STEVE McCLAREN last night declared that Middlesbrough are on the threshold of Europe and a ground-breaking era for the club.

Manager McClaren joined chairman Steve Gibson to call on fans to back their ambitious plans with a season ticket sell-out next term.

McClaren has guided Boro to ninth place in the Premiership in his second season on Teesside.

And, though European qualification may yet elude them this season, McClaren maintained: "We're on track. We're in mid-table and on the periphery of Europe. Next season, we want to be challenging.

"For now, we have two home games left, starting with Arsenal, and we have to make it a good finish to the season.

"We need to show the fans that we have made progress and that we're on target to continue doing that next season.

"We're unbeaten in eight games and playing good football.

"But we have to prove to the fans we can play pleasing, open football that will attract them to the stadium.

"We have a good home record. We've only been beaten once on our own patch and we have to maintain that.

"We have bought players and we want to bring in more quality, and we need the fans to back us for that. So it's vital we produce the sort of football they want to watch.

"The chairman is ambitious and I share that ambition. I came here because I thought we could take this club a long way and it doesn't surprise me the progress that has been made.

"The fans can help us bring players in by filling the stadium every home game."

Gibson has sent a personal plea to over 37,000 fans, urging them to snap up tickets for next season.

The Riverside chief has written to the existing 22,700 season ticket holders, and a further 15,000 supporters on the club's database.

They each receive a season ticket application form with a message from Gibson, which reads: "You have often heard me talk about this club qualifying for Europe and achieving trophy success.

"There are no guarantees in football and it would be foolish of me to make firm promises.

"But I believe that we are better-placed than we have been to achieve those targets.

"We can't realise those dreams without you. I have never lost sight of the fact that Middlesbrough FC is here for its supporters and I value your loyalty very highly.

"I would love to see the Riverside selling out for every home game. It is achievable - and you can play your part. I very much hope you will take the next step of the journey with us."

Fans, however, must pay an extra 7.2 per cent across the board next term - the first season-ticket rise for three years.

The most expensive seats will be £500 in the West Stand Upper, an increase of £30. North and South Stand prices increase by £27 to £340. There will be further increases after June 7, with West Stand seats going up by a further £40 and North Stand seats by £30.

But supporters who purchase a season ticket by June 7, will make a saving worth up to five games over the course of the campaign.

A season ticket in the East Stand Upper will cost £450, compared to an approximate match-by-match cost of £587, a saving of almost £140.

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