AS May approaches, ifs and buts are impossible to ignore as league tables so often result in regret at what might have been.
So, Middlesbrough will not have been alone on Saturday evening when a glance at the standings triggered thoughts of how things could have turned out quite differently if a chance had been seized here or a draw had been converted into a victory there.
But the overarching emotion following Boro’s dramatic and superb victory over Cardiff City was not disappointment at missing out on the top six this season, but rather anticipation for what was to come – both this summer and next season.
When there’s little at stake in terms of standings, the season can’t finish fast enough. Nonetheless, Boro and some of its in-form players can’t wait for the next game.
Take Emmanuel Latte Lath, who scored his 10th goal in 11 games to put Boro ahead 3-0 at Cardiff.
And Matt Clarke, who continues to shine defensively and set Boro on their way with his first goal for the club.
And Luke Ayling, who returned to the side after missing the Leeds game and delivered yet again with his cut-back for the fourth goal, his sixth assist in 10 games.
And Alex Gilbert, who was on the end of the Ayling cross and marked his first Championship start for Boro with a fine goal.
And Man of the Match Finn Azaz, who scored one and set-up two.
“You can see him growing and feeling more comfortable in his surroundings,” said Carrick of Azaz.
“He’s growing in confidence and belief and is enjoying a good finish to the season. There are high hopes for next season with Finn, for sure.”
The same could be said of several of his teammates and of the side as a whole. Last week’s 4-3 loss to Leeds is Boro’s only defeat in their last 11 games – a stretch of fixtures that has seen them take on five of the Championship’s current top seven, as well as revitalised Sheffield Wednesday and QPR.
The Cardiff victory and recent form are encouraging not only for next season, but also for the summer transfer market. Latte Lath, Azaz, Gilbert, and even Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, all of whom scored on Saturday, deserve appreciation for Boro’s recruiting. That’s not to mention Rav van den Berg, who was once again outstanding on Saturday, or Seny Dieng, who made two key saves at 0-0 and 1-0.
This summer should be spent building on what already exists rather than replacing and revamping, as was the case a year ago. The next season is to be enjoyed.
Given the poor start and setbacks along the way, Boro’s squad’s character and talent deserve respect for getting them so close to a top six finish this season. What was impressive about Cardiff’s victory was that it came after the disappointment of losing their top six chances against Leeds. This season could easily have ended weeks ago, but Boro will carry momentum and hope into the summer.
“It’s encouraging,” Carrick stated, complimenting his players on their reaction to the Leeds setback.
“It’s alright me talking about it, me telling the players and encouraging the players but it has to come from them, self-drive and them driving each other on and it comes from the playing group really.”
Such a big victory was a fitting reward for Boro’s devoted away fans who made the long journey to the Welsh capital. Josh Bowler’s stoppage time consolation did not detract from Boro’s triumph, which included academy players Law McCabe, Charlie Lennon, and Ajay Matthews. The future is bright.
