Middlesbrough had a semi-successful season by most standards, but certainly not by their own. Normally a top six Championship finish would be a suitable reward for a season's endeavour, but not at the Riverside.

They wanted a swift return to the top flight and in sacking Garry Monk early doors, they showed that ambition. Turning to Tony Pulis, a purveyor of successful if not pretty football, they showed they were willing to fight their way out of the division.

Despite hanging on the tails of the play offs all season, when it came down to it they we left wanting. The dour two-legged defeat against Aston Villa ensured their season petered out without them achieving their ultimate aim.

This season must be different as they hunt another top six finish, if not a top two placing. Pulis will have a summer to bring in his own players and clear out the squad Monk had assembled. FLW urges caution though, there might yet be diamonds in amongst the rough.

Here are three players Pulis should give a chance to shine pre-season.

Will he even be at the Riverside next season? The chances might be low, but in moving him on Pulis could be making a massive mistake.

Braithwaite is a deadly striker with bags of pace and, if he could be nursed back to life, he would be devastating for Boro. Surely his pace could be used in the Pulis approach, getting behind the defence?

Fletcher didn't impress after his West Ham move, nor did he set the world alight at Sunderland, but he should be given a pre-season to prove himself at the Riverside.

He's not a bad player, but last season he did a great impression of one. There's quality there and, like Braithwaite, he shouldn't be judged on the last twelve months, but on his potential.

Johnson hasn't impressed since he joined Boro, but they knocked back an approach from Oxford for the wide man which suggests he might still be in Tony Pulis' plans.

He must be given a pre-season to prove he has some worth, even as a squad player.