We sat down with the esteemed writer to discuss a range of topics, including Monk's return to Elland Road this weekend, our form and fortunes on the pitch this season, and the 'honest spine' running through Middlesbrough Football Club.

On this Sunday's match:

"We have an emotive fixture at the weekend with Garry Monk taking Middlesbrough back to Elland Road. It’s always a lively fixture and I think there will be an extra edge, but also a lot of respect from the Leeds fans for what he achieved there. In a strange way, that might help the team because all of the focus will be on Garry. I think in terms of recent results and performances it’s a good time for Middlesbrough to be playing Leeds United."

On Boro's form so far this season:

"I thought this would happen with Middlesbrough, a little bit of settling in given the turnover of players and rebuilding confidence of the players post-relegation. There is so much attacking potential and now Garry, who of course was a centre-half himself, seems to have the defence sorted out."

On the club and fans:

"Middlesbrough fans have experienced a lot, but I think they understand patience. The tone is set from the top, you’ve probably got the best chairman and owner in the country, who is a fan, who lives the club and understands how important this club. Neil Bausor I have met a few times, and he is very much embedded in this club, and in Garry Monk I think there is a manager who I think is a very good fit."

On Boro's promotion hopes:

"The passion for the club, you can tell through thick and thin. You’ve got a Premier League stadium, a Premier League crowd, and certainly a Premier League manager. I hope you go up because I always love coming up here. Middlesbrough should be proud of the area, and certainly proud of this football club, which helped to put Middlesbrough on the map."