Chris Riggott has urged Middlesbrough team-mate Stewart Downing to remain at the club and snub overtures from a trio of Premier League sides.Downing enjoyed an excellent campaign last term and enhanced his claims for a more regular spot in the England side.
His performances did not go unnoticed and speculation has been mounting that he could be set to join one of Boro's Premier League rivals with Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham all linked with his signature.
Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase and Riggott admits he can understand why Downing might be tempted.
But the defender realises that Downing is a vital player for Middlesbrough and would be disappointed if he were to move on.
"He's still a Middlesbrough player and we want him to stay, obviously all the fans want him to stay," Riggott told Sky Sports News.
"He's a top class player and blaming him or not blaming him, it's not really for me to say.
"But it's obviously a pretty big draw, a club like Liverpool or somewhere like that."
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And what do you know about the passion us supporters have?! Are you a Boro fan that goes to every home game, every season? Do you follow us in our cup runs? Are you even a Boro fan?! Doesn't sound like it...How long would you say we haven't been passionate? Because the last time I looked (8-1 victory over Man City); all Boro fans are passionate about their team, and their team only. In fact, it's something we're known for across the country. Ok, so we're quiet on a match-day, but that doesn't make us any less passionate than any other supporters.
You listen to what the likes of DOWNING, WHEATER, POGATETZ, SOUTHGATE and GIBSON (can't get a bigger supporter than 'Gibbo') have to say about how passionate the club's support is before you start spouting off about how poor it is...
Yes, compared to Newcastle and Sunderland it will be poorer...Look at the population differences! They're cities; we're a "small town" - the "scum of the North-East", and we take the slack for our support, but unpassionate? I think not!!
The support for the team is so poor in Middlesbrough compared with Newcastle and Sunderland, in the North East, and virtually any team in the Premiership.
From any region!
This as been the case for a long time.
Apathy in Boro supporters will be the ruin of this club, despite any well meaning ambitions from Steve Gibson, look at the gates in Europe.
Passion... Boro FANS do not have it...and that is why you will not hang on to your best players ...Downing.
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