Neil Warnock discusses contract negotiations with Steve Gibson and Neil Bausor after ex-Leeds and Norwich man pens new deal at Middlesbrough

Defender Anfernee Dijksteel signed a new four-and-a-half year deal last week, while midfielder former Leeds and Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson has also penned a one-year extension.

Warnock wants the club to reward more players with new contracts in the next few weeks, and the Boro boss has spoken with chairman Steve Gibson and chief executive Neil Bausor about the matter.

"I’ve said to Steve and Neil behind the scenes that we have to start putting things in place whoever the manager, is” Warnock told BBC Tees.

“We have to look at the players we want to tie up sooner rather than later and that’s why we are pleased that Jonny has signed.

“I think you have to plan. I think at clubs I’ve been at in the past there has been a lot of stupidity at times.

“Charman tell me ‘why do we need to give him a new contract? he has two more years’ without understanding that he needed a new contract as a lift, whether it’s a few extra quid.

“That’s not the case with Jonny. I think Jonny just wants to play for the club but you have to look further ahead and the players you think you are going to get success with.”

Warnock is now hopeful fans will be allowed to attend games again, both to help the club financially and to lift the mood on Teesside.

“I think we’ve got a good core now,” added the Boro boss. “But that’s why we need the fans back. We need the fans to give us the revenue to help Steve to be able to finance the transfer market etc.

“You can’t just keep chucking money into the pot and not getting anything in. We need the fans, the hospitality, all of that to come back, to get back on line and give people hope.

“It’s lovely socially to come to a game and voice your concerns, and have your highs and your lows, and get your heart pumping. I think it’s what we need, and the sooner, the better.”

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