Middlesbrough assistant provides update on Neil Warnock and how the squad are preparing for Bournemouth clash

The Boro boss is self-isolating in accordance with Government guidelines and won’t be in attendance for Saturday’s game against Bournemouth at the Riverside.

Blackwell and fellow assistant Ronnie Jepson will take charge of the side against the Cherries and Blackwell says preparations haven’t changed much despite Warnock’s absence.

"It’s been pretty much as normal,” said Blackwell when asked about the run-up to the game.

“We keep in contact with Neil every day and if there is anything specific we want to talk about with Neil we do that first thing in the morning but the rest is as per normal.”

When asked about Warnock’s condition, Blackwell added: “He’s fine, it’s frustrating for everybody but we just wish him all the best, we just want him to get well as quick as he can.

"If it was a normal flu he would be back tomorrow but clearly we follow all the protocols and are right to do so.”

Blackwell also confirmed that a Boro player tested positive for the virus before Boro’s game against Watford and has been self-isolating for the last week.

Boro’s coaching staff will be in regular contact with Warnock during Saturday’s match which the manager will watch from his home on Teesside.

"We are very fortunate that we can use technology to our advantage and Neil has certainly brought into that,” added Blackwell.

"He has been well enough to be involved in nearly everything that we have done this week even though he hasn’t been on the training ground.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.