Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson gives full backing to Jonathan Woodgate

Woodgate, appointed by Gibson last summer in his first senior role in frontline management at his hometown club, has been the subject of growing criticism on social media by significant sections of the Boro's fanbase following a 11-match run without a victory in all competitions stretching back to New Year's Day.

The upshot is that Boro - who boasted a ten-point buffer above the Championship relegation zone at the start of 2020 - find themselves two points adrift of safety heading into Monday night's tough home encounter with promotion candidates Nottingham Forest.

The Teessiders are currently experiencing their second torrid run without a win under Woodgate following a similarly grim ten-match winless sequence back in the Autumn.

The latest barren streak comes at a critical stage of the season for Boro, who last played in the third tier in 1986-87.

Underlining his support for Woodgate in an interview with Teesside Live, Gibson said: "Jonathan has my full support. Jonathan is not the problem.

"He is the figurehead of the club and has had to take a lot of criticism for problems which he inherited.

"I can assure fans we are working very hard as a club to deal with those problems. Jonathan has my support no matter what happens. My total support.

"He is dedicated to this football club and has a vision for a style and approach that we all endorse.

“He has had a difficult first season but there is a real talent there. I am convinced of that. Where we are right now as a club is not the fault of Jonathan Woodgate."