What Middlesbrough must do in August to kickstart Premier League promotion push

Middlesbrough must get their 2024-25 campaign off to a strong start if they are to push for a place in the Premier League next season, according to former Boro striker Szilard Nemeth.

The Teessiders ended the last campaign in good form, but had too much ground to make up following a slow first half of the campaign. Michael Carrick had to integrate a raft of new players into his squad, and was hit with a series of injuries which meant Boro found it difficult to hit consistent form.

However, there is a strong belief that their are signs of positive of a promotion challenge in the coming season, and former Middlesbrough striker feels that everything is in place to make it happen. However, he has warned Boro can't risk playing catch up again.

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"I think Michael Carrick is doing a very good job," Nemeth told OLBG. "They got to the semi-final in the Carabao Cup and lost against Chelsea and played really good football but Chelsea had too much quality.

"I hope next year they will get promoted. It's always very difficult, very tight, but I believe Michael has what it takes to get them over the line.

"I think it will be very important to get a good start next season, in those first ten games. If you are in the top places then you’ll have the form to push on and a great atmosphere in the dressing room to work with."

Boro don't have long to wait before finding out their fixtures for the 2024-25 campaign, with the EFL schedule released at 9am on Wednesday, June 26.