The Teesiders drew 1-1 with promotion rivals Brighton and Hove Albion in the final round of games to deny the Seagulls the chance to go up automatically, ‘Boro finishing in second place, behind champions Burnley.
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Brighton’s predicament is slightly more perilous than that of Middlesbrough’s, with the visitors in need of a win to confirm their automatic promotion, while anything other would condemn them to the play-offs.
Good luck to the Clarets in the Premier League!
Despite mid-season problems involving Aitor Karanka, Middlesbrough gained promotion to the Premier League after a seven-year absence from the top flight.
“I wasn’t really in any doubt this year”.
Middlesbrough’s point ensured they stay second in the Championship behind champions Burnley – it guarantees the club a £170m cash boost.
“I said in my last press conference I have three more years here, and the contract is there”, said Karanka, who signed a new four-year contract last year.
“Brighton’s season has been incredible”, he said.
Describing his chief emotion as “pride” in his side’s performance, Hughton immediately turned his sights on the hard task of raising spirits for the upcoming play-off semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday.
However, Stephens was then sent off for a high tackle on Gaston Ramirez, which left the Uruguayan with a horrific gash on his leg, and required both a stretcher and oxygen.
Middlesbrough needed at least a point from the crucial tie and they fought above themselves as Aitor Karanka’s men shared the spoils with the ten-man Brighton before home fans.
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They were therefore heavy favourites to win the title this weekend coming up against already relegated Charlton side, a club now in crisis. Of course, it was touch and go, and close heading into the last game but there was a feeling that we were always going to do it.
