Round released by Boro

Part-time England coach Steve Round has left his job at Middlesbrough.

The 36-year-old parted company with the Teessiders by mutual consent last night as new manager Gareth Southgate attempts to turn around a difficult season.

Round, who has been combining his club duties with a role in Steve McClaren’s international set-up, had three-and-a-half years left on his contract.

The former Derby player, whose career was cut short by injury, arrived at the Riverside Stadium in 2001 after McClaren had succeeded Bryan Robson at the helm.

He was elevated to the role of attacking coach and later assistant manager during the Yorkshireman’s five-year reign, which brought Carling Cup glory and a UEFA Cup final appearance.

Round, who unlike Southgate has the UEFA Pro-licence, was retained along with the bulk of McClaren’s staff when he departed for Soho Square at the end of last season, although he returned to the ranks of the coaches when Malcom Crosby was appointed number two.

However, it has proved a tough few months on Teesside, and Boro head for Fulham on Monday night having taken only six of the last 24 Premiership points on offer.

A crowd of just 23,638 watched last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan, the lowest for a league game at the Riverside.