And Steve McClaren says it was no surprise.
McClaren "It doesn't surprise me. I had five years there - naturally, there are ups and downs and you have your squabbles, but we were always straight with each other and had a great business relationship and personal one.
"We got on very well and the relationship grew as we went along and we understood.
"The main aim was Middlesbrough Football Club and we worked well towards that end.
"It doesn't surprise me he has stayed with Gareth - he knows what goes on behind the scenes and he has got great faith in him that he will get them back up."