Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate hopes to keep defender Chris Riggott, despite interest from promoted Stoke City.
"He maybe feels it was an uneven playing field last season but I have assured him that it won't be like that next year."
And Southgate knows that replacing Riggott would not be an easy task.
"If he goes, you have to ask if you can get someone else of his ability and experience."