Middlesbrough fullback Tommy Smith says Michael Carrick‘s “fresh ideas” have played a key role in the team’s form since the Manchester United legend was appointed manager of Boro back in October.

The Teessiders are currently sitting third in the Championship; a stark contrast to a few months ago when the club were languishing at the wrong end of the table. Asked about Carrick’s effect on the squad, Smith said:

“He’s had a big impact here, as you can see by the league table. He’s come in with fresh ideas and I think the players have really taken to them and how he wants to approach games. I think the league table shows, the results show, that it’s obviously working.”

“The manager would be the first to say that it’s not the finished article by any stretch. He’s desperate for us to improve, and we’re desperate to improve as players. There is still a long way to go in the season, but it’s looking good. We’re playing well as a team. and long may that continue.”

Boro’s results since Carrick’s arrival tell you all you need to know. The 41-year-old has racked up nine wins in 14 matches, with a solitary draw and four defeats.

Considering that one of those losses was to Premier League outfit Brighton in the FA Cup and another was his first game in charge against Preston North End, his impact on the team is very evident.

Smith, himself, has played a massive part in the turnaround. He was initially a bit-part player after arriving on a free transfer last summer, but he has played the full 90 minutes in every match since Carrick’s appointment.