Middlesbrough are unlikely to appoint a manager who hasn't worked in England before as they step up their search for Tony Pulis' successor.

The experienced boss left after the Championship season had finished, with Boro unable to break into the top six on the final day.

That, combined with the direct style adopted by Pulis, meant that many fans were happy to see the former West Brom boss leave.

It's left Steve Gibson with the task of finding a suitable replacement and many names are in the frame, with Jonathan Woodgate and Slavisa Jokanovic two of the frontrunners.

And, Teesside Live reporter Philip Tallentire has revealed that the owner is going to go for someone who knows the English game.

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"My hunch is he would be reluctant to take someone who hasn’t managed in England before.

"A homegrown option is looking more likely and his track record has been to go with British bosses in the past with the notable exception of Aitor Karanka."

That would mean both Woodgate and Jokanovic are serious contenders, with the latter having won promotion from the Championship with Watford and Fulham in the past.

The Verdict

This makes sense on one hand as the second tier is such a unique and demanding league that knowing what it's all about is a big positive.

However, that doesn't mean Gibson should be restricting his search as we have seen many foreign managers settle immediately and do a brilliant job.

It's perhaps surprising that after going with managers who are proven domestically, in Pulis and Garry Monk, that Gibson isn't prepared to take more of a risk, although you could argue Woodgate would be a bold move given he has not managed before.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.