Steve Agnew will send Middlesbrough into Wednesday night's Premier League relegation clash with derby rivals Sunderland admitting he did not expect the season to come to this.
Back on August 21, promoted Boro collected three points for the first time since their return to the top flight when they beat the Black Cats 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
They have won only three league games since, however, and none since December 17 to leave themselves nine points adrift of safety with only 15 more available.
Aitor Karanka, the head coach who guided the club back into the big time, has been replaced in the short term by former Sunderland midfielder Agnew, and he knows time is running out fast, particularly in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at Bournemouth.
Steve Agnew: Results 'a massive disappointment' but Boro retain survival hope
