Steve Gibson is frequently, and usually quite rightly, presented as exhibit A when it comes to listing the properties required to run a football club properly. There are valid, enduring reasons why Middlesbrough’s owner and chairman is regarded as a role model in his field but this season even Gibson’s feet turned to clay.
Loyalty is normally to be applauded but in this case it proved self-destructive as he waited way too long to replace Aitor Karanka as manager and when he did, turned to Karanka’s assistant, the untested Steve Agnew, instead of appointing an experienced alternative. Agnew has collected only six points from a possible 27. If his elevation seemed like a cheap option at the time, it has proved to be appallingly costly.
Related: Homegrown Ben Gibson sums up the pain of Middlesbrough’s relegation | Dominic Fifield
Related: Middlesbrough control freak Karanka pays price for conservatism and clashes | Louise Taylor
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