Jonathan Woodgate has been sacked as Middlesbrough manager, with Neil Warnock announced as his immediate successor.
Woodgate leaves the club just three days following their 3-0 defeat at home to Swansea City, which left them outside the Championship relegation zone on just goal difference.
The former Newcastle United defender is understood to have said goodbye and expressed his thanks to staff at Boro’s Rockliffe training ground on Tuesday morning before leaving.
Former Cardiff City boss Warnock takes immediate charge of the club, and will prepare the players for their crucial game at Stoke City on Saturday.
Bristol City play Middlesbrough at the Riverside on July 11, with their 1-0 win over Cardiff in November sealing Warnock's fate in the Welsh capital.
Warnock famously once said: "When I pass away, I don't want clapping or a minute's silence, I want a minute's booing at Bristol City."
Woodgate’s dismissal comes little over a year after he was appointed, during which time he led Boro to nine wins in his 38 games in charge, while they also lost 15.
Middlesbrough chairman 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.”
