A gentleman and loyal servant, or a man simply too nice to manage Middlesbrough Football Club? Lucy Richardson gauges reaction to the shock departure of Gareth Southgate and finds the town oddly quiet.

THERE were no jubilant fans to be found celebrating the sacking of likeable Boro manager Gareth Southgate.

Neither were there any howling outrage at his demise, despite Middlesbrough being only one point off an automatic promotion place.

The mood of the club’s long-suffering fans is one of simple resignation – their moment of glory, albeit in defeat, in the 2006 Uefa Cup final, now seems a very, very, long time ago.

The deserted Riverside stadium reflected the atmosphere on Teesside yesterday afternoon; a dank gloom descending around the majestic edifice, once a Premiership staple.

But the one thing Southgate’s exit does offer to fans, who have long grumbled at his tactics and a poor run of results that propelled Boro down into the Championship, is fresh hope.

And the club, too, will hope some of them may now start returning to the Riverside, which has seen an alarming fall in attendences.

There was a quiet complacency from supporters that Southgate had gone – maybe the timing was wrong but the decision was right.

Philip Rasmussen said the persistently low crowds had a sounded the death knell for Southgate’s career with the club and, despite winning 2-0 against Derby on Tuesday, its reputation was sinking fast.

“I think the board was worried that if the crowds kept falling, we could go back into receivership and it was time to act,” said the 20-year-old.

“I think he should come back into the stadium so we can all say thank you to him for at least trying and for being a great champion.”

Peter Rutter, 22, said: “I had a lot of respect for Southgate but I do not think he was the right man for us. He was too nice.

“He did a lot for the club but, I think he took it as far as he could. We need somebody with a bit more fire. I think it was time for a change. I definitely think the decision to sack him was pre-planned but if we had lost there would have been no questions asked.”

George Smith, former Middlesbrough midfielder who played for the club during the Seventies, said the world of football was a one-off industry.

“The only thing I can think of is that as crowds have been going down dramatically that may have been affecting the club from a financial point of view.

“Gareth Southgate was a wonderful servant at the club, but I think the town is going to be split by the decision. Some people will have sympathy for him, but the other side may believe he should have left when the club was relegated.”

He added: “He is an absolute gentleman and he has been fantastic as a player and a manager. It is a sad day, not just for football but the way life is. People expect miracles immediately and they want things done yesterday.”

Rob Nichols, editor of the Boro fanzine Fly Me to the Moon, said he was astounded by the post-match revelation.

“I was feeling relieved that we had finally won at home and that we were one off the top. I think Steve Gibson had pre-planned the decision but what would have happened if we had won 8-0?

“I think the manager’s job is a pretty good one for somebody.

When crowds are down to 17,000, you can pick them up again, and with the January transfer window not too far away, I think it’s an attractive proposition.”