MIDDLESBROUGH utility man Neil Maddison yesterday threw his weight behind Bristol City's promotion push when he joined the Second Division side on a month's loan with a view to a permanent move.

Darlington-born Maddison, 31, is likely to make his debut for the Robins in Friday's clash with leaders Millwall, who were also interested in signing him.

The former Southampton player, who cost Boro £300,000 when he left The Dell three seasons ago, is out of contract in the summer and eager for first-team football.

Maddison hasn't started a senior game this season - his only appearance was as a substitute in Boro's Worthington Cup defeat away to Wimbledon in October.

A hernia operation hampered his hopes of forcing his way back into the reckoning under Boro head coach Terry Venables.

"I've heard very good things about City from friends within the game and I would definitely like to think my stay could be longer than a month,'' confirmed Maddison.

"Millwall were also interested in signing me.

"I know City are lacking experience, but it's certainly not too late to make the play-offs.

"I consider myself a good talker on the pitch and I like to organise players around me. Hopefully, that will enable me to help the youngsters in the side."

City boss Danny Wilson said: "Neil is a leader on the field and will add the vital experience we have been lacking.''

Maddison's move follows Boro striker Andy Campbell's one-month loan switch to Bolton Wanderers.

Meanwhile, manager Bryan Robson is calling on the travelling fans to roar Boro to victory in Saturday's crucial derby duel with Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Relegation-threatened Boro have gone two months and eight games without a win in all competitions.

But Robson, seeking his first success in a North-East Premiership derby at the 15th attempt, is hoping Boro can capitalise on the barren run which has brought Newcastle only one point from their last four games.

"Newcastle are going through a bit of a sticky patch, so hopefully we can get a good result," said Robson.

"We're all frustrated at the position we're in - everyone is anxious.

"But we need everybody 100 per cent behind us. Against Southampton I thought the fans were excellent; they stuck by the lads and encouraged them.

"But against Charlton they got frustrated from the start and that was a bit disappointing, because the fans have been fantastic since I've been here.

"They need to encourage the boys if we want to get out of this."

l The new owner of Hull City has promised to put together a team the fans and the city can be proud of. Adam Pearson - the former commercial director of Leeds - was confirmed as the club's new owner yesterday and immediately promised to do everything he could to help manager Brian Little bring in some new faces. Pearson said: ''This is probably one of a group of four clubs outside the Premiership with so much untapped potential.

''I have put together a two-year business plan and hope to break even within 14 months. There will be funds available for Brian Little in the summer to bring in players and in the short term before the end of the season.'