No replacement has been revealed, though Manchester United assistant boss Steve McClaren remains the hot favourite for the post. Chairman Steve Gibson confirmed the decision at a press conference. Bryan has been a giant figure at this club and he leaves a true legacy. But Bryan believed that anyone else coming in would not want him around and he is right.
Football is like that.
Leaves Manchester United after 13 years and joins Middlesbrough as player-manager. I have spoken to him several times in the last week or so. Robson's position has been under increasing pressure ever since Venables was brought in early last season to assist the manager. The pair combined to stave off the threat of relegation, but when Gibson failed to persuade Venables to stay on in a full-time capacity, the pressure was back on Robson. I have had a terrific seven years here and the chairman and chief executive are as good as any manager in the country will get.