Tony Pulis has this transfer message for Middlesbrough fans

The Boro boss brought in nine new faces over the summer as he looked to mount a promotion push following last year's unsuccessful assault on the play-offs, but was frustrated that he was unable to complete further additions.

Pulis was unable to source a replacement for star man Adama Traore, who departed for Premier League side Wolves, while he has also voiced concerns over the lack of depth in the squad as a whole.

Despite their manager's transfer frustrations, Middlesbrough currently sit second in the Championship having lost just once in all competitions this season - and Pulis has admitted that he is delighted with their start.

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But the on-field success has not reduced the need for new recruits and the 60-year-old admitted that he would be looking to address 'one or two' areas once the transfer window opens in January.

"I'm delighted with where we are in the league and may it continue," he said, speaking in the build-up to the trip to Hull City.

"I think we know that given the opportunity at Christmas time we need to improve on one or two areas that maybe we didn't do during the window this summer.

"But we've done fantastic. There's a good spirit and good togetherness in the camp."

The trip to Humberside is the first of three fixtures in a week for Boro, who will also travel to Ipswich Town before welcoming Nottingham Forest and Aitor Karanka to the Riverside Stadium.

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And Pulis confirmed that he would rotate his squad during the hectic fixture period, although striking the right balance when it comes to changes will be key.

"We'll certainly make one or two changes during this three-game period," admitted Pulis.

"I think some players need a bit of a break and some need to come in and give it their best.

"Fingers crossed we get the balance right over the next three games."