Gareth Southgate is no longer Middlesbrough manager. After three seasons in charge, one relegation, countless missed chances to improve and a hit and miss start to the Championship promotion campaign, Southgate was 'relieved of his duties' after last night's 2-0 home win over Derby.
Strange timing? Perhaps, but you can't say it hasn't been coming.
Last night's victory was just too ittle too late in front of another disappointing home crowd.
Although we kept a clean sheet and golden boy Adam Johnson scored first a dubious penalty and then a wondergoal to secure three incredibly precious points, the damage was done and from the noises coming from the media in the last week it would seem that the dismal defeat to Watford was the final nail in a coffin which must have resembled a pin cushion.
A strange atmosphere has settled over Middlesbrough once again. The fans, having finally gotten what they asked for do not quite know how they feel about it.
Had we lost last night we would feel vindicated, as it is, everyone is a little confused as to the timing, and now that it has finally happened, sad to see Southgate go.
We now nervously wait for the official unveiling of the man who Gibson has decided will take us forward. Nervously, because the last time he did that he appointed our captain, however I do not think David Wheater will be taking over!
It is almost certainly going to be Gordon Strachan, an experienced manager who has a proven record for titles (albeit in Scotland).
Rumours are beginning to circulate within the media that Southgate was sacked soley because of attendances at the Riverside.
If that is true it is utterly ridiculous. Think about it, Boro go into a downward spiral but Gibson has time to appoint someone new and save the club, does Southgate go? No.
Boro are relegated, Gibson 'keeps faith'.
Boro are tortured by West Brom and lose 5-0 at the Riverside, fans chant for Southgate's head and the crowd seems completely lost to the manager. And still he stays.
Boro v Watford and Boro v Derby, the crowd dips to it's lowest ever league match attendances and suddenly the situation is untenable for our Chairman.
The money coming into the club (or not as the case may be) would appear to be far more important to Gibson than Boro's status, achievements or form.
I'm not naive, I know that football is a business and that bums on seats translates to cash flow for the club. But I think that the reasoning and the timing are a further example of Gibson's personal financial crippling rather than the club's campaign.
It is sad to see Southgate go, he was and always will be part of Boro's history. A true leader on and off the pitch during his playing days he would still, in my opinion make an excellent ambassador of the club, he was just not the right man to manage it.
I also find it strange that only in football are the qualities of being a gentleman and being intelligent levelled against you.
What is he going to do now?
The may be a resounding chorus of 'Who cares?' from a selection of Boro fans but I think the majority of us will be happy to go back to remembering Southgate as the inspirational captain he was before he chose to take a job he had neither the required skill or experience to undertake.
Whether it is bookies favourite Gordon Strachan, Alan Curbishly, Juninho or (please God no!) Kevin Keegan who takes over, a new era has begun at the Riverside.
My final verdict is that taking Southgate out of the hot seat and putting him back in the 'Legends' section where he belongs can only be a good thing for the club.
Let's just hope that the appointment of a new boss has the intended effect and fires up the players for Preston rather than further unsettling a fledgling Championship team.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 21/10/2009
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