EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff has admitted that he believes that Chris Wilder will be able to transform Middlesbrough's fortunes following an underwhelming start to the season.

Wilder bolstered his squad in the summer transfer window by securing the services of a host of fresh faces.

Despite engaging in a great deal of transfer activity, Boro have failed to deliver the goods on a consistent basis in the Championship during the opening stages of the current term.

In the 10 games that they have participated in, Middlesbrough have only managed to secure two victories and are currently 22nd in the second-tier standings.

Already 10 point adrift of the automatic promotion places, Boro will need to step up their performance levels following the international break in order to have a chance of achieving a relative amount of success in the Championship.

Set to face Coventry City on October 1st, Middlesbrough will be desperate to provide their supporters with something to shout about in this fixture.

Ahead of this upcoming clash, McAnuff has delivered an honest verdict on Wilder's situation at the Riverside Stadium.

Speaking on the latest episode of the EFL Podcast, McAnuff said: "He has been backed in the market, Chris Wilder and was very vocal about wanting reinforcements across the whole summer and even right up to the [end of the] window.

"They were given to him and certainly they are nowhere near where they need to be.

"I think the one caveat I will give is that the table is so tight and with two or three wins the whole picture changes.

"I would certainly again expect him very, very soon to turn things around at Middlesbrough."

The Verdict

Whereas it is fair to say that the pressure is starting to build on Wilder, Boro should be looking to give him some time instead of opting to draft in a replacement.

Having previously guided Sheffield United to promotion from this division, Wilder certainly knows what it takes to succeed in the Championship and thus will be confident in his ability to turn things around over the course of the coming months.

By working extensively with his players in training between now and the club's clash with the Sky Blues, the Boro boss may be able to implement a game-plan which results in victory at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

A win in this particular clash could provide Middlesbrough with the confidence that they will need to climb the Championship standings.