For Middlesbrough, the 2018/19 campaign is one that they will be keen to move on from as soon as possible. 

Before kick-off in August, Tony Pulis' side were installed as one of the favourites to win promotion back to the Premier League following their 2017 relegation and for a while it looked like they were on their way.

As late as November they were nestled inside the battle for automatic promotion with an outstanding defensive line proving crucial in their promotion bid.

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However, when things started to go wrong, it was Pulis who bared the brunt of the blame and having tumbled out of top-two contention and then the play-offs as well, it was no surprise to see him move on in the summer.

And he was not the only experienced head to move on, with the club confirming that four senior players would become free agents, including Stewart Downing.

Having graduated through Boro's youth academy, Downing has become an iconic figure at the Riverside, making nearly 400 appearances either side of spells with Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham.

He has been involved in the club's most successful periods in recent years, helping to lift the 2004 League Cup as well as the 2016 promotion-winning campaign and, of course, the famous run to the final of the UEFA Cup.

But the decision to let him leave is the right one, and, ultimately, an important one.

Since their relegation, Boro are a club who have failed to move on. Yes, they made the play-offs last season and only narrowly missed out this time as well, but neither were glowing endorsements of a clever, progressive plan from the club.

Downing's continued presence, despite his excellent service, had began to encapsulate that lack of ideas and progression.

The decision not to renew Pulis' contract looks to be the first step on the road to building a side that are more exciting for their fans to watch.

It was the correct decision but not the final action that needed to be taken.

Cutting ties with Downing was the next one. Boro fans deserve to see a more dynamic, exciting presence on their wing, and sadly, that is a service the 34-year-old simply cannot provide anymore.