STEVE GIBSON has given his thoughts on the town, the transfer window, the Premier League's finances and his vision for the club after a positive start to the season.

The chairman believes Boro could shock some quarters after a solid start to the campaign but is adamant that added pressure won't be imposed.

"We'd have liked a point at Liverpool, but I think we'll surprise a few people this season," he said, speaking on Radio Five Live.

"I don't want to put too high an expectation and pressure on Gareth and the team but we're pleased with the way it's gone so far."

After a long summer of speculation, the transfer window slammed shut on Monday night and Gibson has mixed thoughts about its usefulness.

"I think the transfer window has advantages and disadvantages. I know this week Platini has talked about closing the window in the winter and I'd be all for that, as it takes the uncertainty away.

"Every time a transfer window opens we have a problem with certain players. Stewart Downing in particular is consistently speculated about in the press and it's quite unsettling."

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As Gareth Southgate embarks on his third season in charge, Gibson believes stability is the key for long-term success.

"At our football club we've tried to keep it as stable as possible. We've gone through a lot of change in the last couple of seasons since we appointed Gareth and I think now we have a settled squad," he said.

"Gareth's got everything needed to be a top coach and a manager."

With the headlines being dominated by the influx of money into the Premier League within the last week, the chairman feels the investment will aide the development and draw of football in this country.

"There's so much money coming into the Premier League because of the interest in it from offshore and while that money comes in, it's self-feeding," he said.

"The finances coming into the Premier League are very important for its status and to ensure that we get the best players and keep the best players."

Gibson gave an honest assessment of the club's standing, while stressing that the squad Southgate has assembled bodes well for the future.

"We're realistic. We're a small town club and we have a population in our town of 120,000, we get a quarter of them to every game which is incredible and we live within our means," he said.

"In our football club, we assess it every year and we like to think we can take it forward every year, but it's cyclical and we don't look for scapegoats.

"We've had 11 consistent years in the Premier League, I think this squad of players Gareth has put together, enhanced by the players we've got through our Academy, gives us an opportunity this year to perhaps improve on what we've done in the previous two years."