Teessider Ben Gibson feeling the love from Boro fans after admitting they were "let down" during dismal season

The centre back and nephew of chairman Steve Gibson is being tipped for a big-money move in the summer.

After apologising to fans on Twitter following the 2-1 loss to Southampton in Boro's final home game of the season, fans were quick to leap to his defence.

Thanks to everyone for our unbelievable support ❤️ you've all been let down, yet you've consistently been amazing ... UTB 🔴⚪️

— Ben Gibson (@bengibson1993) May 13, 2017

Top man. The one player whose been consistently good all season. Can hold his head up high. #localhero #leader #boro #mfc #utb https://t.co/RifjXf3RwD

— Ian Smith (@Smithy_MFC84) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 @Boro Your one in a million....Your one of our own..thanks Ben 👍#utb #boro

— smj (@ilesjv) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You've been consistently brilliant Ben, and thanks for taking the pic my goddaughter made. Don't forget to get your mam to tweet it!Lol #utb

— number6ix (@mcf4rl4ne) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 you have not let anybody down, no one has, I'm so proud that you're one of our own❤️❤️❤️ we will overcome #utb

— Jess Rogers (@jmrogerss) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You've been ace Ben, easily my player of the year, we will be back to support for 2017/18 #utb

— David Relph (@davidrelphphoto) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You give it your all every game. One of us, who says it as it is. Passion, commitment, proud to watch you play represent club so well. #UTB

— Claire Bowdler (@cbstar82) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You've been a credit to not only the club, but the whole of Teesside. Go be the next Gary Pallister sign for a big club & win trophies #utb

— Chris Pearson (@Boro_Brick_Road) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 Spoken like a true leader of our football club. Mowbrayesque. I'd love to see you lead our club back next season #UTB

— James Lees (@jimmylees) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You can hold your head high Ben. One who has been excellent this season. Hope you stay but no one will begrudge you leaving for career! #utb

— John Hammett (@JohnHammett3) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You can hold your head high. We know you put everything out on the pitch every minute you played. Hope too see you next season #utb

— Iain Olvanhill (@Ollieee1) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 we'll be back - you've been brilliant this season and deserve every opportunity but would love to see you back at Boro #UTB

— lucie swales (@eicullucie21) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 You're a fantastic leader and servant of this club. Whatever happens now, we are so grateful to have witnessed one of our own rise up. #UTB

— Jen Hayton (@x_dreamer_jen_x) May 13, 2017

@bengibson1993 Hold your head up gibbo we stick together and we come back stronger #itsintheblood #UTB

— richy (@ricard6978) May 13, 2017