‎“Fans fear”: Our best chance of going up in 10 years has slipped away

On Tuesday, we invited fans to share their views on Middlesbrough’s push for automatic promotion and whether they can secure a place in the play-offs.

Boro currently sit fifth, three points behind second-placed Ipswich, although they have played a game more. The two sides meet on Sunday (12:00 BST), in what could be a decisive clash.

Kim Hellberg’s team also face Wrexham on the final day, with the Welsh side in seventh, eight points adrift, though Middlesbrough hold a significant goal difference advantage.

Supporters offered a wide range of opinions.

Jezza believes a play-off finish is the most likely outcome but doubts the team can go all the way, praising their possession style while questioning the lack of an alternative approach when it doesn’t deliver results.

Andy fears a major opportunity has slipped away, pointing to the need for a reliable goalscorer and a more direct attacking threat, while still holding out hope that the play-offs could offer redemption.

Andrew remains optimistic, backing the club’s leadership, players and fanbase to turn things around despite recent setbacks.

John is concerned about the team’s struggles in front of goal and worries about a potentially tense final-day clash with Wrexham, especially given their poor track record in the play-offs.

Luke sees this weekend as crucial to any lingering automatic promotion hopes but admits confidence is fading due to poor form and a lack of goals, particularly from the strikers.

Bernie still believes there is a chance if Boro can beat Ipswich, though he questions past decisions, including the departure of Josh Coburn, suggesting it could prove costly.

Paul is pessimistic about even securing a play-off place, noting that rival teams are building momentum while Boro struggle for points.

Lewis is blunt in his assessment, feeling promotion hopes are effectively over, citing strong competition and a lack of attacking threat as major concerns heading into the play-offs.

Francis highlights a long-standing issue up front, arguing the absence of a natural finisher has made it easier for opponents to contain them.

He suggests upcoming matches against Ipswich and Wrexham could be more open due to the stakes for both sides, but ultimately believes automatic promotion is out of reach, with a battle to stay in the top six more likely.