GORDON STRACHAN’S successor at the Riverside Stadium might have the potential to put thousands on the gate, but chief executive Keith Lamb insists there is more to Tony Mowbray than his pulling power.

After a depressing last few years in which attendances have dropped by more than half, there was a need for Lamb and chairman Steve Gibson to make the right appointment.

Both Strachan and Gareth Southgate played their part in Middlesbrough’s slump, while the economic problems in the area in recent times have also played their part.

But while Mowbray, who the club’s long-serving supporters still adores from his playing days, should bring an immediate boost to crowd figures, Lamb is satisfied there will be more long term benefits.

Paul Ince was a genuine contender if Mowbray’s contract situation at Celtic had not been sorted out, while Phil Brown, Gary Megson, Nigel Pearson and Steve Round were alternative options.

“The real quest for us was to get the right man for the job,” said Lamb. “If it was a populist appointment we could have brought back Bruce Rioch, or plenty of others, but our decision was based on what is right for this club bearing in mind the predicament we are in.

“Tony was the obvious candidate. We approached him, he did not seek out this appointment. And because of his record in England and in Scotland, we felt he was the man who could take this club, with the issues it has, forward.

“We are third from bottom of the Championship. For a big job, we need a big man. Tony is that big man. We recognise the last few years have been a downward slope for Middlesbrough. We need to address that. He was our first choice and we are very fortunate that we have captured the man at the top of our list.”

Gibson first contacted Mowbray just hours after Strachan resigned nine days ago, but it was not until Sunday afternoon’s discussions at Rockliffe Hall when the situation moved forward.

A frantic day of negotiating with Celtic took place on Monday, aimed at reaching a three-way agreement over the terms of his new contract and the one he was bringing to an end at Parkhead.

Under the terms of Mowbray’s gardening leave agreement, he was due to be paid by the Scottish Premier League club until April, along with his assistant Mark Venus.

After successful talks, however, Middlesbrough landed their man. Rather than hand Mowbray a lengthy contract, however, an understanding was reached between the two that he would sign a rolling deal instead.