Middlesbrough Football Club have terminated the contract of manager Michael Carrick, ending his reign as the Championship's longest-serving current manager despite him signing a new three-year deal just last summer.

The decision comes after Carrick failed to guide Middlesbrough to the Championship playoff positions for the second consecutive season, with the club finishing 10th in the table, four points shy of the playoff spots.

Chairman Steve Gibson and the board conducted a thorough review of the season following Boro's final day defeat to Coventry City before reaching the decision to part ways with the former Manchester United midfielder.

Disappointing End to Season Sealed Carrick's Fate

Middlesbrough's form collapsed at the crucial end of the season, winning just one of their final six league matches. This poor run ultimately cost them a chance at promotion and, subsequently, cost Carrick his job.

Despite orchestrating a notable revival at the Riverside Stadium against expectations earlier in his tenure, Carrick was unable to consistently challenge at the top end of the Championship table, prompting the club's hierarchy to seek a change in leadership.

Nigerian Connection at Middlesbrough

The managerial change comes after a season that saw Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho join the club. Carrick had previously expressed enthusiasm about Iheanacho's potential impact, stating the forward was "eager to play for Middlesbrough."

Iheanacho did manage to open his scoring account for the club during his time under Carrick's management, netting his first goal in a victory over Oxford.

The club has not yet announced who will replace Carrick as they prepare for another Championship campaign next season, with promotion to the Premier League remaining the primary objective for the ambitious Teesside outfit.