Monk aims for winning habit

The Englishman left no doubts today at his official unveiling that the only aim this season for his new club is promotion. His imminent appointment had seemed at times in recent weeks as one of football's worst kept secrets, before it was finally officially announced last Friday.

After a disappointing Premier League campaign under Aitor Karanka with Boro immediately dropping back into the Championship as well as significant uncertainty all summer, Monk's unveiling comes as a timely lift to the Teessiders. As reported in 'The Guardian' Monk sees Boro as being perfectly equipped to bounce back to the 'big-time' at the first time of asking, citing the ambition of chairman, Steve Gibson. Monk, hoewever, is under no illusions about the size of the task at hand, commenting that last season was one of the most competitive Championship seasons in recent history, but all the while maintaining that he works best under pressure.

After recently parting company with Leeds, following the arrival of new owner Andrea Radrizzani, Monk could have been forgiven for not knowing what his future held, but having held talks with Steve Gibson, was left in no doubt that Middlesbrough was the place to progress his career.