Garry Monk has revealed his surprise at the timing of his sacking as Middlesbrough manager and expressed sadness at the board's decision.
The 38-year old was dismissed hours after Saturday's 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday, his tenure of 198 days in the hotseat the shortest of any permanent Boro boss.
The club sat ninth in the Championship table at the time of his departure and Monk, who has since been replaced by Tony Pulis, said he felt the team had reached a "turning point" before learning of his dismissal.
A statement released by the League Managers Association on Monk's behalf read: "I was saddened to be informed by Middlesbrough Football Club on Saturday evening that my services as the club's manager and those of my staff were no longer required.
"Just hours earlier we had enjoyed what we felt was the side's best away performance of the season in our win against Sheffield Wednesday. My staff and I were surprised by the timing of the decision.
"Of course, we expected to be higher up the league and to be seeing more consistent performances by this stage. I do accept my responsibility for that.
"But the feeling amongst everyone in the dressing room after Saturday's game was that it was the turning point in our season, knowing that there was still half of the campaign remaining.
"Particularly in view of the fact that we were only three points off the playoff places with some really winnable games coming up, we felt that we would be able to make up more ground on the teams occupying the top spots."
Monk took charge at the Riverside Stadium in June after replacing the sacked Aitor Karanka, following Boro's relegation from the Premier League.
