JONNY Howson has given his strongest indication yet that he would prolong his stay at Middlesbrough and sign a new deal.
The club captain’s current contract expires this summer, but Howson, Boro’s coaching staff, and club officials are all eager to agree on an extension, with the midfielder claiming he “can’t see any reason” why a deal won’t be reached.
Howson has made over 300 appearances for Boro since signing from Norwich in 2017 and is still as important as ever on Teesside.
The former Leeds United midfielder will turn 36 next month, yet he remains a vital member of Michael Carrick’s squad both on and off the pitch. He has started 34 and played in 37 of Boro’s 45 Championship games this season.
The present contract uncertainty is nothing new for Howson, who has been in a similar situation for the past few seasons before securing 12-month extensions. And everything points to it happening again this summer.
Howson is still in Carrick’s plans for next season, and chairman Steve Gibson stated last week at a Q&A session at the Riverside that he wants the captain to stay. And Howson has expressed his feelings clearly.
I’d love to stay,” he remarked while appearing as a special guest on the Twe12thman Podcast.
It’s terrific that the club wants me to continue; maybe things will work out. I don’t see why it shouldn’t, but until it’s sorted…
It is difficult to say anything until things are sorted out. Anything can happen in football, so I wouldn’t make any comments until everything is in order.
Howson is calm about the subject, adding: It’s been like this for the last few years, so in terms of myself and the fans, it’s the same, and hopefully the same outcome.
Howson is a tremendously loved character on Teesside, having played a key role under various managers, and the experienced midfielder is anxious to achieve promotion at the Riverside, which was his goal when he joined the club seven years ago.
Boro will finish the season at home to Watford this Saturday, and while Carrick’s side fell short of reaching the play-offs, Howson believes the squad should draw comfort from how they dealt with numerous trials this season and finished strong.
He stated, “Based on the prior few seasons, it’s the start that has cost us the season.
Hopefully, we can expand upon this. One defeat in 11 games is tough at any level. This season, we’ve been limited on numbers and had some difficult spells; it’s a testament to everyone involved (that Boro finished so well and came so close).
He continued, From my perspective, I’ll always offer everything I’ve got. I can handle it if someone believes I can’t pass, tackle, or shoot, but if anyone ever questions my mindset, it would hurt.
that takes expertise to do that on a daily basis because, let’s face it, not everyone can. Form will inevitably rise and fall, but dedication should never be questioned.
I’ve liked my time at Middlesbrough and hope we can keep it going.
