Tony Pulis has forever divided opinions with his glorified pub football style of play, but recent signing John Obi-Mikel is convinced he’s the man to bring promotion glory to Middlesbrough.

John Obi-Mikel, Premier League winner, Champions League winner, Europa League winner, FA Cup winner, and EFL Cup winner, believes his new boss Pulis is the man for the job. Even with all the negativity currently surrounding the team, Mikel’s positivity is remarkable, if not a little unfounded.

Off the pitch quarrels involving players laughing at away fans after their recent cup loss to Newport County is nothing short of disgraceful and, despite Pulis having very little control over the conduct of his players, could well spell the end of his career in charge (story via Gazette Live).

Indeed, there’s no doubt that the Welshman has really got to put his so-called managerial prowess into practise now heading into the final stages of the season if he wants to divert fans attentions away from recent controversies. And, fortunately for him, serial winner Jon Obi-Mikel is well and truly supporting him.

Mikel recently told The Northern Record: “We have to keep going, we have a very good team with a very good manager who we all believe in. We all know what he wants us to give on the pitch. If you give that he is happy. We have to keep going, we know we can achieve what we want.”

A trip up next against fellow promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, who will be keen to bounce back from their disappointment capitulation against Aston Villa, won’t be the easiest game for the club but providing they all carry their new signings optimism things may go to plan.

Without Pulis’ presence at the Riverside and the obvious promotion-related excitement that creates, someone like Mikel was attracted to the Middlesbrough project. With that in mind, like him or not – Pulis is clearly good for Boro in that regard.

Indeed, he’ll be even better if he can lead them back into the proverbial Promised Land.