"I had a few options to go elsewhere": Marvin Johnson reveals why he signed a new deal at Middlesbrough despite other offers

The 29-year-old started all eight games under Warnock after the Yorkshireman was appointed in June, and was a key player as the Teessiders avoided relegation from the Championship.

Johnson has penned a one-year extension at the Riverside and says he was keen to complete the deal after an impressive end to last season.

"I’ve been trying to get it done for the past week or so now, I just wanted to get it over the line and get back in with the boys,” said Johnson during a press conference via Zoom.

When asked what Warnock said to him, the wideman added:” He didn’t really have to say anything, I think he showed me everything in the eight games that he came in.

“That was more than enough for me and the faith and confidence he showed in me there so it was quite an easy decision.”

Johnson, 29, endured a tricky start to his Boro career after joining the club from Oxford in August 2017.

Last summer his future at the club seemed in doubt following a loan spell at Sheffield United, yet he returned to the first-team picture under Jonathan Woodgate.

Despite receiving more game time, Johnson remained on the fringes of Boro’s starting XI, with academy graduate Hayden Coulson often playing ahead of him.

That changed under Warnock, who backed Johnson from his first match in charge in a 2-0 win at Stoke.

“If you know the manager has got confidence in you then it boosts you massively and helps you to perform,” Johnson added.

“I think this kind of gave me a new lease of life with the backing, I had a few options to go elsewhere but my main reason for staying here was purely for the gaffer.

“He showed a lot of confidence in me and I can only repay him back.”

Johnson has signed a new deal at Boro until the summer of 2021 but also said there’s an option to stay longer.

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