Having cut their wage bill and reduced the average age of their squad, Middlesbrough have struggled to score goals and lacked the experience to cope with the rigours of the top division.
By the end of the financial year, Middlesbrough's debt - which is routinely about £85 million - will have fallen well below £30 million and could be wiped out depending on the income accrued from player sales.
However, that target may now not be reached after Stewart Downing's surgery on a foot injury. “It looks as if Stewart could be with us until January because of the operation,” Southgate said.
David Wheater, the promising centre half and a boyhood supporter of Middlesbrough, stated that he “would be happy to stay” at the club and assist in the process of regeneration, although the decision may be removed from his hands.