Wolves' Danny Batth ready for work at Boro
Danny Batth admits there is ‘a lot of hard work ahead’ of him as he aims to make an impact at new club Middlesbrough.
The 27-year-old joined the Championship outfit on a season-long loan having fallen out of boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans at Wolves.
Batth is hoping to bring his experience - gained at boyhood club Wolves - into the dressing at Middlesbrough, who are aiming to follow Wolves back into the Premier League. The Brierley Hill-born centre-back said: “I think the players, the supporters and everyone likewise will want to get promoted, but at the same time it’s one thing saying it and another thing doing it.
“We’ve got a lot of hard work to do between now and the end of the season and hopefully we will be there or thereabouts.
“Hopefully I can add to an already experienced dressing room we’ve got here at Middlesbrough, fit in and enjoy it. I’ve seen the lads play a few times on the telly, the manager’s got a lot of experience and it’s a great set-up.”
Batth came through the Wolves academy and made his debt in 2010. He has previously had loan spells at Colechester United, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, with the latter spell coming in 2012, before going on to establish himself as a first-team player and captain at Wolves.
But since Nuno has taken charge, Batth has found himself fallen down the pecking order at Molineux.
And despite making 21 appearances for Wolves last season, Batth was not named in a match-day squad this season ahead of his loan move.
He has been joined at Middlesbrough by former Wolves man George Saville, who made the move from parent club Millwall ahead a permanent switch in January. Batth was pictured in training with his new team-mates this week and is in contention to make his debut for Tony Pulis’s side next Saturday against Norwich City.
He announced on Twitter he is ‘relishing the new challenge with Middlesbrough’ and has enjoyed his first days on Teesside.
Wolves fans responded to him with messages of good luck. @leeb1977 wrote: “Good luck Danny. Every true wolf is behind you.”
@JanetRH14474212 wrote: “Best of luck Danny hope everything goes well for you.” @BillyBarritt tweeted: “Danny good luck at the Boro you are a top centre-back and a great bloke.”
@JezMassey wrote: “All the best For the season Danny.
“Boro have gained a top professional and great CB in my humble opinion.”
And @NigelGreer7 tweeted: “Best of luck Danny.
“Will be looking out for you.”
