Gareth Southgate has been sacked by Middlesbrough, just hours after victory over Derby County.

The Daily Mail says former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is among the leading contenders to take over at the Riverside and he will top Gibson's wish list as he looks to bring in an experienced successor immediately.

Southgate's number two and former Boro defender Colin Cooper is expected to be in temporary charge for Middlesbrough's visit to fellow promotion chasers Preston North End on Saturday, Gibson has resolved to remove Southgate from the Riverside hot seat amid fears he has completely lost the confidence of the club's supporters.

Although last night's 2-0 win over Derby County ended Boro's run of four successive home defeats, it was in front of the Riverside's lowest ever league attendance of just 17,459.