MIDDLESBROUGH are desperate for a repeat of their UEFA Cup adventure next season - despite finding an exploration in Europe is not as financially rewarding as anticipated.

Despite playing ten games in the competition this season, a run that led to them making progress through to the last 16, Boro admit they have not boosted the money bags substantially because of it.

It is hardly surprising that the Teessiders have not made much from their first foray into European competition, as Newcastle had similar findings last season.

The Magpies reached the semi-finals last year, where they were knocked out by Marseille, while they also boasted bigger home attendances than Boro throughout the competition.

However, Newcastle are thought to have only boosted their bank balance by £10m even though they reached the last four - two stages further on than Boro's achievements this time around.

Nevertheless Riverside Stadium chief executive Keith Lamb has revealed there is still a determination within the club to embark on a second successive UEFA Cup campaign next season.

And, if that is secured, then Lamb believes there will be a better chance for manager Steve McClaren to draft the quality signings in that could make them a stronger force in the Premiership and in the cup competitions.

"The UEFA Cup isn't the money-spinner everyone thinks," said Lamb, who worked hard on attracting Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mark Viduka, Bolo Zenden, Michael Reiziger and Ray Parlour to the club's ranks last summer.

"We certainly haven't lost money but we haven't made a fortune. It does give the players a lift, though, and helps us attract new players by raising the profile of the club. We've tasted European football and we've enjoyed it. We want more of it.

"It's been hard work for the football club and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts. The season is not over, there are eight games left and a lot to play for."

Boro have dropped to ninth in the Premiership with just 24 points to play for this season and a top six place would guarantee them a place in the UEFA Cup.

They have already put plans in place to qualify for Europe if they do fail to book an automatic spot through the league by applying to play in the much-maligned InterToto Cup this summer.

Only Newcastle and Crystal Palace have so far put their names forward to compete with Boro for a place - but Lamb insists ideally that route will not need to be taken.

"We still have an opportunity to make this one of the best seasons the club has ever had and we remain optimistic that we can finish in a European spot," he said.

"We've had an horrendous run of injuries to senior players throughout the spine of the team and they've been a big loss to us. But it's allowed us to play players like Stewart Downing, although he's played more than the manager would have liked. We are still hopeful of a strong finish."