Middlesbrough

THE ESSENTIAL

Matthew Bates has said that he will be loyal to Middlesbrough despite Premier League interest from Swansea.

Sunderland's Jordan Henderson is refusing to get carried away by his status as one of the country's best young players.

Steve Gibson insists he will "dig deep" to find the best manager for Middlesbrough after Gordon Strachan walked away from the struggling club.

Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan has parted company with the club by mutual consent following a poor start to the season.

Middlesbrough's on-loan defender Matt Kilgallon has returned to Sunderland for treatment on a back problem.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones has completed a £2.3million move to Liverpool. The 28-year-old will act as cover for first-choice Pepe Reina.

Middlesbrough have confirmed that Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson suffered a broken leg during the goalless draw at Leicester.

Pre-season favourties Middlesbrough endured a disasterous start to the new term though, losing 3-1 at home to Ipswich Town. Despite an impressive start during which Julio Arca headed them into the lead, Boro fell apart and went down to goals from Tommy Smith, Tamas Priskin and Jon Stead.

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is hoping to persuade former Leeds team-mate Gary McAllister to join him at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is convinced he got the right man for the job when he appointed Gordon Strachan as manager.