STEVE GIBSON has reassured frustrated Middlesbrough supporters that he intends to steer his hometown club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Gibson has contended with stinging criticism in the last week for his decision to stick with Gareth Southgate after Boro’s relegation to the Championship.

But having outlined an intention to give Southgate a chance to guide Middlesbrough back up at the first attempt, the chairman has informed fans promotion is the only thing in his sights.

With widely reported debts approaching £80m trimmed down because of Gibson’s willingness to write off a large chunk himself, there have been fears they will not be able to compete financially with the big-spenders in the division.

There is, however, a determination on Gibson’s part to back player recruitment this summer, while there will be star names moving out to raise funds for the purchases.

“I would ask the fans to keep the faith and judge us not on last season but on the last ten or 15 years, undoubtedly the most successful era in this football club’s history,”

said Gibson.

“We are committed to mounting a challenge to win promotion back to the Premier League as quickly as possible.

Everyone at the club will do their utmost to make that happen.

“I’m convinced we can bounce back if the club and fans stick together. Changes will be made and we’ll be stronger for it but we need the fans to continue to back us.”

Gibson also called on existing season ticket holders to renew and secure their same seat for next season, the deadline being 5pm on Saturday.

More than 10,000 have already been sold and Gibson remains hopeful that relegation does not see a loss of too many season ticket holders.

And rather than being too downhearted following Boro’s gradual Premier League decline since the final stages of Steve McClaren’s last season in charge, Gibson feels there will be encouraging signs of improvement towards the end of this month.

“There has been so much work in the last 11 years, we have all enjoyed it, but you have to take the knocks,” said Gibson. “The anger, sadness, has to go and by the end of June and July hopefully we will see little pieces in place that will please the fans.

“Then we want to roll the sleeves up and hopefully we will have a real good go. It’s easy to say but we have to show tangible evidence going forward.”

■ Until Saturday’s renewals deadline, under-18s pay £99 for their chosen season ticket seat. That compares to 2008-09 individual match prices for under-18s of £10 for Boro Pride members and £15 for general sale.

Those aged 18-21 can purchase a season card for the north west or south west corners for £190. Adults and over- 65s prices up to Saturday start at £400 and £260 respectively.