Boro not chasing foreign cash

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Middlesbrough insist that they are not chasing any foreign millions to invest in the club.

Boro are one of just 11 teams left in the Premier League that remain English-owned.

The Teesside club, owned by Middlesbrough-born chairman Steve Gibson, have long been of the belief that they belonged to the local community.

"Ever since 1876, when Middlesbrough football club was born, I don't think it has been under foreign ownership throughout its 132 years," said chief executive Keith Lamb.

"Steve Gibson has no intentions for the club to be anything other than a community asset for Middlesbrough. And at the same time an asset for the people of the town.

"Boro are a small club. Steve Gibson said we are a David taking on a Goliath every time we play, but David sometimes wins. What we have to do is to make sure we get the best value for our money.

"We have to win the hearts and support of the fans and we have to sign players who are committed to the cause and who want to play for Middlesbrough football club and who believe their ambitions can be satisfied by playing here."

Concern

In light of the recent major takeover which has seen Manchester City bought out by an Abu Dhabi-based group - Lamb questions why there is such a strong foreign interest in English football.

"I am very concerned about English football and the effects of foreign ownership will have on the Premier League teams," he said.

"I don't really see what the foreign owners will get out of this in the long-term.

"Football is all about tribalism and the fans love their teams. I don't see how the investments of the corporation from Abu Dhabi or people living in Russia or the United States will get out of it.

"I know the game is global and fans all over the world like to keep in touch with Premier League football, but you don't need foreign investment for this.

"Maybe it's good for TV rights but I am not sure how good in the long-term it is for these clubs to have foreign ownership or why they have got it."

Lamb insists that Boro will not be affected by the City situation.

"Man City fans must be wondering what is going to happen next.

"They have had three owners in just over a year.

"But as far as we are concerned this increasing foreign ownership within the Premier League will have no effect at Middlesbrough football club whatsoever.

"The club is very stable from top to bottom and we want it to stay that way. We have made a good start and we want it to continue.

"On the field it's always 11 v 11. As long as our 11 are committed and determined to do well then we will give anyone a good game no matter what the cost of our assembled opponents are."