Matt Targett didn’t leave Middlesbrough in January, and they really benefited at Birmingham City
Middlesbrough’s David Strelec and Matt Targett celebrate(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
When the January transfer window slammed shut, most pointed to the deal that didn’t happen as the most important piece of business for Middlesbrough.
That was, of course, the fact that star man Hayden Hackney did not leave the club, amid Premier League interest in the midfielder.
Just as celebrated by Boro supporters, however, was the retention of Newcastle United loanee Matt Targett. He’d been the subject of much uncertainty during the window, with the Magpies having a recall clause in his deal, which could have been activated at any point during the window.
At the time, Hellberg made clear his desire to keep the left-back, while Targett himself made clear to Newcastle that he wished to stay at the Riverside. Thankfully, Newcastle’s defensive injury crisis began to ease, and Eddie Howe honoured Targett’s wish to remain at Boro.
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One month on, and that looks even more important now, as Targett netted a career-first brace to help Boro end a three-match winless run with a 3-1 victory at Birmingham City.
Reacting after, Hellberg said: “To think that Matt was going to score two goals from that position, that was not really in the plans. But sometimes what actually happens is better than plans, and he did brilliantly. He deserved it.”
On his January uncertainty, the Boro boss continued: “It’s good that they can’t take him back now, eh! It’s good they can’t get him after those two goals. I’m very, very happy for him.
“He is such a good guy. He has been paying through pain, and playing through all sorts of things in different periods of this season and has been brilliant.
“He’s always a good guy, always has a smile on his face. He’s been absolutely brilliant for us and I’m very happy for him.”
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