2. An experienced manager
Looking at the Championship table, it wouldn’t be out of the question to say that any of the division’s current top ten could finish in the top six come the end of the season. The majority of these clubs are coached by experienced managers who have achieved success in this league before.
Cardiff City’s Neil Warnock achieved promotion with both Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers, Steve Bruce with Birmingham and Hull City, Slavisa Jokanovic with Watford and Alex Neil with Norwich City. It is no coincidence that the clubs these managers are at are performing in the way that they are.
Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side were promoted in 2008, and he knows what it takes to win games in this division. His experience will be key in helping Middlesbrough to achieve their goal of getting back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
3. Squad depth
With games coming thick and fast in the latter stages of the season, it is paramount that squad’s have multiple players in multiple positions. By rotating it helps fitness levels, and in turn, performance.
The January transfer window was a perfect opportunity for Tony Pulis to strengthen, and to sign players to provide competition for regular starters. The manager brought in Martin Cranie, Muhamed Besic and Jack Harrison, but did allow players to leave in the window.
At Middlesbrough, they currently have around three or more players who are able to play in each position, and this will stand them in good stead with eleven games left to play in the next two months.
