This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Defeat against Championship basement side Barnsley at the weekend, made it eight matches without a win for Middlesbrough, a result that will heap further pressure on beleaguered Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate, with his side now in 20th place in the table just three points clear of the drop-zone.

Woodgate has endured a tough first season in-charge at the Riverside, with his side only managing eight wins in the league so far this season and after their recent poor run, an end-of-season dog-fight at the foot of the table looks on the cards.

So is it time up for Woodgate at Boro, should he be sacked?

We discuss.........

Alfie Burns

“Absolutely not and I don’t for a second think that Gibson will look to pull the trigger.

“Gibson is notorious for giving his managers time to get things right and Woodgate was his choice as boss, with his appointment all part of the club tightening their belts.

“Of course, results aren’t great and Boro are flirting with relegation, but that squad is good enough to pull themselves out of trouble and make it a comfortable end to the season.

“Woodgate has already shown he’s capable of getting more out of them and will be given more time.

“Sacking him doesn’t feel like an option.”

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Kris Smith

“I’m not sure that the club are intent on seeing how the next few games go as it was clearly made as a long-term appointment.

“After Tony Pulis, it’s clear that Woodgate is overseeing a hefty transition with regards to playing staff and their style, which will take time under an inexperienced manager.

“However, management is a very results-based business and if he can’t get their form back on track soon, then there surely can’t be any other option than to sack him.

“No wins in the league since New Year’s Day and one point in the last three games against the teams in the bottom three is poor and could see Woodgate answering for this run.”

Toby Wilding

"I think it may have to be worth considering.

"It feels worth noting that results without quality football was not enough to keep Tony Pulis at the Riverside Stadium beyond the end of last season, which doesn't exactly bode well for Woodgate.

"Not only are performances not up to scratch at the minute, but results are not forthcoming either, meaning 'Boro are now looking nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone, meaning a change will have to be made one way or another if things do not improve sooner rather than later.

"Indeed, with Woodgate having been a popular figure at the Riverside prior to his appointment as the club's manager, it may be worth overseeing a parting of the ways before that reputation at the club is damaged to badly by his struggles with Middlesbrough as a manager."