Tony Pulis leaves Middlesbrough after club miss out on promotion to Premier League
The former Stoke, Crystal Palace and West Brom boss has spent just a season-and-a-half in charge at the Riverside
Tony Pulis has left Middlesbrough after they failed to win promotion to the Premier league, the Championship club have announced.
Boro confirmed on Friday morning that Pulis' contract would not be renewed, ending an 18-month reign on Teesside.
A club statement read: "Middlesbrough FC can confirm that the contract of manager Tony Pulis will not be extended."
Pulis first joined Boro on Boxing Day 2017, just days after Garry Monk was sacked. He guided the Riverside outfit to a fifth place finish last season, but they were defeated by Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals.
The Welshman could not repeat the feat this term, with Boro ending up one point outside the top six with Derby beating them to the final play-off spot.
Pulis, who previously managed a host of clubs including Stoke, Crystal Palace and West Brom, leaves Middlesbrough having won 35 and lost 23 of his 80 matches in charge.
Chairman Steve 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 gentleman.
"Two years ago, we invested heavily in the squad in terms of transfer fees and salaries in an attempt to regain our Premier League status. This happened before Tony's arrival.
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"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.
"Tony's backing of our Academy has seen many youngsters make their first team debuts. I am sure that Dael Fry, Lewis Wing, Marcus Tavernier, and Nathan Wood will be grateful for the faith he has shown in them.
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"I'm sorry to see Tony leave, but our friendship and my gratitude will remain. Tony and his family will always be welcome at Middlesbrough Football Club."
Boro's parachute payments following relegation have now stopped, and they could adopt a more radical approach as they look for a replacement with former England defender Jonathan Woodgate, currently first-team coach at the Riverside, among the front-runners.