'The games that mean something have disappeared'
Neil Maddison: It's a good start for us
- Published
With rivals Leeds United and Sunderland rising to the Premier League, former Middlesbrough midfielder Neil Maddison feels that this season may seem lacking for Boro when it comes to the big derby game atmosphere.
"When you talk about games, fixtures, coming up that mean something, they've kind of disappeared," Maddison told BBC Radio Tees.
"The nearest one now, is it Hull? Or Sheffield Wednesday?
"It's a little bit of a disappointment that you haven't got a team that there's a little bit of a rivalry for both sets of fans. But it is what it is."
Middlesbrough missed out on a play-off spot in May, concluding their 2024-25 campaign in 10th place in the Championship table.
While Maddison believes the side will be looking to make amends with a better run this season, he also thinks there will be some dangerous teams looking to do the same.
"For me, the teams that missed out this season will be eager to get into the top six. Obviously, the teams that have come down will always be favourites to come back up, rightfully so," Maddison added.
"I think Norwich will be strong, I think they will come good.
"There will be a few clubs that will be aiming and trying to get into that mix and we will certainly be one of them - otherwise, what's the point?"
