Tony Pulis will not have his contract as Middlesbrough renewed when it expires at the end of the season, it has been reported.

'Boro finished seventh in the Championship this season, after a poor run of form in the second half of the campaign saw them surrender what had appeared to be a comfortable play-off position.

Pulis' trademark style of play did not exactly win the hearts and minds of the 'Boro fans, and the club finished the season as the fifth lowest scorers in the division with 49 goals from their 46 games.

With the joint best defensive record in the league not enough to cancel that out and secure them a top six spot, it now seems as though the end is nigh for Pulis at the club.

According to The Teeside Gazette, 'Boro have decided not to exercise the 12 month option in Pulis' contract, meaning he now looks set to leave the club when he meets with chairman Steve Gibson this week.

Since taking charge in December 2017, Pulis has won 35 and lost 23 of his 80 matches in charge of 'Boro in all competitions.

The verdict

This is definitely the right move.

Not only have Pulis' tactics failed to get 'Boro into a position to compete for promotion, but they also seem to have alienated the majority of the club's fanbase.

It had become increasingly difficult to see a way back for him at 'Boro in recent weeks, and this news should at least mean their is a more positive mood at the Riverside when the season starts again in August, providing it is confirmed.