Middlesbrough's 2020-21 season is now over and so it's time for reflecting on what could have been.

While last season was something of a disaster for the club, the hope was that the Teessiders would be able to kick on this term and even push towards the play-off spots.

While a place in the top six seemed to be on the cards at the turn of the year, a difficult 2021 meant that Neil Warnock's side had to settle for a 10th-place finish in the Championship.

That's nothing to be sniffed at, but there's no doubt that there have been some key learning for Warnock this term as he prepares to go again next term.

Here's a look at some of the things we've learnt this season and what it could mean for the next campaign.

While finishing in the top 10 is no disaster, it's very clear that everyone around the club is aiming higher.

Middlesbrough were flirting with the top six at the turn of the year and the hope was that with a few shrewd arrivals the club would be able to push on and challenge for the play-offs.

That may not have happened, but what was clear is that the team aren't far away.

Supporters on social media have made it clear what they'd like to achieve, and with Neil Warnock signing on for another season it seems that all focus will be on challenging for promotion in 2021-22.

Whether they can pull it off, however, remains to be seen.

It's been a really difficult season for the striker.

Chuba Akpom arrived at the club for an undisclosed fee last summer, with Neil Warnock claiming that he was his first choice signing in attack.

Unfortunately things just haven't worked out for the former Arsenal youngster.

Despite a bright start to life with Middlesbrough, Akpom scored just five goals in 38 appearances for the Teessiders, leading to him losing his place in Warnock's side despite a lack of other striking options.

With Middlesbrough looking to sign at least two new strikers this summer, it seems that Akpom faces a real battle to convince Warnock that he's capable of leading the line next term.

A position that is surely at the top of Neil Warnock's transfer list.

The goalkeeper has been a real problem position for Middlesbrough since selling Darren Randolph to West Ham with the club failing to find a suitable replacement.

Marcus Bettinelli was the club's number one during the last season, but given his mixed form between the sticks, it seems unlikely that Middlesbrough will look to make his move permanent.

Dejan Stojanovic will return to the club after being sent out on loan, while Jordan Archer is out of contract this summer which means that signing a new first choice goalkeeper has to be a priority.

If Middlesbrough can get this signing right then it will no doubt be a huge boost for next season.

Rotherham United supporters loved him during his time on loan with the Millers, but unfortunately it seems that the same can't be said for Neil Warnock.

Wing started just four league matches for Middlesbrough during the first half of the season before being shipped out on loan, something which is a clear indicator of how he's rated by the Boro boss.

Central midfield is an area where Middlesbrough are well-stocked at present, and with so many options it's very difficult to see the former Shildon lad breaking back into the first team fold next season.

Whether he'll be sold or not remains to be seen, but if Wing is to have a future under Neil Warnock it seems that he'll have a heck of a task on his hands when the players return for pre-season training.

While results at first team level are clearly a priority, it's great to see Middlesbrough's academy bearing fruit.

The Teessiders are renowned for developing young players and introducing them to first team football - something which is an incredibly cost-effective way of building a team.

With the likes of Dael Fry and Marcus Tavernier thriving in the first team, it's clear that next season a number of the next generation could be making that step up.

Nathan Wood, Hayden Hackney Connor Malley and Josh Coburn have all been introduced to the first team fold in recent weeks, while a number of others seem to be knocking at the door.

With the likes of Stephen Walker, Sam Folarin and Isaiah Jones also in the mix to make the step up, fans would love to see these players in and around the first team next season.

They've been big players for Middlesbrough over recent years, but this season the striking duo have really fallen short of expectations.

With their contracts due to expire this summer, it seems that the focus for the Teessiders will now be on finding players who can replace the duo and bring vital goals to Middlesbrough's attack.

Britt Assombalonga has been a consistent source of goals for the majority of his Middlesbrough career, while Fletcher has shown glimpses of quality in between his spells on the sidelines.

Warnock will now be keen to bring in at least two strikers who fit into his system, and it'll be interesting to see who is recruited as a way of replacing the duo.

There's been a number of players who have exceeded expectations this term, but none like Marcus Tavernier.

The 22-year-old has always blown a bit hot and cold since making his first team breakthrough, but during the last campaign supporters have really been able to see a player who is capable of being a top talent at this level.

The only issue facing Tavernier is fitness.

The winger made just 29 appearances for the club in the Championship this term, but there's a real feeling that if Warnock can keep him fit for the full season then we could see a player who is capable of really taking the league by storm.

It's been a long time since Middlesbrough fans had a player to worship, but this season they've seen one in the making.

Signing a player on loan during a January window isn't usually the backstory for a club favourite, but in Yannick Bolasie the Riverside faithful have found a player who keeps fans engaged both on and off the pitch.

As well as getting goals and assists during his time at the club, Bolasie has been a real favourite on social media after engaging with supporters and breaking down that digital wall that has been between players and fans at Middlesbrough over recent years.

Supporters need to feel involved with their club and I think that Bolasie has played a massive role in keeping fans sane during a year without being able to attend matches.

Whether Bolasie signs for the club permanently this summer or not is up for debate, but whatever happens it's now crucial that someone steps into that role to give fans a genuine connection for the group who are currently playing for the club.

It's been a decent season for Middlesbrough but there's no doubt that something has been missing.

Of course we're talking about the supporters.

Fans at the Riverside Stadium are among the most passionate in the Championship and it's been clear that the side have suffered without the their support on a Saturday afternoon.

Neil Warnock is renowned for making home matches incredibly difficult for opposing teams and a large part of that is encouraging the fans to create a hostile environment for the away fans.

With supporters set to be back next season it'll be wonderful to hear supporters singing and getting behind the team once again as they look to pursue a play-off spot.