Aitor Karanka is axed by Middlesbrough after disastrous run of results saw club slip into drop zone

AITOR KARANKA has been axed as manager of Middlesbrough.

The Premier League strugglers confirmed the news on Thursday morning.

A statement said on the club's website said: "Middlesbrough Football Club can today confirm the departure of Head Coach Aitor Karanka. Following discussions, both parties have agreed that it is in the best interests of the club to make this change.

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"The club would like to thank Aitor for all his hard work over the past three-and-a-half years and for the success we've had during that time.

"We wish him all the best for the future."

In the same statement, Karanka said: "I'd like to thank Middlesbrough for a wonderful opportunity and the players, staff and all the people at the club who I have worked with.

"I'd also like to thank the fans for their support.

"This club will always hold a special place for me and I wish everyone connected with Middlesbrough Football Club the very best for the future."

After a promising start to life in the top-flight, Boro's form has nosedived since the end of last year.

Their last Premier League victory came in mid-December, and their poor run of results has seen them slide to second bottom of the table, three points adrift of safety.

Following Sunday's match with Manchester United, there is a two-week international break before Boro face relegation rivals Hull and Swansea, allowing the Teessiders some time to search for a replacement.

Karanka's exit comes just over a year since he walked out of the club following a training ground bust-up.

That incident came on the eve of a Championship match against Charlton, which saw his head coach Steve Agnew take charge of the 2-0 defeat, before the former Real Madrid man returned to the club to lead them to promotion.

However, tensions have been rising again this season and Karanka was involved in another furious row with Stewart Downing last week.

The Boro boss left Downing out of his squad for the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Saturday before claiming after the match it was because he needed “18 fighters.”

That incident, and a number of others made earlier in the year criticising the club's fans and the board's lack of backing in the January transfer window, have convinced owner Steve Gibson that a change is needed.

Former Leicester manager and ex-Boro captain Nigel Pearson is the favourite with the bookies to take over the helm.

Two years ago he pulled off the great escape with the Foxes to keep them up before leaving prior to the start of last season, allowing Claudio Ranieri to take over and lead them to the title.

Roy Hodgson and Alan Pardew are among the other names mentioned.

Agnew will take temporary charge of the first-team until a new man is found.

His first task will be to try and claim three points against United on Sunday when Jose Mourinho brings his side to the Riverside.