Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was relieved of his
duties within hours of guiding his side to victory over Derby on
Tuesday night.
The 39-year-old former England defender's departure was
confirmed in a brief statement issued through the club's official
website, www.mfc.co.uk.
The statement read: "Middlesbrough FC have tonight announced
that manager Gareth Southgate has been relieved of his position
with immediate effect.
"Football consultant Alan Smith will also be leaving the club as
part of the change."
Chairman Steve Gibson admitted the decision to dispense with
Southgate's services had been the toughest of his reign to
date.
He said: "This has been the most difficult decision I have had
to make in all the time I have been in football.
"Gareth has given Middlesbrough Football Club magnificent
service as a skipper and, in very difficult circumstances, as
manager.
"I appointed Gareth in a situation that was greatly unfavourable
to him.
"He is a good man and has all the qualities and integrity that
we wanted in a manager.
"However, the time is right for change and that change has had
to be made.
"Gareth will always be welcome at our football club. English
football needs people of his stature and we feel certain that this
experience will serve him well.
"Gareth deserves another opportunity once he has had the chance
to rest and refresh himself."