THE uncertainty over Middlesbrough’s managerial situation will be resolved by the end of the week, with Neil Warnock expected to deliver a decision on whether he wants to remain in charge of the club next season.

Warnock met Steve Gibson for an end-of-season debrief on Thursday, with the pair discussing the events of the last month, when the 71-year-old guided Middlesbrough to Championship safety, as well as the challenges that lie in wait next term.

Gibson’s intention was always to offer Warnock an extended stay provided Boro avoided relegation to League One, and the chairman is understood to have been extremely impressed with the stand-in boss’ performance after replacing Jonathan Woodgate.

In the immediate aftermath of his side’s win at Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the season, Warnock insisted he “still had the energy” to take on another permanent position.

He is aware of the broad financial constraints he will be operating within if he opts to remain in charge, and has had the opportunity to make a first-hand assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the squad he inherited when he stepped in on a short-term basis last month.

However, rather than giving an immediate response, he is understood to have requested a short period of time in which to mull over his options.

Since Thursday, he has been spending time with his family on a break, but all parties expect a final decision to be announced before the weekend.

Unlike in most normal pre-seasons, Boro do not have three months in which to prepare for the start of a new campaign.

The transfer window officially reopened earlier today, and with the new Championship season due to begin on the weekend of September 12, Boro’s players will be reporting for the start of pre-season training in another two or three weeks.