'It's a special place': Michael Carrick sets Middlesbrough clear Riverside aim

MICHAEL Carrick wants Middlesbrough to make the Riverside a fortress this coming season and says the club's "incredible" fans once again have a crucial role to play as Boro chase Championship promotion.

Carrick was disappointed by his side's home form last term, with Boro only winning 10 and losing nine of their 23 Championship fixtures at the Riverside.

But they improved on home turf at the back end of the season and only lost one of their last six, and Carrick is desperate to build on that, with his side kicking off next season at the Riverside against Swansea.

"When we're at home and playing well and it's a full house and the energy and noise and connection is there, it's a special place to play," said Carrick.

"We didn't have great home form last year but we had some good days and good nights so we want to build on that."

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Carrick has repeatedly told of his gratitude to Boro's fans for their support since he joined the club, particularly the away day regulars who travel the country following the side.

"Last year the cup delivered one or two tasty journeys," he said.

"For the supporters, the time, money, effort, dedication, the amount that do it every away game and you see the same faces, it's incredible. We really appreciate it. It means a lot and the boys feed off that."

Boro came up just short last season in their bid to make the top six, despite a wretched start to the campaign, and are heading into next season with confidence. They've made an excellent start to the summer transfer window and are fancied for a promotion push, with only Burnley and Leeds a shorter price with the bookmakers as things stand.

Carrick knows the Championship will be as challenging as ever but is delighted with how his squad is looking and relishing the coming season.

"It's challenging for different reasons," he told the club website.

"Any league over a period of time is challenging because you have to be consistent.  But the nature, intensity, the amount of games we've got and the quality is underestimated. Over the course of last season it improved a lot to the season before. In many ways, it's a challenge."