Middlesbrough are considering both Paul Heckingbottom and Daniel Stendel as options to replace Tony Pulis as the club's manager, it has been reported.

The north east club announced last week that they would not be extending Pulis' contract at The Riverside Stadium, after the club failed to secure a place in the play-offs in Pulis's first full season in charge of the club.

It now appears that two potential replacements for Pulis have emerged, with The Northern Echo reporting that both Heckingbottom and Stendel are under consideration for the post.

Heckingbottom, who is currently manager of Scottish side Hibernian, previously managed in English football's second tier with Barnsley - who he guided to promotion via the League One play-offs in 2016, and Leeds United, where he lasted just four months between February and June 2018.

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Stendel meanwhile has enjoyed a hugely impressive first season managing in English football, having also guided Barnsley to League One promotion this season, with the Oakwell side finishing in the second automatic promotion place behind champions Luton.

The report also confirmed that the likes of current Boro coach Jonathan Woodgate, Aston Villa coach John Terry and Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley all still in contention for the role.

The Verdict

Given their past experience, you can see why both managers are in contention for the role.

Boro's ultimate aim is promotion back to the Premier League, and both these candidates have a promotion on their CV in what are relatively short managerial careers, something which bodes well for their futures.

With the transfer window already well underway and pre-season looming, Boro will need to make a decision soon one way or another.

Thoughts? Let us know!