Riggott unsure on future

Boro defender yet to sit down and discuss new contract

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 30th April 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Riggott unsure on future

Riggott: Ponders future

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Chris Riggott is uncertain as to whether he will be offered a new contract at Middlesbrough.

The defender has endured an injury-hit six-and-a-half years at the Riverside since signing from Derby for £2million in 2003.

The 29-year-old has featured just 45 times in the last four seasons in all competitions for Boro thanks to different injury problems and this campaign has been no different.

An ankle problem has seen Riggott make just seven appearances but recent performances against West Brom and Coventry have encouraged manager Gordon Strachan to hint that he could be prepared to offer the defender a new deal, although Riggott still remains cautious.

"I would understand if the club think - well, not good riddance, but 'thanks, but you've not played many games'. I would accept that and understand that," he told the Evening Gazette.

"I've not really sat down with the manager yet. He's probably just thinking he would like to get to the end of the season and then we might discuss what he has in mind.

Realistic

"I'm realistic enough to know there are a lot of things the club need to consider. Obviously my injury record hasn't been good over the past few years and they know that but I've worked hard and done everything I can to be fit over the last few months."

Riggott is also undecided as to whether he feels the need for a fresh challenge as he enters the latter stages of his career.

"If you'd asked me six months ago I'd probably said I'm desperate for a change, I need to just get fit and see what comes along," he added.

"Ask me now and I really don't know, because if someone said to me now 'you'll have a fantastic season and you're going to be fit', I'd jump at the chance to stay here.

"Hand on heart, you don't know if you need a chance, but it looks like things could really pick up here next season and it could be an exciting season.

"It's a difficult one, and that's being brutally honest."