I WAS somewhat shell shocked as a Boro supporter of 55 years standing that Gareth Southgate has left our beloved Boro.

I believed if we had lost to Derby, Gareth would have done the gentlemanly thing and resigned. However, we won and are just one point from the top of the league.

It was said that as Boro manager Gareth was too much of a gentleman. One would hope that football could accommodate gentlemen.

I for one did not call for you to go Gareth.

I wish you the best of luck from someone who knew you as a true gent. You left the club on a winning note and challenging for a quick return to the Premiership.

Coun George Dunning, Redcar & Cleveland Council.