Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has insisted that the fans are "happier" this season because the club has a realistic chance of gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Boro went on a seven-match unbeaten run during the season and have only suffered four defeats out of 15 fixtures, which has placed them third in the Championship table.
Karanka's side have the chance to move to the top of the standings should they snatch all three points in tonight's clash against Norwich City at the Riverside Stadium.
"It takes time to get them back," The Northern Echo quotes Karanka as saying. "I think the people have had six years of the club not going well and it's not comfortable for the people to go.
"Now I think we have changed, not a lot of things, but things, and people are happier and are starting again to believe in the team, believe in the possibility to get promotion and they are going step by step."
Middlesbrough are just two points behind league leaders Watford.
