Chris Wilder has issued a challenge to his remaining Middlesbrough players for next season.

The Boro boss is targeting a summer rebuild at the Riverside to help gain promotion to the Premier League.

Several players have been released or are returning to their parent club following the conclusion of their loan deals.

The likes of Sol Bamba, Neil Taylor and Lee Peltier have all had their departures from Middlesbrough confirmed.

The club has also put players such as Joe Lumley and Luke Daniels for sale, with a new goalkeeper seen as a priority transfer.

However, Wilder has claimed he wants more from players such as Paddy McNair and Isaiah Jones next season for them to cement their places in the team.

“There are certainly some boys here that have got talent, but in a way are under-performing,” said the 54-year old, via The Northern Echo.

“The likes of (Paddy) McNair and (Isaiah) Jones, who on the face of it have had good seasons, there is loads more to come from them.  There is loads more to come from Dael Fry. 

“There are players like Riley McGree who has shown his ability in glimpses but I need to get more out of him. [Marcus] Tavernier has had a decent season and I need to get more out of him. 

“But there are boys who aren’t on the journey and that’s part and parcel of this ruthless game that we’re in.

“Sentiment and loyalty goes out the window because the job is to bring back success to this football club.”

Wilder took over the side midway through the campaign, with the team 14th in the table.

The former Sheffield United manager was able to steer the team towards a battle for a play-off place.

However, a 7th place finish in the table meant the team ended only one place outside a top six finish, with the gap to Luton Town being five points.

The Verdict

Boro will certainly need to invest in the team this summer to climb the Championship table.

Wilder has proven in the past his ability to manage a promotion season with Sheffield United.

The team has also considerably and visibly improved since his arrival.

These two factors should combine to make it an easy decision for the board to back Wilder in the market in order to make a clear and concerted push for a top six, or even top two, finish next term.