Are Middlesbrough the Premiership’s greatest enigma?

Mention Middlesbrough and you immediately think of Jekyll and Hyde for that is what they resemble; an unpredictable, sometimes brilliant but often dire team.

Yesterday was no exception, a commited and polished performance saw ‘Boro record a deserved draw against champions-elect Manchester United. This had been preceded by losing to Chelsea last week when Gareth Southgate’s men hit the woodwork three times.

And so Middlesbrough represent one of the Premiership’s greatest enigmas.

Ahoy there shipmate!

Shiver me timbers, first the treasure of English football comes under attack from UEFA President Michel Platini, and now our clubs are being labelled pirates.

Italian clubs Palermo and Reggina have broken out in support of Platini’s remark that English clubs are poaching the best European talent before they even pull on the shirt of the club that has nurtured them. This in turn is of detriment to the development of young English players who barely get the chance to shine in the Premiership.