Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman is surprised that Middlesbrough are involved in a relegation battle this season.

Speaking during Boro’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last night, the former Wolves forward said that the players have to take their fair share of the responsibility and that they should be a lot higher in the table:

“They have probably known a few weeks while they have been in the midst of this awful winless run that it is probably going to be a dog fight and a relegation fight. Jonathan Woodgate, when you look at his squad, the experience in there, I think he is entitled to demand more from this group of players.”

“We knew it was going to be a season of transition. We knew they wanted to change the style and be more adventurous and more on the front foot. So we kind of didn’t expect them to be top six, top 10, but I don’t think anyone could have envisaged a relegation battle and that is exactly what they are in.”

Boro’s point against Forest means they remain in the bottom three, one point off Stoke outside of the dropzone. With just ten games to save themselves, things are looking pretty bleak for Jonathan Woodgate’s side at the moment.

The Teessiders have now not won since New Year’s Day when they defeated Preston North End 2-0 away from home. Since then, they have failed to win any of their last eleven league games.

Next up, they face Charlton Athletic at the Valley on Saturday, followed by a home game against Swansea before a crucial six-pointer versus Stoke City later this month.