Jonny Howson joined Middlesbrough for a sizeable fee in July 2017 and at first, Howson struggled to justify that price tag and received a considerable amount of criticism from the club's supporters. 

The 30-year-old was part of Garry Monk's side that struggled to settle, with a number of big-money signings being made by Boro.

When Monk departed, many fans were calling for Howson to follow him out of the exit door.

Speaking to the Football League Paper, Howson revealed that the criticism from fans about his performances didn't affect him directly, but had an impact on his family.

'To be honest, I know when I’m not good enough and I’m experienced enough to take stick.

'The only thing that upset me – and this isn’t something I’ve really spoken about before – was the way it affected my family.

“I’m paid to take stick, but they aren’t. My parents were up there in the stands. So were my wife and children. They’re having to hear people shouting things about me. OK, it wasn’t over the top, but it wasn’t nice. It was hard knowing they were subjected to that.

Howson has since gone on to start in all 12 of Middlesbrough's matches this season and has played a vital part in their impressive defensive record this year.

The former Leeds man admitted that the criticism has helped improve his performances this season and is keen to build on a good start to the season with Middlesbrough who are currently sat 4th in the Championship table.

“Well, I’m not on social media, so that was a blessing. But of course I was aware of it. It’s probably the first time in my career I’ve been singled out like that, and it is hard.

“I look back on it now and I’d say it’s probably helped me. It’s made me tougher as a person. And I’m not complaining at all, by the way.

The verdict

Being a footballer playing in front of thousands of people every week, you expect to receive criticism, and Howson has admitted that. Receiving/hearing criticism can go one of two ways, and it depends on how you react to it in the first place.

There are many players that can react badly to it and shut themselves away from the spotlight by not featuring in the team or you can do exactly what Howson has done and prove yourself to be a vital part of the team.

He has gone on to make 12 appearances in a Middlesbrough side that has the league's tightest defence with only six goals conceded in their league campaign this season and he will be hopeful of building on this good start to the season.