Jonathan Woodgate has emerged as the favourite to take charge at Middlesbrough after they parted company with Tony Pulis.

Boro confirmed Pulis’s departure on Friday, and comes after they failed to make the play-offs – finishing 7th in the Championship.

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.

“I’m sorry to see Tony leave but our friendship and my gratitude will remain. Tony and his family will always be welcome at Middlesbrough Football Club.”

With Pulis gone, already a host of names are being linked including Woodgate – who was first-team coach under Woodgate.

Former boss Aitor Karanka has been linked, as well as Chris Hughton – who left Brighton earlier this week. Michael Reiziger, an ex-Boro player currently coaching at Ajax, is another whose name has been mentioned.

Bookmakers have been quick to install Woodgate as favourite, with PaddyPower making him odds-on at 4/5.