Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk has spoken at length about how he sees things at the club at the moment, insisting he is happy with the way things are progressing under his stewardship at the Riverside.

In a lengthy chat in a report by the Northern Echo, the former Leeds manager has told of how he addressed the confidence issue within the squad when he first arrived, as well as commenting on what he sees as a vital and crucial point gained from the performance at Aston Villa in midweek.

Monk has led Boro three wins from their opening seven games since taking charge in the summer and will be hoping to see more victories between now and the Christmas period to put his team in prime position for an assault on promotion in the new year.

The former Swansea manager also spoke in the report of what he expects from his players, saying:

"Part of the work I do is to make sure the mentality of the group, around the group, on and off the pitch, is right. I like to work with a strong, committed group. You have to be really committed under me. The players understand that.

Those standards have to be high and anyone who falls below that it is not acceptable. That is why they have been such a good group to work with so far. It’s not easy at the start with everyone trying to find their way.”

Middlesbrough host QPR today in a game they will be expecting to take three points from.

The Verdict

Middlesbrough are certainly on the right path under Monk and there is every chance they will win promotion.

With plenty of new signings beginning to now click, Boro should be in for an excellent season that could well see them back in the top flight at the end of it.