Neil Warnock's message to Middlesbrough fans and what he'll be working on ahead of Stoke City clash

Neil Warnock took charge of his first Middlesbrough training session on Tuesday.

The 71-year-old received a call from Boro chairman Steve Gibson on Monday evening and jumped at the chance to take charge of the Teessiders.

After driving six and a half hours to the North East, Warnock experienced his first Boro training session a day later, alongside his trusted assistants Kevin Blackwell and Ronnie Jepson

Concerns understandably grew on Teesside following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Swansea City, a performance which ultimately cost Jonathan Woodgate his job as head coach.

That result has left the Teessiders scarcely above the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of Saturday’s pivotal clash with relegation rivals Stoke City.

When asked what he wanted to say to the Boro fans, Warnock replied: “All I’ll say is I’m going to do my best. I want to make sure players go over the line and give me 100 per cent.

“Off the ball there is no excuse, on the ball I want players who are good on the ball and want to enjoy themselves in the right areas.”

Warnock now has eight games to try and keep Boro in the Championship, a challenge he's relishing and believes is more than achievable.

“I think you have to let them know what you want from them,” said Warnock when asked what he can do at Boro in such a short space of time.

“I have to try and help the lads during the training sessions, I have to help the lads and let them know what I think they should be doing.

“There’s no doubt there’s ability in the squad but you have to look at why they are where they are in the league with all that ability.

“I do enjoy trying to plan something and trying to escape, to be an escapologist. I do enjoy that side of the game.

“I do enjoy that thrill, trying to get enough points to help a team keep its head above water.”