Southgate leaves Boro

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 announced that manager Gareth Southgate has been relieved of his position with immediate effect."

It continued: "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."