MIDDLESBROUGH have surprisingly parted company with their assistant manager Craig Hignett.

Hignett, who was formerly the number two at Hartlepool United, has left his position as Aitor Karanka's number two despite having been credited with a major role in the club's rise up the Championship table this season.

The former striker, who is remembered fondly for scoring the first ever goal at the Riverside Stadium, returned to Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground in March to work under Karanka.

A Middlesbrough statement said: "Middlesbrough can confirm that assistant head coach Craig Hignett has parted company with the club.

"Following discussions between Craig, head coach Aitor Karanka, and the club, all parties have agreed for Craig to leave his position with immediate effect.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks for Craig’s efforts since joining us from Hartlepool last season and wish him all the best for the future."