Strachan exits struggling Middlesbrough

Gordon Strachan has left his job as Middlesbrough coach by “mutual consent” after less than a year in charge, the Championship side announced on Monday.

The former Scottish international leaves Boro following their 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United on Saturday, a result that left them in 20th place in the English second tier.

It was a sixth defeat in 11 games this year for Boro, who won only 13 of the 46 games under Strachan following the Scot’s appointment in October 2009.

Chairman Steve Gibson told the club’s website: “Gordon is a man of great integrity. He has torn up his contract and walked away without compensation because he felt it was in the best interests of the football club.

“There are very few managers who have done that but that is the mark of the man.”

The club are yet to announce a replacement.

On Saturday Strachan had seen his team booed off the pitch after a defeat that left them one point outside the relegation zone.

“I understand how the supporters reacted because they are scared when their team is not winning,” Strachan said. “They have a right to voice their opinion and they are disappointed right now. So are we.”