Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates believes boss Tony Mowbray has begun to make a positive impact following his October appointment at the Riverside.Mowbray's return to his boyhood club came with the Teessiders third from bottom and with just three wins in 13 Championship games.
"There's been a massive improvement," Bates told BBC Late Kick Off.
"It's credit to him and the way he's trying to play and the way he's doing things on the training field."
He added: "If I can be half the captain he was then I'll be very happy."
It's especially difficult for all the local lads, but we're doing our utmost to get the club back up to where it should be.
Matthew Bates
Stockton-born Bates, who grew up a Middlesbrough fan, conceded that with the club currently in 20th place, the overall performance this season has been a disappointment.
"I've always supported the club. My family support the club and my friends do," Bates continued.
"It's especially difficult for all the local lads, but we're doing our utmost to get the club back up to where it should be."
Academy graduate Bates, 24, joined the club as a 12-year-old and made his first-team debut against Manchester City in December 2004, with 87 career appearances to his name.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport