BORO's battling Austrian, Emanuel Pogatetz, has shown a huge turnaround this season after recently ditching his fiery 'Mad-Dog' tag and taking on the ultimate accolade of the club captaincy and has now announced that he wishes to commit his future to the club by extending his current contract. "Of course! I would like to be here as long as possible but it's up to the club, "I don't know what their plans are. It's not in my hands, and all I can say is I'm very happy here."
Pogatetz joined BORO back in 2005 after impressing Steve McClaren during BORO's UEFA Cup clashes with Grazer AK, where Poggi was on loan from German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite a rough first season, playing in his lesser favoured left-back position and facing stiff competition from fan favourite Frank Queudrue, Pogatetz won himself many fans for his tough tackling and his fearless attitude, quickly earning himself the famous 'Mad-Dog' tag for his fiery temper.
But it wasn't until he switched to the centre-back role that he really showed what he could do and he quickly established himself as a first choice centre half, especially with youngster Andrew Taylor able to fit into the shoes of the departed Queudrue.
Following an overwhelmingly successful second season with
BORO, Poggi was fast becoming a popular star on Teesside with his out and out determination and the way he wore his heart on his sleeve and even announced his determination to drop his fiery attitude and become a firm favourite with the fans.
After establishing himself as one of BORO's first choice defenders, Poggi managed to slip back into the BORO side following a lengthy early season injury; partnering the now departed Jonathan Woodgate and cementing a firm bond with BORO's man of the season David Wheater.
Just to top it all, Poggi has even taken the ultimate step-up in proving that he is capable of captaining the side. The dreaded armband that seems to have been passed from pillar to post this season has seen George Boateng & Julio Arca crumbling under the added responsibility, but Pogatetz seems to have taken it all in his stride.
Now, the Austrian international, has committed his future to the club he loves by announcing, in an interview with The Evening Gazette, that he wishes to extend his current contract, which still has two years remaining.
"I really like the club and the supporters, I'm really settled at BORO and to captain the club is really special for me.
When asked if he would be interested in extending his contract up to the next World Cup, Pogatetz answered
Quotes & picture courtesy of The Evening Gazette (www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc) & Google (images.google.com)
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