Michael Carrick has been sacked from his job as the head coach of Middlesbrough. The decision came after he failed to lead the team to Premier League promotion in three straight seasons. The 43-year-old, who previously played for Manchester United and England, was let go after meeting with club chairman Steve Gibson.

Carrick became Middlesbrough’s manager in October 2022, replacing Chris Wilder. He had a strong start, guiding the team to a fourth-place finish in his first season. But in the following two seasons, the team didn’t reach the play-offs. Their poor form towards the end of each season was a big reason for falling short.

Middlesbrough confirmed Carrick’s departure through a short public statement. The club also announced that his assistant coaches, Jonathan Woodgate and Graeme Carrick, had left too. The message thanked them for their efforts and dedication and wished them success in the future.

The club also said they wouldn’t be making any more comments about the situation for now.

Jonathan Woodgate, who used to play for Middlesbrough and was capped eight times by England, had previously managed the team between 2019 and 2020. Graeme Carrick, Michael’s brother, had a coaching background with Newcastle United.

Carrick’s exit has sparked talk about where he might go next. Just a day before the announcement, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole mentioned that Carrick could be a good choice for the Tottenham Hotspur manager role. Carrick used to play for Spurs, and Cole suggested that a former player who knows the club well might be a great fit.