To get back to basics, 'Boro have done exceptionally well to reach the EUFA final (as my team Celtic did in 2003). Unless they win it, as a "provincial" club, it's something they may never equal. Holding onto their manager may be more important than holding onto players.

As regards foreigners, there's no plot. It's about quality. Home players, like young players, will make the grade, if they are good enough.