Middlesbrough have been arguably the biggest underachievers in the Championship this season.

The pre-season promotion favourites sit in 13th position and are haven't won in their last five league games ahead of this weekend's fixture at Reading.

Speaking to the club's official site, manager Garry Monk admitted that the criticism they have received is justifiable. “It's been a difficult period for us. We haven't got the results we've wanted and I understand more than anyone some of the criticism we've been getting. We realise we haven't performed at the level we want. It's never a doubt on the commitment from the players, we just haven't hit the heights yet.”

Boro have struggled to score goals, despite their expensively assembled squad but Monk is confident that things will turn around over time. “We know we're not far away from what we want to do and I'm sure you'll see that in the coming months.”

With games against three sides below them in the table, Reading, Hull and Sunderland, coming up, now seems the perfect opportunity for Boro to put a decent run together and climb up the table.

The Verdict

There's no doubt that Garry Monk has done a poor job so far on Teesside. Boro spent big in the summer and expected to be near the top.

It's still early days, so it should be put in perspective, but he will be demanding an improvement immediately.

Fans will be pleased he is acknowledging the situation they are in, but the only way the pressure and criticism will ease is by results on the pitch, starting on Saturday.

Thoughts, Boro fans? Let us know in the comments below.