Gareth Southgate has been ‘relieved of his duties` as Middlesbrough FC`s manager.
The former England defender endured a tough three seasons in charge at the Riverside after taking over from Steve McClaren – who went on to take the England job in 2006.
Southgate also becomes the first Boro manager to be sacked by Chairman Steve Gibson, a man renowned for giving managers time on the job.
To Gareth`s credit, he changed Middlesbrough into a younger, attacking side – differing from the defensive, long-ball style of Mr. McClaren, but at a cost…relegation.
The demotion to the championship, whole-hearted trust in inexperienced youngsters, record flop signings and the inability to win games at home will have no doubt all contributed to Southgate`s departure.
Middlesbrough chairman, Steve Gibson told the club`s official website: “This has been the most difficult decision I`ve had to make in all the time I`ve been in football.
Gareth has given Middlesbrough Football Club magnificent service as a skipper and, in very difficult circumstances, as manager…However, the time is right for change and that change has had to be made.”
Boro, meanwhile, have not commented at this stage who is likely to take the Riverside hot seat.
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Michael Storey
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GOTTA SAY YOU COULD SEE IT COMING – GIVEN ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD!
As a Spurs fan used to managerial casualties, I am disgusted with this sacking. Middlesborough are where they are due to finacial restraints. I hope Southgate quickly finds another role as we dont have enough good english managers around at the moment.
A but suprised to be honest. Given that we won and were only 1 point from top spot. It’s a long season in the championship and as for our “patchy” performances at home there was time for that to improve. The league is very tight at the moment so even if Boro were in about 8th place this would still not have made sense to me. I hope Gareth stays in the game, he’s an honest man with the qualities needed to be succesful. Curbishley or Strachan in next!!!
very strange that. i can see it if we lost, but after a convincing 2-0??? odd decision.
Bad move by the club, poor judgement!
Hmm i agree, one point off the leaders ?? very odd.
Disgrace, 1 point off the top place, has gibson lost the plot
Hmm well now this one could bite you boys in the arris. One point off the top and he sacks him? Very odd….if you fellas fail to get promotion now – ouch!!