Middlesbrough SACK Jonathan Woodgate with North East side in relegation trouble

Jonathan Woodgate has been sacked as manager of Middlesbrough and replaced by Neil Warnock.

Boro are only outside the Championship relegation places on goal difference after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Swansea.

Warnock, who left his role as Cardiff City boss in November last year, was named as the former defender’s replacement with immediate effect, the sixteenth maangerial role of his career.  

Middlesbrough have sacked Jonathan Woodgate after their 3-0 home defeat by Swansea 

Neil Warnock has been named as Woodgate’s successor – the sixteenth such role of his career

A club statement read: ‘MFC can confirm that head coach Jonathan Woodgate has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

Jonathan was relieved of his role on Tuesday morning and will be replaced by the experienced Neil Warnock. Warnock will assume responsibility immediately. 

‘The club would like to place on record its thanks to Jonathan for all his work in the role of head coach.’

Woodgate was in a precarious position and Warnock lined up before lockdown.

But Boro earned a point against promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest and crucial win at relegation rivals Charlton to earn a stay of execution for Woodgate.

A heavy defeat at home by Swansea proved to be the final straw for Woodgate’s reign as boss

However, the heavy home defeat to Swansea on their return to action proved the final straw for the Boro hierarchy who then decided to revisit their previous plan to replace Woodgate with Warnock.

Middlesbrough have not registered victory in any competition since New Year’s Day, when they beat Preston North End away.

Warnock’s first game in charge will be against Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium, before travelling to face fellow strugglers Hull City.  

Middlesbrough are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference after a poor run of form