The Hartlepool Mail have reported that Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk feels tomorrow's opening Championship fixture, a visit to big-spending Wolverhampton Wanderers will be an 'unpredictable' start to the season in 'the most difficult league in the world'. 

The new Boro manager was clear that the result of the battle of the league's two biggest spenders will not have a defining effect on the entire season, but wanted to get off to a good start in order to build confidence for the season ahead.

Speaking about his side's opening match of the season, Monk revealed, "This game is very unpredictable. [Wolves] have recruited high-calibre players and are dangerous. But we have to focus on ourselves, and we want a good start."

Obviously every side wants to get off to a good start, and while Monk did not overegg the opening match of the season, he outlined his wishes for the Molineux match, "Winning games improves confidence, it’s not rocket science. Our season won’t be defined by this game but we want to focus on getting the maximum we can from it."

Speaking more generally about the second tier, with his new charges many people's picks to make an instant return to the Premier League, Monk was clear that he expects a tough battle for promotion.

"It’s the most difficult league in the world. There’s a minimum of 12 teams who can realistically achieve promotion. I don’t think anyone will ever run away with this league," the former Leeds boss explained.

The Verdict: 

Monk might have driven Leeds fans mad last season by repeatedly talking about 'the group' and 'the project' but it is clear to me that type of language is geared towards fostering a team spirit, a humility and a willingness to gradually build towards a goal - which is the perfect approach to the second tier.

After Steve Gibson's rather bold claim that Boro were going to 'smash' the Championship, Monk's more realistic comments should please Middlesbrough fans, and despite their big spending, he is correct to predict that his side will not run away with the league - the second tier is simply too hotly-contested for that to happen.

As for tomorrow's match, with two new managers and a host of new signings on show, Monk is correct to say it could go either way, but if I had to put money on it, I'd back Monk's men to sneak an away win.

Boro fans - how do you view your side's chances this season? Let us know below...