Teddy Sheringham admitted that Sunday’s draw at Exeter felt like more than a point after a brilliant last minute strike from Chris Whelpdale rescued Boro after twice going behind in the game.
“It was a lift. I think if we hadn’t had got the goal, it would have been a real kick where no-one likes one but we did. It feels like we got more than a point but at the end of the day, the realisation is that we only got a point.
“Now we know what it takes after four or five weeks to get something out of the game but it is hard work just to get a point so we need to be even better.”
Despite being on a relative high after the game, the gaffer was quick to point out our league position and that there is a lot of work to do to get where we want to be.
“It is a funny situation; yes I am pleased that they are bubbly and buzzy that they got a point. The goal that went in was a delight for everyone to celebrate but at the same time we are in trouble.
“We are at the wrong end of the table and we need to get out of it. Getting the right mixture of being upbeat but realistic is what I want. I want us to know that we played well last week in big patches but on the whole it is still not good enough.”
Speaking about last weekend’s debutant, Armand Gnanduillet, Teddy says his ability to keep the ball in the final third is the main reason for him joining the club on loan.
“He keeps the ball up the end of the pitch where we want to be, that is the first thing. I don’t think we did that well enough in the first ten games of the season.
“The ball always seemed like it was coming back to our defence. Our defence has been very good but when you keep putting pressure on the defence the way we have – not keeping the ball up the pitch, it was our first thing to address.
“Bringing Armand in, I feel he gives us that better than what we have had previously and I was quietly pleased with him last week with what he did for us.”
Another striker, Ben Kennedy this week signed a new deal with the club and Teddy says he his speedy return to fitness from injury and impact on the pitch since coming back has been impressive.
“It did surprise me. I think for him to have come back after being out 10-11 weeks is testament to his character really, that he has just shrugged off what he has had.
“He is like ‘Yeah I am fit, let’s go!’ That is his mentality. ‘Am I playing? Put me in there! I’ll show you what I can do’ and I love that."