Michael Carrick will undoubtedly emerge a better coach as a result of Middlesbrough’s current through internal review. That’s because all aspects of the role which Carrick currently

undertakes will be discussed at top level in great detail – and will lead to a reaction. Carrick will be left in no doubt where improvements must be made. He’ll be told that he must get more

out of the team and must bring in more fluidity and playing patterns. His attempts to meet new challenges are certain to boost his overall skills – which can only be a good thing for

Carrick himself and the club. Whether Boro finish in the top six next season is still another matter. It depends on a lot of things, from the club’s summer recruitment to the team’s ability

responsible to carry out the proposed changes. When it comes to considering who will be in charge in the dressing room, I suspect that part of Gibson’s thinking is “better the devil you know

than the one you don’t”. It’s a minefield out there as far as appointing a new manager is concerned. Many decent sides of Boro’s level have fallen foul of bad managerial appointments in

recent years. And one thing we know is that Carrick has got the ability to make a success of the role if he learns from last season’s mistakes. The turn-around he engineered on Teesside when

he first arrived was nothing short of remarkable. He’s also a well-known and respected figure whose standing within the game can help to attract the right calibre of players to the club. I

know there will be many fans who will be disappointed at the prospect of at least another season with Carrick in charge. I also suspect this will be reflected both in season ticket sales and

the attendances at the first few games next season. But the signs are that Gibson is determined that everybody in the club from top to bottom must improve next season and Carrick is

included in this. If you like, Carrick is under a pressure which he has never previously experienced since he arrived at the Boro. And he will be expected to respond accordingly. One thing

which will surely be expected of the head coach is consistency of team performance, no matter what problems there may be within the squad. Quite rightly, Gibson will also expect Carrick to

be more fluent with his team plans and to change his systems if necessary to try to counter the strengths of the opposition. Many fans believe that Carrick is a one-trick pony in terms of

his possession playing system and moving the ball slowly out from the back. Now it’s up to him to come up with fresh ideas, varied formations and very importantly, ensuring that Boro

indicate a togetherness on the pitch by performing with unbridled passion in every game. In addition to improving team performances, Carrick is also on a mission to win many fans back on

side next season. The ball lies firmly in his court. In doing so he will carry on with his learning curve as a manager, and be all the better for it. There are those fans who will insist

that all managers, Sir Alex Ferguson apart, have a sell-by date at individual clubs. It’s up to Carrick to prove this theory wrong at the Boro.