier League teams do you think would suit Hayden Hackney’s strengths and skillset?

GP: “I’ve gone on record before saying I’m not sure if Hayden Hackney proven enough to be a top-six Premier League player, but any other team would be delighted to have him in their side. He can carry the ball, score goals, has an edge to his play, works hard, and has real quality on the ball.

“There are rumours that Michael Carrick has looked at him for Manchester United. He’s worked with him before and, since he knows more about centre-midfield players than I do, I’d bow to his knowledge there. Jonathan Woodgate has also worked with Hayden, so they both know his attributes and qualities well.

“At this moment, I think he’d have a lot to prove if he moved to a top-six side, but I certainly think he’s a Premier League player.”

How do you reflect on Middlesbrough’s season as a whole?

GP: “Boro’s season was messy towards the end, I see the campaign as a huge missed opportunity. I attended a lot of games between Christmas and the end of the season, and it was a recurring theme: we dominated possession, outplayed teams and created chances, but consistently fell short in front of goal.

“That was no different to the first leg against Southampton at the Riverside, where we dominated but couldn't convert. I saw that happen so many times against teams where, had we just secured one win at home instead of a draw or loss, we would have finished in the automatic promotion spots. The players and fans know it was a big chance missed, and it will be a tough task to repeat that level of performance next year given the strength of the league.”

That Southampton play-off tie was dogged by controversy, what did you make of spygate?

GP: “I couldn’t believe spygate was happening after the scandal at Leeds with Marcelo Bielsa, especially since new rules were implemented. It’s hard to believe they were actually doing that. If the reports are accurate, they lied to the tribunal by claiming they hadn't engaged in this behavior elsewhere, only for it to be proven otherwise. I think that was the damning evidence that pushed the authorities to ban them.

“Regardless of arguments about whether the punishment was too harsh, at the end of the day, it's cheating. Tonda Eckert can claim it's common practice in other countries, but he certainly knew it was wrong. He admitted it was wrong but tried to defend it with excuses. Whether they were spying to see if Hayden Hackney was fit or to scout set pieces, it’s unacceptable. I can’t believe the attention to detail the manager had regarding other teams' strategies. There’s no more damning evidence than that. It was harsh, but it sends a clear message that this practice is not acceptable.

“Football matches should be played on equal footing, without one side having inside information on team selection, formations, or set pieces. I do feel sorry for the fans. There are passionate supporters there, and it’s a shame that the powers that be who knew what was going on have let them down."

Where do Middlesbrough need to strengthen in summer? Is it more important to bring in a centre forward or replace Hayden Hackney?

GP: “Thinking about improvement for Middlesbrough, it’s hard to choose between a striker or replacing Hackney. How do you replace Hackney? I don't think we'll be in the market to buy a replacement of Hackney's quality, and we have other players who can fill that position and did a decent job last year. I believe a centre-forward is the priority, as that is ultimately what cost us.

“If we continue playing our current style of football without a finisher, someone who can disrupt the opposition's centre-halves, we will face the same struggles. I’d lean towards investing in a Championship-proven striker who can score goals and provide a physical threat, as we struggled to change our approach when needed.

“Last year, we often played good football until the final third, but lacked the savvy and physical presence to cause real problems. At times, we might have been better off pushing a centre-half up front just to create disruption in the box. Too often, it was a rinse-and-repeat scenario – great build-up play, but lacking the cutting edge to trouble teams."

Can Middlesbrough go one better than the play-off final next year and win promotion?

GP: “I think it’s going to be harder for Middlesbrough to win promotion next season. It's hard not to see West Ham going straight back up, although the club is in a bit of turmoil with Sullivan resigning, and Karren Brady leaving earlier in the season. There are changes afoot at West Ham, but if they get things sorted in time, you'd expect them to be favorites to go straight back up.

“Burnley have got history of bouncing straight back, so I think they'll be up there, and I think they'll be the two. Wolves under Rob Edwards, I think that's a bit of a conundrum. They didn't really seem to get much better under him in the Premier League last season.

“There are few disgruntled fans at Molineux, so that'll be interesting to see how they start the season. If they start badly, I think that could really eat into their confidence and they might struggle in the Championship.

“Southampton, albeit with a lot of guarded knowledge, were fantastic. You would expect them to be a threat even though they're going to go in there with a points deduction. So it's going to be harder.

“We have got to find improvements in the team. I think Middlesbrough have got a good manager. I think he's proven that with the style of football there's something there. I don't think they're too far off the mark. But if you got into the play-offs next year, I think it'd be a job well done. I just wonder if automatic promotion is just going to be a little bit too much.”