Michael Carrick is aware of speculation linking him to the West Ham managerial job but insists he is happy to stay at Middlesbrough.
Current Hammers boss David Moyes is under increasing pressure, with his side just one point above the relegation zone following last week's 4-0 defeat at Brighton. Unrest is growing among the supporters and the away end at the AMEX last Saturday were vocal in calling for change.
Former Manchester United midfielder Carrick has been touted as a potential replacement, should Moyes get the sack, having impressed in his first role as head coach at Boro, who he joined in October. His side are currently third in the Championship and favourites for a playoff place, following a run of six wins in their last seven.
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“I’m delighted to be here,” said the Boro boss, who takes his side to south Wales this weekend to face Swansea City. “Why wouldn’t I be? We’ve got a terrific club and a terrific group of players, and I’m loving working with them. I’m looking forward to a big end to the season.
“In some ways it’s pleasing (to be linked with Premier League clubs), but to be honest, I don’t really listen to it or watch it. It’s not something that really bothers me.
“We judge what we do here ourselves, and we’re our harshest critics in some ways, within the group. We judge myself, the players and the staff by the criteria that we just want to get better.
“What goes on, on the outside, goes on, on the outside. Over the years, I’ve kind of hardened myself to that. I don’t tend to pay too much attention to it. I obviously know what’s going on, but I’m just loving being here at the moment, with the players and staff, and the club in a really good place.”
Carrick played under Moyes at United for a brief spell between 2013 and 2014 before the Scot was sacked, as well as coming through he academy at West Ham. And the 41-year-old is hoping for both his former club and manager to find success.
“I started at West Ham as a young boy and it’s a fantastic football club, but I know David well, played under him and have huge respect for him,” he added.. “I think for me to comment on anything would be hugely unfair, and I wouldn’t do that.
“What I will say is that I hope they have a fantastic end to the season with David and the club because it’s a fantastic place and David is a good man. I really wish them all the success.”
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