Neil Warnock has six more games before he comes up against his former side Cardiff City, Warnock's mind has already cast forward to that key encounter.
NEIL WARNOCK:
"The last two games are quite tasty," Warnock said in his first press conference as Boro boss.
"Cardiff home and Sheffield Wednesday away. It's a good job the fans aren't in!
"It's really exciting. Everybody can beat everybody in the Championship.
"Let's worry about Stoke first."
Warnock will be fondly remembered for his achievements in the Welsh capital.
He steered Cardiff to safety in his first season in charge before spearheading a promotion charge the following season.
The 71-year-old felt the time was right for him to leave the Welsh capital back in November, not wanting his legacy to be soured by this season.
He revealed he has had opportunities in the intervening seven months, before the Boro job was presented to him, but his lingering memory of his time in charge of the Bluebirds is one which will strike a cord with fans in this part of the world.
"I had a great time at Cardiff," he added, "One of the best in my life."
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.