CHRIS WILDER hopes the signing of Darragh Lenihan will help address some of the leadership issues he felt hampered Middlesbrough’s attempts to win promotion last season.

Lenihan’s signing was confirmed yesterday, with the centre-half signing a four-year contract as he moved to the Riverside as a free agent. The 28-year-old turned down the offer of a new deal at Blackburn Rovers in order to join Boro, and was at Rockliffe Park this week completing a medical and finalising personal terms.

A Republic of Ireland international, he has been one of Wilder’s key targets throughout the summer, with his extensive Championship pedigree and proven leadership qualities marking him out as an especially attractive defensive option. Lenihan made more than 250 senior appearances during his decade on Blackburn’s books, and skippered Tony Mowbray’s side last season.

Wilder bemoaned the lack of leadership within his squad on a number of occasions last term, and is hoping Lenihan’s arrival will plug a key gap ahead of the start of the new campaign.

“One of the things I looked at, at the end of the season, was the culture and personality of the team,” said the Boro boss. “Without dwelling too much, we put ourselves in a fantastic position and didn't get over the line. For me, perhaps it was because of the personality of the team.

“We didn’t have enough players who really could dig in and grab that opportunity. Darragh plays under pressure. He's a difficult opponent. He wants to win. It's a big signing. He's played in all sorts of positions. He even played right-back for Tony.

“We know what Tony’s qualities are and what he demands from players, and I know how highly he thought of Darragh. He can play left of a three, right, centre. He can play as a two. It was a no brainer.”

It was also the end of a pursuit that began when Wilder was manager of Sheffield United a number of seasons ago.

The current Boro boss tried to prise Lenihan from Ewood Park when he was in charge at Bramall Lane, but his advances were rebuffed. A few years on, and with new employers, he has finally got his man.

“He rejected me at Sheffield United, but I wasn't precious and didn't take that personally,” continued Wilder. “I've been a huge admirer for a long time, in terms of his qualities he brings as a player, as a person, as a competitor, as a warrior, a leader of men.

“I'm putting a bit on him, but I know he can cope with that. He handles it. He's a proper football player and I'm delighted to have got him. We want to attract good players to the club.”

Lenihan is Boro’s third summer signing, following goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who joined as a free agent after turning down the offer of a new deal at Northampton Town, and wing-back Ryan Giles, who has joined on a season-long loan from Wolves. A busy week of activity also saw skipper Jonny Howson extend his stay at the Riverside by signing a new one-year deal.