Bates backs Boro boss

Bates: Backing Strachan

Matthew Bates has backed manager Gordon Strachan to save Middlesbrough's season.

Boro threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Portsmouth on Saturday and go three games without a win.

That left Boro in 18th place 10 games into the new season after being among the pre-season promotion favourites and the pressure is mounting on Strachan.

But Bates, who opened the scoring with just his second career goal, is confident the 53-year-old ex-Celtic boss has the composure to lead Boro out of their slump.

"We're right behind the manager," he told the Sun.

Proud man

"He is a proud man and that's why he has got to where he has in his career. He doesn't let things affect him.

"We're in this together and, as a group of players and staff, we must get out of this situation.

"We can't keep making excuses and be relying on good fortune. I don't think we're far away but we could do with a turning point."

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