It's hard to believe Middlesbrough were flying high in the Championship a year a go, especially with how poorly they're performing in the Premier League.

Aitor Karanka led them to the Premier League after four successful years with the Boro but has been unable to stop them sinking into the bottom three, despite a bright start to the season.

They fell into the relegation zone two weeks ago and are on a three month run without a win, relying on defensive muscle rather than strong attacking instincts to keep them in the top flight.

Their lack of attacking flair has proven costly (only 19 goals so far this season - the lowest in England's top six tiers) and the axe was wielded this week as Boro gave Karanka the boot.

It's believed that they don't have a replacement lined up, and may look down to the Championship to find a new boss.. Here are three managers they should look at.

Chris Hughton

Hughton is a man with Premier League experience having managed Norwich City and Newcastle United with varying degrees of success, but has turned round Brighton in some style.

The Seagulls were wallowing at the wrong end of the table when Hughton took over two years ago and has since turned them into a side set for undoubted promotion to the Premier League.

If Boro were to move for him he may be able to show his ability to turn around the fortunes of another club and lead Boro to safety.

David Wagner

Another who clearly has a knack for turning around the fortunes of a club at the wrong end of the table, the work David Wagner has done in his first management job with Huddersfield Town has been astonishing.

He was also offered a job with Wolfsburg and has reportedly been subject to interest from Bayer Leverkusen, showing that he's highly regarded back in his home country.

For Boro to convince Wagner to join would be an enormous coup and a brilliant start towards their fight for survival with a manager who has a clear and concise philosophy.

Slasiva Jokanovic

ANOTHER man who's at a club that he's turned around. Jokanovic has been able to push Fulham towards their first promotion push since relegation from the Premier League.

The club are in prime position to take a play off spot having made some outstanding ground on Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, with only one defeat in their last 10 games.

Jokanovic has yet to prove himself in the Premier League (unable to get his chance after winning promotion with Watford two years ago) but a chance with Boro would a fine opportunity to show he can do it.

Boro fans... Do you agree with these picks? Who should Boro replace Karanka with? Let us know in the comments below.