Middlesbrough have announced their squad numbers for the up and coming season via their official website.
There are some interesting points to take from the announcement, with new signings, new inclusions and forgotten men being given a place in the squad list.
Here are three talking points:
1. New signings
Middlesbrough have made two signings this season already, with Paddy McNair arriving from Sunderland and Aden Flint making the switch from Bristol City.
The number 2 shirt has be left vacant, with Flint being handed the number 24, and McNair has been given the number 17 shirt.
2. Huge opportunity for 16-year old Nathan Wood
Wood has been a huge part of Middlesbrough’s pre-season so far, and looks to be taking his opportunity up into the first-team in the regular season. His performances have even generated interest from the Premier League, with both Manchester United and Manchester City enquiring about the teenager.
Many wouldn’t have expected the 16-year old to have been given a squad number, but finds himself wearing the number 25 shirt, worn last year by goalkeeper Darren Randolph who has swapped to 23.
3. Returning loan players
Harry Chapman spent last season at Blackburn Rovers and Lewis Wing was on a season-long loan at Yeovil Town, but both have returned to Middlesbrough and both have played staring roles in pre-season.
Blackburn have enquired about loaning Chapman again for the season, as have Yeovil with Wing. However, it looks as though they will be given a first-team chance this campaign after a promising pre-season.
When Tony Pulis arrived in January, striker Martin Braithwaite had requested to leave the club and went on to join Bordeaux on a short loan. But he has retained the number 10 shirt for the forthcoming season.
