MIDDLESBROUGH expect to complete an ongoing backroom reshuffle before the start of pre-season training after dispensing with the services of assistant manager Malcolm Crosby yesterday.

Crosby has left the Teessiders after almost five years of service, in a move Boro boss Gareth Southgate described as the “most difficult decision” he has made.

Crosby joined Middlesbrough in July 2004 as reserve- team manager under Steve McClaren, and was promoted to the position of assistant manager when Southgate took over the managerial reins in June 2006.

The 54-year-old is the first high-profile casualty of last season’s relegation from the Premier League, with his departure part of a wider backroom overhaul that was all but inevitable after the disappointments of the last nine months.

“Without doubt, this has been the most difficult decision I have taken because Malcolm is a true gentleman and a real football man,” said Southgate.

“My decision has been based on reorganising the way my backroom team operates next season. I hope and am certain that Malcolm will find a job in football soon. I wish Malcolm and his family the very best for the future.”

Boro chairman Steve Gibson launched a review with Southgate in the immediate aftermath of May’s relegation to the Championship.

The pair have investigated a number of areas that were seen to be problematic last season, and discussed perceived weaknesses within the club’s backroom procedures.

Crosby, who has previously managed Sunderland, said: “Gareth Southgate has decided to make changes at the club and unfortunately I am part of those changes.

“I am very disappointed after working for the past three years as Gareth’s assistant.

But I would like to thank everyone at the club, from the backroom staff, players and coaches for making my time at Middlesbrough an enjoyable one. I would like to wish them all the best for next season.”

Further announcements are expected in the next two weeks, although it remains to be seen whether Boro will appoint an assistant from outside the club or promote Steve Agnew or Colin Cooper.

Southgate has previously spoken of the need to introduce more experience to Middlesbrough’s staff, both and on off the field, and that could result in the appointment of a senior lieutenant to assist with coaching.

Southgate remains close to Alan Smith, and there have been suggestions that the former Crystal Palace manager could be offered a position on Boro’s coaching staff.

However, the Boro boss is also known to have been impressed by Agnew’s influence since his promotion from reserve-team boss last summer.

and the former Sunderland and York midfielder is likely to play a prominent role in the new set-up.

“We would like to thank Malcolm for all his work over the last three years and wish him every success for the future,” said Boro chief executive Keith Lamb.