After Tony Pulis left Middlesbrough this week, we’ve taken a look at who are favourites for the job at the Riverside Stadium.
The club announced that they would not extend his contract, which was reported to end this summer, with the club failing to get in the playoffs on the last day of the season.
Boro scored 49 league goals in 2018/19, their lowest scoring season outside top flight since relegation from 2nd tier in 1885-86.
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.
“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.”
Take a look at who are the top six favourites below and on the next page.
6) AITOR KARANKA
Karanka is a former manager of Middlesbrough, he was with them between 2013 and 2017, taking them up by finishing as Championship runner up in the 2015/16 season.
Though he got the chop in March 2017 after being winless in their last 10 Premier League games and sitting in the relegation zone, three points from safety with 11 games remaining.
Just under a year later, he then took charge of Nottingham Forest, though in January 2019, he departed the club after having asked to be released from his contract; he left the team in seventh position, four points behind the play-off places.
When asked whether he’d be keen on a Boro return, Karanka said: “Now it is impossible because Tony is in charge. He is a manager I respect a lot because the few times I have been with him he has helped me a lot.
“It’s a shame he couldn’t do it (get Boro promoted) this season but in the future, especially in football, you never know. The relationship I have with Steve (Gibson) is amazing.”
Current odds on Sky Bet: 12/1
5) MICHAEL REIZIGER
Michael Reiziger is a former Middlesbrough player who has also played for Holland, Ajax, PSV, Barcelona and AC Milan.
He is currently manager of Jong Ajax, the reserve team to AFC Ajax. In his first season (2017/18) in charge, he won the Eerste Divisie.
Current odds on Sky Bet: 10/1
4) TIM WALTER
Tim Walter is a German manager currently in charge of Holstein Kiel since 2018 and took them to 6th in the 2. Bundesliga. He has previously managed Bayern Munich II, taking them to second in Regionalliga Bayern.
Current odds on Sky Bet: 5/1
Take a look at the top three favourites on the next page.

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