Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson and his assistant Viv Anderson have left the club by mutual consent, chairman Steve Gibson said today.
"Bryan was a giant at this club and has left his imprint," Gibson told a news conference.
Robson, 44, who won 90 caps for England, took Middlesbrough to two promotions and two Cup finals.
But with the club hovering near the relegation zone last season, his role changed when former England coach Terry Venables was brought in as team coach.
Venables now plans to resume his career as a television commentator.
British newspapers reported today that Manchester United number two Steve McClaren would take over at Middlesbrough.
McClaren is Alex Ferguson's deputy at Manchester United and has also helped England manager Sven Goran Eriksson.
"I just felt at the last game of the season the fans had made their minds up," Robson said.
"The reception I got at the end of that game, I felt it was time for me to move on and the club to move on.
"Seven years is a long time at one club for a manager. We just felt it was better for both parties that we move on."