Lamb says Boro must aim high this season

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb believes qualifying for the Champions League should be the club's primary ambition this season.

Boro have begun the season well and with impressive investment in players Lamb believes targets must be higher if they are to develop as a club.

"If we aim for the Champions League and we only get the UEFA Cup it's not a bad second choice," he told BBC Tees.

"Ambition drives us, so what's wrong with being really ambitious?"

With six points from their opening three league games, and a place in the Carling Cup second round, the Teessiders have made their best start in nine seasons.

Lamb has overseen the development of Gareth Southgate as manager and believes the current squad is as well balanced and prepared for top flight football as it has ever been.

"The one thing I know about this squad, and Gareth, and his backroom staff, is that they will move heaven and earth to produce the best they can for Middlesbrough Football Club," he said.

"I have a funny feeling that this could be quite a decent year for us."