Middlesbrough fans slam Steve Gibson decision as ‘brilliant servant’ departs Boro, he ‘deserved better’

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Middlesbrough have said goodbye to a Boro legend after his emotional departure sent shockwaves among the Riverside faithful.

After finishing outside of the Championship play-off places last season, Middlesbrough have endured a testing summer so far since Rob Edwards arrived in place of Michael Carrick.

Edwards is braced for several high-profile departures this summer, as EFL Analysis exclusively revealed recently that Rav van den Berg is in talks with Feyenoord.

The Dutchman could join homegrown talent Hayden Hackney in an exit, with several Premier League clubs racing to sign Hackney.

Aside from those two big-money potential departures, Boro have today announced the departure of club legend Jonny Howson, which has caused uproar among the Teesside faithful.

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Middlesbrough fans are ‘gutted’ as Jonny Howson leaves Boro

Boro have already suffered two significant exits from the squad this summer, and now club legend Howson is also set to depart the Riverside.

Josh Coburn left Middlesbrough for Millwall earlier in the window, in a move which saw the Lions break their transfer record to sign the forward permanently.

Full-back Anfernee Dijksteel left Middlesbrough upon the expiry of his contract this summer, seeing Dijksteel become one of the best Championship free agents available.

Now, Dijksteel is joined by Howson, who departs Boro after eight years and 341 appearances for the club.

Boro confirmed on X that: “Jonny Howson has departed the club following the expiry of his contract.”, and this was met by anger from the Middlesbrough faithful.

One Boro fan said: “Should have got another year, can still do a job for the team as a sub or squad player/stand in due to any incoming injuries at multiple positions, bad decision,”

“Sad Day. Gutted he is not part of the club as he would add value.” added one Boro fan, as another said: “A fantastic servant and Captain.”

Another Boro fan posted: “Can’t find the money to extend Howson and Dijksteel’s contracts but found the money to make Ayling our highest earning player on a 2 year deal, make it make sense.”

One fan said: “They don’t make many like Jonny anymore. Brilliant servant to the club. Boro legend.”

“Shocking way for it to finish, surely a testimonial, or why not announce it at the end of last season. Deserved better for the last 8 years.”

When factoring in the potential loss of Hackney and Howson’s importance to Boro over recent seasons, the arguments from the fanbase about the move being short-sighted do hold weight.

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Steve Gibson may regret letting Jonny Howson leave Middlesbrough

Boro explained on MFC.co.uk that: “the long-serving former captain was out of contract at the end of last season and has not been offered a new deal by the club.”

After arriving from Norwich City in the summer of 2017, the former Leeds United midfielder cemented himself as a Boro legend for his dependable service.

Last season, Englishman Howson showed his selfless attitude by filling in as a central defender amid injury woes in defence for Carrick.

With Manchester United and Tottenham targeting Hackney, his likely exit will leave Boro in desperate need of central midfield recruits.

Despite Howson being 37-years-old, it begs the question why the Riverside transfer team and owner Steve Gibson would sign off on his free departure, with his presence both on and off the field set to be a monumental miss for Middlesbrough.