Lamb is a big fan of Strachans methods

Last updated : 02 June 2010 By Northern Echo

Strachan has repeated the fact that he wants to be surrounded by individuals willing to put in the extra effort on the training ground and on the pitch.

That sort of mentality was evident last week as the squad trained in La Manga, when many had been expecting an extra week's holiday before the return for pre-season training on June 28.

When full training restarts at Rockliffe Park later this month, Strachan will be looking for all of his players to be at similar fitness levels to those which they ended with in Spain last week.

Lamb, the club's chief executive, has been impressed by the approach which Strachan has shown since taking over from Gareth Southgate last October.

And he is satisfied that, provided the players and supporters tune in to the workethic, Boro can push for a promotion place in the Championship.

Next season could be fantastic for this football club and our supporters, he said.

Winning promotion would ensure we enjoyed a wonderful season. But it won't happen automatically, it will only happen through hard work and commitment.

I've been through ups and downs with Middlesbrough over the years though I'd like to think that there have been far more ups than downs. As in life, we can all deal with the ups but it's how you deal with the downs that counts.

I'm looking for the players and everybody connected with the football club to deal with the downer we are currently on in the right way and push us forward again in the season ahead, back into the Premier League, which is where we all want to be.

There are no guarantees but the first step on that road is commitment.

During Lamb's time at Middlesbrough, he has experienced five promotions, together with five major cup finals and many years in the Premier League.

He is trying to hold on to the belief that next season could turn out to be one of the best, but is asking for supporters to stay faithful after a drop in attendances.

Ahead of Friday's 5pm deadline for season card renewals, Lamb is hoping fans will believe that promotion is achievable next season the first full campaign under Strachan.

I can only reiterate what Steve Gibson and I have said many times before that Middlesbrough Football Club exists for the supporters and the people of Teesside, he said.

They want to go and watch their team play winning, entertaining football and we want to give them that.

We have a much better chance of being back in the Premier League in 12 months' time if we have the backing of their passionate support week in and week out. Together we are stronger.

Season card prices for those aged under-18 are £99 if purchased before 5pm on June 4. Adults who buy a card before the deadline can save up to £198 compared to buying tickets match-by-match, with prices starting at £400.

Those aged 18-21 can purchase a season card for the North-West or South-West corners for £190. Prices for over-65s start at £260.

Source: Northern Echo

Source: Northern Echo