Championships side, Middlesbrough have parted ways with their manager Tony Pulis after the season’s failure to qualify to join the Premier League by just a point which will have a knock-on effect on Middlesbrough’s finances for 2019-20.
The ouster of the club’s manager does not come out as a surprise as it had earlier been announced that the 61-year-old’s contract, which was reported to end this summer, would not be extended.
This season marked the end of their two-year run of parachute payments from the Premier League, following relegation in 2016-17.
Gibson said: “I’d like to thank Tony for his hard work and commitment over the past 18 months. He has been a joy to work with and a complete.
The Championship club had in the last two years invested heavily in the squad in terms of transfer fees and salaries in an attempt to regain their Premier League status which happened before Tony’s arrival but all that has gone to waste as they remain though as favourites to come in next season.
“Over the past 18 months, Tony has been proactive, not only in the ambition to win football matches and promotion to the Premier League but also in addressing our financial position in order to comply and respect the Championship fair play criteria. “He has ensured that the club is stable and strong for the future. He leaves us in excellent condition.”
The former Stoke City, Crystal Palace and West Brom boss’ initial appointment at the Riverside were greeted with optimism, thanks to his success in guiding the Potters into the Premier League and establishing them there.
However, his early success masked a disillusionment from sections of the support not wholly convinced by his tactics.
Boro had an enviable defensive record, conceding a joint-best low of 41 goals, but it was an attack that their promotion bid was hampered with just 49 goals the lowest of any top-half side.
The pressure to reduce outgoings was imminent last summer, as the sale of star winger Adama Traore, forward Patrick Bamford and defender Ben Gibson pointed to a need to reduce the wage bill.
Although some money was reinvested in players, such as midfielder George Saville from Millwall and Bristol City defender Aden Flint, Pulis was largely forced to look to the loan market for additions.
There were highlights, such as free transfer Jon Mikel Obi and on-loan Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic, as well as the progress of young players such as Dael Fry and Lewis Wing.