Former Newcastle United and Leeds United defender Jonathan Woodgate sacked after Swansea City defeat

The sensational managerial change comes as Boro find themselves deep in relegation trouble following a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Swansea City on Saturday.

Woodgate has mustered just nine wins all campaign and Middlesbrough are currently level on points with third bottom Hull City ahead of the final eight games of the Championship campaign.

And that defeat to the Swans proved the final straw for owner Steve Gibson, who has now made the change in the dugout.

Woodgate was relieved of his role on Tuesday morning, with Warnock now handed the role. He will assume responsibility at the Riverside Stadium ‘immediately’.

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”