Ex-Town boss Warnock takes over as Woodgate is sacked

JONATHAN Woodgate has been sacked as Middlesbrough manager, with former Huddersfield Town boss Neil Warnock replacing him.

Woodgate leaves the club just three days after their 3-0 defeat at home to Swansea City, which left them outside the Championship relegation zone on just goal difference.

The former England defender is understood to have said goodbye and expressed his thanks to staff at Boro’s Rockliffe training ground yesterday morning before leaving.

Former Town boss Warnock (pictured) takes immediate charge and will prepare the players for their crucial game at Stoke City on Saturday.

Woodgate’s dismissal comes little over a year after he was appointed, during which time he led Boro to nine wins in 38 games, while they also lost 15.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson publicly backed Woodgate at the start of March, stating that he had his ‘full support’ and he’s ‘not the problem’ at the club, but has now acted swiftly following their latest defeat. A short statement on the club’s website said: “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.”

Boro lost a friendly 5-1 to Town in the build-up to the league restart.