David Nugent: A Key Piece in Middlesbrough’s Promotion Puzzle
Aitor Karanka secured a vital component of Middlesbrough’s promotion-winning squad in 2015 by signing Leicester City striker David Nugent.
After suffering a painful Championship play-off final defeat to Norwich City in May, Boro remained confident they had a squad capable of securing a return to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season. However, with strikers Jelle Vossen and Patrick Bamford returning to their parent clubs, Genk and Chelsea, and attacking midfielder Lee Tomlin departing for Bournemouth, the club needed reinforcements up front.
Enter Nugent—a seasoned forward with England caps and a history of tormenting Championship defenses. Signed from Leicester for a reported £4 million, the 30-year-old arrived at the Riverside Stadium with a proven track record in the second tier, despite being deemed surplus to requirements at the King Power Stadium following a modest five-goal return in the Premier League.
A Pivotal Role in Promotion
Initially, Nugent led Karanka’s attack as the first-choice striker, but with Middlesbrough struggling for goals, the club made a big-money move for Jordan Rhodes in the January transfer window. This saw Nugent transition into a more rotational role, yet his impact remained crucial.
The veteran striker played a decisive role in some of the club’s biggest moments that season. His dramatic 91st-minute header secured a vital 1-0 victory against promotion rivals Hull City on matchday 38. He then provided two crucial assists: first, setting up Rhodes’ injury-time winner in a 2-1 triumph over Bolton, and later teeing up Cristhian Stuani’s goal in the final-day 1-1 draw with Brighton, sealing Boro’s long-awaited promotion.
In a campaign where Karanka’s side scored just 63 league goals—the lowest among the Championship’s top six—Nugent’s contribution of eight goals and seven assists was invaluable. Without him, Boro might have lacked the firepower needed to clinch an automatic promotion spot.
Premier League Setback but Value for Money
With promotion secured, Middlesbrough reinforced their squad for the Premier League challenge, bringing in high-profile signings, including Alvaro Negredo on loan from Valencia. The Spanish striker became Karanka’s main attacking option, scoring nine of Boro’s meager 27 league goals in a season that ended in relegation.
Nugent, unable to dislodge Negredo, saw his playing time drastically reduced, making just four Premier League appearances totaling 40 minutes. In January 2017, eager for regular football, he was sold to Derby County for a reported £2.5 million.
Though he never had the chance to make his mark in the Premier League for Middlesbrough, the impact he made in securing promotion made his £4 million transfer fee seem like a bargain. Even with a £1.5 million loss on his sale, Nugent’s influence on and off the pitch cemented his legacy among Boro fans, ensuring he remains a cherished figure in the club’s history.
