Garry Monk will get Middlesbrough back into the Premier League and will be given the time in order to do so, says club legend Colin Cooper.

Boro spent one season in English football’s top flight last year after promotion, but failed to make a stamp on the division and were subsequently relegated. But changes have been made, and the club have invested in a host of new recruits as well as a new manager in Garry Monk.

Despite the money spent in the hope that they can parachute back into the Prem, the Boro’s fortunes this season haven’t been totally favourable, and they currently find themselves on a run of three games without a win – leaving them 11th in the table after their first 11 games.

Cooper, who is now part of England’s U21 coaching staff, understands that it is not an ideal position for Monk to be in, but says he is confident that the former Swansea boss can drive his team up the table in time.

“Garry had come out of playing into management at Swansea, had a good spell and, with me living in Yorkshire, I’ve got a lot of mates who support Leeds and they were really impressed with how Garry was turning things around there – the structures, the players, the way they were playing,” said Cooper, speaking exclusively to the Gazette.

“I knew for a fact that going into Middlesbrough, the team would play good football because that’s Garry’s way, it always has been, from a player at Swansea to a manager at Swansea and that’s continued.”

“So I know they are going to play good football. I know there have been a couple of mutterings in the last couple of weeks, but that’s going to happen in football, you’re going to have ups and downs and good times and bad times.”

Boro made 10 new signings this summer as they bid to return to the Premier League, something that will surely take time in order for the newcomers to gel with the squad. Cooper recognises this, and says that chairman Steve Gibson will give Monk time to do his job.

“The one thing Steve Gibson gives his managers is a chance, the stability to build things,” added Cooper.

“He’s not someone who says ‘that’s not working so we’ll get rid’, and that’s how football is these days, unfortunately.”

“Garry will be more than happy with that situation. I think the one thing that Garry will know is that he’s got time to develop, nothing’s rushed.”

“Yes, of course, they will want to get back to the Premier League again, which will be the ultimate goal again for him, but Steve will assess what’s going on in the background. Is there improvement? Is there development?”

“The young players are still coming through, so that’s really nice to see and hopefully along the way Garry has some big decisions to make about players coming in and going out. Hopefully the young players will continue to get a chance at the club, which I’m sure they will.”