Middlesbrough have had a pretty mediocre start to the season and currently sit in 11th place in the Sky Bet Championship.

Manager Garry Monk made an array of signings in the summer and some have worked out better than others.

One of the players signed in the summer who's had a mixed start is Jonny Howson.

The 29-year-old has been in and out of the team, so was he a good signing or not?

The writers here at FLW have their say on the 5ft 11 central midfielder....

Alfie Burns

Howson has established himself as an excellent Championship midfielder throughout his career, which is why Boro battled to take him to the Riverside Stadium over the summer.

The midfielder has struggled to win over Boro’s supporters during the early stage of the season, but like a lot of Garry Monk’s squad, he has not reached his best.

Howson previously partnered Adam Clayton in central midfield at Leeds, where the pair developed a strong understanding.

Monk needs to give the duo an opportunity to gel in midfield, as they could be the driving force behind a push for the top-six.

Chris Gallagher

You'd have thought so at the time.

Howson has excelled in this division over the years and is still at a good age, but like his team, he has been inconsistent so far this season.

Some good games, but he's been left out for others. Given how he played for Norwich and Leeds, you have to think he will start producing on a regular basis soon.

George Dagless

He was but Monk's not used him very well.

When Howson signed for the club many felt that it was helping complete a very strong looking set of midfield options for Boro.

Since though - as has been the way with many areas of the side - a system has not been worked out.

That's not really Howson's fault though and Monk needs to work on a cure to bring some consistency.