Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis is a man under pressure at the moment and it's no surprise to see supporters calling for him to be dismissed heading into the New Year.
Boro currently occupy one of the play-off places but are in a shocking run of form lately and haven't won in their last five matches in all competitions.
Their dismal run continued as they suffered a surprising defeat to Burton Albion in the League Cup, which saw them exit at the quarter final stage.
This latest defeat was met with a chorus of boos at the final whistle, and winger, Stewart Downing, revealed that it hurts to hear from the supporters, but acknowledged that it is expected with standards set high this season.
"When you get booed like that it hurts," he said. "Especially when you are local lad and Boro fan like me," Downing admitted in an interview with Teesside Live.
"But you’ve got to expect it. As players, you know what to expect if you let the fans down. Standards are high, and you’re expected to win these games and that’s only right."
Downing also admitted that he isn't surprised to see the supporters voicing their frustrations and understood the boos.
"If I’d come as a fan, then I’d be disappointed and I’d get my frustrations out too.
"We didn’t win. We’re a bigger club and we have better players but they beat us. So yes, as fan, I’d be upset too."
Middlesbrough will be looking to end this dismal run of form when they travel to the Madejski Stadium at the weekend to face relegation-threatened Reading, who are still without a manager following Paul Clement's sacking two weeks ago.
The Verdict
Boro are in a shocking run of form at the wrong time.
The festive period can be potentially season defining and if they don't get a result against Reading this weekend, then I fear for Tony Pulis' future as manager of the club.
Middlesbrough supporters have every reason to voice their frustrations, and if they can't break out of this poor run of form, then they will slip out of the play-offs in no time at all.
Thoughts? Let us know!